6 Minutes @ Andreas Tucek

Austrian food may be a stranger to many as their food comprises various different cultural influences and culinary styles throughout the former Austro - Hungarian Empire and now it become one of the most exciting cuisines in the world. Andreas Tucek, the current Guest Chef for JW Marriot Hong Kong brought with him the traditional Viennese cooking during his re-visit to Hong Kong. Tucek told mylifestylenews his culinary journey by introducing his Viennese' s best over one sunny afternoon......

Austrian food is basically a heavy meal, a traditional Austrian food consists of sausages, smoke ham, beef soup, liver dumpling, sauerkraut, crispy onion, meat strudel and lots more.

For this Austrian Fair with JW Marriott Hong Kong, I will be preparing some authentic dishes to add on the lunch and supper buffets as well as a selection of Austrian wines to complement the enticing meal.

In this Austrian Buffet, you will find dishes like <Lachsforellen Mariniert> marinated dill salmon with mustard dressing, <Spätzle> Viennese butter dumpling,  <Wienerschnitzel> deep-fried breaded veal Viennese style, <Steirischer Krautstrudel> Styrian Cabbage strudel as well as dishes from the live cooking station like <Schweinsbraten> traditional roast pork and <Gekochtes Rindfleisch mit Röstkartoffeln> Viennese boiled beef with side dishes . Not forgetting the classic desserts <Apfel Strudel> warm apple strudel with vanilla custard sauce  and <Sachertorte> Austrian chocolate cake .

A selection of Austrian wines are also introduced to accompany the dishes. From the White wines, we have <Bankett Grüner Veltliner Lanwein 2010> from Weingut Bründlmayer Winery, <Kamptaler Terrassen Grüner Veltliner, Pradikatswein 2010> from Weingut Brundlmayer and Kamptal red wine from <Dechant Blauburgunder 2007>.

I am a teacher by profession at the renowned College for Tourismusschule Wassermanngasse (Tourism Management) in Vienna for 15 years now and I have been working in various countries like Turkey, Germany, France, Hungary, Romania, Great Britain, Czech Republic and Kuala Lumpur  and even on cruise line.

Little that you know, I started my work with Plachutta Restaurant in Vienna ( A renown restaurant in Vienna famous for their many traditional Austrian cooking) and I am still having a good relationship with them after so many years.

Styria Pork Fat Canape with Bell pepper & onion and Cheese Dumpling with Plum Sauce

 Marinated dill Salmon with honey mustard dressing and Beef Goulash

Prior to becoming a teacher, I have been a chef for 19 years inclusive working as an Executive Sous Chef at the Radisson SAS Palais Hotel and Executive Chef at the Renaissance Hotel and I also did the pre-opening of this JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. 

I was a Chef since 1978 and I like to be in the creative team of work and enjoy the different culture of cooking and culinary skills.

I enjoy travelling to exotic places like Ethiopia, Uganda, Cambodia and Costa Rica. My personal motto is to experience the culinary culture of different countries and immerse them into my teachings and to share these exciting experiences with my students.

I do cook at home with some simple meals and I like to pick up Asian ingredients like lemongrass or ginger and blend it in with the Austrian way of cooking to make my very own comfort meal.

My comfort food are like dumplings, Wienerschnitzel, potato salad. That's truly Austrian savories.

I am not the ambitious type of Chef that I like to be in the fame, I am happy for what I am doing now and I will continue sharing my culinary skills that I picked up from around the globe with my students. Cooking shall be fun but not pressure.

Tafelsplitz with Chive Sauce and Apple Horseradish

I don't wish to become a celebrity chef or any sort and you may not know how much pressure these chefs are going through and how much they have to do to maintain that high quality of standard that are expected by their followers or food connoisseurs.

I used to run a free standing restaurant before and overall I still prefer culinary teaching.

There are still many others food that I would like to try cooking especially like Japanese style of cooking with a hint of molecular cooking included would be fun ad interesting. Besides, Thai food is also one of my favorites that I always like to recommend to many others including my students.

I enjoy very much a traditional way of cooking, those grandma's recipes is one of the most inspirational ones.

I like Paul Bocuse's cooking, you can say he one of my mentors. Those traditional home cooking and recipes that he created are very inspirational and of course the Plachutta recipes.

Fresh pepper are the main ingredient that I like to use in my kitchen. Besides, fresh herbs like thymes, lemongrass, basil and rosemary are essential.

mylifestylenews @ Andreas Tucek

The Lounge at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong 

Lunch buffet Monday to Friday, 12pm to 2:30pm HK$205 Per Adult 

Supper buffet Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8pm to 11pm HK$380 Per Adult/HK$270 Per Child

Promotion ends 9th June 2013

Tel : +852 2810 8366 

M.A.C @ All About Orange

 Orange ~ Its vibrant energy and modern edge ignites fashion and beauty big time in Korea, Asia and the world. It’s one of the new global super shades that pops with sizzle and cool sophistication. 

M·A·C loves a colour with international impact and has translated the trend into a makeup collection for face, lips and nails. From Nail Lacquer in Sweet Pop to sizzling Tangerine Dream Lipstick,  it’s an homage to orange.

KENZO New Fragrance @ Couleur KENZO

 KENZO new fragrance COULEURKENZO  is the spirit of fashion that blows across fragrances garnished with flowers. The COULEURKENZO JAUNE YELLOW is like a splash of sunlight, this radiant fragrance gourmand sunny floral consists of bergamot and citron ~ the Mediterranean citrus fruits merge with solar flower, jasmine and orange blossom warmed by vanilla. The Eau de Prfum created by Jean Jacques from TA KASAGO. The colors have their own case, its pure lines stamped with an initial and topped by the iconic and poetic flower cap created in 1988 by Serge Mansau for the very first Kenzo fragrance.

The COULEURKENZO ROSE PINK is a dazzling radiance of a chic and shock scent. The trail-blazing duo of ROSE spiced up by saffron unravels in a fresh scent of grapefruit and Angelica. This Eau de Parfum created by Jean Jacques and Sylvie Fisher from TA KASAGO.

Qineticare @ First Hong Kong Based Dedicated Family Health Office

Qineticare launched  first dedicated family health office based in Hong Kong recently by offering health management services to members in Hong Kong and internationally followed by the launch of operations in other major global cities. Founded and led by CEO Feisal Alibhai, Qineticare’s family health office opens to members, offering proactive guidance on all aspects of their healthcare and lifelong wellness, including a global service for members when travelling. Qineticare’s family health office services incorporates the investment in and management of every aspect of its members’ health, from lifelong wellness planning, to medical emergencies. 

The Company provides its members with priority access to the finest medical and wellness professionals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. A team of personal dedicated nurses, secure electronic medical record management, medical history reviews, wellness assessments, personal coaching, medical insurance advisory, seminars and workshops, and if required, preparation and assistance prior to medical appointments.

Feisal Alibhai commented, “Our passionate belief is that the quality and longevity of your life depends on preventing health problems and knowing who to go to when something unexpected happens. As a cancer survivor myself, I can fully appreciate the significance of having this type of knowledge at my fingertips. We believe that there are a lot of families in Hong Kong who view health as their highest priority, and see enormous value in the service which we are offering. We have also been excited to see the early response to our offering in Africa, Mainland China and the Middle East, where there is a great deal of interest. Our long term goal is to transform and rebalance the way that our members view healthcare. We want people to have a process should illness strike, it’s all about being proactive, gaining knowledge and implementing a program that supports you and your family at every stage of your life. It’s proactive healthcare rather than reactive sickness management.”

The Organic Pharmacy @ Organic Glam

The Organic Pharmacy turns up the heat as summer arrives and dedicated to creating organic products free from toxins commonly found in cosmetics and the creation of Organic Glam is no exception. The Organic Glam Sheer Tint enhance and even skin tone with this light, sheer tint. Packed with antioxidant botanicals and mineral colours to protect and give skin a radiant luminous glow. Polysaccharides from Cyatheacea Tree lift, firm and tone. Gentle light reflecting pigments catch the light and instantly brighten the skin for an ultra-natural radiant glow.

The Organic Glam Photo Finish Antioxidant Pressed Powder infused with Green Tea, lemon Grape and Vitamins A, C and E, this face powder not only protects the skin from free radical damage but also imparts a mat and flawless finish. Mineral colours impart a natural photo finish look.

The Temple House To Be Opened in Chengdu @ The Fourth Quarter of 2014

Following the successful launch of The Opposite House in Beijing and The Upper House in Hong Kong, Swire Hotels is set to unveil its third House, The Temple House, in Chengdu in the fourth quarter of 2014. The hotel will be located in the heart of the city, within the Chengdu Daci Temple Cultural and Commercial Complex, a project jointly developed by Sino-Ocean Land and Swire Properties. Designed by UK-based architects Make Architects, the 100-room hotel and its 42 adjoining serviced apartments form an integral part of the city government’s conservation project to preserve the surrounding heritage buildings next to the thousand-year-old Daci Temple. The three-dimensional woven façade combines modern design with the traditional Chengdu architectural elements of timber, brick and step stones.  Elegant bamboo trees frame the hotel’s entrance, which is set in a beautifully restored hundred-year-old Chinese courtyard building first built in the Qing Dynasty. Although Chinese Emperors have previously stayed at the Daci Temple, The Temple House evokes the modest houses provided for scholars who came from different parts of the world to study at the Temple. The hotel continues this tradition of humility by creating understated luxury experiences that are founded on a deeply personalised service for every guest. Brian Williams, Managing Director of Swire Hotels, says ‘Our goal is to create a highly individualised hotel which houses a series of dynamic restaurants and uniquely designed facilities.  The Temple House presents an ideal opportunity to extend our brand into one of China’s wealthiest and fastest-growing regions.’ 

MCM Hong Kong Flagship Store 2nd Year Anniversary @ MCM Cognac Visetos Art Exhibition

MCM celebrated its second-year anniversary in May 2013, MCM Flagship Store at Entertainment Building in Hong Kong recently and presented the new collection crossing over with art - “Eye on the Horizon” which reflects summer passion and trendy art. And the classic heritage Cognac Visetos was showcased in Art Basel.

 MCM classic heritage Cognac Visetos shows its classical form through its modern art design. Cognac Visetos begins ever since MCM is launched. It carries MCM core value “Back to Basic”, focusing on brand’s German origin and the nation’s traditional handicraft. Today MCM develops of the foundation of its core value and traditional handicraft, and evolves as the world changes to fulfill customers’ various needs.

  

The opening of Art Basel on 24^th May 2013 in Hong Kong has attracted many artist pioneers. Twelve artists reinterpreted Cognac Visetos handbags, giving a new appearance to MCM Flagship Store at Entertainment Building in Hong Kong. Artists who participated in the collaboration include Hunt Slonem, Don Mitchell, Brad Howe, Eric Demarchelier, Julie Combal, Eddie Granger, Diana Delgado, Matthew Satz, Nora Mulheren, Rotem Reshef, Miriam Cabessa and Stephan Fowlkes. MCM aims to lead Cognac Visetos to become cutting-edge in form of visual art, to show MCM’s passion and persistence of creativity and art. 

“Food meets Art” @ 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA

Three-Michelin-starred 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA organized a “Food Meets Art” wine dinner event for Castello Romitorio to launch the painting of Chef Umberto Bombana created by contemporary Italian artist Sandro Chia, also the founder of Castello Romitorio, and to promote its wines and the dishes specially created by Chef Bombana. Mr. Filippo Chia, the son of Sandro Chia and managing director of Castello Romitorio, during their recent visit in Hong Kong.

Having known each other for a long time, Sandro Chia planned to create a painting for Chef Bombana since four years ago. It is until this year the painting is completed and displayed in 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA.

Chef Bombana created a five-course menu  <White Asparagus>, <Burrata Cheese Ravioli>, <Green Vegetables Risotto>, <Fassone Veal Tenderloin> and <Hazelnut Chocolate Bar>.

This year, the 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA is the only three-Michelin-starred restaurant to be named one of the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants”. The eatery has also achieved other honours including No. 6 in “Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant”, No. 10 in “Asia 101 Best Restaurants” and No. 9 in “Miele Guide Asia Top 20”. Chef Bombana’s culinary kingdom has extended to Shanghai and Beijing in 2012 and May 2013 respectively. All his restaurants are highly acclaimed.

Castello Romitorio was founded by famous Italian artist Sandro Chia in 1984. Castello Romitorio a massive twelfth-century hilltop fortress in Montalcino, now produces exquisite Tuscan wines, grappa and olive oil in the best traditions of the region.

John Hardy @ Father Day's Pick

 JOHN HARDY Asia Pacific limited edition Nage watch inspired by the mythical dragon and its importance to Balinese cultureas a symbol of love, prosperity and protection, John Hardy’s Naga collection brings the legend to life, especially for this coming Father’s Day. Rich with details and gemstones, it reflects the origins of the inspiration while displaying extraordinary craftsmanship and excellent quality. As much a jewel as a timepiece, the sterling silver carved chain round watch features 18K gold, Cabochon Ruby and nine colorful Sapphires that adorn the cosmic dragon brought to life on the back surface, as well as a black spinel on the crown. Combined with an enamel dial, full sterling silver Swiss movement and bezel, the watch is matched with a stylish black alligator bracelet, exuding a distinctly modern, unconventional and masculine vibe.

The Father-and-son's Naga Bracelet is one of the world’s few remaining jewelers that still weave their sterling silver and 18k gold chains by hand. Inspired by amythical Balinese dragon that represents love, prosperity and protection, the iconic Naga collection combines modernity and masculinity to celebrate the intimate bonds between father and son on Father’s Day. The matching father-and-son bracelets from the Naga collection feature an ornate dragon head clasp and intricate dragon scales individually hand-carved.These pieces represent John Hardy’s belief in exquisite quality,as well as in the dynamic between designers and artisans. The result of this adherence to its values is breathtaking pieces that are collectable, unique and stunningly beautiful.

PRADA Twin Pocket @ New Handbag Collection

PRADA Twin Pockets in vitello Glace, a new model combiningstyle and function, the distinctive hallmarks of Prada;s products. Made in an easy, sporty leather and defined bhy two outer pockets with zips. These are featured in PRADA Pre-fall 2013 Advertising Campaign.

GEORG JENSEN @ Vivianna Starry Night Special Edition

 GEORG JENSEN  Vivianna Starry Night Special Edition originally created by designer Vivianna Torun Bülow-Hübe in 1962, the Vivianna watch has become an icon of timeless design. The characteristic open-ended form and numberless dial represent an escape from the confinements of time, and Torun’s ability to mould seemingly inflexible materials into fluid forms showcases her skill as one of the leading designers of her time.  Liberate yourself from the conventions of time. Live in the here and now. Infused with the designer’s organic and timeless design idiom, the new limited Starry Night range is launched as a tribute to Vivianna, who from the depths of the oceans to the starlit heavens, found her greatest inspiration in nature. The deep, spellbinding contours of the dark mother-of-pearl dial are reminiscent of the night sky with its sparkling stars, mirroring the refinement of Torun’s creative mind. Slender hands move gracefully over the spellbinding and gleaming beauty of the dial, allowing the wearer to lose herself in time. Marrying jewellery with time telling, this luxurious timepiece is available in a 34-millimetre stainless steel case that gently wraps itself like a bracelet around the wrist of the wearer.This Special edition has the designer name of ‘Torun’ engraved on the elegant, dark mother-of-pearl dial which is encircled by 88 sparkling diamonds. The special production holds 150 pieces each individually numbered.

Salvatore Ferragamo New Fragrance @ Acqua Essenziale

Salvatore Ferragmao new fragrance Acqua Essenziale philosophy is a combination between essence as the highest form of authenticity ans the water as the most essential natural element. A signature scent that celebrates a man's real essence. The high quality citruses and crispy green notes of Mint and Lemon Tree Leaf strengthen the freshness and provides a casual vibration to the top note. The heart note reveals aromatic personalities of elegant Geranium,. Rosemary and Lavender shaken by a surprising twist of a cutting-edge molecule, the Cascalone, which instills an acquatic breath to the fragrance. In the fry down the captures the distinctive style of woods, Patchouli and Vetiver, and the comfort of Cistus, Am authentic signature that dives into the modernity of Helveltolide, a new musk playing with its oral uniqueness.