Air Pollution and The Best Martini in Hong Kong
Mike Catherall
March 26, 2007
I always write about the intersections between Sustainability and Advertising. But this week, I think I will write about something else.
To tell you the truth, I’m a bit sick of how polluted Hong Kong is. I mean, Hong Kong is a great place and all, but the pollution is getting to me. I can’t even run without feeling like I’m doing damage to my poor lungs instead of helping them.
I’m also sick of how sustainability has turned into a lip service thing and how I have no backup whatsoever so it’s just me ranting away (well me and HK magazine that is). So if ranting it is, ranting it shall be. So be it.
I got into an argument the other day with a Hong Kong girl who was an environmental consultant. I asked her what she planned to do about the ridiculous pollution here and she said, ‘We will blame China.’
Ah, very productive.
I couldn’t believe it. This is when (probably just like many of you are going to do now) she started to attack me. ‘Oh, you come over here from Canada and you tell us how bad our pollution is and blah blah blah….who do you think you are?’
Okay, I can understand how it might be annoying to be told how bad your pollution is by an outsider. But how does attacking me solve anything?
Canada is far from perfect. Our Kyoto (Kyoto who?) record is pretty terrible and we have our share of problems. But the reality is, it is nothing compared to Hong Kong. Hong Kong has an immediate problem on their hands. The pollution here is terrible. Seriously. You think they would do something more about it than expect China to slow down first.
What about introducing a foot-in-the-door Lights Out, between 4-5 am?’ I suggested. But nay. ‘What about a mandatory ban on all plastic bags?’ Nay again. I mean, come on, I thought these kinds of environmental people had the same goals?
We will blame China!’
Fine.
Anyway, sustainability issues are starting to bug me. So this week, I’m going to write about what I love about Hong Kong instead of complain about it.
I like the nightlife. I like the mad mid-day bustle. I like how it is just as exciting at 2 am as it is at 2 pm. I like the people. I like the view of the harbour on a sunny day. I love Causeway Bay. I like all the buildings. I like the electric energy of this place. It has a very cool vibe.
And there are some of the best bars and clubs in the world here. And some awesome tea houses.
Finding a good martini, however, and I don’t know why, is not easy.
Anyway, I took it upon myself to find the best martini in this city and it was quite the undertaking. About half of the time you get a glass full of vermouth. It’s pretty rotten. Order a dry martini, and you’ll be lucky to get a shot of vodka and a black olive on a stick.
Needless to say, after much hunting – here are the three best in the city:
Bulldogs in Wanchai – Yes that’s right. Horrible location. Incredible martinis. Cold chilled thick glass. Tiny flakes of ice. Good vodka. Beefy olives. The perfect balance of vodka with the faintest hint of Noilly. This is it. Hand’s down.
Opia in Causeway Bay – They use great vodka – 40 below. It’s from New Zealand and the bartender knows what he’s doing. The vibe of the place is very opulent. I like it.
Brecht’s in Causeway Bay – Okay, the martinis here aren’t that great, but this the best bar in all of Hong Kong. Great music, great vibe, and Sai and Freddy are supercool.
So there you have it.
To tell you the truth, I’m a bit sick of how polluted Hong Kong is. I mean, Hong Kong is a great place and all, but the pollution is getting to me. I can’t even run without feeling like I’m doing damage to my poor lungs instead of helping them.
I’m also sick of how sustainability has turned into a lip service thing and how I have no backup whatsoever so it’s just me ranting away (well me and HK magazine that is). So if ranting it is, ranting it shall be. So be it.
I got into an argument the other day with a Hong Kong girl who was an environmental consultant. I asked her what she planned to do about the ridiculous pollution here and she said, ‘We will blame China.’
Ah, very productive.
I couldn’t believe it. This is when (probably just like many of you are going to do now) she started to attack me. ‘Oh, you come over here from Canada and you tell us how bad our pollution is and blah blah blah….who do you think you are?’
Okay, I can understand how it might be annoying to be told how bad your pollution is by an outsider. But how does attacking me solve anything?
Canada is far from perfect. Our Kyoto (Kyoto who?) record is pretty terrible and we have our share of problems. But the reality is, it is nothing compared to Hong Kong. Hong Kong has an immediate problem on their hands. The pollution here is terrible. Seriously. You think they would do something more about it than expect China to slow down first.
What about introducing a foot-in-the-door Lights Out, between 4-5 am?’ I suggested. But nay. ‘What about a mandatory ban on all plastic bags?’ Nay again. I mean, come on, I thought these kinds of environmental people had the same goals?
We will blame China!’
Fine.
Anyway, sustainability issues are starting to bug me. So this week, I’m going to write about what I love about Hong Kong instead of complain about it.
I like the nightlife. I like the mad mid-day bustle. I like how it is just as exciting at 2 am as it is at 2 pm. I like the people. I like the view of the harbour on a sunny day. I love Causeway Bay. I like all the buildings. I like the electric energy of this place. It has a very cool vibe.
And there are some of the best bars and clubs in the world here. And some awesome tea houses.
Finding a good martini, however, and I don’t know why, is not easy.
Anyway, I took it upon myself to find the best martini in this city and it was quite the undertaking. About half of the time you get a glass full of vermouth. It’s pretty rotten. Order a dry martini, and you’ll be lucky to get a shot of vodka and a black olive on a stick.
Needless to say, after much hunting – here are the three best in the city:
Bulldogs in Wanchai – Yes that’s right. Horrible location. Incredible martinis. Cold chilled thick glass. Tiny flakes of ice. Good vodka. Beefy olives. The perfect balance of vodka with the faintest hint of Noilly. This is it. Hand’s down.
Opia in Causeway Bay – They use great vodka – 40 below. It’s from New Zealand and the bartender knows what he’s doing. The vibe of the place is very opulent. I like it.
Brecht’s in Causeway Bay – Okay, the martinis here aren’t that great, but this the best bar in all of Hong Kong. Great music, great vibe, and Sai and Freddy are supercool.
So there you have it.