Category Archives: EZ 44 – Mind Philosophy

EZ 44 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2), Mind Philosophy

An Intricate Parcel of Goodness 五味缠结的精华包裹

October 21, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Asian traditional cooking is one of the world’s longest living history passed on, barely in written form, but significant to the people surrounding its existence. Over generations, Asian culinary skills remain the highlight and a boasting element of the community in the Eastern culture. From hosting guests in your home to celebrating a special event, food, prepared with much care and complexity represent the respect and the level of importance for those who savour them. One such delicacy that continues to be a favourite among many is the rice with assorted meat served in lotus leave recipe. Normally served hot directly from the kitchen’s steamers, this intricate packet is typically wrapped in softened lotus leave filled with rice, chestnuts, meat, sausage, yam and beans. Discover Maple Palace’s own interpretation of this southern China dish.

Right in the heart of the business district of George Town, Maple Palace is Penang’s prime exponent of the alluringly exquisite and mouth-watering Chinese cuisine. Maple Palace is distinct in its approach to traditional Asian cooking and set the bar high amongst its peers to serve its own interpretation with an avant-garde approach.

亚洲传统烹饪是世界上历史最悠久的继承之一，几乎未有任何书面形式，却以人为本环绕传颂它的存在。随着代代相继，亚洲烹饪技能依旧是以东方社区文化元素突出重点。从家庭的节日庆贺招待宾客，无论是食品、准备方式的复杂性皆代表尊重品尝对象的口味水平。其中以米饭与各式肉类作为馅料，并以荷叶包裹的美食最受人喜爱。通常从厨房蒸锅热腾腾上菜，软韧的荷叶包裹盛装着香味扑鼻的糯米、板栗、肉、腊肠，芋头和豆类。请尽情体验美宝阁独特呈现这个中式南方菜肴。

位于乔治市的核心商务区，美宝阁是槟城首屈一指的中餐厅，呈献令人垂涎欲滴，精致诱人的中式餐点。美宝阁在传统烹饪的基础上勇于创新，设置高于同业的门槛，赋予更具前瞻性的美食诠释。

EZ 44 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2)

The Flying Goose

October 21, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

The Flying Goose

Hong Kong is famous for its delicious Cantonese crispy roast pork, duck and goose. The most iconic and award-winning restaurant in Hong Kong that serves the world’s best roast goose is none other than Yung Kee restaurant. Strategically located in the Central of the CBD, this restaurant has a humble beginning as a ‘Dai Pai Dong’ (a name for a street foodstall) in 1942. Today, Yung Kee is managed by second generation Ronald Kam and his two children Carrel and Yvonne. This last remaining charcoal-grilled oven in town is not only famous for its flying roast goose but also other dishes including its roast chicken and the suckling pig popular among locals and tourists. According to Yvonne who comes from an accounting background, it is important to ensure an authentic way of roasting and cooking; by selecting the finest goose and choosing the very best ingredients. This is not only to preserve the good name of Yung Kee but also to ensure that the heritage brand of Hong Kong is protected.

飞天的烧鹅
香港粤菜中以脆皮烧猪、鸭和鹅等美食见称，其中标志性和屡获殊荣的“镛记酒家”，除了供应全世界最香脆的烧鹅餐厅，也是香港烧鹅界的鼻祖。座落在中央商务区的这家餐厅自1942年以“大排档”(街道食摊)的方式起家，目前镛记由第二代Ronald Kam和他的孩子Carrel和Yvonne接棒掌管。而祖传的炭火烧烤方式不仅是造就了飞天烧鹅，其中如烧鸡和乳猪也拥有一致口碑。具备财务会计资历的Yvonne表示，确保纯正的烧烤和烹饪方式，遴选最佳的鹅和原材料，不仅是捍卫镛记的名声，也是保护香港品牌文化遗产。

EZ 44 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2), Mind Philosophy

The InterContinental Grand Stanford 海景嘉福洲际酒店

October 21, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

The InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong is strategically located between Kowloon and Hong Kong city centres. Perfectly nestled in the ‘quiet’ gully slightly away from the hustle and bustle of this metropolis, this hotel is located only minutes away from some of Hong Kong’s popular tourist destinations such as Hong Kong Science Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui Shopping District and Promenade and MTR. Moreover, breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour from the hotel room and friendly staffs are just reminders why you should prolong your stay. The captain responsible for leading this 5-star luxurious hotel is none other than hotelier heavyweight Alexander Wassermann. He has managed respected and international hotels around the world including brands such as Hilton, Kempinski, Movenpick and InterContinental.

Alexander was indeed an interesting and most certainly an informative man. This General Manager was fascinated with 5-star hotels and their impeccable services since he was a kid and eventually came face-to-face with having to decide a career path. His three choices were between being a priest, a chef and a rock star. He thought that being a priest was not a suitable choice as he still preferred girlfriend(s); cooking was a bit too difficult and being a rock star was a tad too ambitious. Consequently, Alexander decided that joining the hotel industry was the best option which led him to starting an apprenticeship in 1992 and joining the Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong as Hotel Manager in 2007 before spending some time in China, and returning as the General Manager in Intercontinental Grand Stanford in 2014. Today Hong Kong is home for this ‘Intercontinental Boy’ as he believes that he is in the premier league of hospitality.

Although there are plenty of dining choices in Hong Kong, InterContinental Grand Standford takes a notch up by offering Halal meals to guests and diners upon requests. Hoi King Heen, one of the restaurants at the hotel, is recognised as one of Hong Kong’s finest Chinese restaurant in town. Awarded ONE MICHELIN STAR by the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau in 2011, this restaurant boasts not only authentic Chinese dishes but also its celebrity chef Leung Fai Hung for his skilled craftmenship. Customers who had dined at the restaurant has only described meals fit for the Emperor.

EZ highly recommend the ‘Braised Beef Brisket Stuffed in Pear’, ‘Fried Prawns with Wasabi and Sesame Sauce’ and ‘Braised Winter Melon Balls stuffed with Black Olives Mustard’. To finish off the perfect meal, try its refreshing selection of desserts of either ‘Almond Cream with Egg White’ or ‘Chilled Hawthorn Rolls’. If there is a choice to experiencing one 5-star hotel in Hong Kong, let it be InterContinental Grand Standford, a choice for comfort, service, class and fine dining.

海景嘉福洲际酒店位于九龙城和市区之间，闹中取静，完美的稍微隔开都市的喧嚣，距离一些热门旅游胜地如香港科学馆、尖沙咀购物区，海滨长廊和地铁只有几分钟的路程。此外，一览维多利亚港海景的客房和亲善员工，都起了很大留客的作用。而负责带领这家五星级豪华酒店的“队长”就是Alexander Wassermann，这名成功在世界各地国际酒店品牌如希尔顿、凯宾斯基、莫凡彼和洲际创下佳绩的领导者。

Alexander言谈举止除了令人感到有趣，也带有深刻信息。这名酒店经理对于五星级酒店无可挑剔服务很是着迷，但他长大后面对职业决定时，其中的3个选择是神父、厨师或摇滚明星。过后他认为，神父并不合适，他还是喜欢女朋友；而烹饪是有点太难，摇滚明星也太过雄心勃勃。因此，综合所有条件，他觉得酒店行业是最好的选择，1992年作为学徒生加入酒店行业后，除了在中国驻扎了段时间，2007年和2014年前后再度返回任职海景嘉福洲际酒店经理。今天，香港是这名“洲际男孩”的家园，他觉得自己是身处酒店业的英国足球超级联赛。

纵然香港的餐饮选择多多，海景嘉福洲际酒店的高级餐厅-海景軒，也是香港公认最佳中餐厅之一，获得2011年香港澳门米其林指南的“米其林一星”，不仅拥有正宗的中国菜和清真食品，中餐行政总厨梁辉雄更是展现卓越的厨艺，在此用餐的食客可享受帝王规格的菜肴。

EZ最为推荐“水晶牛肋肉”，“鸳鸯虾球”和“榄菜玉珠”，而要以完美的一餐作为谢幕，可以尝试新鲜甜点“蛋白杏仁露”或“泮塘山楂卷”。如果你想在香港体验五星级的酒店和服务，海景嘉福洲际酒店是最佳选择，可以同时获得舒适、服务和美食馈赠。

EZ 44 - Mind Philosophy, EZ 61 (2), Mind Philosophy

Connecting Captains Capturing Contemporaries Hong Kong 捕捉现代典雅掠影香港

October 21, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

Talk to anyone that has visited Hong Kong before and most will tell you with confidence how one should go about visiting the island. Not to mention, there are plenty of information on the world wide web providing visitors with comprehensive to-do lists and how to go around doing it. In an attempt to bring readers beyond the normal and expected route, we have chosen a few interesting spot for those who would prefer a touch a elegance, class and style.

The Art of Collecting

Hong Kong has a long history of playing the middle man between East and West, hence making this a treasure island for collectors of arts and antiques especially Chinese artefacts. These highly sought-after items continue to see auction houses around the world hammering new record prices every now and then. Hollywood Road and its surrounding areas have historically been the hunting ground for many of such unique pieces and continue to be a popular area for new discoveries. A note of caution to those who may have stumbled across a good art deal, which more than likely be forged or copied artwork professionally crafted to look just like the real deal. Be prepared to make a purchase with the absolute knowledge of the artwork and mindful that you can always go away and do a little research before coming back with an offer.

Pearl Lam Galleries in Pedder Building nearby is a respected art gallery that plays a vital role in promoting Chinese and Asian contemporary art. This unique gallery is committed to encouraging cross cultural exchange and stimulating international dialogues. A few other art galleries are also located in the same building. Another interesting art gallery to visit is none other than the Opera Gallery on Wyndham Street. With a headquarter based in Paris, this well-established international chain of galleries, is one of the leading dealers in modern and contemporary art.

只要提到去香港，许多人会老马识途般给你扎堆的吃喝玩乐建议，更别提网络上巨细靡遗的旅游攻略。为了试图带给读者超越预期的路线，我们选择趣味的另一面：展现香港优雅、高贵和时尚的风貌。

藏品的艺术
长久以来，香港在东方与西方之间一直扮演着中间人的角色，从而成就它作为艺术和古董收藏家的金银岛，尤其是中国经典文物。从以前到现在，这些受到高度追捧的文物不断在世界各地拍卖行锤击出全新或创纪录的价格。而作为古董古玩的最大狩猎场-荷李活道及周边区域是随时能淘到宝的热点地方。不过，要注意就算发现心仪的艺术品，也可能是专业制作的赝品，只是看起来惟妙惟肖的仿真品。如果做好购买的准备，除了具备对艺术品的绝对知识，其实可以考虑先离开走一圈，过后再回来报价交易。

驻扎毕打行的 “艺术门画廊- Pearl Lam Galleries”是相当受推崇的艺术画廊，它在促进中国和亚洲当代艺术起着关键作用。这家独特的画廊致力于跨文化交流与倡导国际对话，而一些艺术画廊也设在同一大楼，其中最吸引人的是云咸街的“Opera Gallery”，这个总部设在巴黎，颇具规模的国际连锁画廊，是现代与当代艺术的主要经销商之一。

EZ 44 - Mind Philosophy, Mind Philosophy

The Heirloom 传家之宝

October 21, 2016 EZ Malaysia Leave a comment

The Heirloom is a mesmerising and sophisticated contemporary piece that blends the impeccable Baba Nyonya style with delightful design. Thousands of lustrous and quality coloured stones with intriguing matrix including Rubies, Emerald, Alexandrite, Multi-coloured Sapphire, Diamonds, Spinel and Tourmaline were meticulously handpicked just to create an exquisite piece reminiscence of the Baba Nyonya era.

Only the finest quality and rarest stones were used for The Heirloom as it was set with precision and put together with intricate craftsmanship. This exquisite piece of jewellery represents one of the finest composition of stones that includes 226 pieces of diamonds (an equivalent of 1carat), 222 pieces of compelling coloured stones and 40g of gold. These stones were mixed to enhance its visual texture and light reflections.

Shaped like a key, The Heirloom represents elegance, prosperity and eternity while bringing meaning to inheritance and family roots. It exudes the true spirit of the Baba Nyonya culture through its intricate design and colours. It can serve as an inheritance for a family that can be passed on from generation to generation.

The Heirloom is a brainchild from the Founding President of One East Museum as a way to showcase the significance of the Baba Nyonya or the Straits Chinese Peranakan culture. This is a culture that harks back to the rich and notable Baba Nyonya families from the golden era where Chinese immigrants adopted local customs with a decidedly Western influences in their traditions and ways of living. It is also a specially designed piece to celebrate the success story of The North Banquet 2016 – The Hosts & The VIPs, the first red carpet gala dinner in Butterworth.

《传家之宝Heirloom》吊坠深具独特魅力，堪称是现代精致艺术品，尤其是结合有传统娘惹优美文化设计，再精挑细选出数百颗完美的红宝石、蓝宝石、祖母绿宝石、亚历山大变石、蓝宝石、钻石等珍贵天然彩宝中嵌入在这件艺术品上，从颜色搭配、设计原型、细节构造，都充分展现娘惹文化深厚的底蕴，完美的设计，让传家之宝毫无暇疵感。

只有最好品质珍贵宝石才会嵌入在传家之宝吊坠上，由于是手工打造，每个细节都要百分百精确度。这件原创又完美的珠宝艺术品包含有226颗钻石，相等于一克拉，222颗多彩宝石及40克金属。宝石加强吊坠的质感及视觉性，还有光耀度。

传家之宝的形状如门匙，每一处细节都是精益求精，同时也蕴意一代传一代的含义，更代表站高雅、繁盛及永恒。吊坠就有如在述说着一个家族的事迹，也流露出娘惹后裔在文化传承的真谛。传家之宝象征和气生辉，代代相传的理念，潺潺不绝的流传下去。
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传家之宝的概念出自马来西亚一东博物馆创办人，从传统娘惹文化风格出发，并提供创作概念原型。在南洋昌盛的时代，一般的娘惹巴巴都来自名门望族。并有传承习俗的观念，独有的历史文化，让娘惹巴巴被记载在历史中。传家之宝也为2016北马鸿宴划下一个圆满成功的记录。