Chua Lam is taking his name off his eponymous Whampoa Gourmet Place in Hung Hom at the end of this month and moving the concept north of the border. The bon vivant says he will take his food court idea to a place where operating costs are less exorbitant.
'I decided not to renew my contract,' he said. 'When I started in Whampoa, it was a dead corner. Now I see many new restaurants in the area so I feel my mission there is complete. In Hong Kong, a lot of restaurants are tortured by unreasonable rent. These people work really hard but everything they do goes to pay the landlord. As soon as they see the tenant make a couple of bucks, they drive up the rent.'
The famed entrepreneur and food critic will take his idea to the Citic Metro Arcade in Shenzhen and is inviting folks to pitch ideas for dishes. If you think your cooking can please Chua Lam, call 31112530 for info or check www. drmall.com.cn
