The Equinox Restaurant: One of Singapore’s most spectacular restaurants

If you are visiting Singapore and are seeking a spectacular view with a meal, look no further than the Equinox Restaurant. From its vantage point 226 meters above sea level, patrons will enjoy panoramic views of Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Not only will one be amazed by the view, the interior of this three-storey 165 seat amphitheatre-style restaurant is also designed to impress with its four three-storey high teak and rice paper lanterns that are suspended from a wooden trellis inspired by the Ming dynasty. In addition, there is a floor-to-ceiling wall covered with mother-of-pearl that will nearly outshine the spectacular view from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

To complement both the extraordinary view and the impressive décor, the Equinox offers an Asian and Western inspired buffet and a la carte menu prepared by award winning chefs. The buffet lunch menu comes with an a la carte main course for S$59++ for adults and S$29.50++ for children (US$41++ and US$20.50++) and just some of the numerous delicacies to choose from includes Mousse from Foie Gras de Canard with Summer Truffle, Grilled Salmon Escalope with Golden Miso and Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote with Tahitian Vanilla Bavarois. During late afternoons, the popular Equinox High Tea (reservations are strongly recommended) offers both an a la carte and a buffet menu for S$38++ or S$52++ (paired with a glass of Champagne) for adults (US$26.40++ or US$36++) and US$19++ (US$13.20++) for children. For dinner, there is an a la carte menu, a five course tasting menu for S$140++ (US$97++) per person or S$240++ (US$167++) per person with wine pairing and a five course organic menu for S$110++ (US$76.50++) per person.

Thus and with its spectacular view, stylish décor and exquisite cuisine, the Equinox Restaurant will surely leave you with an experience worth remembering.

The Equinox Restaurant is located in the Equinox Complex (Phone: +65 6837 3322) at the Swissôtel The Stamford on 80 Bras Basah Road and is open from noon to 14:30 (Monday to Saturday), 11:00 to 14:30 (Sunday), 15:30 to 17:00 (Daily) and 18:30 to 23:00 (Daily). Attire is smart casual.

Hong Kong’s Restaurant Petrus: Where the cuisine matches the view

For anyone looking for breathtaking views of Victoria Harbor along with equally impressive cuisine, the Michelin one-star Restaurant Petrus on the 56^th floor of the Island Shangri-la Hotel is a sure bet. Patrons will find an elegant restaurant with a dining room plus two private rooms (which are also available for private functions) that are decorated in traditional French style with richly folded drapery and impressionist oil paintings and murals. In addition, the restaurant’s dome-shaped ceilings are decorated with surrealist paintings to remind patrons of traditional European dining rooms.

As for the cuisine, Chef de cuisine Frederic Chabbert, who honed his skills in Michelin-starred restaurants throughout France, London and Monaco before settling in Asia, has created a menu worthy of a one-star from Michelin with signature dishes including Petrus vol au vent of crayfish and frog's legs with black truffle (crayfish cooked in lobster sauce), David Herve's "Royal Cabanon" oysters scallop in a warm nage and Cassolette of snails Burgundy style served with Poulette sauce with fresh herbs. In addition, the Restaurant Petrus has a well stocked wine cellar with not only one of the best wine lists in all of Hong Kong but one of the most extensive ones in all of Asia.

Thus, if you are seeking a restaurant that not only offers a spectacular view of Hong Kong but also has cuisine that will easily be as unforgettable as the view, the Restaurant Petrus will likely be your top choice in Hong Kong and one of your top choices for all of Asia.

The Restaurant Petrus is located on Level 56 of the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong on Pacific Place Supreme Court Road in Central (Phone: +85 2 2820 8590). and is open from 07:00 to 10:00, Noon to 15:00 and 18:30 to 23:00. Attire is smart casual for lunch while a jacket is required (no jeans) for dinner.

Hong Kong’s North Point: “Little Shanghai” + “Little Fujian”

Just as its name suggest, North Point is the most northerly point of Hong Kong Island and is just next to Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay. However, what makes North point interesting, at least from a historical perspective, is that this area was where members of Shanghai’s business community moved to during and after the Chinese civil war. Hence, the area became known as “Little Shanghai” in the 1950s when it became filled with restaurants serving Shanghai cuisine along with Shanghai-style beauty parlors and barbershops. Later, these Shanghai refugees were joined by Oversea Chinese displaced by political turmoil in Southeast Asia and soon earned the additional nickname of  "Little Fujian.”

Today, North Point is undergoing urban renewal with a mix of new luxury apartment blocks and offices sprouting up amid older buildings as the area is served by both the Island Line and the Tseung Kwan O Line of the MTR railway system and is also well serviced by bus routes and ferries. In addition, the area is home to the Island Children's Montessori School which offers an authentic Montessori curriculum that is recognized by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI).

For business travelers or expatriates needing a minimum three months accommodation, the Pacific Palisades is a luxury condominium complex close to the landscaped gardens of Choi Sai Woo Park and offers such amenities as an outdoor swimming pool, squash and tennis courts. In addition, the Harbour Plaza North Point (minimum of a one month stay) is just opposite of the MTR Quarry Bay Station and next to the highway. Harbour Plaza offers superior rooms (no kitchenette), studio suites and junior suites (with kitchenette), one-bedroom suites (with full kitchen) and two-bedroom suites (with full kitchen) along with a 25-meter outdoor swimming pool and business centre services.

So if you are looking for neighborhood that is fairly accessible with some unique historical charm, look no further than Hong Kong’s North Point.

Just Grapes in Shanghai

Should you find yourself visiting or living in Shanghai and you wish to visit a simple wine shop or wine bar, look no further than Just Grapes. Although geared more towards upwardly mobile Chinese professionals who are beginning to discover wine, Just Grapes has all of its labels printed in both English and Chinese characters and these labels include what type of grape was used to make the wine and what the flavor is in basic and easily understandable terms. In other words, you will not be lost in translation should you only understand English or for that matter – if you are not a wine connoisseur. However, it should be noted that true wine connoisseurs may not be impressed with Just Grapes since again, it is geared towards consumers just discovering wine.

Nevertheless, Just Grapes offers more than 600 different wines from 14 countries and these wines may be paired with a variety of appetizers, pastas, sandwiches and deserts. In addition, a variety of promotions are on offer from afternoon tea (any dessert with coffee, tea or wine for 40 yuan or US$6) to happy hour (two glasses of wine for 50 yuan or US$7.30) while regular tasting events are also held.

Currently, Just Grapes has three locations (there are simple maps posted on the Just Grapes website to assist you in finding these locations) in Shanghai:

Just Grapes Dagu

大沽路462号近石门一路

462 Dagu Lu near ShiMenYi Lu

Phone: (86) 21-3311-3205  

Just Grapes Xingeng   

辛耕路77B号天钥桥路

77B XinGeng Lu near TianYaoQiao Lu

Phone: (86) 21-3368-6218

Just Grapes Anfu

安福路162号乌鲁木齐路

162 AnFu Lu near Urumuqi lu

Phone (86) 21-5404-6505       

In addition, it should be noted that all three locations also have wireless internet. 

A little bit of Napa in Shanghai

In the past, business travelers and expatriates who were wine lovers and based in China have had few venues to enjoy good wines while the traditional Baijiu spirit, which is sometimes mistakenly translated as white wine or wine, is actually 80 to 120 proof or about 40-60% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, as China changes, so does the wine scene and increasingly new wine bars and wine shops are appearing to cater to status conscious local Chinese and foreign expatriates alike.

One such venue to recently appear is the Napa Wine Bar & Kitchen/The Wine Residence located in a century-old Tudor mansion along a narrow alleyway amid pet shops and fruit stands. Wines at the Napa are stored in a former bomb shelter located under the mansion where members of the Wine Residence Club can store their wine collections in individual lockers. Above the wine cellar is a 40 seat wine bar area, a 60 seat dining room, an 8 seat private dining room and a 40 seat outdoor area – perfect for either a large party or for a more intimate gathering.

On offer is one of the most extensive wine lists in Mainland China featuring all major wine growing regions plus less known ones and patrons should expect to pay 50 Yuan or US$7 and up for wine by the glass. Also on offer is an a la carte menu and a tasting menu that offers everything from truffled mushroom risotto (138 Yuan or US$20) to pan seared sea bass (218 Yuan or US$32) to citrus cured salmon (95 Yuan or US$14). In addition, a party of 6 to 10 may enjoy a theme wine and matching food served in large sharing platters – perfect for a small informal gathering with other expatriates or business associates. 

Napa is located at 57 Jiangyin Lu (a downloadable map is available on their website) and reservations can be made by calling 6318-0057.

China’s Enoteca wine lounge & boutique

If you are in China looking for a wine bar with a reasonably priced wine list and a social atmosphere, Enoteca is a South American focused wine bar where you can mix with both expatriates and local Chinese professionals alike. On offer are an assortment of hand selected wines categorized  as Whites, Roses, Bubbles, Playful and Evocative Reds, Sensualist Reds, Hedonist Reds, Sweet Temptations and Garde. Expect to pay prices that range from 98 Rmb (US$14.35) for a bottle of Ampakama Chardonnay from Argentina to 1,800 Rmb (US$263.50) for a bottle of Champagne Dom Perignon 99 with most prices falling in the few hundred Rmb range. In addition, Enoteca’s wines are complimented with a full menu that includes Tapas, Sandwiches, Grilled Paninis, Salads, Soups and Desserts plus a set brunch menu (120 Rmb or US$17.5) and a set breakfast menu (75 Rmb or US$75).

Enoteca actually has three locations with two located in Shanghai and one located in Beijing:

安福路53-57号(近常熟路) 邮编：200031
53-57 Anfu RD. near Changshu RD. Shanghai 200031
Phone: 5404 0050

朝阳区光华路9A世贸天阶北街F1-M102
M102 Northern Tower, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Beijing
Phone: 010 6587 1578

太仓路58号(近济南路) 邮编：20040
58 Taicang Rd. near Xintiandi 20040 PRC
Phone: 5306 3400
enoteca.jose@gmail.com

On weekends, expect standing room only at the 53-57 Anfu Road location but a table can be reserved in an adjoining dining area.

Finding a proper cup of coffee in tea-drinking Japan

For any expatriate or business traveler who is a coffee drinker and is also planning a visit to tea-drinking Japan, you may think that your options are limited to machine made caffe lattes at local coffee shops or something ubiquitous from a large international chain such as Starbucks. However, should you desire the traditional slow brewed cup of gourmet coffee, there are an increasing number of options available in Tokyo.

In fact, the New York Times travel section recently reported about the growing trend of specialty gourmet coffee shops opening around the city and profiled the following coffee shops that are well worth checking out by any true coffee lover:

• Macchinesti – Just a one minute walk from the Hiroo subway station, this cafe was started by a Japanese architect who had lived in Seattle. Expect to pay 450 yen (US$4.25) for a shot of espresso to 600 yen (US$6.35) for a cappuccino while eggs Benedict with your coffee will set you back 1,500 yen (US$15.90).
• Bar Del Sole – With a branch in the Roppongi district that is a three-minute walk from the Hibiya Line subway stop, this Italian restaurant also offers a full coffee menu. Expect to pay 350 yen (US$3.70) for a macchiato and 630 yen (US$6.70) for a cappuccino.
• Zoka – With three locations in Tokyo and one just 100 yards from the Akasaka-Mitsuke subway stop, Zoka offers a bit of Seattle. Expect to pay 380 yen (US$4) for a small iced caffè latte.
• Café de l’Ambre – Located in Ginza, this shop opened in 1948 and specializes in aged specialty coffees. Hence, expect to pay up to 1,360 yen (US$14.40) for a single cup.
• Tajimaya Kohiten – Just south of the west exit of the Shinjuku Station, this coffee shop opened in 1964 and offers 13 types of straight coffee. Expect to pay 750 yen (US$7.95) for a Cuban Mountain coffee and 650 yen (US$6.90) for Grade 1 Sumatra.  

Hence, if you are a coffee lover and will soon be visiting or living in tea-drinking Japan, rest assured that you will find a growing number of options to choose from for that caffeine fix.

Hong Kong’s Happy Valley: A happy place to call home

Situated on the Northern part of Hong Kong Island, Happy Valley is mostly a residential neighborhood where a mix of both locals and expatriates have come to call home. Ironically though, the area had originally been marshy and hence, early residents were susceptible to malaria. Hence, the area was originally used as a cemetery and given the common euphemism at the time for cemetery (“Happy Valley”).

Today however, Happy Valley is populated by upper income residents and local celebrities and hence, the area contains a number of upscale restaurants, supermarkets, banks and hotels. In addition, Happy Valley is home to the Happy Valley Racecourse, one of two horse racing tracks in Hong Kong plus the Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum.

For business travelers and expatriates looking for long-term accommodations (minimum of one month), the Eaton House Blue Pool is just a 5-minutes drive to Causeway Bay and comprises 55 One and Two bedroom apartments and Studios, a private swimming pool, fully equipped gym and a beautifully landscaped garden and terrace. In addition, the Eaton House Village Road is located in the heart of Happy Valley and offers 50 deluxe Studio and One Bedroom apartments, an outdoor terrace for private functions and complimentary broadband service.

So if you are a long-term business traveler coming to Hong Kong or an expatriate looking for a quiet and upscale residential area to call home, look no further than Happy Valley.

South Jakarta: Hip cosmopolitan living

Of the five cities that make up Jakarta, South Jakarta is the largest and includes some of the most affluent and hippest parts of the city. In turn, South Jakarta is divided into ten districts and a number of administrative villages. Ones worth noting include:

• Kebayoran Baru is home to the Jakarta Stock Exchange and the Jakarta International School along with some of the wealthiest and most prominent citizens of Indonesia. Moreover, the district is also includes an area where a number of Korean expatriates have established their offices and business.
• Bangka (or known locally as Kemang) is well known for its upscale shops, art galleries, bookshops, restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisine and entertainment venues such as bars and clubs. This area is where many of the city’s expatriates call home.
• Tebet owes its claim to fame as the one time home to US President Barak Obama.

For business travelers or expatriates who need either short (minimum of one night) or long-term accommodations, the Kemang Icon by Alila is located in the heart of Kemang and offers one-bedroom units with a living room, bedroom, ensuite bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and kitchenettes framed by floor to ceiling windows with panoramic views. In addition, for business travelers or expatriates who will be needing office space, the Marquee Executive Offices in Talavera Office Park offers serviced offices, virtual offices and video conferencing and conference facilities for up to 50 people.

Thus, South Jakarta offers the business traveler or expatriate everything one could possibly need in a place to work or call home.

Price comparison: A filet mignon dinner

If you are an expatriate or a business traveler in Asia, having at least one business meal where filet mignon is on the menu is inevitable. Hence, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s weekly Arbitrage column has recently conducted a survey of prices for eight-ounce (200 gram) filet mignon dinners at steak houses around Asia. The survey gives a good idea of just how much that next business meal in a traditional steakhouse will set you back for (however, drinks are not included in the survey). 

Price Comparison*

Shanghai	294 Yuan	US$42.97
Hong Kong	HK$252	US$32.69
Singapore	S$47	US$32.37
Seoul	39,747 Won	US$30.71
Jakarta	283,333 Rupiah	US$27.89
Manila	1,050 Pesos	US$21.76
Kuala Lumpur	59 Ringgit	US$16.35

*Prices include taxes and are based upon a survey of centrally located restaurants. US$ prices are based upon exchange rates as of July 15, 2009.

Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward: Where a foreigner will feel at home

For a neighborhood that is not only a major commercial center but also a place where a foreigner will more likely feel at home, Tokyo’s Shinjuku (新宿区) ward is well worth considering as it has the highest number of registered foreigners of any neighborhood in the city. Furthermore, it also the home for the metropolitan government of Tokyo and the Nishi-shinjuku skyscraper business district which contains several of the city’s tallest skyscrapers. For these reasons, its Shinjuku Station is considered to be the busiest train station in the world while in its immediate vicinity are numerous department stores and specialist electronic and camera shops that Tokyo is known for along with plenty of entertainment venues (such as cinemas, bars and restaurants). In addition, located nearby is the Koenji neighborhood which was recently profiled by the New York Times as the area is considered to be the birthplace of Japanese punk rock and a laboratory for local musicians.

For long term business travelers and expatriates who wish to stay in the area, the Oakwood Apartments Shinjuku is conveniently located near the Shinjuku Station and the the office towers of Nishi-Shinjuku. The 140 unit Oakwood offers a high-tech Business Center, a spectacular Sky Lounge with expansive views of the city and stylish apartments equipped with 37" LCD TVs and Bose stereos complete with iPod docking stations. And for business travelers seeking serviced offices, the Shinjuku Nomura is located in the heart of Shinjuku and includes restaurants on the 49th and 50th floors offering spectacular views of the city and even Mount Fuji. In addition, the Regus centre located in the Shinjuku Park Tower is also well situated as the building is situated next to the Shuto Expressway Number 4 and there is a complimentary shuttle bus service to Shinjuku station.

So if you are looking for a neighborhood in Tokyo where you can live, work and feel at home while being at the center of action, look no further than Shinjuku.

Italian inspired cuisine at the Brisbane International Airport

Culinary options at Australian airports tend to be limited to light fare or fast food. However, should you find yourself in the Brisbane International Airport, Marmo provides patrons with more than just a snack or fast food. Operated by global hospitality provider Delaware North and offering Italian influenced cuisine, Marmo is a thoroughly modern bar cum pizza, pasta, panini and pastry restaurant. Here you can grab a quick snack or something more substantial. In addition, beer straight from the tap plus wine by the glass from their extensive wine list are also available to patrons.

Marmo (Phone: +61 7 3114 1110) is located in the Departures & Check-in area on Level 4 and hence, it is easily accessible while waiting for your next flight out of Brisbane.

Bangkok’s Sirocco: Al fresco dining on top of the world

Located on the 63rd floor of The Dome at lebua, Sirocco is the world's highest al fresco restaurant offering breathtaking views of Bangkok and its Chao Phraya river. It is also reputed to be the most spacious open-air roof top restaurant in all of Asia.

Patrons at Sirocco will enjoy high quality Mediterranean style cuisine along with more exotic fare made from ingredients sourced from some of the world's best markets. Notable dishes on offer include Pan seared foie gras on pain brioche with rocket and balsamic poached sour cherries; pan roasted breast of duck on a polenta-mascarpone cake with a black pepper, andouille sausage and giblets sauce; and Sirocco black pepper crab with stir-fried Asian greens and fragrant rice. In addition, a world-class wine and champagne list plus a wide assortment of liqueurs and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

Sirocco is located in lebua at State Tower at 1055 Silom Road in Bangrak – the same location as the lebua Residences. It is also relative accessible for business travelers and expatriates conducting business from the various serviced offices on Silom Road or in Bangrak (such as # 1 Silom Road, Sathorn Thani 1 or United Center Building) or staying in serviced apartments (such as Unico Grande Silom, Siri Sathorn A Beaufort Serviced Residence and Centre Point Saladaeng Serviced Apartments) in the same area. Sirocco is open daily from 18:00 to 1:00 with the last order being taken at 23:30. Reservations (phone: +66 2624 9576) made days in advance are strongly recommended.

So whether you wish to savor the cuisine and sample the excellent wine and champagne list or just visit to enjoy the view, Sirocco is a must visit for any one contemplating a trip to Bangkok.

Korean & western cuisine at the Seoul Incheon International Airport

Should you find yourself waiting to depart at the Seoul Incheon International Airport (IIA) and you need a suitable venue for a business meal, Matina offers an elegant dining experience over hearty Western and Korean food. In fact, the restaurant, with it various artistic masterpieces on the walls, was awarded the “Best Restaurant at IIAC” in 2003. On offer from the restaurant’s extensive menu include a variety of sandwiches, steak, spaghetti and beef bone soup – in other words, something for everyone.

Matina (phone: 82-32-743-3012) is located in the duty-free and departures area of the 4th floor (Transit Hotel) near Gates 11 & 43 and hours of operation are 7:00 to 21:00.

So if you need a venue offering a fine dining experience before departing for home, look no further than Matina’s at the Soeul Incheon International Airport.

Sampling risotto in Tokyo

Business travelers coming to Tokyo may be surprised to learn that the city is a major center for Italian cuisine. In fact, Tokyo has an estimated 1,500 plus Italian restaurants (plus another 1,000 that claim to be Italian or Italian inspired) and the Michelin Guide has awarded one star to no less than seven Italian restaurants and two stars to one. Hence, these awards give credence to the claim that Tokyo’s Italian cuisine has a generally higher level of quality than that of Rome’s. However, this should be no surprise given the Japanese passion for rice and noodles – staples of Italian cuisine.

Hence, the Asian Wall Street Journal’s Life & Style section recently had an excellent article about finding the best Risotto in Tokyo and recommended several restaurants that also happen to be located in major districts frequented by business travelers to the city. For business travelers staying in serviced apartments or using serviced offices in Minato-ku, there is the more casual Vino Hirata (phone: 81-3-3456-4744) where you could easily spend US$200 on some of the best Italian cuisine you have ever sampled and then there is the more upscale Piatto Suzuki (phone: 81-3-5414-2116) with its one Michelin Star. In the famous Ginza district and also convenient to serviced offices in Chuo-ku, there is Enoteca Pinchiorri (phone: 81-3-3289-8081) which (17 years ago) became one of the First Tokyo branches of a well known Michelin three-star restaurant in Florence. In Chiyoda-ku (where there are more limited serviced apartment options but a couple of serviced office choices), Elio Locanda Italiana (phone: 81-3-3239-6771) is run by a Calabrian native while Luxor (phone: 81-3-6212-6901) offers more affordable but nevertheless excellent cuisine. And finally, Passo a Passo (phone: 81-3-5245-8645) located in Koto-ku is a small neighborhood style restaurant run by a Japanese chef trained in Italy who also happens to be passionate about risotto. Average prices at the above listed restaurants range from US$50 to US$100 for a full set lunch for one person (excluding wine).

Thus, should you wish to sample some of the best best Italian cuisine and risotto in particular outside of Italy, then look no further than stopping by one of Tokyo’s top Italian restaurants on your next business trip to Japan.

Hong Kong’s Nicholini’s: Fine Italian dining with a view

For a business traveler or an expatriate in Hong Kong who is looking for a restaurant for a leisurely business lunch or dinner over fine Northern Italian cuisine and excellent views of the Hong Kong skyline, they should look no further than Nicholini's. In fact, the Hong Kong Tatler has voted Nicholini’s as "Hong Kong's Best Restaurant" for the last 13 consecutive years while Michelin has awarded it Four Michelin Forks – the highest award given by them to an Italian restaurant in Hong Kong. Popular dishes from the menu include delicious homemade pasta and antipasti with main dishes like seasoned lobster over angel hair pasta, grilled veal with Morel mushrooms and sage potato sauce and raviolis with spinach, cheese and mushroom sauce.

Nicholini's is located inside the Conrad Hong Kong Hotel at 88 Queensway and hence for long-term business travelers staying at the Pacific Place Apartments, the restaurant is particularly convenient as it is located within the same complex. Furthermore, its also a short distance from the Asia-Pacific Business Centre (APBC) located inside the Lippo Centre at 89 Queensway. The restaurant is open 7 days a week from noon to 23:00 (although it is closed after lunch from 15:00-18:00) and attire is smart and casual.

So if you are looking for place to have a business lunch or diner over delicious Italian cuisine, look no further than Nicholini’s.

Melbourne’s Southbank neighborhood: Sparkling and convenient

Located just one kilometer south of Melbourne’s CBD and the Yarra River, Southbank was once a gritty industrial area that has been transformed into a sparkling and thoroughly modern high-rise residential and office district. In fact, the area is fast becoming an increasingly popular alternative office district with well known corporate names such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Fujitsu, and Foster's Group having relocated to the area. In addition, the area now boosts an arts precinct, the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex and the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre which is located in the newer South Wharf area on the western edge of the district. Furthermore, the area is easily accessible via Melbourne’s famous tram network.

For short or long-term business travelers and expatriates looking for accommodations, the Southbank vicinity offers a number of options that include studio apartments, 1-bedroom apartments and 2-bedroom apartments. In addition, for business travelers and expatriates coming to Melbourne to set up an office, Regus located on the 28th floor at the 303 Collins St. complex offers fully furnished and equipped offices with spectacular views of the city and convenient access to all of the banks, restaurants, and shopping centres that are located in the area.

So if you are looking for a centrally located and thoroughly modern Melbourne neighborhood to work, play or call home, then look no further than Southbank.

Travel in the age of Swine Flu & other health concerns

Although Swine Flu has dominated the news in recent months, the chances of a business traveler contracting it on a business trip to Asia would probably be no greater than the chances of getting it on a business trip elsewhere in the world or at home for that matter. However, travelers to Asia should take precautions against other more common types of illnesses to be found in the region.

The first and most obvious ailment that a traveler to any distant locale in general should be concerned about is water or food borne illnesses. Although travelers diarrhea is an annoyance, travelers to some parts of Asia should also be concerned about exposure to Hepatitis which is more common in some parts of Asia than in other parts of the world.

Nevertheless, both travelers diarrhea and Hepatitis are easily preventable. A simple way to avoid the risk of contracting a water borne illnesses is to only drink bottled water purchased from convenience stores or supermarkets and to always check that the plastic cap is sealed onto the bottle before drinking. In addition, travelers who are particular sensitive may want to consider washing their toothbrushes only in bottled water rather than water from the tap. As for dining out, especially in more exotic locations or neighborhoods where there might be fewer foreigners, eating only at restaurants or establishments frequented by other foreigners or by the local middle and professional classes is a sure way to lower your risk of having a bout of food poisoning or worst.

Besides food and water borne illnesses, mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue Fever and Malaria are increasingly a health concern in some major urban areas of Asia and for that matter, can even now be contracted in some Western countries where such diseases were supposedly eradicated years ago. A simple precaution (besides the wearing of smelly insect repellent) would be to wear long sleeves and pants during the evenings in areas where occasional outbreaks of such diseases have occurred in the past. And remember, some mosquito borne diseases are seasonal in nature or, like Dengue Fever, can only be contracted during certain hours of the day and hence, taking simple precautions and knowing what the risks are is the best way to lower your risk of exposure.

For further information, the Asian Wall Street Journal recently had a comprehensive article (Taking the Bite Out of Travel) about travel and health concerns in general that would be well worth reading. Furthermore, the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contains the latest news and comprehensive information about health related travel concerns globally and is well worth consulting to see what, if any, vaccines might be needed before taking that next business trip.

Remember, as with any health related concern, knowing what the risks are and taking simple precautions and preventive measures will go a long way towards keeping your trip enjoyable and worry free.

Hong Kong’s Wanchai: At the center of it all

Located on the North Shore of Hong Kong Island, Wanchai was one of the first areas of Hong Kong to be developed and hence, it is one of the most densely populated and busiest commercial districts in the city. The area contains a number of historical spots, shopping centers, restaurants, entertainment venues, and skyscrapers as well as the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the Hong Kong Arts Centre.

For business travelers and expatriates needing serviced office space, DIFC Global Hong Kong and the Plaza Business Centre are both located in the 78-story Central Plaza, Hong Kong’s second tallest skyscraper. Both serviced office providers offer fully serviced offices in a building that contains a full range of amenities expected of a building that is one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious and visible office addresses.

For business travelers and expatriates needing long-term (minimum of 1 month) accommodations, Wanchai offers a number of options to choose from. These options include the pet friendly Shama Wanchai which is located in a quiet area just off busy Queen's Road East, the 24-story luxury Eaton House Wanchai Gap which is located in a historical area, the resort style Hong Kong Parkview Serviced Apartments which is located on a hill above 3,000 acres of parklands, the Fraser Suites Hong Kong which is the first international Gold-Standard Serviced Residence in Hong Kong and the V Wanchai which was the winner of the 2007 Asia Pacific Interior Design Award and Best Hospitality Interior of Perspective Awards. All of these serviced apartment offerings are conveniently located near public transportation and major shopping and restaurant venues.

So for business travelers and expatriates who need the convenience of being at the center of it all, Wanchai offers a place to live, work, and play.

Relaxed Italian dining at Suvarnabhumi

For business travelers and expatriates waiting in the International Departures Lounge of Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Volare offers fast food convenience in a relaxed restaurant setting. Furthermore, long time travelers to Thailand will recognize the quality of Volare’s food as it is part of the Zanotti Group of Italian style restaurants which also includes Zanotti Ristorante, La Pizzeria Limoncello, Limoncello Phuket, Vino di Zanotti and Caffe Turin.

On offer is a range of delicious and hardy Italian favorites including pizza that is baked fresh on the premises, classic pasta dishes and fresh panini served hot or cold. For those seeking a lighter lunch, a range of freshly prepared salads from a simple mixed green salad served with Balsamic or Caesar dressing to the more exotic Caprese salad served with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes are available. In addition, a full-service bar offers a wide range of wines by the glass, coffees and fresh fruit juices to choose from while a wide range of ice creams and sorbets are available for those craving desert.

So for business travelers and expatriates passing through Suvarnabhumi who crave a hearty Italian meal or perhaps just a light salad or desert, Volare is well worth a visit.

Volare is located on the 4th floor of the International Departures Lounge near Concourse D and is open 24 hours a day.