Asian diabetics, Ken Hom fans and advocates of juices, teas and tonics have all they can possibly swallow on the shelves of new mega bookstore, Page One Twins, which opened in Causeway Bay earlier this month. This leg-up for the book-browsing culture offers a window to the usual high-impact list of food world heroes - Escoffier, Larousse and Madhur Jaffrey. At the same time, it does not ignore less lofty efforts, with titles such as Michael Chiarelle's Flavoured Vinegars, a quirky look at a new trend. Call 2506-0382/3 for information. Lots like it really hot With names like Mean Devil Woman Cajun Pepper Sauce, Heinie-Hurtin' Hot Sauce and Screaming Sphincter Habanero Salsa, fiery foods continue to burn bright on the American food scene. A recent hot stuff trade exhibition, the National Fiery Foods Show, in the United States showcased some of the world's spiciest condiments, which have contributed to this year's estimated annual condiment sales of about HK$5.1 billion. Hong Kong gets its own hot spot when the territory's first Cajun restaurant, Lori Granito's The Bajou, opens at the end of March. Gene-altered food debate Genetically-altered foods pose no significant health risk, according to a recent Austrian report. The findings are being contested by international green groups, which are fighting for proper food labelling to warn consumers of even the smallest amount of genetically-altered ingredients in their food. Authorities in Australia and New Zealand have proposed a total ban. Genetically modified soybeans are among the most common foods on the market at the moment. Upmarket fare at wholesale prices The salmon jerky is an acquired taste. But the rest of the merchandise at Hong Kong's latest shopping hot spot, City Super, offers everything from flavoured popcorn toppings, such as buttery toffee and sour cream and onion, to organic oatmeal, gluten-free muesli, Fauchon teas and Manischewitz matzo ball mix. And, according to local restaurateurs, some of the prices are lower than those offered by Hong Kong's wholesale food suppliers. The supermarket section, which opened at the end of last year, is a mix of high-end deli and Causeway Bay's Japanese department store food halls. City Super, in Times Square's Basement, is open from 10.30am to 10pm. Call 2506-2888 for details. Personalised soda pops in Your name and photograph on a bottle of electric-coloured juice is the latest marketing trick dreamed up by would-be soda billionaires. Jones Sodas, created and bottled by Urban Juice and Soda Co, are an attempt at capturing a share of the US$52 billion (about HK$400 billion) so-called New Age drinks market, which was created by Snapple. Jones' bottles are similarly shaped to Corona beer bottles and, for a price, it will print its customers' photographs on limited run labels.
