Hong Kong's beau monde are talking about a wonder drink the French first discovered in the 1700s. Contrex, a natural mineral water from Contrexeville, north of Paris, apparently has amazing weight-loss powers. 'It really works,' says one Hong Kong-based convert who recently returned from a few days at the Contrex mineral spa in Contrexeville.
A calorie-controlled diet is mandatory, of course, but the super-high levels of calcium and magnesium mean dieters do not sacrifice crucial minerals in the thin-and-trim quest. Calcium, which is responsible for healthy hair, bones and teeth, and magnesium, which improves immune systems and reduces stress, are usually the first to go in most low-calorie diets.
The full story is being told at a Contrex Beauty Slim and Trim Rendezvous seminar at the Miramar Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui on October 12. Two sessions will be held - at noon and at 4 pm. In addition to extolling the virtues of the water, the seminar, exclusively for women, will include a fashion show and exercise advice. Attendance is free. Bookings can be made on 2520-5821.
Contrex is available from Seibu and Eurogestion (HK) Ltd (tel: 2805-2262). Cases of 12 bottles cost $170.
Barbecue with class The Peninsula barbecues begin again this week. Celebrating cooler evenings and the best use of the hotel's harbour-view sun deck, the barbecue dinners will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 7 pm to 9.30 pm until the end of winter. The dinner, to include seafood, salads and dessert, costs $420 for adults and $310 for children. Reservations on 2366-6251.
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