Cook up a storm at Gourmet Kitchen, which has just introduced American brands Farberware, Hoffritz and Roshco to Hong Kong. Based in the lifestyle section of city'super at 3301 Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Gourmet Kitchen's items are functional, practical and easily stored. More than 10,000 items are available, many of which are dual-purpose: the large scoop-spoon that's also a drainer; the chrome ice bucket with detachable lining that becomes a champagne cooler; and the wrought-iron spice rack that doubles as bookends. Getting to grips with the Sunday joint becomes a little smoother with the non-slip, ergonomically shaped handles of the Farberware carving knives. Steel mixing bowls are designed so nothing sticks to the sides and every last lick can be picked up by a spatula.
The jury praised the site for being a 'richly detailed, inventive place'. On Highway 281 near the Texas-Mexico border, the '60s service station had fallen into disrepair. The architects redesigned and expanded the stop, which is adjacent to a park, and the site is now a green oasis ringed by mature oak trees. Four buildings enclose a grassy quadrangle, with arbours and picnic spots among its 'broken' perimeter walls, which absorb traffic noise and block the view of the road.
BON VOYAGE Hong Kong-based food and beverage specialists Elite Concepts (tel: 2521-0756) are expanding in the Asia Pacific region with the opening of Viaggio (Italian for 'voyage') in Auckland. The waterfront restaurant, at 1 Queen Street, (tel: 64 9 358-4050) faces the America's Cup Basin and marks Elite Concepts' first foray into the southern hemisphere. Seafood is the theme, while the interior is inspired by a classic Italian design. 'Viaggio has an intimate atmosphere reminiscent of an Italian country villa,' says Elite Concepts' Paul Hsu. The main restaurant, with unobstructed harbour views, extends to a piazza-style cafe area with pavement seating and a bar. It is casually elegant without being pretentious, and the colours and finishes, including the terracotta floors and marble bar, recall the ambience of Venice.
Sony's MZ-E95 is the first MD Walkman with a built-in Lithium ion polymer rechargeable battery which gives 45 hours of continuous playback on its own, and 77 hours when used in combination with one AA battery. Other features include a mobile phone-type battery charger, 40 second shock resistant memory, and digital sound preset ($1,898) from Walkman Pro Shop, 610 Nathan Road, Mongkok.
Wood and aluminium folding chair ($2,800) by La Palma from Apartment 1, Caroline Centre, Causeway Bay.
