“By absorbing new experiences through observation and trying new things, we continuously challenge ourselves which improves in our design as well. Traveling is one of the core ways to draw inspiration which can then be injected into the design philosophy. In my opinion, I think every person, whether in creative industry or not, should go explore.”
Elaine’s Travel Itinerary
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Inspiration does not come simply by staying in the confines of your own home. Rather, you find it through exploration of the world around you. For Ms. Elaine Fok, Creative Director and Partner at boutique branding and innovation design firm Spectra Partnership, she confesses that she draws creative inspiration from her travels and trying different artisanal coffeehouses around the city. Follow Elaine’s 24-hour journey across Hong Kong to discover what it has to offer in the areas of travel, sports and gastronomy!
7AM: Waking up with coffee at Page Common. It may be too earlier for dessert for some, but the Tiramisu here is the best in town! Elaine admits that though she does not have much of a sweet tooth, she needs to have it every time she is at Page Common
7:30AM: After a morning coffee, make your way over to China Cafe (中國冰室) by taking the MTR from Jordan Station to Mong Kong Station. It is one of the oldest and most famous diners in Hong Kong where many local Hong Kong movies were filmed here. It remains a very special place to Elaine since her family owns the building. Sadly, it closes on 31 December, 2019, but the family is finding ways of preserving it
9AM: Once your appetite is filled, take the MTR train from Mong Kong Station to Sham Shui Po to explore the cool vintage stores and electronic gadget shops where you will surely discover some great finds to bring home as souvenirs. Sham Shui Po is a treasure trove where you can indulge in tasty local street foods, sift through some amazingly affordable electronics and even shop for DIY art supplies. In the words of Elaine herself, she deems this rich cultural district as the “true taste of the locals”
10:30AM: After that, take the taxi from Sham Shui Po to Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island to discover the cool shops and eateries in this district. This is one of Elaine’s favourite areas to hang out in because it encompasses all of her favourite hip and healthy restaurants and eclectic coffee shops all mixed together with classic local joints when she is craving for comfort food. Sheung Wan embodies the essence of east meets west, old and new where the modern metropolis contrasts beautifully against the traditional shops and local joints situated in the area
12PM: Sheung Wan is within walking distance of Central but to really feel close to the city without having to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle, take the tram (also known as the ding ding) along Hong Kong Island to Central district. It feels isolated away from the high frequency, rushed and urban life in Central. The tram will allow you to look around and see how the people interact and appreciate the architecture of the city from a distance
1PM: Upon arriving in Central, revel in true local Hong Kong-style dishes at Sing Heung Yuen (勝香園) for lunch. Elaine deems its tomato soup base noodle the best in town! It is definitely worth the visit on a winter’s day to warm you right up
2PM: After lunch, head to LANDMARK Hong Kong, a luxury shopping mall located in the heart of Central, and go downstairs to the basement to pick yourself up a cup of espresso at Fuel Espresso. Elaine confesses that she needs a cup of espresso on the weekdays to help “fuel her” throughout the day and this amazing coffee joint fits her personal taste wonderfully
2:30PM: After getting your dose of caffeine, you can walk slowly to the Central Harbourfront for a breath taking view of Kowloon Island. For Elaine, she enjoys a short run along the harbourfront during the magic hour. If you are up for the challenge, she also suggests a nice and relaxing jog from Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan all the way to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. A round trip job is around 4.5-5km, so you can enjoy the beautiful sunset view behind the skyline, just like a photographic silhouette
5PM: Take advantage of this time by taking a taxi from Central to Kowloon Peak, one of the best spots to oversee the city during sunset. Here, you can embrace the full skyline on Hong Kong Island and the residential areas of Kowloon. Elaine adds that the views from up here show a strong contrast of both sides of the city, reflecting the diversity of Hong Kong. An alternative is to drive up to Stanley Main Beach to catch the glimmering sunset. This place is perfect for numerous water sports like kayaking and stand up paddle boarding during the summer
7:30PM: After spending a quaint relaxing two hours gazing at the sunset, take a taxi back to Tai Hang on Hong Kong side for dinner
8PM: Dinner Time! Head on over to the New York Club in Tai Hang, a very small and secretive restaurant that many people may not know. Though the title may lead you to think that this joint is a western eatery, but do not let the name fool you! It is actually an authentic fusion of Thai and Shanghainese cuisine. Here, Elaine recommends you try the “wok hei” in which the restaurant offers off-menu items like crispy fried eggs with soy sauce perfectly stir-fried together to bring out a complex charred aroma. It is best served together with a bowl of rice. The Shanghainese cuisine comes from the grandma who works there, which she will make home-made wontons and braised pork knuckles on occasion. You will not want to miss this delicious fusion eatery
10PM: After dinner, take the MTR back to Page148 and call it a day
