Hong Kong food video & travel tips: best interational restaurants. The Academics, Causeway Bay coffee shop.

If you enjoyed my Hungry in Hawaii travel video, then you’ll drool over my latest Huffington Post Travel episode — a foodie’s tour of Hong Kong!
“Travel TV host La Carmina eats her way through Hong Kong’s hippest international restaurants. With her friend John Skeleton, she visits Taboo, Boqueria, Cafe Habitu, Lily and Bloom, The Academics, and Socialito (in Lan Kwai Fong, Central, and Causeway Bay).”
Watch the new episode above and here on Huff Post Travel.

I loved The Academics so much that I came here twice. My yellow raincoat with angel wings is by Kusuri (now carried in Karmaloop’s Kasbah). Designer Lauren Bitar’s pop Japan jackets are major head-turners.

At this sister cafe to Habitu, the award-winning (and stylish) baristas take center stage. They hand-roast their own beans and pour it through a Chemex drip to maximize flavor.

An Americano goes well with macaroons, cupcakes, or a chocolate tart topped with walnut and gold.

I enjoyed the New York City feel of The Academics, with high exposed ceilings and brick walls.

The concept is influenced by the owner’s extensive travels. The apple strudel was as good as the one I had in Germany…

… and the small plates brought me back to Italy. The next time I’m shopping in Causeway Bay, I’ll be stopping here to refuel. (38 Yiu Wa Street, CWB, HK)
Please take a moment to read the article and watch the Hong Kong food tour video — I spent a long time on it for you!
Which restaurants and dishes excited your appetite? Here’s more of my Hong Kong travel tips and photos.

PS: Look who is Mr July in the Scottish Fold Rescue Calendar! Don’t forget to order one for 2013; all proceeds go to helping orphan Folds find good homes.
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Liz Lisa: sweet, girly, cute clothing! Japanese girls dresses, Shibuya kawaii gyaru fashion boutique in Hong Kong.

Romantic, girly and gyaru — that’s the concept of Japanese fashion label Liz Lisa. The brand is a favorite among Shibuya girls, and growing in popularity all over Asia.
Here are photos from the LizLisa boutique in Sogo department store, Hong Kong.

One of the many benefits of shopping in Hong Kong is that prices are lower than in Tokyo (even though Liz Lisa’s a Japanese brand!)
If you aren’t anywhere close to Asia, you can still get the look above. Marc Jacobs makes a similar black and white polka dot blouse. I found a short black skirt with a Gothic print, to add a bit of spookiness.

Liz Lisa’s clothes are a bit frilly for my taste, but there are a few choice pieces I’ve incorporated into my wardrobe. I like the look of a sleeveless white lace dress. Those with girlier inclinations might like this white dress with a little pink bow around the waist. You can top it off with a ribbon sun hat with a fold-up brim.

I avoided the pink stuff, but bought the nude ankle boots with faux fur (bottom left). They’re similar to these NYLA doll boots, and about the same price.

Liz Lisa’s nude and white sweater drapes in a flattering way. Here’s a similar wide-sleeved striped sweater.

Alas, these ribbon Mary Janes were not in my size! (The closest shoes I’ve seen to these are Christian Dior’s pumps with a bow on top.)

Heart shaped purses never go out of style. There’s a near-identical pink purse by Vivienne Westwood, and a nude and white version by Betsey Johnson.

Quite a few designers make cute pink bags with bows, including: Nanette Lepore, Be-Angeled, Moschino, and Valentino.

Do you like Liz Lisa? Girly-cute gyaru style? Which of the photographed designs would you wear?

Outfit photos, where I’m wearing the white lace dress and ankle boots, coming soon! Catch previews on my Instagram (lacarmina) and Twitter.
LA CARMINA


