COMMUNITY

Have Your Say – Nicole Von Wilczur

Author/ Being Neighbourly
31 July 2024

An American in her late 20s originally from all over the US (Chicago, Arizona, Maine), Nicole met her French partner while studying in Spain and lived in France for five years before moving to Caine Road. When he found a job here, she followed. Nicole enjoys hiking, cooking, travelling and classical music! She’s in the Buy Nothing, MLW group.

What’s true/not true about your neighbourhood?

I think a lot of my friends don’t like coming over here to hang out here because they find a lot of the places to be too western/touristy/overpriced. I think this is generally a true statement especially around Central (less so, Western), but if you know the right places we have some of the best food on the island and you don’t need to break the bank.

Best place to eat breakfast?

For breakfast I’m slightly ashamed to admit my partner and I order the jumbo McDonalds breakfast way too often but our excuse is it’s right across the street! Or, a healthier option I’ve really enjoyed is the Smoothie Bowls at Ever Shine on Peel Street, specifically the Spirulina with the freeze dried fruit.

For brunch, lunch and dinner?

I love Brunch Club on Peel Street! The American in me loves their chicken, waffles and pancakes!

My favorite lunch place is Dim Sum Square in Sheung Wan. I like going specifically for lunch because sometimes they run out of popular items by dinner. All of the dim sum classics are great but I especially love their spring rolls wrapped in rice rolls and their stuffed green peppers. Also Kenko Shokuhin Ramen on Wellington Street has great lunch deals during the week and delicious bentos for takeaway!

For dinner, my favourite recently has been Hometown Dumplings in SYP. It’s a cozy Shanghainese restaurant that specialises in homemade dumplings. Their dumplings and Dan Dan noodles are my go to!

How about places to drink?

I’m not a huge coffee drinker but for drinks, for those who have tried to go to COA and been told there’s a wait, Whisky & Words right across the street is an amazing discovery. They have expertly crafted cocktails and the owner Devin is such a nice person!

Best unknown little gems?

If you like traditional Chinese tea, Fukien Tea Co. is a cosy family run tea shop that makes a signature 60 hr roasted oolong tea that is delicious. They also sell other types of tea and are very knowledgable and speak English well (and a bit of Japanese too, I think). Their teas make good treats of gifts.

Best other hangouts?

I really enjoy sitting in the public areas around Tai Kwun. It’s the perfect space to sit down with a book or have a lunch or picnic. There’s never that many people, and you can even pop in to see free art shows or exhibits around that change.

What’s so great about your home/neighbourhood?

I love the ease of access to everything by foot. From my house I can eat or shop from any nationality’s cuisine, go on hikes up Victoria or High West peak, go out around Central or LKF. I can shop or go antiquing, or sit, walk or run by the water near the pier/waterfront promenade — all without having to step foot in a car or public transport. It’s also great to live so close to friends and the great neighbours we’ve been fortunate enough to meet through the BN groups.

Can you see yourself living elsewhere?

The plan has always been that Hong Kong would be a temporary home. My partner is French and we envision moving back permanently to be closer to family and have the opportunity to live in the country side, have more space, and more yummy French food.