Chef Martin Yan Leads Epicurean Adventure in Hong Kong
LOS ANGELES-(Business Wire)-September 3, 2009 - Yan Can Cook, but can you? You certainly will after this trip, a seven-day/five-night (Oct. 26-Nov. 1) Hong Kong adventure with one of PBS’ most popular chefs, Martin Yan of “Yan Can Cook.” Not only that, you’ll learn a lot more about fine wines while sipping your way through the itinerary, beginning with a cooking workshop and wine pairing at the renowned Chinese Cuisine Training Institute.
On arriving in Hong Kong on Oct. 27, guests will settle into the luxurious Kowloon Shangri-La, with breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour. An afternoon open-air bus tour is included, to familiarize guests with Asia’s most exciting city. The rest of the day is free, and one sure way to overcome travel fatigue is the optional afternoon tea in the plush ambiance of the legendary Peninsula Hotel.
“Love of good food is as iconic to Hong Kong as its skyline, Victoria Peak or respect for feng shui and traditional culture – in other words, the joy of good eating is integral to the way Hong Kong lives, moves and has its being,” said Lillibeth Bishop, publicity and promotions manager, Hong Kong Tourism Board. “Martin Yan is imbued with this enthusiasm for the culinary culture of Hong Kong and this collaborative package has been prepared with the same loving care Chef Yan lavishes on each dish, from market to tableside. And since this is all about the authentic Hong Kong culinary experience, wine lovers will appreciate the package, too – and have an extra incentive to book now that everyone can purchase vintage wines in Hong Kong duty free.”
Oct. 28 - Martin Yan himself will guide a tour of a local market to find the freshest ingredients, to be prepared in the hands-on lesson at the Chinese Cuisine Training Institute (CCTI). The CCTI features a training restaurant where students are taught the deep-rooted traditions of the Chinese culinary arts encompassing the specialties of eight provincial cuisines. In the afternoon, Hollywood Road will unfold its heralded antique and curio shops, followed by a visit to Man Mo Temple, built in 1848 during the early years of British rule in Hong Kong and one of its oldest, best-known temples. The day is aptly topped off by a sumptuous seafood dinner in Sai Kung on the coast, with its rustic rolling hills, historic villages and white sand beaches.
Oct. 29 - Martin Yan will join guests on a tour of Lantau Island, a lush paradise with the world’s largest outdoor seated Buddha statue. A vegetarian lunch will be served, designed by Chef Yan and prepared by the monks at Po Lin Monastery. A post-lunch ride on the Ngong Ping Cable Car suspends guests between the cerulean sky and the serene vista hundreds of feet below. Following an afternoon tea demonstration and appreciation class in the health benefits of Chinese tea, guests will be free to explore Hong Kong’s fabled charms on their own.
Oct. 30 - The day starts with a 360-degree panoramic view of Hong Kong at Victoria’s Peak, reached via one of the world’s oldest funicular railways, followed by a dim sum lunch. Then it’s off to Stanley Market, a “must-visit” for fabulous souvenir shopping. End the day by joining revelers at the Hong Kong Tourism Board-sponsored Wine and Dine Festival at West Kowloon Promenade, best vantage point for the spectacular Victoria Harbour and the nightly Symphony of Lights. This panoramic vision of laser beams, colored lights and searchlights on Hong Kong’s skyscrapers has been named the “World’s Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show” by Guinness World Records.
Oct. 31 - On the last day, guests will explore the sights, shop and enjoy themselves at their leisure. A farewell dinner will be hosted at the Crown Wine Cellars, whose extensive wine facilities boast six underground cellars as well as a private members’ clubhouse. In addition, the Crown Wine Cellars recently introduced state-of-the-art computer-controlled equipment to create optimum conditions in an ideal cellar environment for the aging and sustaining of vintage wines. Its unusual history makes being there even more exceptional. Originally an ammunition and weapons storage depot for the British Military, it was declared a UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Site in 2007.
In addition to these exceptional experiences, this wonderfully balanced itinerary leaves plenty of time to forge one’s own memories of Hong Kong’s sights and thrills.
Tour cost is $2,860 per person double occupancy, based on departure from Los Angeles or San Francisco. This includes fuel surcharge, security surcharges and international departure tax. The first 50 guests will receive an autographed copy of Martin Yan’s Asia cookbook, a signature gourmet knife, a set of Chef Yan chopsticks (four pairs) and a special gift from Samsonite.
For more information and to book this tour, contact AsiaLuxe Holidays, www.asialuxeholidays.com or 1-888-742-3445. You may also contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board at (323) 938-4582, www.discoverhongkong.com/usa.
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