Demon Chef and Danish Cameraman Collaborate

For his first book, Hong Kong's 'Demon Chef' Alvin Leung is set to collaborate with world-class Danish photographer Rene Riis. The owner and executive chef of Bo Innovation, Leung recently started writing what he describes as an "art/food book." To enhance his creative vision, he has invited acclaimed artist Riis back to shoot the stylised pictures.

The Copenhagen-based lensman specialises in food photography and is known for his close-ups and detailed images. His work has been featured internationally in publications such as Wallpaper, Elle Decoration, Living Architecture, Gastro and GQ.

Leung explained, "I don't want to do just another recipe book. This should be more like an art book showing my inspirations, methods and madness. We considered a few other photographers but ultimately I know Rene would best capture what I had in mind. Neither of us want just second best. We're setting the standards very high."

The book is scheduled for release in March/April.

Wine & Food Pairing App

Simon Tam has launched "Flavour Colours", a comprehensive Chinese food and wine pairing iphone app. "The principles of Flavour Colours consider taste holistically: not just the science of four basic flavours but also seasonality, our mood and our individual expectations of what will make a good match."

The app divides wine and food flavours into just four categories: Blond, Ivory, Tan and Brown.

"For example, the Blond Flavour Colour brings to mind the zestiness of fresh lemon, delicate white flower blossoms, an invigorating sunny day with gentle sea breezes. The freshness of young Riesling and vividness of fruity Sauvignon Blanc. Steamed fish with heady ginger or the penetrating freshness of green peppercorn."

Tam says that by accurately defining which colour tone each food and wine belong to, pairing them is made simple and 90% accurate. For more information, visit the website www.flavourcolours.com

82nd Birthday Book

The Peninsula celebrated its 82nd birthday last week with the release of Our Hong Kong - a book introducing the city through the eyes of the hotel staff. Our Hong Kong features 50 personal narratives that reveal the interest, passion and knowledge of The Peninsula Hong Kong staff. This book, which will be available in all rooms and suites, will take guests on a journey to learn about the lesser known aspects of Hong Kong, such as 500-year-old villages, the island where prawn paste is still made by hand using centuries-old techniques, and rare festivities such as the annual Fire Dragon Dance that pays tribute to the Dragon King in exchange for protection against the Demons of Disease, to name just a few. The book is enriched by watercolour illustrations by celebrated artist Lorette E Roberts. 

All members of hotel staff were invited to become a part of the hotel's history by contributing their ideas on what they considered representative of "their" Hong Kong for this book. The selection committee then chose the most interesting ideas and conducted site surveys of the submissions in order to shortlist the final 50 entries that appear in the book.