Some people have been getting all negative on Hong Kong recently. But those guys are just haters and they’re forgetting about all the pretty awesome stuff we have. Let’s recap. First of all there is an awesome district you might have heard of.

Johannes Pong and Dorothy So pick our ten favorite things in our new favorite district.

With a new Hong Kong film festival planned for Guangzhou, John Robertson asks how increasing collaboration with the mainland is changing the local film industry.

Car Free Day on Sept 22 - Greenpeace has called for a “Car Free Day” on September 22. Car owners are asked to stop using their vehicles for a day and use public transportation or walk instead. The green group says despite Hong Kong’s good public transport system, there has been an increase in car ownership.

“Trust us please, we have a photo to prove it.” - Sometimes we wonder how idiotic bureaucrats can get. Back in late May the Customs and Excise Department relieved all 45 of their sniffer dogs from their duties guarding the border for illegal drugs being smuggled into Hong Kong. What did they do instead? Pose in front of the camera for a publicity shot.

Hong Kong’s political life is getting more cinematic everyday. The government’s  compulsory drug testing in schools policy is playing out like a cheap remake of “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” but with a decidedly unattractive cast.

I was just finishing a dinner with friends when the subject of coffee unfortunately came up. I don’t really drink coffee and I definitely don’t know anything about it. I usually just order tea and hope it’s not a squat, white pot with one of those anemic Lipton’s bags hanging out with the tag still attached.

From fusion to swanky to down and dirty, Dorothy So takes stock of the best dim sum in town.

I had dinner last night with Cha Xiu Bao - the man, not the pork bun.
For those of you who haven’t seen the footage of Hong Kong’s most beloved food blogger getting bitched out by the lady at the fish ball stand in Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations”, you’re missing out. Go ahead and Google-stalk him.

The buzz: Staunton’s Group’s newest brainchild—just
right next to their ever-so-popular Staunton’s in SoHo—does casual dining with the catchy promise that “Life is Great at SOHO8.”

After a year-long hiatus, the Grand Bleu lobster menu is back at Amber (pictured above).

Bored of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi? Central Vietnam offers rich history and a beach holiday all in one. By June Ng.

The latest health and beauty news and deals with Sophia Chan.

All’s Fair

Chick-Flick Week - Boyfriends beware—this week you are likely to be coerced by your girlfriends to see one of the following films which all open this Thu (Sep 3).

Great Cello Concertos: Tatjana Plays Dvorak - One of the leading cellists of her generation, Russian Tatjana Vassiljeva performs the works of Dvorjak, as well as two pieces by Part and Beethoven.

Project X WeekNite Climb - New and experienced climbers are welcome to join in the climbing fun at this indoor wall.

Three On the Road - Works by contemporary mainland artists combining their Chinese roots with European influences.

Hi betches! If you’re all utterly sick of Lady Gaga, I promise you, I won’t mention her in the next four columns (unless something epic happens to her, or, if she goes all MJ) but I simply must share with you this juicy little Gaga vignette:

The buzz: Brought to you by the guys who gave you Beirut, Alhambra is a dark, tucked away harem with a spacious balcony terrace. 

DJ Nakadia - Having made her name on Koh Samui, as well as in Berlin, the She-J is sure to provide a night of anthemic tunes. With Frankie Lam, EpZ in support. $150 with drink before midnight, $200 with drink thereafter. Fri, Aug 28, 11pm. Lava, 3/FThe Plaza, 21 D’Aguilar St., Central, 9014-0221.

HK PICKS