LOCAL HERO
lai kei ice cream
Lai Kei ice cream has been serving up desserts for more than 50 years. Something of a tourist attraction these days, the shop originally sold bread and biscuits as well, in the days when ice cream was considered a luxury. Now run by the grandchild of the original owner, the shop is a refreshing throwback to the days when Macau was a sleepy colonial town. Everything from the retro décor to the cheap prices transports customers to another era. Locals, who started coming as kids, now bring their own children, while Korean and Japanese tourists love the retro designs and home-made tastes. Asked why they have kept prices so low, Ambert, who runs the store, was honest. “If we raise the prices, children won’t be able to afford it and what’s the point?” In an era of the never-ending race towards profit, it’s a sentiment we salute.
CONSUME
tapas
Macau’s heritage might be Portuguese, but if you’re partial to the national dish of its Iberian neighbour, Macau does have some tapas restaurants. For a bright and breezy light lunch, check out Corner’s Wine Bar (+853 2848 2848) which serves up a wide selection of tapas. The rooftop is particularly appealing in the evenings with the sun setting over Macau’s historic centre. Try the braised stuffed onion in bouillon, which is particularly tasty when washed down with a house red. For true connoisseurs, no tapas tour is complete without a stop at the original – and some say best – Spanish restaurant in Macau: Don Quijote (+853 2882 5028). Located near the Venetian, Don Quijote combines no-frills décor with tasty dishes and a large wine cellar. The meat and cheese sampler is perfect for starters, along with home-made bread. The traditional tapas is superb with the prawns and scallops taking the honours. and, of course, tapas isn’t complete without sangria, and Don Quijote has perfected that too.
EXCESS
caran d’ache diamond fountain pen
Comprising of 5,072 full-cut diamonds and 96 half-cut rubies, the La Modernista is the last word in luxury. Limited to 1888 pieces – to commemorate the year the first World Fair was held in Barcelona – this will set you back MOP 3.9 million.
we love
We love the Veuve Clicquot loveseats in the Veuve Clicquot bar in the MGM Grand. There are only four seats in Asia – and only 60 worldwide – and the MGM has managed to snap up three of them. The seats were inspired by the French loveseats of the 18th century when men and women weren’t allowed to sit facing the same direction. Designed by Űber-designer, Karim Rashid, the seats provide a rather public location for some private canoodling. With much of Macau’s design aping existing concepts, it’s nice to see some innovative aesthetic choices being made.
ART
macau arts festival
This year’s Macau arts Festival (running from May 1-30) will be more international than ever, with artists and performers from India, Spain, Israel and South Korea among those who’ll descend on Macau for the month-long festival. Performance art will dominate the festival with the highlight for many being the The Aluminium Act, an Israeli group who weave dance, visual theatre and industrial materials into their performances. The South Korean group Noridan, will showcase PingPangPong, a mixture of music, dance and circus acts in what’s sure to be a spectacular show. Local artists will also be represented with the Patois drama group, Doci Paplacam di Macau and the Association of Cantonese Opera and Music among those taking part. For many, though, the highlight of the 19th Macau Arts Festival will be The Tempest, with Shakespeare’s classic being updated for the modern age. a 4D performance will incorporate theatre, multimedia and projected imagery in a whirlwind for the senses.
OLYMPICS
torch song
The Olympic Torch will be in Macau on May 3 as it makes it way to Beijing. We spoke to one of the Samsung torchbearers, Miriam Yeung.
I’ve fond memories of Macau from when I was growing up. My friends and I used to save up all our pocket money until we had enough for a day trip. We would wander around all the sights and treat ourselves to the fantastic local food, including barbecued pork, egg rolls and serradura, a wonderful dessert made from cream and biscuits. The memories are sure to flood back when I carry the Olympic torch. The Olympics promises to be a great event, not just for Beijing but for Chinese people all around the world and it’s such an honour to carry the torch. I’ve been training with a personal trainer in preparation and i recently completed a 10km run, so I’m in great shape. Once I’ve completed the torch relay I’ll be counting the days until the Games start. I’m really looking forward to it as I’m a big fan of the synchronised swimming and synchronised diving. My favourite event, though, is the women’s volleyball, especially any game in which the Chinese team is competing.
MUSIC
get bach
Bach’s name means ‘brook’ in German. Beethoven once said of him: “His name should not be brook, it should be ocean.”
He had numerous jobs and fathered 20 children, leading many to wonder where he found the time to compose at all.
He never travelled more than 200 miles from the town of Eisentadt where he was born.
He was once attacked by a musician whose music he had criticised. Bach managed to defend himself against the man and five attackers using his ceremonial sword.
Only one of his great choral and vocal compositions was published during his lifetime.
Angela Hewitt Piano Recital, Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier Book 1
Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, April 22
ART
from paris with louvre
Tying into this summer’s Olympic Games, Plato in the Land of Confucius – Greek Art From the Louvre will showcase 134 works of art from the Louvre Museum in Paris, including marble sculptures, pottery and gold dating from 500BC to 400AD. Some of the finest Greek sculptures will be on show, including Athlete Holding a Discus, Arthena Parthenos and Aphrodite. Part of a three-city Asian tour, many of the pieces have never been exhibited outside France before. For anyone with an interest in art or culture, this is an exhibition not to be missed.
SHOP
francfranc
Japanese home concept store Francfranc has opened its first store in Macau. The store is the third overseas location after Taiwan and Hong Kong and is located in Nova City in Taipa. Francfranc specialises in minimal, designer home goods and furniture.
macau calendar
april-may 2008
apr 28 Honouring A-Ma, the goddess of seafarers, celebrations take place in the shadow of the temple dedicated to the deity. Make an offering or simply enjoy the Chinese Opera performances. |
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may 01 This year’s month-long event - the 19th - has everything from dance to modern art on offer as more than 30 local and international acts arrive in Macau for what should be the best festival yet. |
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may 03 The road to Beijing reaches Macau as the torch parades through the city. |
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may 18 The cream of Asia’s wushu athletes descend on Macau for six days of top-class action at the 7th Asian Wushu Championships. Large crowds and a great atmosphere are on the cards. www.iwuf.org |
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may 31 Sai Van Lake will see a host of rowers from around the globe take part in the annual races which form part of the Dragon Boat Festival. Colourful, noisy and very wet, this is one of the year’s sporting highlights.
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