The Worst Thing About Travel? Saying Goodbye

Well, it's finally here. After making my announcement that I was leaving Hong Kong months ago, I have just a few days (DAYS!) left in Hong Kong before I leave. For good.

I'm going to miss this Hong Kong view and my friends who live here

 
Sure, I'll come back to visit Hong Kong in the future, but after this year and a half roller coaster ride of ups, downs, highs, and lows, I know there is slim chance I will ever live here again. I love Hong Kong, but there are just too many things that I also can't stand.

But this post isn't about Hong Kong. It's about saying goodbye to amazing people and as a traveler, how much I hate it.

My favorite thing about travel is definitely meeting new people and forming friendships. Unfortunately the nature of a transient lifestyle also means that at some point, those friendships come to an end as I leave a particular destination and venture to further travels. Sure, with social media it's easy to stay "connected," but it's not the same as simply being able to call up, say, Harold for Sunday brunch and beat him at a game of Scrabble. There's something beautiful in being able to do that, and not just because I enjoy winning!

I've come to accept that saying goodbye is just another part of my nomadic life, that with every new friend I meet, it's inevitable at some point I will have to bid them farewell. In the end, I would much rather have had the opportunity to make these incredible connections with these amazing people than to never have had the chance all.

But saying goodbye? Yeah, that still sucks. 

© Connie Hum 2012

Night Squid Fishing

Spring is here in Hong Kong, and it's the season for night squid fishing! Prompted by a recent Groupon Hong Kong deal with Launch Travel Services, I decided to head out for the open waters and partake in one of my few "adventure" outings in Hong Kong. 

The evening began in Tsim Sha Tsui where I met with my fellow night squid fishers and Launch Travel Services guide. I was surprised that almost all the participants were locals as I had some misguided idea that only tourists went night squid fishing. I suppose with the trip being offered via Groupon Hong Kong, the Hong Kong outpost of the international discounted deals website, it makes sense that it would be locals aboard the boat. Unfortunately, they were two large groups of friends who didn't speak much English (the Launch Travel Services guide included), so my companion and I were limited to entertaining ourselves and each other for the night.

We hopped into our boat and rode for 45-minutes into a less populated area of Hong Kong. It was a beautiful night and the cool breeze was a welcome change from the stifling weather we'd been having in Hong Kong recently. It was also lovely to see a different part of the city and from an alternate perspective.

Once we arrived at our destination, dinner (included in the package) was served. For a Chinese tour company that clearly catered to a mostly Chinese clientele, I was surprised at the spread of very basic, and truth be told, bland Chinese food. Plenty of good local restaurants offer catering; there's no reason why the food we were served had to be as disappointing as it was. I was glad that I had eaten a rather large meal just prior to departure.

Soon I was given a hook, some fishing line and what I think is a kite handle. The guide showed us how to squid fish: a relatively easy task of throwing the hook out as far as you could and then yanking the line back in intervals to try to entice a squid to bite. Easy enough, okay, let's do it!

With the exception of the excitement surrounding several catches made by the others, I found squid fishing boring after about 30 minutes. It was just a series of throwing, yanking, and repeating. For the most part, nothing happens, other than getting myself tangled up in the fishing line that is! I gave it my best attempt, but I soon went back in the boat and tried to not get sick from all the rocking and swaying.

I wasn't the only one who soon tired of squid fishing, as several others had retired back to the boat as well. To entertain themselves, they were now singing Cantonese karaoke. I often find public karaoke singers a funny thing. I enjoy a night out with friends and destroying some good songs with our bad singing, but on a boat with strangers? No, thank you. These people, however, weren't the least bit shy. Good for them, though it wasn't helping my seasickness.

After an hour or so, the boat had a small, but sizeable catch of seven squid in total.  One of the crew members quickly set to work in preparing the fresh squid for cooking. I don't think I've ever seen squid so fresh, so raw before and I found the amount of ink in a single squid fascinating.

Each of us were given a small sampling of the sauteed squid. Right out of the water and into the frying pan, the squid had an incredibly fresh taste. It was extremely good!

Despite my night squid fishing complaints and fail, I'm glad I gave it a try. It was definitely an experience. Eating such fresh squid made the entire night worth it. I would even go again, but with a group of my own friends and with better food. The karaoke, though, we'd probably leave on dry land.

*Disclaimer: My night squid fishing excursion with Launch Travel Services was sponsored by Groupon Hong Kong, but all opinions are an accurate and honest view of my experience.

© Connie Hum 2012

Travel and Social Media Presentation, HK Social

Last Friday morning, I spoke about Travel and Social Media at the monthly HK Social Meetup. Moderated by Rudi Leung, digital marketing and social media specialist, I was joined by Janice Leung of e_ting (you'll recognize her from the Blogging 101 talk we did together in February 2012) and Ali Bullock, Global Digital Marketing Manager for Cathay Pacific.

Here are the video recordings of HK Social's Travel and Social Media, in case you were curious.

The panel discussion begins at 7:10 and I start my introduction at 9:10.

In Part 2, we take a closer look at how social media is changing the way we travel, connect with others, deal with travel-related sponsorships, and cope with the "glamorous life" of travel blogging.

Part 3 continues with Ali discussing how social media is forcing the travel industry to rethink their marketing strategies, followed by Janice and I reiterating why it's so important for bloggers to remain honest to their readers and provide disclosure about sponsored reviews.

Thanks to my fellow panelists for a great discussion! To view the rest of HK Social's Meetup on Travel and Social Media, refer to Jay Oatway's YouTube channel.

Now that you've heard me speak about how social media is changing travel, in what ways do YOU think social media is effecting travel?

© Connie Hum 2012

Paradise Found at Temple Tree, Langkawi

After my year of teaching English in Hong Kong, all I wanted was a break. I was exhausted. Officially burnt-out. I needed something to help me come back to life, as well as renew my desire to live. Okay, okay, so I may be exaggerating a bit here, but it's not too far from the truth. Working in Hong Kong is draining!

The day after leaving work, I jumped on a plane for Malaysia, ready to be restored and rejuvenated.

I found exactly what I needed at Langkawi's Temple Tree Resort.

Heaven on earth: Temple Tree's main pool

A perfect blend of guest house and luxury villa, Temple Tree is comprised of eight stunning heritage homes rescued from around Malaysia. Every villa was painstakingly numbered and disassembled piece by piece, then transported to their current site in Langkawi before being resurrected to their former glory. Each home's history is recorded and shared with the guests of Temple Tree, adding heart and soul to their stay. The structures are architecturally unique, and all interiors are styled with Asian antiques to preserve the look and feel of the home, as well as tasteful modern touches to add to the charm. I found the results simply stunning!

My own little piece of paradise: Temple Tree's 1920s Colonial House

The beautiful 1920s Colonial House I stayed in was originally from Georgetown, Penang, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by wealthy Arab goldsmiths, Colonial House offers two individual rooms downstairs and two large suites upstairs for guests to enjoy. Alternatively, the entire house can be rented by large groups.

The communal living room inside Temple Tree's Colonial House

Upon entering Colonial House, I was greeted with an enormous sitting room with large windows. I loved the amount of sunlight flooding in! The perfectly suited interior decor made the space feel like both a living museum and an inviting place to take a rest and relax.

The foyer of Colonial 3 at Temple Tree

I had no idea what my suite would look like, and I was already falling in love with Colonial House, but when the double doors of my Colonial 3 suite were opened into this foyer, my heart skipped a beat! Look at that antique wrought-iron umbrella rack! It was exquisite! I knew I was in store for something truly breath-taking as I continued upstairs...

My breath was stolen away by Colonial 3 at Temple Tree

True to expectations, Colonial 3 did not disappoint. In fact, I dare say that Colonial 3 far exceeded all expectations and from my impression from the umbrella rack (please scroll up and take another look at that beauty!), those expectations were high! My goodness, if this isn't a piece of paradise, I don't know what is!

Detail of antique Chinese cabinet inside Colonial 3

I absolutely adored every thing about Colonial 3! From the antique Chinese furniture, to the color scheme, to the open airiness of the multiple windows, to the distressed leather couch, everything was just perfect!

The double showers inside Colonial 3

Colonial 3 extended further to reveal a double shower bathroom with tiles that matched the downstairs landing. It's hard to convey the emotion I felt at this point, particularly at a shower and toilet of all things, but the amount of care and quality of renovation that went into this restoration was quite moving. I almost needed a moment to regain my composure.

Further paradise found in the form of double wooden baths in Colonial 3

Oh, but it gets better! Adjacent to the double showers awaited the a pair of Japanese-style wooden baths. If I didn't already feel like I was in a perfect paradise, I knew I would be once my bath was drawn. As the only suite in Temple Tree to boast adjoining baths, it's easy to understand why Colonial 3 is popular favorite among honeymooners.

Sarongs for personal use during your stay at Temple Tree

After settling into the room and trying to get used to this incredible mix of luxury and charm, I marveled at some of the finer details of the room and noticed the little, thoughtful touches designed to make my stay at Temple Tree as perfect as can be. I found two batik sarongs hanging in the closet for use during my stay; ideal as a cover-up for the pool as well as post-bath.

Temple Tree's protection from pesky mosquitoes

There's a cabinet full of anti-mosquito protection available for guests in the rooms. Handy items for someone like me since mosquitoes seem to seek me out to their bellies' content while my companions sit undisturbed throughout the evening. Best of all, just before sunset, members of Temple Tree's staff prepare the rooms for their nightly battle with the tropical insects.

Breakfast is served, cat not included

To allow guests the option of enjoying a lazy morning (and who doesn't love a good, lazy morning while on holiday?), Temple Tree discreetly leaves guests a breakfast of homemade cakes, fresh bread, yogurt, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and tea in their refrigerator at the end of each night. Simple, but the feeling of an unhurried morning was pure luxury.

Temple Tree's helpful pool caddy

The thoughtfulness of Temple Tree included a wicker basket to help you organize and carry pool items. Such a seemingly little gesture, but this act speaks volumes in how much Temple Tree is concerned with your holiday being as comfortable and easy as possible.

In addition to all the minor details that Temple Tree put into their suites and rooms to promote ease and comfort for their guests, they also provide a multitude of other readily available items to help make your stay extra special. Yoga mats, tripods to capture those special moments, binoculars and a bird guide to help you recognize the surrounding wildlife, and even prepared picnic baskets should you decide to explore outside the grounds are among some of the extras that Temple Tree has on hand for their guests.

Temple Tree's second pool

But, let's be honest. There is little reason to ever leave the grounds of Temple Tree. There are two stunning pools available within a short walking distance of the magnificent suites for you to while away the hours! Trust me, it will be hard to tear yourself away from the tranquility of the pool areas! An additional plus? The pool towels smell divine, like tropical coconuts and lime!

Indo-Dutch fried rice at Temple Tree's Strait Club House

Leaving Temple Tree in search for good food is also an unnecessary endeavor as delicious meals, served both in the local style, as well as Western, can be found at the Strait Club House (itself a magnificent 1920s colonial mansion originally built for a Eurasian family). A daily happy hour encourages guests to get to know one another, while a weekly dinner with wine pairing offers a tasty meal at a reasonable price. The chef is also available to create dishes upon request to celebrate special occasions.

Temple Tree's inviting reception room inside Strait Club House

Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of Temple Tree is the quality of service. As soon as you enter the reception area of the Strait Club House, you are immediately treated like an old friend by Temple Tree's cheerful and personable staff, all of whom incredibly, already know you by name!

One of many adorable cats from LASSie, taken with Instagram

Pushing Temple Tree's charm factor up several notches are the loveable dogs and free-roaming cats from LASSie (Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary Foundation), a passion project of Temple Tree's owner. An astounding 50% of Temple Tree's proceeds goes directly to this worthy cause for neglected and abused animals in Langkawi. As someone who's not usually a fan of cats (they creep me out with their stealthiness), I was won over by the adorable cats that sought my company during my stay.

The pool at Bon Ton, taken with Instagram

Guests of Temple Tree can also enjoy the amenities at neighboring Bon Ton Resort, which is operated by the same owners, including yet another beautiful swimming pool, a bar and lounge, as well as a private dining room overlooking a picturesque lagoon.

Nyonya Platter at Nam Restaurant, taken with Instagram

Bon Ton Resort also houses the Nam Restaurant, one of Langkawi's premier eateries. The extensive menu of local favorites and innovative fusion cuisine was enough to keep this food-lover more than happy. I enjoyed two meals at Nam and absolutely loved the food, including the well-portioned dessert plates!

Happy and content at Temple Tree, with my new friend

In this hurried and hectic world we live in, it's easy to get lost and forget to enjoy life. Temple Tree was the perfect solution in reminding myself why it's important to slow down and relax; pet an affectionate cat, sleep in, enjoy a lazy breakfast, and lounge by the pool for hours on end, getting up only to take a quick dip in order to cool off.

Life at Temple Tree is life as it should be, and I truly didn't want to leave. Unfortunately, I had to, but when I did, I was rejuvenated and ready for what else life had to offer me.

Pineapple mint tea from the Strait Club House

My last bit of advice? Try the pineapple mint tea! I promise it will cool and refresh you like nothing else on a hot day!

Visit Temple Tree's website, for more information and to make your reservations on-line.

*Disclaimer: My stay at Temple Tree was sponsored by the hotel, but all opinions are an accurate and honest view on my experience there.

© Connie Hum 2012

Turkish Delights at Hong Kong's caffè HABITŪ

Good news! April marks a month-long collaboration between Hong Kong's caffè HABITŪ and award-winning Turkish Airlines, one of my favorite international airlines!

For a limited time, caffè HABITŪ is serving up two Turkish dishes to delight you, as well as four dessert and coffee pairings, designed by Turkish Airline's flying chef, Denizhan Dağdelen.

I was invited to sample the menu two weeks ago and was impressed with some of the offerings. 

Fantastic dessert: Macchiato and sacher mousse

Being the dessert fanatic that I am, my favorite item from the special menu was the macchiato and sacher mousse. Paired with a nutty Yunnan Grade AA coffee, the refreshing strawberry and mango flavors really came through. What pretty presentation as well! I felt a little guilty destroying the layers, but the taste was completely worth it! Definitely a dessert to enjoy during this warm April month in Hong Kong!

Steamed sea bass with dill

Another menu item I enjoyed was the streamed sea bass with dill. Wrapped in paper and served with grilled red pepper, it's the lighter of the two main dishes on caffè HABITŪ's Turkish-inspired menu. The mild taste of lemon and dill makes this an ideal lunch to fill you up without weighing you down, perfect for preventing those post-lunch snooze attacks.

Traditional Turkish meal: Shish kebab

The most Turkish-like option on the menu is the shish kebab. The traditional lamb skewer is served with grilled tomato and green pepper, along with Turkish-style rice flavored with sultanas and cinnamon. This definitely brought me back to my days of dining al fresco in the backstreets of Kadıköy when I was living in Istanbul! Due to the heavier flavors, this fares better as a great dinner option after a long day at the office.

Priced at $228 HKD for the sea bass or $248 HKD for the shish kebab, both only offered at caffè HABITŪ the table restaurants, it's a great price for a tempting taste of Turkish flavors, especially since it comes with a Turkish dessert and coffee pairing!

The dessert and coffee pairings (without the meal) are available for $78 HKD at all caffè HABITŪ outlets across Hong Kong.

These Turkish delights can be enjoyed during the month of April only so don't miss out! Afterwards, the menu will only be offered on Turkish Airlines' business class flights in and out of Hong Kong, which isn't a bad excuse to fly...

© Connie Hum 2012

I've Quit My Job to Travel... AGAIN!

** Original post was accidentally deleted during my travels in Malaysia. This is the best reproduction of the original as I remember it.**

Yes, it's true. I've quit my job to travel! AGAIN! And I couldn't be any happier!

March 31 was my last job working as an English teacher in Hong Kong. Teaching English here has been a great learning experience for me, but the traveler in me is just itching to get back on the road!

My first travel adventure? I'm hopping on a plane RIGHT NOW for ten days in Malaysia to celebrate my freedom from employment and a return to my true passion: travel and travel writing!

I'll remain in Hong Kong for another couple of months to hang out with friends, organize upcoming travel (mis)adventures, and get started on the projects that have been placed on the back burner until... Wait for it...

I SPEND THE SUMMER IN NEW YORK CITY!!!

Can't wait to return to the city and friends I love!

Seriously, I'm over the moon ecstatic about my upcoming plans and I can't wait to share them all with you!

Until then, I'm going to sit back and enjoy the sunshine and good food in Malaysia. More to come soon!

© Connie Hum 2012

The Monogamous Chinese

The Monogamous Chinese, a new up-market Chinese restaurant located in Hong Kong's Soho district, specializes in authentic Sichuan and Beijing cuisine. By hand-making all of their noodles and dumplings, as well as preparing all sauces in-house with imported ingredients from the famed provinces, The Monogamous Chinese stays faithful to the tradition and preparation of each dish, hence the name.

The Monogamous Chinese's walls decorated with commissioned modern Chinese artwork

Several weeks ago, I was invited to dinner by The Monogamous Chinese. Fearing for the well-being of my stomach ulcers (they often flare up when I eat spicy foods), I was apprehensive about eating an entire meal of Sichuan's famed spicy dishes. Eventually, my inner foodie decided that I couldn't miss an opportunity for a sampling of The Monogamous Chinese.

Vegetable spring rolls

The dinner started off with lightly-fried vegetable spring rolls served in Communist memorabilia. The spring rolls were quite standard, but the serving dish was a nice decorative touch. The sweet and sour dipping sauce was a good amount of sweet to balance out the sour, something increasingly rare as I find most restaurants tend to over-do the sweet to sour proportion.

Wok-fried tofu

Next was the wok-fried tofu with homemade scallion sauce. The exterior had a light crispness and the inside tofu held its soft consistency. I avoided the scallions and chili peppers, but found the bite-sized cubes well salted for my liking, even without the extra seasoning.

Sichuan style noodles, or dan dan mein

The Sichuan style noodles in spicy peanut sauce, also known as dan dan mein, had quite a kick in its thick and creamy sauce. It was the first dish that I had to eat in small portions to allow my taste buds respite, but I enjoyed the entire dish before the next course came out.

Deep-fried black-bone chicken with Sichuan chili peppers

The Monogamous Chinese's signature dish is the deep-fried black-bone chicken with Sichuan chili peppers. The peppers packed quite a punch! I could only handle a few bites of the chicken as the peppers really set my mouth on fire! Darn my ulcers!

Ice cream souffle balls

By the end of the meal, my dinner companions and I all needed some help in cooling our taste buds. Thankfully, The Monogamous Chinese offers ice cream souffle balls as the perfect remedy. As most of you may know from my desserts addiction, this was my favorite course of the night. The ice cream hadn't turned into an oozing mess in the frying process and the sugar coating added that extra bit of sweetness. A great way to end the meal!

Happily well-fed dinner companions

Overall, The Monogamous Chinese keeps its promise of providing diners with authentic Sichuan cuisine. The atmosphere is casual and the decor vibrant and fun, the perfect combination for impressing out-of-town guests.

Most dishes were rather tame, which was good for me and my ulcers, but those looking to blow smoke out of their ears may be slightly disappointed. Of course, there will be plenty of Sichuan chili peppers left over from the black-bone chicken if you need more heat.

The Monogamous Chinese, 59 Caine Road, Central, Hong Kong

(852) 2523 2872

© Connie Hum 2012

Video: Blogging 101

Recently I posted my Social Media Week Hong Kong Wrap-up blog. Here are the video recordings of my portion of Blogging 101 during Social Media Week Hong Kong, in case you were curious.

My talk starts at 4:15.

Remember that I mentioned Nokia_Connects presented me with a free Nokia Lumia 800 Smartphone? Watch my reaction! Plus, find out what I was doing BEFORE I "became famous."

For all the Blogging 101 video recordings of the panelists: film critic; James Marsh of Marsh Attacks, food blogger; Janice Leung of e_ting the world, and Razlan Manjaji of You Got Me Blogging, refer to Jay Oatway's YouTube channel. 

Now you've heard me talk about what inspires me to travel, but the big question is: What inspires YOU to travel?

© Connie Hum 2012

Social Media Week Hong Kong Wrap-Up & Blogging 101

Last week, I participated in my first international Social Media Week as both observer and speaker for the Blogging 101 panel. I thoroughly enjoyed the Social Media Week Hong Kong events I managed to attend; How Social is Empowering Global Movement was especially inspiring and thought-provoking.

Speaking at Blogging 101 was incredibly fun, even if I get really self-conscious when I have to speak in public. Yes, I AM aware I say "um" a lot, which makes me even more self-conscious and then I say it even more! Public speaking is a work in progress for me...

Speaking at Blogging 101, photo courtesy of Matthew Chong

The Blogging 101 panelists were tasked with discussing the various ways in which we started our own blogs, gained our audience, and what blogging tips we could advise other bloggers. To be honest, I wasn't sure what sage advice I would be able to bring to the discussion, but I spoke from the heart and my best piece of advice was that other bloggers do the same.

Here are some other interesting comments and blogging advice made by the Blogging 101 speakers:

Speaking with fellow Blogging 101 panelists (from left to right): film critic; James Marsh of Marsh Attacks, food blogger; Janice Leung of e_ting the world, and Razlan Manjaji of You Got Me Blogging

• Marshy00: "Don't just broadcast - build a conversation! e_ting feeds us great blogging advice at Blogging 101!
• waphle: "Story ideas are everywhere... don't be afraid to look at others for ideas" says Marsh00
• BonzaPie: Use catchy titles and key words so that people can search and find you (but no pathetic blog titles) says e_ting
• waphle: "If you want to be a famous blogger,you must have great content" says razlan79
• hypercasey: Know your audience, be timely, relevant and respond, interact, encourage. Blogging tips to live by Marshy00  
• waphle: "Adding ads takes away from what I want to do, which is inspire" says connvoyage (I know e_ting would agree too!)
• karinchiu: Stats and analytics- it's about the quality of the clicks, not just the numbers says e_ting
• waphle: "A blog cannot survive without interaction with your readers" wise words from connvoyage
• yeoa: So true!! 'You don't have to be a techie to be a blogger' says razlan79
• connvoyage: "Reply to all comments, don't be afraid of negative comments," says Marshy00 at Blogging 101
• waphle: "As much as you love blogging, you MUST get offline to meet your readers" says razlan79
• waylandlee: Big theme of #SMWHKblog: You gotta love what you blog! e_ting razlan79 Marshy00 connvoyage  
• lexiphanic: How to get readers? Easy! Be social (online and offline), guest blog, share, interview and learn from others advices connvoyage
• karinchiu: Friends, word of mouth, twitter and facebook are vital tools of promotion says Marshy00

I also received a very special surprise from the folks at Nokia_Connects during my presentation. Knowing that I was currently using an ancient Blackberry as my mobile device, the nice guys from Nokia presented me with a brand new Nokia Lumia 800 SmartPhone! I was completely shocked and surprised, not to mention excited to be given the opportunity to live in the present!

Out with the old and in with the new, thanks to Nokia_Connects

Thank you again to everyone who joined us for Blogging 101! It turned out to be a great event and sounds like some people left with some good insight and inspiration, myself included!

• lexiphanic: connvoyage inspires me to get my travel blog going properly again
• waphle: Wow, okay, Blogging 101 panel was definitely one of the best of #SMWHK. Kudos e_ting razlan79 connvoyage Marshy00

If you are interested in watching the recording of Blogging 101, or any of the other Social Media Week Hong Kong events, check out Jay Oatway's Youtube channel. At the time of posting, the Blogging 101 videos have not yet been uploaded but Jay promised that they would by this week.

**Update** Jay has posted the Blogging 101 videos for viewing. Catch them HERE!

A special thank you to Casey Lau for organizing the event and inviting me to speak on the panel!

*All photos, unless otherwise noted, used with permission by Yon Chung of Very Photography. To view the full album from Blogging 101, please go to Very Photography's Facebook page.

© Connie Hum 2012

Comilonas: Private Kitchen Dining

When I lived in New York City, I absolutely LOVED having friends over for good food and wine. My monthly dinner parties were some of the best nights I had with my friends and certainly some of my best memories of New York City as a whole.

When I moved to Hong Kong, a city notorious for its tiny living space and even tinier kitchens (never mind the fact that I don't even have a functional kitchen in my apartment), dinner parties became non-existent for me.

After hearing about a number of private kitchens in Hong Kong, my heart skipped a beat. I could (in a way) have dinner parties again! Sounded great to me so I started looking into the various private kitchens before deciding upon Comilonas.

"Home" grown cooking at Comilonas

Located in a converted apartment in a rather obscure and unassuming residential building in Sai Wan, Comilonas specializes in Catalan food. Lovingly run by husband and wife duo, Chef Lluis from Barcelona and Carrie, a Hong Kong native, the dining experience at Comilonas was charming and completely homey.  Their enthusiasm for sharing authentic Catalan food was evident and created a fantastic dining experience. Even my non-foodie friends enjoyed the special attention that Chef Lluis and Carrie paid to presenting the food and explaining the preparation and traditions behind each dish.

Chef Luis and Carrie making sure we were enjoying our meal

To start the meal, Chef Lluis demonstrated how to use a porró, a traditional wine pitcher typical of the Catalan region. For the inexperienced drinker, the basic goal in using the porró is to pour wine through the narrow spout into your mouth from as far as your arm can reach without spilling the wine on yourself. Trust me, it was even more difficult than it sounds!

Trying my best not to spill from the porró

I found most of the tapas served at Comilonas remarkably tasty and reminiscent of the Spanish food I ate during my time traveling in Spain. Here are some of the more outstanding dishes I found on the menu at Comilonas:

Chorizo in wine sauce

The chorizo in wine sauce was one of my favorite dishes of the night. The chorizo was the perfect amount of salty and the red wine sauce was simply divine. So good in fact, that I emptied a whole basket of bread sopping up the rich and flavorful sauce!

Black ink rice paella

I love black ink anything and the black rice paella was no exception. This dish was absolutely perfect from the distinctive yet subtle briny taste of the squid ink to the rich, buttery cream mixed in right before serving. I couldn't get enough of this dish and good thing it was served in such a generous portion because this black ink rice paella was certainly popular with my friends too!

Caramelized orange with vanilla ice-cream

The caramelized orange with vanilla ice-cream was the ideal sweet to end the meal. The orange slice overlaid on top was expertly caramelized to a hardened crisp, sweetly complimenting the mild tartness of the orange underneath. I almost died and went to heaven when my friend Johnny, who does NOT eat dessert (seriously, who doesn't eat dessert?!?) offered me his.TWO caramelized orange desserts! Who cares about being a little piggy when the dessert is this good?

By the end of the night, my friends and I were in high spirits from the combination of delicious food, good company, unique interaction with Chef Lluis and Carrie, several shared bottles of wine (did I mention there was free corkage?), and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Comilonas.

Friends and I enjoying our meal at Comilonas

Enjoying a meal at Comilonas was just like having friends over for dinner, but with better cooking than what I could have ever made back in my Manhattan apartment. The experience of having a shared meal with friends in a homey place was exactly what I wanted and for $380 per head, that's a small price to pay, especially given that a meal of this caliber can easily cost two or three times as much anywhere else in Hong Kong.

Comilonas is currently closed for the month of February, but according to their website, will re-open in March with new dishes on their menu. I'm already eager to go back and can't wait to see what new recipes Chef Lluis and Carrie will be cooking up!

Comilonas, Flat 22, 1st Floor, Yip Cheong Building, 4-16 Hill Road, Sai Wan, Hong Kong
(852) 9863 2270

© Connie Hum 2012