Best Mexican Food... According to Hong Kong

Put a bowl of warm salty chips, a skillet of spicy chili con queso and a cold mambo taxi in front of me and I'm a happy man!  It doesn't matter if it's Taco Bell or La Duni back in Dallas, I can eat my weight in Mexican food!

I never thought there could be such a thing as bad Mexican food, but then I moved to Hong Kong and the unthinkable happened.  I found bad Mexican food.  BUT things are changing!!  Today I can safely say we have several great options for Mexican food in the city.

Here are a few of my favorites!  But first...

Although it may seem impossible to believe, take my word-- down an alley full of hand-bags, umbrellas and old air-conditioning exhaust vents, you'll find my top pick for great authentic Mexican food...    I promise!


Brickhouse   (Authentic Mexico City Food)

Brickhouse

G/F. 20A D’Aguilar Street,

Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong

Monday-Wednesday 6pm-2am, Thursday-Saturday 6pm-4am

Closed on Sundays 

The first time I went to Brickhouse I spent a good 15-20 minutes walking up and down the street with one eye trying to locate street numbers while the other stared at google maps on my phone.  Finally, at the end of a narrow dark alley, past a huge exhaust vent and several old window unit air conditioners, I found Brickhouse.  It's tiny, it's cramped and it's AMAZING!  With dishes like ... Rojas Con Crema, Fresh Griddled Flour Tortillas, Mexican Style Street Corn, Queso Fundito, Home Beet Fries, Leg of Goat Barbacoa Tacos (you heard me... goat!), Sunday Roasted Chicken ... it's no wonder I love this place.  If it weren't for the alley entrance, I'd swear I was in Mexico City.  

Socialito   (Mexican-American Food) 
OUT OF BUSINESS (Updated 2014)

Socialito 
G/F, 60 Wyndham Street,

Central, Hong Kong

Monday-Saturday 12pm-11pm

Closed on Sundays

As a native Texan now living in Hong Kong, when I want great Mexican food (like the Big D serves up), there's only one place to to go... Socialito!  

Socialito is a taqueria (open to street taco shop).  When they first opened, they had a traditional style restaurant which you entered just to the side of the taco stand.  The restaurant didn't win the hearts of Hong Kongers, but the taco stand was a hit!  Personally, I never cared for the inside space anyway (I need to see outside when I eat, and they had no windows!), so the taco stand has always been my pick.  Even though it's a walk-up counter, the menu deliveries as much excitement as the flavors found in the food.  Socialito is my comfort spot for a taste of home.  It's like having a little slice Texas right here!

Mr. Taco Truck   (Tex-Mex Fast Food)

Mr. Taco Truck
G/F, 14-15 Wo On Lane

Lan Kwai Fong, Central

Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm

Friday 12pm-midnight

Closed on Sundays

Mr. T has been one of my staples for fresh, affordable Tex-Mex since moving here.  Hong Kong definitely lacks easy, good quality, well priced food, but Mr. Taco Truck (near the end of Wo On Lane in Lan Kwai Fong) definitely delivers.  The reviews on this place have been mixed, but for me I find the service friendly, food consistently good and prices unbeatable.  So, before you go and slam the place for not meeting 4-Star expectations, remember one thing… it’s called MR. TACO TRUCK people!  A place that accepts the Octopus card should not be compared with places like Chicha or Brickhouse.  This is fast food at its finest.

Café Iguana   (Tex-Cali-Mexican Food)

Cafe Iguana
Roof Level, Elements,

1 Austin Road West (Kowloon Station)

Tsim Sha Tsui
Monday-Sunday 11:30am-1am

If your idea of a lazy Saturday afternoon involves sitting outdoors with a pitcher of margaritas and a huge plate of nachos, then feel free to join me at Café Iguana!  With over a hundred Tequilas to choose from (seriously, the tequila list is longer than most bar’s drink menus!), the bartenders at Café Iguana guarantee to make your hectic week quickly and simply drift away.  That being said, I suggest you request for a taxi to pick you up on the roof level near the restaurant, when ready to go home.  Having to walk downstairs through Elements Mall, all liquored up, past Hugo Boss and Burberry, is not what makes a good combination!

Muy Bueno Hong Kong!

Victoria Harbour Sunset

From the Star Ferry on my way home from work tonight.

Mid-Levels Escalator WARNING!

This morning while heading home on the escalator, I watched as the cutest little white poodle jumped on behind me.  He was very comfortable and I could tell he had made the ride before.  Shortly after I got off, I heard the worst sound ever and I knew immediately what had happened.  One of the little poodle's claws was caught at the exit.  The poodle was screaming, followed my the owner.  I ran over and was able to slide the pup's paw with the grain of the stairs and release his claw.  The owner was on the ground in shock, people were trying to get off and stepping over us and blood was literally pouring out of the poodle's paw.  Luckily, my pet's veterinarian was one level up, so I told her to follow me and we ran up to Mosque St. to my vet.  By the time we arrived in the full waiting room the poodle's white coat was covered in blood.  A nurse quickly looked up and said "Escalator?", as she jumped into action and took the poodle away for emergency treatment.  Turns out this happens all the time!

I have never witnessed this accident before, but have thought many times how easily it could happen.  For whatever the reason, I admit I have allowed my pups to jump on and exit on their own, BUT NEVER AGAIN!  

The Mid-Levels Escalator is an important means of transportation, but not aways is it used safely.  I have seen metal cargo carts access, baby strollers, even bicycles!  Any of these items can easily get caught and cause immediate danger to everyone on or near the escalator.   Just a few weeks ago I witnessed the front wheel of a  baby stroller get stuck causing a domino effect of people falling onto one another as the stroller had formed a barricade from anyone exiting (a barricade with a baby inside!). On weekday mornings I'll see 3-5 people handing out newspapers at the exits and entrances, sometimes causing a bottleneck to take form.  As awful as the accident was today, I don't think it's the city's responsibility to monitor how people use the escalator.  We live in a city with over 7 million people, we must protect ourselves and take action to help others.  For your own sake and others, locate the STOP buttons and make a mental note to their locations.  You never know when you may need to shut one down. 


6:30pm Update...
I just returned from the vet. hospital to check on Madison, the poodle.  In surgery the doctor was able to reposition his claw and also stitch up his paw palm, as it had been ripped open.  He is doing well and will make a full recovery.  

Bye Bye Birdie

It arrived May 1, 2013

It drew thousands of tourist from Mainland China DAILY!

It caused the young and old to FIGHT!

Sorry for the poor image quality

It caused China to ban the words 

RUBBER DUCK from Internet.  

It FINALLY departed June 9, 2013, so...

 I NO LONGER HAVE TO PUSH MY WAY THROUGH THIS CROWD AS I LEAVE MY OFFICE EACH AND EVERY DAY!

Best Hong Kong Burger... Shake 'em Buns!

While walking around Central a few weeks ago I came across a tiny little American style dinner on the corner of Wellington Street and Pottinger Street.  The entrance is behind a row of green metal kiosk along the cobblestoned Pottinger Street.  Shake ‘em Buns looked and smelled amazing at first discovery and minutes later, it was confirmed… it also tasted amazing!  Up to now, despite all the great burgers available back in the states, my all time favorite burger has been the garlic infused burger served poolside at Bangkok's Mandarin Oriental Hotel (eyes-roll-in-back-of-head-good).  But that was before I discovered Shake 'em Buns in Central!

Some of the burger's names may not be kid friendly, but in a city filled with concrete playgrounds, what is?  I ordered the Debbie Does Dallas burger (of course ... !) which had cheddar cheese, fried onions and barbecue sauce.  The burger patties are packed with minced onions and garlic, which translates to YUMMY IN MY TUMMY!!  As far as I'm concerned, there's only one condiment to have with french fries and their homemade garlic mayonnaise is definitely it!  On a hot day, burger or no burger, at least make a stop for one of their old fashioned American milk shakes.  Fantastic! 

Although taking pictures of your food in Hong Kong is extremely normal,
I just can't bring myself to taking a picture of a burger.
So no pictures, but take my word it will not disappoint.

Along with great food, they also have a fun sense of humor.
BTW I know what your thinking... I'll take pics of the bathroom sign but not the food??  

Shake ‘em Buns
76 Wellington Street, Central

+852 2810 5533

Best Hong Kong Massage

If you've ever been to Asia, chances are you've had a cheap massage.  Massage places are everywhere!  Whether you're visiting or call Hong Kong home, you need to take time to rest and relax.  I don't consider getting a massage a luxury in Hong Kong, it's a necessity.  Your feet and body need it.  I may still have a lot to learn about Hong Kong, but I can certainly tell you where to get a great massage.  I love me a massage!  For those of you that haven't been to Asia, typically the massage process is a little different than stateside.  

Here are a few pointers:

• No appointment needed. 
• Clothing (of some sort) is normally required.  Most places offer pajama to change into.
• Your options are simple- Oil Massage or Thai Massage.  Thai massages are usually done by a female, you will be in your PJ's and covered with bath towels.  (Thai people are very spiritual people, which must be why they feel compelled to TWIST the HELL out of YOU!  I actually prefer Thai over oil, but it takes many sessions to get comfortable with a masseur and to have then realize you need to walk home afterwards!)
• Pricing vary from HK$250 to HK$500 for 60 to 90 minutes.   
• Tipping is always expected (typically 15-20%)

Foot massages are typically 60-120 minutes and cost a little less than a body massage.  For a foot massage, you get to relax in a Lazy-Boy type reclining chair with a reading lamp and magazines, but most people nap during their foot massage.  Some places even offer private rooms with TV's.

The options for a good massage in Hong Kong are limitless, but as with anything good, there are just as many bad places.  So, here are my top 5 picks for a great massage.  

Iyara Day Spa (total spa)

G/F, 5 Prince's Terrace
Mid-Levels
Hong Kong

+852 2530 1666

Happy Foot (foot and body)

Lyndhurst Tower

1 Lyndhurst Terrace

Central 
Hong Kong

+852 2521 0066

Gao's Foot Massage (foot and body)
1-13 D'Aguilar Street
Central
Hong Kong
+852 2810 9219

Bua Hom Thai (body only)
Lan Kwai House
1/F, 5-6 Lan Kwai Fong Road
Lan Kwai Fong
Hong Kong
+852 2234 9322

Private Shower after treatment

Fitness First @ Sheraton Hotel (body only)

20 Nathan Road
Tsim Sha Tsui
Hong Kong

Therapist: JK Bhardwaj

+852 2732 6801

Funny Ken Story:
In Bangkok last December, while my massage was coming to an end my masseur had me set up as he positioned himself behind me to stretch my arms and pop my back.  As he was pulling my head and arms, he leaned toward my face and I heard him whisper, "may I kiss you?"  I said, "WHAT??"  Again I heard, "may I kiss you?"  I thought, there is no way this guy is asking me this!    After having him repeat himself three times I finally realized he had been saying "Merry Christmas".  Pretty funny!

Tiananmen Square 24 Years Ago Today

Remarks from around the world today, 24 years ago.

 Canada: The External Affairs Minister Joe Clark described the incident as "inexcusable" and issued a statement: "We can only express horror and outrage at the senseless violence and tragic loss of life resulting from the indiscriminate and brutal use of force against students and civilians of Peking."  In Vancouver, varying reactions to the military action led to friction in the city's Chinese community.

 Czechoslovakia: The government of Czechoslovakia supported the Chinese government's response, expressing the idea that China would overcome its problems and further develop socialism. In response, the Chinese side "highly valued the understanding shown by the Czechoslovak Communist Party and people" for suppressing the "anti-socialist" riots in Beijing.

 France: The French Foreign Minister, Roland Dumas, said he was "dismayed by the bloody repression" of "an unarmed crowd of demonstrators."

 East Germany: The government of the German Democratic Republic approved of the military action. On 8 June the Volkskammer unanimously passed a resolution in support of the Chinese government's use of force. High-ranking politicians from the ruling SED party, including Hans Modrow, Günter Schabowski and Egon Krenz, were in China shortly afterward on a goodwill visit. In contrast, members of the general population, including ordinary SED party members, participated in protests against the actions of the Chinese government.

 West Germany: The West German Foreign Ministry urged China "to return to its universally welcomed policies of reform and openness."

 Holy See: The Holy See of Vatican City has no official diplomatic relations with China, but Pope John Paul II expressed hope that the events in China would bring change.

 Hong Kong: The military action severely affected perceptions of the mainland. 200,000 people protested against the Chinese government's response, with the latter considering the protests as "subversive". The people of Hong Kong hoped that the chaos on the mainland would destabilize the Beijing Government and thus avert its reunification with the rest of mainland China. The Sino-British Joint Declaration was also called into question.  Demonstrations continued for several days, and wreaths were placed outside the Xinhua News Agency office in the city.  This further fueled the mass migration wave of Hong Kong people out of Hong Kong.

 Hungary: The Hungarian government, which was undergoing political reform, reacted strongly to the incident. The Foreign Minister described the events as a "horrible tragedy", and the government expressed "shock", adding that "fundamental human rights could not be exclusively confined to the internal affairs of any country." Demonstrations were held outside the Chinese embassy. Hungary was the only country in Europe to have substantially reduced relations with China in the aftermath of the events.

 India: The government of India responded by ordering the state television to pare down the coverage to the barest minimum. The government’s monopoly over television two decades ago helped Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi signal to Beijing that India would not revel in China’s domestic troubles and offer some political empathy instead.

 Italy: The Italian Communist Party leader Achille Occhetto condemned the "unspeakable slaughter in progress in China".

 Japan: The Japanese government called the response "intolerable" and froze loans to China. Japan was also the first member of the G7 to restore high level relations with China in the following months.

 Kuwait: Kuwait voiced understanding of the measures taken by the Chinese authorities to protect social stability.

 Macau: 150,000 protested in Macau.

 Mongolia: Many reformists had been aware of the international reaction to the military action, and chose to follow the democratic changes in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union.

 Netherlands: The Dutch government froze diplomatic relations with China, and summoned the Chinese Chargé d'Affaires Li Qin Ping expressing shock at the "violent and brutal actions of the People's Liberation Army."

 Philippines: President Corazon Aquino expressed sadness at the incident, urging the Chinese government to "urgently and immediately take steps to stop the aggressive and senseless killing by its armed forces".  Socialist labor organization Kilusang Mayo Uno at first initially supported the action taken by Chinese authorities, though later issued a "rectified position" which blamed "insufficient information and improper decision making process".  The Communist Party also expressed opposition due to its line considering China as "Revisionist" after renouncing Maoism and reviving Capitalism.

 Poland: The Polish government criticised the response of the Chinese government but not the government itself. A government spokesman called the incident "tragic", with "sincere sympathy for the families of those killed and injured." Daily protests and hunger strikes took place outside the Chinese embassy in Warsaw. The government also expressed hope that it did not affect Sino-Polish relations.

After Solidarity assumed the political leadership of Poland, the new government issued new stamps to commemorate the student protests in Tiananmen Square in China in the Spring of 1989.

 Romania: Nicolae Ceauşescu praised the military action, and in a reciprocal move, China sent Qiao Shi to the Romanian Communist Party Congress in August 1989, at which Ceauşescu was re-elected.

 Republic of China (Taiwan): President Lee Teng-hui issued a statement on 4 June strongly condemning the mainland Chinese response: "Early this morning, Chinese communist troops finally used military force to attack the students and others demonstrating peacefully for democracy and freedom in Tiananmen Square in Peking, resulting in heavy casualties and loss of life. Although we anticipated this mad action of the Chinese communists beforehand, it still has moved us to incomparable grief, indignation and shock."  The authorities also lifted a ban on telephone communications to encourage private contacts and counter the news blackout on the mainland.

 Singapore: Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, speaking on behalf of the Cabinet, said they were shocked and saddened by the response of the Chinese government, adding that "we had expected the Chinese government to apply the doctrine of minimum force when an army is used to quell civil disorder."

 Soviet Union: General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev did not explicitly condemn the actions, but called for reform. There was an interest on building relations on a recent summit in Beijing, but the events fueled discussion on human rights and Soviet foreign policy. There was some private criticism of the Chinese response.  Newly formed opposition groups condemned the military action. Ten days after the incident the government expressed regret, calling for political dialogue. Public demonstrations occurred at the Chinese embassy in Moscow. A spokesman on 10 June said the Kremlin was "extremely dismayed" at the incident.

 South Korea: The Foreign Ministry expressed "grave concern" and hoped for no further deterioration of the situation. The statement also encouraged dialogue to resolve the issue peacefully.

 Sweden: The Swedish government froze diplomatic relations with China.

 Thailand: The Thai government had the warmest relations with Beijing out of all ASEAN members, and expressed confidence that the "fluid situation" in China had passed its "critical point", though it was concerned that it could delay a settlement in the Cambodian–Vietnamese War.

 United Kingdom: The Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, expressed "utter revulsion and outrage", and was "appalled by the indiscriminate shooting of unarmed people." She promised to relax immigration laws for Hong Kong residents.

 United States: The United States Congress and media criticized the military action. President George H. W. Bush suspended military sales and visits to that country. Large scale protests against the Chinese government took place around the country.  George Washington University revealed that, through high-level secret channels on 30 June 1989, the US government conveyed to the government of the People's Republic of China that the events around the Tiananmen Square protests were an "internal affair".

 Vietnam: despite Vietnam and China's history of strained relations, the Vietnamese government quietly supported the Chinese government. Media reported on the protests but offered no commentary, and state radio added that the PLA could not have stopped the action after "hooligans and ruffians insulted or beat up soldiers" and destroyed military vehicles. The government expressed that it wanted better relations with China, but did not want to go to the "extremes of Eastern Europe or Tiananmen" – referring to its own stability.

 Yugoslavia: The national news agency Tanjug in the non-aligned country said the protest became a "symbol of destroyed illusions and also a symbol of sacrificed ideals which have been cut off by machine gun volleys and squashed under the caterpillars of heavy vehicles."