Haven in a bog...
Friends are complaining about my debut write-up for the South China Mourning Post this week, saying the piece is packed with too much clarity of style -- sound commentary -- moral proses and -- hardboiled investigative and explanatory reporting... in short, too much a serious contender for the next Pulitzer Prize rather than the arrant nonsense from me as always...
Well, what can I say? This is distinguished journalism we're talking about here, right?! It's not like I'm writing with impulses on the nearest bogroll I managed to find or something...
Anyways, food always gives me tons of elan. I am actually having a good time doing this and hopefully many more will come. Last but not least, thanks goes to my editor Susan for the wearisome ordeal of patching everything together.
[courtesy of SCMP]
Hey Josh
This is great. Will be picking your brains via your blog for info on good places to eat in HK for my October trip. I've not been back in 10 years!
Helen Yuet Ling
Posted by: Helen Yuet Ling Pang | March 30, 2008 at 06:43 AM
That's pretty awesome. BTW, I finally caught your appearance with Tony Bourdain on No Reservations. Good times.
Posted by: Chubbypanda | March 31, 2008 at 02:15 AM
What I would do for a bowl of noodles RIGHT now....
*sign*
Posted by: Sui Mai | March 31, 2008 at 10:59 PM
CXB, I'm curious what you think of Wing Wah and their won ton noodles on Hennessey Road Wanchai (some books I've read say that place is another one that makes bamboo noodles). Congrats on the SCMP publication, I remember reading that paper back in the 80s. That pic of the ha ji lo meen is sexcellent! Is it from Ho Doe Dai in Yuen Long?
Posted by: KK | April 01, 2008 at 04:58 AM
Great column. I was, however, a bit perturbed that you didn't include Tsim Chai Kee (across from Mak's) in your list. Or doesn't it exist anymore? Or worse, has it gone downhill?
Posted by: gobsmack'd | April 02, 2008 at 01:38 AM
Gobsmack'd, what's the merit of TCK in your opinion? It still hangs in there fine and better yet is now sporting a moderner look after the renovation about 2 yrs. ago...
KK, Wingwah... you can see there's a bamboo leaning to the window in the upper floor of the store if you look from across the street. But I wonder any noodles of her is still kneaded by bamboo these days. For better deal in the HK side, try Kai Kee in North Point. Nope, they're not from HDD in YL, they're from Ping Kee in Taipo, the one I brought Tony Bourdain to.
Posted by: chaxiubao | April 03, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Josh, I like (or more accurately, liked) TCK's wontons. I found that they were the most generous with their prawns, both in terms of size as well as freshness. That they're the essence of cheap and cheerful didn't hurt either! Took an Australian friend there once and she nearly fell off her stool when she worked out the currency conversion! I don't live in HK and as such may not be 100% au fait with 'secret' noodle joints such as the ones you've pointed out in Yuen Long or Taipo. Now that I know ...
Posted by: gobsmack'd | April 04, 2008 at 02:40 AM
Congrats on your article. I'll definitely use it as a guide on my next trip down south.
Posted by: AppetiteforChina | April 04, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Great write-up. You're right, it's a very restrained you. :)
Posted by: ivan | April 22, 2008 at 08:50 AM