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<p>With more than 7 million posts about matcha on Instagram, matcha is certainly one of the most popular superfoods which has often been raved about by nutritionists for its many health benefits. Its unique taste allows it to be enjoyed in the form of beverages and desserts. Despite its popularity and the large population of people who like matcha-flavoured edibles, few people have a basic knowledge of the vibrant green powder. So, here are five interesting facts to educate yourself about matcha.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="634" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/green-matcha-tea-2021-08-26-15-33-28-utc-1024x634.jpg" alt="matcha" class="wp-image-74582"/></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Matcha has a history that goes back between the 7th and 10th centuries</h2>



<p>Introduced during the Tang dynasty in China, green tea leaves were boiled and turned into bricks which were convenient to store and transport. These blocks were later powdered and consumed with water and salt. But it was only after the 10th century, this form of tea, or as we call it matcha today, started gaining worldwide popularity with a Japanese Buddhist monk named Eisai, who lived in China to learn about Zen Buddhism, introducing the tea to Japan. He sowed green tea seeds in the Kyoto region thus starting a new cultivation there.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/concept-of-japanese-tea-with-matcha-on-wooden-tabl-2022-01-18-23-32-24-utc-1024x683.jpg" alt="matcha" class="wp-image-74583"/></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The difference between green tea and matcha stems from the way they are cultivated</h2>



<p>Both green tea and matcha are harvested from the tea plant which is scientifically known as the Camellia sinensis plant. However, the process by which matcha is harvested is different from the methods used to grow green tea. For starters, in order to produce the matcha, the tea plant is grown in a spot with no sunlight during the last few weeks. The leaves are then dried as quickly as possible ensuring that they don’t turn brown by coming in contact with oxygen. Following this, its veins and stems are removed so that the leaves can be ground into the powdered form which is the matcha powder.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="811" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/beating-matcha-2021-08-26-17-51-50-utc-811x1024.jpg" alt="matcha" class="wp-image-74581"/></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Matcha is healthier than green tea</h2>



<p>Given that when people drink matcha tea, they are consuming the tea leaves which were pulverised, matcha tends to have more health benefits than green tea which only consists of the essence from the tea leaves. Besides, matcha gets its name as a superfood because of its numerous advantages to one’s health. To list a few: it is rich in antioxidants; it is good for the heart; it acts as a catalyst for weight loss; and it prevents cancer.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/matcha-latte-2022-11-15-09-06-53-utc-1024x683.jpg" alt="matcha" class="wp-image-74584"/></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Matcha keeps you awake for a longer period of time</h2>



<p>The caffeine content in matcha can range anywhere between 20 &#8211; 45 milligrams in one gram of matcha powder and the high-quality ones which are often referred to as ceremonial grade matcha will have about 34 milligrams of caffeine. Despite containing lesser caffeine than coffee, matcha tends to keep you alert for a longer period of time in comparison to drinking a cup of coffee. This is because matcha contains a type of amino acid which slows down the absorption of caffeine, thereby when a person drinks matcha, the caffeine in it is released gradually keeping you energised for a longer period, unlike coffee which gives you a quick spike in energy levels but also wears out quickly.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/matcha-2021-08-26-17-51-50-utc-1024x683.jpg" alt="matcha" class="wp-image-74580"/></figure></div>


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Matcha is a wonderful skincare ingredient</h2>



<p>In addition to the benefits one can reap from drinking a cup of matcha tea, matcha is also a wonderful ingredient to include in your skincare. Today’s beauty market boasts a range of matcha-infused products like foaming cleansers, toners, face creams, masks and more. This is due to matcha’s antioxidant content which helps to fight acne and prevent ultraviolet rays from entering the skin. Matcha also increases collagen production which helps you achieve clear and supple skin.</p>


Know Your Matcha – 5 Fascinating Facts About Matcha


<p>As Robert Dorfman stares at the foundation stone, dated May 1901, of the Ohel Leah Synagogue, he becomes a tad philosophical about the Jewish community in Hong Kong and the building itself. “In many ways, we as a community have mirrored the rise of Hong Kong, and this building has witnessed all the changes that have taken place around us,” says the Chairman of the Trustees of the Ohel Leah Synagogue Charity. The synagogue, which claimed a UNESCO cultural heritage prize following its 1998 restoration, recently celebrated its 120th anniversary.</p>



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<p>The beautiful Edwardian Baroque building is now encircled and dwarfed by tall apartment complexes, a far cry from the days when three grandsons of David Sassoon, the patriarch of the Sassoon family, gifted the land in Robinson Road, Mid-levels, to the Jewish community of Hong Kong. The Sassoons had first opened a Hong Kong office in 1844, and the brothers requested that the synagogue be named after their mother, Leah. Speaking of the site today amid glorious spring sunshine, Dorfman says: “How nice we have the sanctuary, the garden, the greenery.”</p>


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<p>Dorfman’s own family is of Russian descent with roots in Hong Kong going back more than 60 years. As we continue our tour of this immaculate and decorative place of worship, he talks proudly of the work of the Ohel Leah Synagogue Charity, which has done so much to preserve the building. “Making sure the building is well kept and that we always have a rabbi, a spiritual leader of the community, are among the highest priorities of our trust,” he says.</p>



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<p>The synagogue has maintained its position as a focal point of the Jewish community since the early days when the Kadoorie family – who like the Sassoons had settled in Hong Kong via Baghdad, Bombay and Shanghai – funded the building of a Jewish Recreation Club on part of the grounds. The club served the social requirements of a burgeoning community, though it did not survive Japanese occupation during the Second World War; it was rebuilt in 1949, and later replaced by the extensive community centre that neighbours the synagogue today.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/budapest-jewish-synagogue-architecture-detail-in-b-2021-09-02-12-43-30-utc-1024x683.jpg" alt="Synagogue" class="wp-image-74517" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/budapest-jewish-synagogue-architecture-detail-in-b-2021-09-02-12-43-30-utc-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/budapest-jewish-synagogue-architecture-detail-in-b-2021-09-02-12-43-30-utc-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/budapest-jewish-synagogue-architecture-detail-in-b-2021-09-02-12-43-30-utc-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/budapest-jewish-synagogue-architecture-detail-in-b-2021-09-02-12-43-30-utc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/budapest-jewish-synagogue-architecture-detail-in-b-2021-09-02-12-43-30-utc-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/budapest-jewish-synagogue-architecture-detail-in-b-2021-09-02-12-43-30-utc-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/budapest-jewish-synagogue-architecture-detail-in-b-2021-09-02-12-43-30-utc-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p><strong>Smuggled Scrolls</strong><br>Happily, Ohel Leah’s antique Torah scrolls were wartime survivors, smuggled out of the synagogue before it fell into Japanese hands. They were returned safely and are now stored in a small alcove behind a multicoloured curtain that was gifted to the synagogue about 15 years ago.</p>



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<p>Erica Lyons, who chairs the Jewish Historical Society of Hong Kong, pulls the curtain to one side to reveal a line of ornate cases on a curved shelf running along the wall. Within the cases are handwritten parchment scrolls of the Torah, the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. Some scrolls originate from the 1860s; others are much newer, having been inked within the last decade. “In Jewish tradition, everyone is meant to complete the writing of a Torah scroll sometime in their life,” she says. “It takes more than a year for somebody that is very skilled. This is often done symbolically through a communal effort as was the case with one of the community’s scrolls that was rededicated in 2007.”</p>



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<p>Before the pandemic, the synagogue would conduct many synagogue tours – sometimes more than once a day – for schools, universities, church groups and even tourists who had just stepped off a cruise ship. “It is the only historic synagogue in Greater China that is still in use for its intended purpose,” she notes.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rabbi8-768x1024.jpeg" alt="Synagogue" class="wp-image-74516"/></figure></div>


<p><strong>Heated Debate</strong><br>It was touch and go at one point whether the landmark building would be demolished. As a result of extensive construction work in the neighbourhood, the massive granite retaining wall between the property and the road became dangerously unstable. In the late 1980s, the Hong Kong government issued a notice to the trustees to secure the wall.</p>



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<p>A heated debate arose within the Jewish community as the cost of repairing the wall and stabilising the building was extensive. Some thought redeveloping the whole site and building a new synagogue was the best solution, and acrimonious exchange spilled over into broader Hong Kong society.</p>



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<p>A compromise was eventually reached with a developer; two residential towers were built, but the synagogue was saved. The new Jewish Community Centre (JCC) was built on the podium of the high-rise and opened in 1995. Facilities include a Jewish day school, a kosher supermarket and two restaurants, an indoor swimming pool, function rooms and offices. There is daily worship in the synagogue and vocational and social events are organised around synagogue life.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/the-prayer-book-used-by-jews-on-the-barmitzvah-hig-2022-11-12-10-59-58-utc-1024x683.jpg" alt="Synagogue" class="wp-image-74519"/></figure></div>


<p><strong>Living Heritage</strong><br>Old and new coexist in harmony. A two-year conservation project to refresh the Grade 1 historic building began in 1996 and was overseen by the synagogue trustees. “[The restoration team from Australia] did everything in the style that it was originally done so that it was all uniform and wasn’t changed,” says Dorfman. Certain soothing pastel colours inside the synagogue were only revealed after the team scraped the walls. “Nobody living had remembered these colours, and it was decided that since those were the original colours, we should go back to them.”</p>



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<p>The restoration also improved other features: air conditioning and new lighting were installed; the original bimah (elevated platform) from which the rabbi reads the Torah remained but was raised slightly to improve the acoustics; support beams and new tiered seating in the gallery were added. The heritage team helped restore or replace damaged glass and touched up and finished the woodwork. The restored building was named an Outstanding Project at the 2000 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.</p>



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<p><strong>Flourishing Community</strong><br>The Jewish community of Hong Kong started with traders who came in the 1850s and were predominately Sephardi (Jews with ancestry from Spain and Portugal) and Mizrachi (Jews with ancestry from the Middle East) ancestry. It is now estimated to be about 5,000 strong and spans a diverse group of some 30 nationalities. There are numerous places to worship in Hong Kong for the different denominations; the United Jewish Congregation, for example, holds services in one part of the JCC complex.</p>



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<p>Lyons, who has lived in Hong Kong for more than 20 years and raised a family, believes the fact that the Jewish community in Hong Kong is relatively small and extremely welcoming allows someone to take up leadership roles that elsewhere would take years to achieve.</p>



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<p>A can-do attitude has spawned many cultural activities set up by the Jewish community. For instance, from its beginnings in the auditorium at the JCC, the Hong Kong Jewish Film Festival has grown enormously and receives support from the consulates of the countries of films screened. The Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre provides educational resources in local schools.</p>


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<p><strong>Reaching Out to Other Faiths</strong><br>The Ohel Leah Synagogue plays a part in interfaith bonding. Dorfman recounts how during an event called ‘From Moses to Mohammad’, the imam spoke at the Jamia Mosque in nearby Shelley Street and then visited the synagogue and was shown around by the rabbi. “The rabbi and the imam are very good friends,” he says.</p>



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<p>He marvels at the feeling of inclusiveness the synagogue helps to create, explaining how, during Covid, the rabbi did services via Zoom a few days before the Jewish New Year. Invitations were sent to all members of the community past and present. “I was stunned how many people who happen to live in London, New York, Israel, Australia or elsewhere came online and joined the call,” he says. “People still want to be connected and still want to be part of it. That is a great tribute.”</p>



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<p>Rabbi Dr Asher C. Oser offered these words: “There is something magical about this sacred space, where it is situated and what it offers. Of course, we have daily services, which are the vital signs of any place of worship, but there is so much more than ‘just’ prayer that goes on over here.”</p>


Super Synagogue: UNESCO-winning Ohel Leah synagogue remains focal point of Jewish life


<p>Leaving or living on a <a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/benefits-of-flying-a-private-jet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">private jet plane has revolutionised the way people travel</a>, offering a luxurious, convenient and flexible alternative to commercial airlines. While it may seem expensive at first glance – and let’s be honest, flying on a private jet is really an over-the-top luxury – it can be cost-effective for certain types of trips and can save travellers time and hassle. With a range of aircraft to choose from, jet-setters can customise their travel experience to their needs and preferences, and with the top private-jet rental companies providing safe, secure service, peace of mind while soaring above the clouds is assured.</p>



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<p>When international borders reopened, “revenge travel” emerged – a means to make up for lost holidays after the pandemic – and affluent leisure seekers took the trend quite literally to another level. After all, private jets are the closest thing possible to teleportation in the 21st century – allowing people to fly whenever and wherever they want in an environment tailored to their tastes. The question is, how do we make the right choices when it comes to boarding that private jet plane?</p>



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<p><strong>Sky is the limit</strong><br>The extravagant portrayal of flying on a private jet in films and television shows is more fact than fiction nowadays. Private aviation, undeniably, delivers the ultimate in ease and elegance. The most frequently asked question by travellers thinking of making the step up to private-jet rental is how the onboard experience compares to commercial flights. The convenience it offers is certainly one of the most significant benefits. People can choose their departure time and destination, and they do not have to worry about connecting flights or layovers. Private jets can take off and land at smaller airports too, allowing closer access to one’s final destination.</p>



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<p>Privacy, comfort and a personalised experience that cannot be found on commercial flights also tip the (now redundant) baggage scales in the favour of jet rental. It avoids long lines and security checks, allowing more time to relax and enjoy the trip – be it for business or pleasure. Isn’t that what travelling and taking a breather should be all about?</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="768" height="413" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/A1-e1684294510195.jpg" alt="private jet" class="wp-image-74298" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/A1-e1684294510195.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/A1-e1684294510195-521x280.jpg 521w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/A1-e1684294510195-200x108.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Private aviation truly redefines the way passengers travel. A fully equipped business suite provides those travelling for work with a comfortable conference room in the sky. There’s a dedicated private dining team, and many private flights offer a top-notch sommelier for wine pairings, as well as caviar tastings. Even pets get VIP treatment, with a menu created by leading veterinarians and comfortable travel suites and sleeping mats instead of the obligatory crate required on commercial flights. Extraordinary dining experiences combined with unique entertainment make every trip enjoyable and unforgettable.</p>



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<p>A standout private aviation company is VistaJet – the first company to provide a fleet of Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft, providing customers with access to destinations across the globe with<a href="https://igafencu.com/articles/asias-leading-private-jet-charter-hongkong-jet-at-the-world-travel-awards" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the world’s largest and longest-range business jet</a>. With direct flights from Hong Kong to New York and on-the-go departures, it’s easy to set off anywhere, anytime, to participate in important conferences and industry events while enjoying a luxurious home-away-from-home experience.</p>



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<p><strong>Onboard for bright flights</strong><br>The cost of renting a private jet varies depending on the type of aircraft, the distance travelled and the duration of the rental. The hourly rate for a private jet can range from about HK$20,000 to HK$100,000, with larger planes costing more. As a testament to the upscaled revenge-travel trend, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has launched a series of new journeys on its Four Seasons Private Jet. Over the past few years, this five-star ‘air cruise’ has enjoyed an overwhelming response, sell-outs and extensive waitlists – a signal of considerable pent-up demand for travel.</p>



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<p>“Now more than ever, guests are planning bucket-list trips to far corners of the world to make up for the lost time,” said Christian Clerc, President of Global Operations for Four Seasons, in 2021. “To meet this demand, we’ve introduced additional opportunities to explore new and remote destinations with legendary Four Seasons service in the sky.”</p>



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<p>Luxury hotel companies have increasingly entered partnerships with private jet companies to ease travel to and between their properties as luxury travellers seek dream trips across multiple destinations.</p>



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<p><em>(Read the full article in the May 2023 issue (pg: 132). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.)</em></p>


On the Wings of Luxury: Private jet-setting in elevated style is the hot ticket across a reopened world


<p>Recent interest in the proliferation of Lab-Grown Diamonds (LGDs) factories in India has left many diamond lovers wondering whether they could one day oust the natural rocks from the jewellery market. These man-made beauties display the same physical, chemical and optical characteristics as diamonds found deep in the earth. Put simply, are they here to stay?</p>



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<p>Surprisingly, synthetic diamonds have been sparkling among us for decades. There are two ways to make LGDs: one is High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT), involving a seed placed within pure graphite carbon and exposed to temperatures of about 1500°C; another is Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), which involves putting a seed in a sealed container filled with carbon-rich gas and heating to 800°C. HPHT diamonds have been around since the 1960s, but the real game changer, according to Roi Sheinfeld, Managing Partner of diamond manufacturer M&amp;B Group, has been the more recent introduction of CVD-made LGDs. “This is a much more efficient and cost-friendly process. Also, the size of the reactor in the HPHD process is the size of a room, the CBD reactor is the size of a table,” he says.</p>


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<p><strong>Questions of quality</strong><br>Of course, those interested in buying a diamond will naturally want to know whether the quality of LGDs can compare to those of natural diamonds. Sheinfeld affirms that, at the top of the scale, they are indistinguishable. “If you are taking a very high-quality growth and you are putting it next to a natural diamond, and both of them would be high-colour and high-clarity stones, the chance that me, as a professional diamond dealer and manufacturer, will notice if it is an LGD or a natural diamond is basically zero,” he says.</p>



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<p>However, he suggests quality can vary from one factory to another and buyers will need to be careful. Trustworthy sources are essential when procuring diamonds.</p>



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<p>He compared LGDs grown under professional and less expert hands: “There is a very wide spectrum of quality. I am not saying that the end product is not the same crystal or hardness level as a natural diamond. In terms of quality, usually, lowend growth you see the certificate will be F colour like a better quality LGD, but it will not be lucid as the better quality LGD diamond,” he says.</p>



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<p>He then adds: ”A high-end growth of lab diamond will shine and sparkle exactly like a good quality natural diamond.”</p>



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<p>Sheinfeld sees this embryonic industry from all angles as his company is heavily involved in both natural and LGDs. A big part of their business is rough diamond sourcing, polishing and manufacturing, including polishing very expensive and unique stones. In the LGD sector, they are one of the biggest contract holders with Diamond Foundry, a US-based factory that makes huge quantities of cultured diamonds.</p>


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<p><strong>Compare &amp; contrast<br></strong>M&amp;B Group is soon to open a retail outlet in Hong Kong where discerning shoppers can compare the two types of diamonds in the same space. “It is going to be the first shop that combines natural and lab-grown diamonds in the same space together. You can see LGDs and natural diamonds together and compare and hear everything that we have to say and decide for yourself.”</p>



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<p><strong>Price differential</strong><br>The million-dollar question is how the proliferation in the supply of LGDs is going to affect the pricing structure within the industry. Sheinfeld has noticed that some major clients who bought huge quantities of natural diamonds are now switching to LGDs for the less expensive section of the market.</p>



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<p>“It is an amazing product; it opens a whole new market,” he says. “We have clients coming in and saying for the very small stone, like those in a tennis bracelet, we don’t want to spend money on a natural diamond because, at the end of the day, there is no value for those stones when they are already set in a tennis bracelet.”</p>


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<p>According to Roi, a two-carat natural diamond that costs in a shop around US$30-32k will cost around US$4500-5000 for an LGD with the same specs. Fun jewellery items like tennis bracelets and eternity rings, once the stones are set within the jewellery, lose much of their resale value. “If we were to try to take all of the stones out, probably you are going to damage some of the stones, or you cannot resell those five points that you took out of the tennis bracelet. I think in this segment, a lot of the people that are buying natural would move to buy lab-grown.</p>



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<p>He also notes that lower-grade natural diamonds usually come without certificates so this could be a further incentive to consider LGDs.</p>



<p>N<strong>o resale value</strong><br>One of the main issues concerning LGDs is whether they hold value. On this issue, Sheinfeld is unequivocal. “It is very important to say that for the LGD there is no resale value whatsoever,” he declares, adding that this is the main advantage and disadvantage between the two products, as natural diamonds do usually hold some resale value.</p>



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<p>He does not think this will change in the foreseeable future either. “Basically, you have endless production of something; I do not think it will ever be an investment per se.”</p>



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<p><strong>Luxury arousal</strong><br>Despite these considerations, the luxury sector has been dipping its toes into LGDs. Last year LVMH Luxury Ventures, an investment arm within French luxury conglomerate LVMH Group, announced they had joined a US$90 million investment round in Lusix, an Israeli LGD factory. Industry rumours suggest other big conglomerates are entering the field.</p>



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<p>“You are going to see more and more high-end fashion conglomerates getting into the field for sure. It is definitely here to stay,” says Sheinfeld.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/lab-photo13-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-74240"/></figure></div>


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<p>Man-made diamonds offer luxury houses certain advantages: “I think using LGDs gives better precision and better quality control for a big brand that wants to do a big line of jewellery. It is easier to do it with LGDs than with natural diamonds.”</p>



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<p>According to Sheinfeld, this potentially could have two effects on market pricing: the LGDs will become accessible, but will also ramp up the prestige factor of certain lines made of natural diamonds as discerning consumers will understand the complexities of their manufacture.</p>



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<p>“Investment-grade diamonds that are appreciating over time are usually very large and very well-cut fancy shapes of high colour and high clarity,” he says.</p>



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<p><strong>Profit or loss?</strong><br>Naresh Jain, CEO of Belgium-based Sanket BV, who is involved in fine jewellery, wonders whether labgrown diamonds can be profitable. “As production is increasing, the price for LGDs is getting lower and lower,” he says. “The value of LGD stock is depreciating at the end of each year due to surplus goods. I wonder how it can be a profitable business or an investment.”</p>



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<p>“LGDs will be like silver [jewellery] or freshwater pearls. You need big volumes to sustain [their production], and on the other hand, a long-term high turnover is not easy. Falling prices and lesser acceptance will be the main hurdles,” he says.</p>



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<p>Jain suggests industry players are trying to keep one foot in the LGD market, but nevertheless have no real confidence in their future. Despite this, he is certain that man-made diamonds will have a bearing on the price of their earthly counterparts in the long run.</p>


Jewel Identity: Lab-grown gems vs properly-provenanced stones as the divide in the diamond market grows


<p>Gwyneth Paltrow’s courtroom fashion during her recent eight-day trial or some super-wealthy men like Mark Zuckerberg and Simon Cowell who are mostly spotted wearing outfits that look super casual – people associate their fashion to high-end brands simply because it is them who are wearing it and as you guessed it, all their attires are branded.</p>



<p></p>



<p>The Meta owner’s choice of clothing for instance includes a simple-looking grey T-shirt which is actually a Brunello Cuccinelli estimated to be about HK$2500. The X-Factor judge’s laid-back white or black T-Shirts are Armani. Likewise, if it does not look obvious to the unfamiliar eyes, the wellness icon and Goop founder was decked in Celine, The Row, Prada, Ray-Bans, Foundrae, Gucci and other luxury brands during her appearances in the courtroom.</p>



<p></p>



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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cqa0NDeo82H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by No Glitter Before Noon ✨ (@noglitterbeforenoon)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>



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<p>These simple-yet-luxurious styles, which resemble the ‘money talks, wealth whispers’ phenomenon, are what is gaining traction in 2023 and are referred to as quiet luxury or as social media platforms have popularised it – old money aesthetics. So, what exactly is quiet luxury?</p>



<p></p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="500" height="750" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Row-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74085" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Row-1.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Row-1-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Row-1-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Row</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Quiet luxury is a fashion trend that focuses on dressing simply and sophisticatedly. It follows the minimalist approach while sticking to investment pieces usually falling under the colour palette like neutrals such as black, white, grey, beige, olive green, caramel and more that allow for endless possibilities of outfit combinations to wear. In other words, it does not boast monograms or logos that make it very apparent that they were purchased from a high-end brand.</p>



<p></p>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="500" height="750" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zegna-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74086" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zegna-1.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zegna-1-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Zegna-1-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zegna</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Instead, quiet luxury prioritises the quality of the clothing and sticks to closet essentials that will be in vogue forever. The easiest example has to be something like a white T-shirt. Quiet luxury encourages you to buy one that is of great quality and that you can wear comfortably for many years to come without worrying about its wear and tear. Precisely, it is also a smart and sustainable way of shopping because by opting for clothes of better quality, you are not inclined to do an annual purchase of your basics. You are cutting down on fashion waste.</p>



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<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="500" height="750" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Acne-Studios-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-74087" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Acne-Studios-1.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Acne-Studios-1-187x280.jpg 187w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Acne-Studios-1-200x300.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acne Studios</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Another important rule of Quiet luxury is that the clothes are always very neat, ironed and well-tailored because if you agree or not, quiet luxury is definingly the fashion of the ultra-rich so the trend is also an extension of their lifestyle. These are people who are driven in their cars thus never having to worry about their shirts or blouse getting crinkled while taking public transport and the material itself is less prone to wrinkles. They also have their own personal tailors who will alter anything they buy to fit them perfectly. As a result, these people’s styles always look prim and proper and that is the aesthetic Quiet Luxury is going for.</p>


Everything You Should Know About Quiet Luxury – The Rules Of This Fashion Trend

<p>Brand collaborations are generally visionary alliances of inspiring creativity, but in one respect they are no-brainers – they are done because of their effectiveness to garner higher sales and reach a wider audience. The 2010s were the peak years of collaboration, but the phenomenon that began back in the early 2000s was initially just hype. Since then, it has been proven that two is really better than one by making the sole product or service more exclusive, and therefore the demand higher. Many of these items become rare collectables with a prestige value that increases as the years go by.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-71043 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Page-1-2-4-e1682069184380.jpg" alt="Brand collaborations " width="768" height="512"></p>
<p>Collaborations also strengthen a brand’s reputation by supporting artists, charitable organisations and innovations. Essentially, modern brands must be relatable and accessible, savvy social communicators, and the centre of a community of creatives, artists, muses and friends – and true enough, no one does it alone.</p>
<p>With the younger spending groups becoming smarter with their purchases, luxury brands in particular have had to make their products more memorable by creating unusual visuals, packaging and taste associations. As there are no set guidelines for how companies and other partners should collaborate, the success of the initiative depends on ingenuity. But in the era of serial collaboration, how does one stand out?</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-71044 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Page-1-2-6-e1682069234288.jpg" alt="Brand collaborations " width="768" height="346"></p>
<p><strong>Long-Term Benefits</strong></p>
<p>Collaborations between brands are the most common phenomenon. Such action may involve working with a partner brand on a joint product line, collaborating to provide a service package or creating products that perfectly match each other. Collaboration at the brand level often means reaching a wider audience. As a rule, the audience of such ‘one-off’ campaigns can exceed the audience of both brands together and bring unique value to clients.</p>
<p>One perfect example is the launch of the first Dior Men collection by Kim Jones. It generated a lot of excitement, not only for its fusion of workwear and couture trends but also for the roster of well-known designers Jones gathered under the Dior brand. Yoon Ahn, the co-founder of Ambush, was appointed head of jewellery for Dior Men while custom buckles were created by Matthew Williams, the independent mastermind behind Alyx, for Jones’s first two collections. In this way, Jones developed a community of creatives that he could continue to collaborate with for the foreseeable future rather than promoting these alliances as typical collabs – or worse, hiring Yoon and Williams without giving them credit.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-71045 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Page-3-4-1.jpg" alt="Brand collaborations " width="1400" height="1754"></p>
<p><strong>Icons x Newbies</strong></p>
<p>The most traditional choice of collaboration is a business enterprise working with an artist. This partnership gives the artist creative licence so that the finished product is an original work of art rather than a well-completed design task. By celebrating both the old and the young, the established and the rising star, products are raised to a new artistic level.</p>
<p>With limited resources and access, emerging fashion designers have a difficult time breaking into the industry. Some major brands have formed beneficial alliances with up-and-coming acquired a measure of rejuvenation or street cred.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-71040 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Page-1-2-1-e1682069624376.jpg" alt="Brand collaborations " width="500" height="667"></p>
<p>Case in point: Burberry. Although he finally changed both, Riccardo Tisci’s first objective upon joining Burberry in 2018 was neither to revamp the logo nor reimagine the runway presentation. He announced that he would be working with Vivienne Westwood and made news when a legacy brand and an anti-establishment designer clashed culturally. Truly, Tisci was creating room in the battle for the novelty to honour a fashion icon.</p>
<p>A similar strategy was used by Nicolas Ghesquière at Louis Vuitton in the same year when he commissioned Vogue legend Grace Coddington to create a line of accessories that were based on their pets. By working with Coddington, Ghesquière demonstrated that fashion can be more than a business – he also solidified the significance of her capacity to influence fashion from behind the scenes. Are we primarily talking about reputational and PR benefits here? Maybe. Is it effective? Definitely.</p>
<p><em>(Text: Joseff Musa)</em></p>
<p><em>Read the full article in the April 2023 issue (pg: 120). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.</em></p>


Law of Collab: Brand collaborations evolve as collections of creative alliances necessary for any type of business

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70796 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4861455-e1681270063823.jpg" alt="Pedro Pascal" width="768" height="512"></p>
<p>After years of obscurity, Pedro Pascal’s recent breakthrough roles have added a line to the ‘life begins at 40’ tally. Fame is now rushing to the 48-year-old thespian who has drifted away from being “he’s the guy from” to a bona fide Hollywood name. Long-overdue recognition has come from his recent hit TV series, The Last of Us, as well as The Mandalorian – where he was a constant presence but his face was rarely seen – and the game-changing Game of Thrones. Countless trending social-media memes and flattering photos gush praise for his charisma. All to his credit; not a lot of people get to be in their 40s and have their lives change workwise, especially in show business. So what really makes Pedro Pascal tick?</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70795 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/8511cb2c5ee0753838d02252c4851ff8-e1681269963422.jpg" alt="Pedro Pascal" width="500" height="667"></p>
<p><strong>American Dream Reversal</strong><br />
“The smallest of opportunities kept me going,” says the actor of making ends meet with TV work and his not inconsiderable stage presence. Now that he has the recognition he has long deserved, he is not about to waste his chance in the limelight. Born José Pedro Balmaceda Pascal in Santiago, Chile, and raised in San Antonio and Orange County, California, he is a self-confessed movie buff which did little to help his social life. His parents, both from the medical field, fled Chile in the 1970s during the military junta and worked out a life of comfort in the US.</p>
<p>However, when his father became embroiled in an Orange County fertility clinic controversy that made national headlines, his comfortable upbringing was upended. While he was studying at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts, his parents and two younger siblings returned to Chile. Soon afterwards, his mother took her own life.</p>
<p>Having to fend for himself, young Pedro pursued acting work while sharing an apartment with his sister in Manhattan. He secured plentiful theatre assignments and a few TV roles, including one-offs on the likes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Touched by an Angel. He had it rough and money was obviously tight, amounting to earnings of only about US$515 (HK$4,043) a week.</p>
<h5>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gafencushop.com/delvaux-game-of-thrones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Game of Thrones meets haute couture with Delvaux’s new collection</a></h5>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70799 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/e1b3b4e8707b6bf1b79c1d7d3d238a82-e1681270014329.jpg" alt="Pedro Pascal" width="500" height="750"></p>
<p><strong>Politically Compassionate</strong><br />
In the age of wokeness, producers from that time would now be called out for typecasting actors for a role – sex, race and age-wise – but not Pedro. He was desperate to be typecasted just so he could get a job. He played a series of masculine gay men and vaguely ethnic characters. But breakout roles, both onstage and on television, proved elusive, and there were plenty of times when he was ready to quit.</p>
<p>Pascal also has a glowing reputation as an outspoken ally of the LGBTQ community. His supports his sister Lux, a transwoman, and the Instagram fiasco with his former Mandalorian co-star Gina Carano – whose right-wing views are contrary to his own – served to highlight what a true ally he is; he called out Carano for publicly mocking the preferred pronouns concept.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70797 size-full" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/4862571-e1681270114679.jpg" alt="Pedro Pascal" width="768" height="512"></p>
<p>Just recently his on-screen daughter-like figure, Last of Us co-star, Bella Ramsey who identifies as non-binary, has testified that they share many conversations around gender – not necessarily always deep, but also funny and honest about the whole spectrum.</p>
<p>In an interview about his personal values, he comes across as refreshingly grounded, saying: “My entire heart is set on the marginalised underdog. It’s not a choice. The truth is that I don’t think I do nearly enough. I’m, like, a LIB-ER-AL, but there are contradictions there as well because we live capitalistically. I guess we carry the weight of that shame?”</p>
<p><em>(Text: Joseff Musa)</em></p>
<p><em>Read the full interview in the April 2023 issue (pg: 114). Available on the Gafencu app on&nbsp;Android&nbsp;and&nbsp;Apple.&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>


Shades of Pascal: Painting a portrait of Pedro Pascal’s art-centric life and mounting that picture into one small frame.

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70435 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa3-e1679715040201.jpg" alt="omakase code" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa3-e1679715040201.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa3-e1679715040201-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa3-e1679715040201-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>Roughly translating as “I’ll leave it up to you”, Omakase is a distinctly Japanese style of food preparation, one where a skilled chef is entrusted to create a bespoke culinary experience for would-be diners. The only restriction is that it has to be attuned to their particular preferences and use solely the finest available ingredients.</p>
<p>It’s a style of dining that has become increasingly popular over recent years. This has seen it both move beyond Japan and find favour in restaurants serving a somewhat different fare to the sushi solely on offer in first-generation Omakase establishments.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70434 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa2-e1679715104622.jpg" alt="omakase code" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa2-e1679715104622.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa2-e1679715104622-450x338.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa2-e1679715104622-600x450.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>Despite this broadening of the initial concept, the appeal of Omakase is still most clearly apparent in those sushi and sashimi restaurants where a bond of trust characterises the key customer-chef relationship. Put simply, the customer must have faith in the chef’s ability to create a unique and delicious meal, while the chef, in turn, must believe the diners in question are sufficiently discerning to appreciate his culinary artistry. This is why, for the optimum Omakase experience there should be no more than six-to-eight diners, all of them close enough to the chef to freely interact as he goes about his work.</p>
<p>Given that sashimi and sushi are the two most popular Japanese dishes, any chef skilled enough to prepare them Omakase style will seldom find himself surplus to requirements. Such individuals, after all, will have to have a keen mastery of an array of knife skills, as well as a deep understanding of how to truly present premium ingredients at their very best.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70436 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa5-e1679715162480.jpg" alt="omakase code" width="768" height="422" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa5-e1679715162480.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa5-e1679715162480-450x247.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa5-e1679715162480-600x330.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>The comparative rarity of such culinary craftsmen, however, appears to have been no obstacle to Omakase’s conquest of Hong Kong, with the city now home to a growing number of such establishments. Typically specialising in the cuisine of one particular part of Japan, whether Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka, the chefs at all these restaurants are undoubtedly highly skilled and widely experienced when it comes to faithfully recreating their home country’s most-desired dishes.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70437 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa6-e1679715217329.jpg" alt="omakase code" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa6-e1679715217329.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa6-e1679715217329-450x253.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa6-e1679715217329-600x338.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>Given the number of such establishments now competing for your custom, it’s well worth taking a little time to choose the one most likely to meet your needs. As a first step, try and assess the reputation of every prospective restaurant by reading the related reviews. It is also important to determine the likely per-diner cost of each establishment, particularly as dining in Omakase style in Hong Kong can prove prohibitively expensive.</p>
<p>Another factor to consider when choosing just where to dine is the specific type of cuisine on offer. While many restaurants focus solely on traditional Japanese cuisine, others have more of modern fusion menus or may have chosen to cater more to local tastes.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70438 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa7-e1679715267355.jpg" alt="omakase code" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa7-e1679715267355.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa7-e1679715267355-450x253.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa7-e1679715267355-600x338.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>Finally, it is important to consider the ambience of each particular restaurant. Many Omakase restaurants are intimate and offer a distinctly personal dining experience, something that may not appeal to everyone.</p>
<p>Once you have chosen, booked and arrived at your favoured Omakase restaurant, it is then important to clearly communicate your preferences to the chef. Let him know what type of food you enjoy, as well as any dietary restrictions he should be aware of. Without this level of transparency on your part, it is unlikely your needs and expectations will be entirely met.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-70439 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa8-e1679715333610.jpg" alt="omakase code" width="768" height="432" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa8-e1679715333610.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa8-e1679715333610-450x253.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/aaaaa8-e1679715333610-600x338.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p>Bearing all of these factors in mind, you are more than equipped to fully immerse yourself in the finest Omakase experience Hong Kong has on offer. All you have to do now is choose just which one…</p>
<p>Read the full version of the article <em>in the March 2023 issue (pg: 116) to discover the best Omakase establishments in Hong Kong. Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.</em>&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>


Omakase Code: Understanding is the key to enjoying Hong Kong’s hottest Japanese food fad

<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-69926 size-full aligncenter" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NationalGeographic_2795432-scaled-e1676432640873.jpg" alt="Tutankhamun" width="768" height="748" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NationalGeographic_2795432-scaled-e1676432640873.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NationalGeographic_2795432-scaled-e1676432640873-450x438.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/NationalGeographic_2795432-scaled-e1676432640873-600x584.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was 1923 when Howard Carter, a British archaeologist and adventurer, had come across a burial site that had lain untouched since it had been dedicated to the memory of its revered occupant more than 30 centuries earlier. He had uncovered the tomb of the boy king Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tutankhamun, an 18th dynasty King thought to have died around 1323 BC, was buried with many of the accumulated testaments to his wealth and power in a royal necropolis. Its eventual uncovering delivered a unique treasure trove of past wonders.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Among the 5,000 priceless artefacts were a huge collection of ancient jewellery, commemorative statues, a disassembled chariot, weapons and royal regalia. There was a perfectly preserved mummy, with the long-embalmed body of the prince the first intact example ever to be found.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Also Read: <a href="//www.gafencushop.com/van-cleef-arpels-bracelet/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Van Cleef &amp; Arpels historic 1925 Egyptian-style jewellery</a></span></em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-69945 size-full alignnone" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/0217-king-tut-tutankhamun-DNA-science_rgb-e1676431961246.jpg" alt="Tutankhamun" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/0217-king-tut-tutankhamun-DNA-science_rgb-e1676431961246.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/0217-king-tut-tutankhamun-DNA-science_rgb-e1676431961246-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/0217-king-tut-tutankhamun-DNA-science_rgb-e1676431961246-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Long after the opening of the tomb, researchers completed a DNA analysis of the king’s body, allowing them to create a family tree spanning back five generations. The genetic tests also identified links with other mummies, including establishing that Akhenaten was his father, Amenhotep III his grandfather and Queen Tiye his grandmother. It was also determined that he ascended to the throne at the age of just nine following the death of his father. He also died young, being laid to rest in his entombment place when he was just 18.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-69946 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/u388937195068992699fm253fmtautoapp138fJPEG_rgb-e1676432145877.jpg" alt="Tutankhamun" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/u388937195068992699fm253fmtautoapp138fJPEG_rgb-e1676432145877.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/u388937195068992699fm253fmtautoapp138fJPEG_rgb-e1676432145877-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/u388937195068992699fm253fmtautoapp138fJPEG_rgb-e1676432145877-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Applying contemporary scientific techniques, including x-rays, CT scans and DNA testing, it was determined that Tutankhamun suffered from malaria as well as a number of other illnesses, while also having a cleft palate. He had also broken his leg shortly before he died.&nbsp;</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It has also been speculated that the boy-king had died in a chariot accident, largely as parts of his chest wall and ribs were missing. While he was tall, he was physically frail, with a crippling bone disease in his clubbed left foot. He was the only pharaoh shown to have been depicted seated while engaged in such physical activities as archery.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unlike most mummies, whose hearts were preserved for the afterlife, Tutankhamun has no heart. Instead, he was provided with an amuletic scarab inscribed with a funerary spell. It could be a sign that Tutankhamun died far from home. By the time his body arrived at the undertaker’s workshop, his heart may have been too decayed to be preserved.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-69947 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TTTT_rgb-e1676432445484.jpg" alt="Tutankhamun" width="768" height="576" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TTTT_rgb-e1676432445484.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TTTT_rgb-e1676432445484-450x338.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/TTTT_rgb-e1676432445484-600x450.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">There were also rumours of a curse afflicting the tomb. Indeed, the locals popularised the notion of the “Curse of the Pharaohs,” claiming that the hieroglyphs on the tomb walls promised swift death to all those who disturbed King Tut. Giving some credibility to this, Carter’s patron, Lord Carnarvon, died four months after first entering the tomb, while a dozen more deaths were later attributed to the curse.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite this, artefacts from the tomb have toured the world in several hugely popular museum shows, including the worldwide 1972-79 “Treasures of Tutankhamun” exhibition.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>(Text: Zaira Abbas)</em></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><em>Read the full version of the article in the February 2023 issue (pg: 116). Available on the Gafencu app on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gafencu.android&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=US" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android</a> and <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gafencu/id541555130" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>


The Archaeological Discovery That Unravelled The Story of A Lost Pharaoh

<p><div style="width: 640px;" class="wp-video">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" id="video-68471-1" width="640" height="360" preload="metadata" controls="controls"><source type="video/mp4" src="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2211/2211_GMHK_Interview_SamLin.mp4?_=1" /><a href="https://www.igafencu.com/video/2211/2211_GMHK_Interview_SamLin.mp4">https://www.igafencu.com/video/2211/2211_GMHK_Interview_SamLin.mp4</a></video></div></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Sam Lin of Madison Auction remains certain in uncertain times, seeing the glass (of wine) half-full. Fuelling his business mind with a sip of liquor and a puff of cigar, he hammers life’s odds &#8211; one bid at a time.</p>
<p><strong>How did your career path take you into your role as Chief Executive of Madison Auction?</strong><br />
Back in the mid-90s, I developed my own system integration and service offerings, which were ultimately listed on both the Singapore and Hong Kong exchange markets. Asia Online, which I co-founded, was actually Hong Kong’s second Internet Service Provider. I then refocused my career on the luxury consumables sector, a move that was more in line with my family’s 30-year-old business with its focus on wine and spirits. This saw me integrate investment-grade cigars, wine and whiskey into the existing operation. As I had interned for some small auction houses in the UK, it was then a natural progression for me to also become an auctioneer for Madison Auction.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68477 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0210_p-e1667530509531.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0210_p-e1667530509531.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0210_p-e1667530509531-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0210_p-e1667530509531-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<blockquote><p>“The brand name was acquired from my partner&#8217;s existing business and we both agreed to persist with it.To my mind, good branding is essential for the success of any business”</p></blockquote>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What do you see as Madison Auction’s primary focus?</strong><br />
When we started, it was really about wine. More recently, though, we signed an exclusive deal with Pacific Cigar, the Asia-Pacific company behind the renowned Habanos Cuban cigar. In all, we have been auctioning investment-grade cigars for some six months now and it is gradually starting to take off for us. Looking back, there came a point where I had to choose between being a high-tech vendor or working in the luxury consumable sector, something I am passionate about. I chose the latter and that’s how the launch of Madison Wine came about in 2011. The brand was acquired from my partner’s existing business and we both agreed to persist with it thanks to its heritage. To my mind, good branding is essential for the success of any business.</p>
<p><strong>Of late, have you seen any shift away from an interest in luxury auction items, with people looking to focus on more grounded essentials?</strong><br />
It really depends on where people are in their lives. As the world economy has been somewhat derailed over the past three years, some have, indeed, looked to re-focus on alternative investment opportunities. Fortunately for us, we also offer those kinds of opportunities. At the end of the day, though, any bid boils down to Economics 101 &#8211; the supply and demand chain. A lot of people have looked to alternative investment classes largely because the equity market has not been performing well. As a consequence, people have become more interested in investing in fine art wine or spirits hoping that they will appreciate in value. Even if they don’t, people know they will still be able to enjoy them afterwards for what they are. For me and for most people, happiness is always the ultimate priority.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68476 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0161_p-e1667530570490.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0161_p-e1667530570490.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0161_p-e1667530570490-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0161_p-e1667530570490-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>To date, what has been the most expensive lot you have ever sold?</strong><br />
Well, we sold one lot of wine for more than HK$2 million and we sold a vintage cigar for about half that. In pre-pandemic times, when the world was still a lot more normal, we’d do three or four live online selling events every year and that was a really good business. But a lot of things have changed since the pandemic happened. Now, though, if I was asked to advise which category was likely to offer the most lucrative investment opportunity, I’d have to say whiskey. Over the past decade, it has given sustained returns of about 8% to 12% per annum.</p>
<p><strong>Is it fair to say that auctions are solely reserved for the rich and famous?</strong><br />
Absolutely not. Especially for our category. We see a lot of participants from all walks of life. Of course, by default, auction houses have an affinity with the rich and famous, but as they have such smart purchase channels, there are also a lot of middle-ranking professionals who take an interest.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68479 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0273_p-e1667530073821.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0273_p-e1667530073821.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0273_p-e1667530073821-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0273_p-e1667530073821-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;">Today, I still believe that if you want to be successful, you need to immerse yourself in your chosen industry, which is something i share with my two children.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><strong>For you, what constitutes a good day at work and what constitutes a bad one?</strong><br />
As an integral part of the auction business, we entertain a lot of people at night, so it is definitely not a nine-to-five job. A good day at work inevitably involves a glass of wine or whisky and a cigar. A truly bad day at work, however, is one I have yet to really experience, partly because I always ensure I have lots of positive energy before I step into my office. I always tell myself to anticipate challenges, such as dealing with customs paperwork. It&#8217;s a good thing and I&#8217;m lucky to have such supportive and optimistic team with me. We all make each other&#8217;s job easier in a way. It&#8217;s good to also note that, people are people. We all make mistakes. To my mind, you have to deal with everything with a smile. As a manager, there’s no point in yelling at your staff. Instead, you have to ensure you have the right kind of communication, which inevitably requires a humanistic approach.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68488 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0237_p1-e1667530988203.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0237_p1-e1667530988203.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0237_p1-e1667530988203-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0237_p1-e1667530988203-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>In terms of success, who do you admire and who inspires you?</strong><br />
Both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs have been inspirations to me. I grew up unable to afford a computer, while these two were emerging as IT pioneers. When I was 19, I applied to a number of tech companies, but no one wanted to hire me and I was advised to go back to school. Jobs and Gates were both college dropouts too, so maybe I can follow in their footsteps. When I worked in the hospitality sector, I had to teach myself every step of the way. Today, I still believe that if you want to be successful in your chosen industry, then you need to immerse yourself in it. I have two children of my own now, both in their twenties, and I wouldn’t, however, advise them to follow my example. Things are more complicated now. While I share my experience with them, I don’t recommend them to take the same approach. I believe in their own strength and talents. This is the best thing I can do as a parent.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-68489 size-full" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0354_p2-e1667531030928.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0354_p2-e1667531030928.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0354_p2-e1667531030928-450x300.jpg 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/ACK0354_p2-e1667531030928-600x400.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p><strong>How important has being based in Hong Kong been to your success would you say?</strong><br />
Believe it or not, I find great joy in being out and about in the further reaches of Hong Kong. It is a real contrast and welcome balance from being in the bustling centre of the city where I spend so much of my time. Aside from driving around the mountains and hanging out in country clubs, I also enjoy tram rides. Contrary to what many others might say, I find these more rural areas clear my mind even after just a few minutes. After a short break, I can bounce back to business with renewed energy. It always gives me a sense of belongingness to the city. It is truly the perfect short sweet escape from the daily Hong Kong busy work and grind life. I may be in and out of the city from time to time, but I will always come back to it. I find my home city has a very positive and unique energy.<br />
Thank you.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>(Interview by: Joseff Musa Photographer: Jack Law Art Direction and Styling: Jhoshwa Ledesma </em><br />
<em>Videographer: Kes Lei Venue: Club K7)</em></p>
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Sam Lin on forsaking the high-tech world in favour of the lure of luxury auctioneering

culture-cryptocurrency-nft-blockchain--might-are-nfts-investment-hongkong-600x337

NFTs: Future of investment or another bubble waiting to burst?

<p>There’s no shortage of fine dining options in Hong Kong. But there’s also a brisk trade in exorbitantly priced delicacies – morsels that carry status by virtue of their scarcity and cost, or boast an impressive list of health benefits. Some of the most prized – and occasionally the downright weird – are put under the griller here.</p>
<p><strong>Cocaine of the Sea&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67313" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-fishmaw-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>To find high-end fish maw, one need look no further than the many dried seafood outlets on the streets of Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district. Fish maw is actually the swim bladder, a gas-filled organ located near the gills of fish – providing the buoyancy they need to maintain their depth in water. In truth, you can get a tasty serve of fish maw with a plate of Chinese vegetables and a bowl of steamed rice for under HK$100 at any number of cha chaan tengs dotted around the city – but for fish maw at the very top of the price spectrum, the cost is a good deal higher.</p>
<p>The most expensive fish maw is found in the Gulf of Mexico and is sourced from totoaba – a type of drum fish. Totoaba bladder is, in fact, so valuable it has been nicknamed the ‘cocaine of the sea’. It can reportedly fetch as much as US$129,000 (HK$1.01 million) per kg on the black market. There are, however, a couple of catches. The first is that international trade in totoaba maw is banned. The second is that totoaba is becoming increasingly rare due to overfishing, with grave concerns that it is being hunted to extinction. Fortunately there are plenty of more readily available sources of fish maw on the market if that’s your fancy.</p>
<p><strong>Himalayan Viagra</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67314" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-gafencu-cordyceps-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Caterpillar fungus (a species of Cordyceps), is another in-demand delicacy with an extravagant price tag. It is prized for its aphrodisiac properties – which is why it is commonly referred to as Himalayan Viagra.</p>
<p>The life cycle by which the caterpillar fungus comes into is like something out of a B-grade horror movie, along the lines of The Invasion of the Body Snatchers. Caterpillar fungus is found on the Tibetan Plateau. It is here that it invades the bodies of caterpillars of the Thitarodes moth. The caterpillars are born underground, ingest a kind of fungus, which infects takes over the host’s tissue. These unfortunate caterpillars never metamorphosize. Their bodies are taken over by the caterpillar fungus, which then shoots out hardened plant roots.<br />
In addition to its aphrodisiac properties, the caterpillar fungus is also believed to be a cure-all valued for its power to treat back and knee pains, reduce stress and coughing and even treat anemia by boosting haemaglobin levels – but it’s worth noting that these claims do not have a basis in science.</p>
<p>Especially popular as a Chinese medicine, caterpillar fungus sells for as high as 880,000 RMB (HK$1.03 million) per kg and is usually served up double-boiled in soup for maximum impact. Given the price, you would certainly want to get maximum bang for your buck.</p>
<p><strong>For the Birds</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67310" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest (3)" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-birdsnest-3-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Another very popular dish commonly served up on special occasions in Hong Kong is bird’s nest soup. The key ingredient here is actually the saliva of the a particular species of bird – the swift – which uses its saliva to bind its nest together and is prized for its all-round medicinal benefits, especially to the skin, the lungs and the digestive system. The substance extracted from the abandoned nests are highly expensive due to their rarity and difficulty of retrieval – as the swift nests high up on cliff faces and caves in Malaysia and Indonesia.</p>
<p>Consuming the saliva of another creature may turn off some diners but at least no birds were killed in the process, though the extraction process can be dangerous with those hired to collect the bird’s nest from their precarious resting places. Prices for the precious substance generally starts at around HK$175,000 per kg. As the name suggests, it is usually double-boiled in a soup of gelatinous strands.</p>
<p><strong>Mushroom Madness</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67312" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkongdining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-lionsmane-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Mushrooms are a central part of much of traditional Chinese cooking – and are usually affordably prices and easily purchased in any number of wet markets around Hong Kong. But there are exceptions to this rule. With some mushrooms only available to those ready to part with a fair wad of cash.</p>
<p>The priciest of these exotic fungal delicacies is the Hericium Erinaceus. Also called lion’s mane and/or monkey’s head mushroom due to its characteristics shape, this rare and delicate fungus grows wild in the northeast Chinese province of Heilongjiang. It typically prospers in the trunk or hollow of a hardwood tree in the deep recesses of a forest. The fresh mushroom is more costly than the dried version and weights in at around 350 RMB per 500g, although it’s usually sold in half kilo lots. It is praised for boosting blood circulation and reducing cholesterol.<br />
More expensive still is the matsutake mushroom. Commonly known as the ‘king of fungi’, this mushroom can only thrive in pristine forests free of human influence and grows wild in a number of provinces in northern China. It takes up to five years to grow to fruition and must be picked and consumed within 48 hours – making it a challenge to get it from forest to table.</p>
<p>The dried version is pricier than the fresh version and can fetch up to 2000 RMB per 500g. It usually steamed or served up in a soup but should be cooked at or below 90 degree Celsius to preserve its cancer-fighting properties.</p>
<p><strong>Dried Abalone</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67308" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-abalone-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Often gracing the tables of special occasion dining in Hong Kong and mainland China. these delicacies are often served up on special occasions. Abalone is a staple at multi-course meals in Chinese restaurants around Asia. Strict controls on the number of licences available push up the price of these tasty – if somewhat rubbery – gastropod mollusks. High in selenium, which is good to boost stamina, abalone can sell for up to HK$35,000 per kg.</p>
<p><strong>Sea Cucumbers</strong></p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-67316" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber.png" alt="dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber.png 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-450x300.png 450w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-600x399.png 600w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-421x280.png 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-120x80.png 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-500x333.png 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-200x133.png 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/dining-5-expensive-delicacies-local-hongkong-seacucumber-400x266.png 400w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>Despite the name, sea cucumbers, are in fact marine animals. These slug-shaped seafloor dwellers were once popular at banquets in China but have fallen somewhat out of fashion in recent years. Although they can still fetch a price as high as 20,000 RMB per kg, driven up by how long these critters take to mature. It is believed that the recovery of post-operative patients can be speeded up eating braised sea cucumber in porridge.</p>
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