Monday, July 28, 2008

Not a Kathreya fan, then

Youtuber FunniestComedian (actually a bbc named Peter) gives us his take on the UK reality show Big Brother contestant Kathreya, whose strong Thai accent hasn't been loved by everyone:



Bookies currently make Kathreya favourite to win the show. Personally, I like her and don't have a problem with the way she speaks. What do you think?

Related: Will we ever be able to use the word 'hilarious' again?

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

British Chinese Society Wild West Party, Sat. July 26th


Must be party season or something. News reaches my Inbox of another event that might be of interest to bbcs: A Wild West themed party being organised by the BCS (British Chinese Society).

Canapes, competitions (including the best dressed title) and great music are on the bill, and attendees are asked to get into the Wild West spirit by donning suitable costumes. There will also be a raffle for a new Nokia 6300 phone (courtesy of sponsor CMC Markets).

The party is being held at Oneonefive Bar. 115 Chancery Lane, London on Sat 26th July, 8:00 pm - 2:00am

It's too late to get discounted early-bird tickets but entrance will be £12 on the door. Email social@britishchinese.org.uk
for more details!

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Sichuan Earthquake Fundraising Event July 26th 2008



The terrible aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake has all but disappeared from British news media but a new fund-raising group called 'Make A Tomorrow' formed by the UK Chinese community is staging a special fund-raising event this month in aid of the victims of the earthquake in China.

It will be held on Saturday July 26th at Parker McMillan, Chiswell Street, London and is billed as "a unique night of fresh music, art and photography."

Organizers hope 300-400 guests will attend, and aim to raise up to £8,000 for the appeal.

Comedians and musicians 'Dead dog in Black Bag', who have appeared on BBC3's "The Mighty Boosh", will be hosting the event. There will also be sales of limited edition artwork from Rod Hunt, Lucy Allen, Per Jose Karlen, Marina Caruso, Vicky Scott and Joanne Wong.

Music will be provided by special performances from Cherry Suico, Dan Dunnes and the Reels; with DJ Cesar and others. There will also be a raffle offering prizes such as £100 worth of London restaurant vouchers, a Spa session at a top London hotel worth £200 and other special treats. And if that doesn't grab you, there are also going to be two-for-one cocktails at the bar!

To buy tickets for this event (£16 in advance, £20 on the door) go to the Make A Tomorrow Justgiving page.

Article: BBC News: British Chinese unite in London for fundraiser

Related: Make A Tomorrow blog

Wednesday, July 09, 2008

Cha Cha Moon, Alan Yau's new restaurant getting mixed reviews

Photo: The Times

Cha Cha Moon is the new dining concept from Alan Yau, arguably the leading Chinese restauranteur in the UK. Specializing in noodles, it is supposedly an attempt to create a Hong Kong style 'mein dong' experience in London.

My first impression is, if you want to recreate that 'mein dong' experience, you need to have those small, glass-topped tables with menus slipped underneath not long, trendy wooden benches. But anyway...

Press reviews have ranged from okay - to bad - to very bad whilst the feedback from ordinary punters is decidedly mixed. Check out what people have been saying on london-eating.co.uk

Best comment of all must go to 'Ms. Wing Wong', who points out that:

I am Chinese, and I can really translate the name of the restaurant to you all in Chinese! Read the name backwards, i.e. Moon Cha Cha which means someone who doesn't know whether 'they are coming or going', and that's exactly how the staff of this restaurant are!


After reading that, it's going to be hard not to refer to the restaurant as 'Moon Cha Cha' :) I'm hoping to try it out for myself soon and will post a review when I do.

Related: Hakkasan decides shark's fin is too much to stomach

Sunday, July 06, 2008

How things change...

Check out this vintage HK TV commercial from youtuber 'vcrbase'. Even by TV commercial standards, the cheer cleanliness, perfection and innocence of the characters seems quite funny now.

Those were the days :)



Thursday, July 03, 2008

Hakkasan decides shark's fin is too much to stomach


Hakkasan, Alan Yau's Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant, has decided to remove shark's fin soup from its menu.

The restaurant has been serving its version of the Chinese delicacy since 2001 but decided it was time to stop after lobbying from animal rights groups. There is also a suggestion that the same groups may take their protests to Chinatown in general:

Story: Indymedia
Related: Mad Mermaids anti-shark's fin campaign

Reading some of the material on the campaign website, it's certainly hard to justify the killing of sharks purely for their fins to make soup. It does seem cruel and unnecessary, especially when you consider that the fin itself is tasteless.

However, I have to admit that I've eaten shark's fin soup and would probably still eat it if offered. For me, it's a clear case of Western sensibilities conflicting with Chinese traditions (and Chinese tradition winning).

Shark's fin soup is a dish that is almost expected at Chinese banquets (such as at weddings, for example) and whilst it looks like it will become increasingly rare in the UK and Europe, it will be hard for diners in Asia to break with this long standing tradition. Is some form of sustainable fish farming the answer?