Bringing the Yankee to Honky

Last Saturday, the stars and stripes were out in full force at the inaugural Great American Barbeque. With a huge variety of food and beverage booths, a stage, a big screen and a dozens of picnic tables; the event covered the outdoor space of The Podium in Cyberport. I was invited along by Hush Up Events - who organised the showcase of American BBQ culture - to celebrate the culinary diversity of the US’50 states. Keeping the promise of craft beers, American wines and cheesecake in mind, I was excited to experience a unique day out.


BBQ Crew

Upon arrival, I was struck by how welcoming the large open space was and instantly felt like I was at a neighbourhood barbeque. The 4,000 square metre venue was decorated colourfully and dotted with little ones and grownups, milling around with hot dogs in hand. The atmosphere was buzzy but not overwhelming and relaxed but not boring. The crowds were certainly present but the queues moved quickly and there was table space for any of those who didn’t feel like panning out, barefoot, on the grass. I think this was a testament to the fantastic skills of the organisers who used wrist bands, and vouchers to purchase food and beverages, to ensure that everyone had a stress – free day. After I was presented with my tickets, I headed straight for the food. Obviously.

Food, glorius food!

I tucked in to the wide variety of BBQ favourites on offer (for research purposes only, of course) and was particularly impressed by the smoky beans, corn on the cob and mac ‘n’ cheese. I also have in on very reliable authority (the husband) that the hamburgers and jumbo hot dogs went down a treat. To sweeten the deal, I enjoyed one of the tastiest baked cheesecakes in a long time and sampled the mouth-watering chocolate brownies. After washing it all down with a couple of bottles of Bud, I was ready for the entertainment on offer.


All You Can Eat

The live band played all-American tunes that injected a feel-good vibe into to event and provided the perfect soundtrack to the conversation of family and friends. Games ranged from a Tug of War competition to the Rose Rib Eating Contest and the Beerhound Beer Drinking Challenge. There was a fine distraction for the kids (and our friend Ben!) who watched old classics at the silent outdoor cinema while the adults let their hair down. These novel twists made the day feel fun, familiar and family – focused.

Ben loving Happy Feet!

Hong Kong Yankees should be proud of this exhibition of all things USA and the celebration of the united tastes of America!

As the day wound down, I chatted with Rachel and Charlotte from Hush Up Events, who filled me in on some of the exciting and innovative music and performance projects they have up their sleeves for Hong Kongers. Hush Up are brining something truly unique to HK and I will certainly have my tickets for the Private Hot Tub Cinema on reserve!

With Charlotte - Hush Up's Event Manager

For more info on upcoming events check out http://hushup.hk/

Genie in a Bottle

The daily grind in Hong Kong is often frantic and indulgent, leaving most of us in desperate need of a detox. We would all like to be fitter, healthier and more sparkly but, put simply, there are not enough hours in the day. Thankfully, Genie Juicery (the city’s first cleanse program, don’t cha know) is on hand to offer your favourite health – focused juices and snacks in a Hong Kong minute. Genie has found a new home in ifc mall, offering tasty juices that are both nourishing and delicious with super friendly and knowledgeable staff to guide you through their huge selection. Now, there really is no excuse to slack on the health kick - step away from that almond croissant.



Orang Utan



Hailed as HK’s first neighbourhood juicery, Genie is the latest buzz in the city after the massive success of their cleanse program. The brainchild of supermodel Cara McIlroy and her business partner Melanie Barnish (follow them on Instagram for some serious hair and body envy); Genie has been delivering cold press juices since 2011. These delectable ladies are not just pretty faces and are both qualified Health Coaches from the school of Integrative Nutrition.

 

Before becoming green gurus, Cara enjoyed a stellar career as a high profile fashion model and television personality and Melanie displayed her design skills as the head of a handbag and footwear brand. Both women are now fully fledged entrepreneurs and self – proclaimed health nuts who have merged the two ideals to form a one – stop shop for all things healthy. There really could be no better advertisement for the benefits of Genie and these beauties are the picture of health and wellness - girl crush alert!

 

Geniuses

One of the things that I personally love about the Genie ethos, is that the focus is not on weight loss or deprivation. There is no size zero nonsense here and investment in the produce promises to give more energy, glowing skin and shinier hair. Genie is the perfect antidote to the frenetic modern rat race that we are all caught up in and has become my favourite way to shake up my daily HK routine.

 

Genie Juices

What to drink: Cold pressed, raw and living juices, smoothies and nut milks and cold brew coffee are all available over the counter in the ifc flag ship store (or online for added convenience). Genie juices are 100% raw and unpasteurised and the consistency is smooth and easy to drink. To be perfectly honest, I was never a smoothie or juice fan before I discovered Genie. I am extremely sensitive to the texture of food and beverages and yes, I am aware of how weird that is! I have been lucky enough to test almost every offering and I was so impressed by each and every variation. Even those that are not to my personal taste are very drinkable and I switch up my daily dose depending on what my body needs. My favourties are:

Garden Gnome: apple, pear, lime, ginger and spirulina

I love having this in the morning as it’s zingy flavour really wakes me up and sets me up for the busy working day

Garden Gnome

Supreme High: cold brew coffee, almond, date, vanilla bean and pink Himalayan salt

This beats Starbucks every time for a caffeine fix with extra goodness



Supreme High

Gym Junkie: raw vegan protein, protein powder, almond, date, vanilla bean, banana, pink Himalayan salt

Created to compliment a work out but it also serves as a sweet treat minus the guilt



Gym Junkie

The juices range from HKD$48 to $HKD78 and -  as many are a meal in themselves - I think they are marked at competitive prices and well worth your hard earned dolla.

 

If you do pop into the ifc store, my gorgeous friend and all round awesome human being, Aisling Cotter, is the Manager and pretty much lives and breathes Genie. She is really passionate about the new venture and has all the information about their variety of cleansing options and packages.

 

Hong Kongers: there has never been a better time to go green!

 

www.geniejuciery.com

 

Address:

ifc mall

Shop 2096

8 Finance Street

Central, Hong Kong