互動英語教室 - Choosing your own accessories (2) 5 Mar 2011 3:38 AM (14 years ago)

Lily intends to create an image of a fashionable "working women" (事業女性) for Barbara, so that she can illustrate (說明) her consummate (使完美) use of different accessories in her new album. The producer shares the same thoughts with Lily and suggests her to produce a video in which Barbara and Coney show the audience (觀眾) how to wear the hottest new trend in scarves (頸巾).

Lily: Hey Coney, our producer suggests making a short video demonstrating how to wear a scarf.

To Barbara, scarves conjure up (使人想起) an old-fashioned (老土) and uptight (煩躁的) image. She is rather reluctant (不情願的)to do a video about scarves. Coney tells her that scarves are not only used for warmth (溫暖) and comfort. A designer scarf can be tied in many different styles. Even a very plain (簡樸的) coat or shirt can be made to look fantastic by using a brightly coloured and trendy scarf. Barbara changes her idea and gives this a try.

Coney: It’s a good idea!

Barbara: Hi guys! Scarves are one of the favourite clothing items of women. You can be chic (別緻的) with classic silk scarves. A chunky (厚厚的) wool (羊毛) scarf can add a touch of warmth. Coney is my stylist today. She is going to show you the easiest ways to wear a scarf.

Coney: We are going to start with “the loop”. (圈)

Coney demonstrates how to wear scarves in fashionable ways without an obvious tie to the past. Barbara now believes that a scarf can represent her unique (獨一無二) personality (性格) and preferences (喜好).

Barbara: There are scarves made of different materials such as viscose (黏膠) and cotton (棉).

Lily has the impression that eyewear can change people's look and asks Coney for more advice.

Lily: Hey Coney, do you have any eyewear accessories?

Coney: Of course we do. Here are the fashion sunglasses (太陽眼鏡).

Coney is fashion conscious (意識到的) and into elegant (雅緻的)things. She immediately shows Barbara the newest sunglasses.

Barbara: Can I choose the ones that suit my mood?

Coney: Sure!

Lily: Barbara, this pair can enhance your fashion image and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays at the same time.

Barbara: They look great!

Lily: Barbara, the name of your coming album should be…”Barbara’s fashion world”!

Questions:
1) Can you name some materials used to make scarves?
2) Why Barbara is reluctant to demonstrate how to wear a scarf in the beginning?
3) Besides making a person to be fashionable, what is the other advantage of wearing sunglasses mentioned by Lily?

Answers:
1) Silk, wool, viscose and cotton.
2) Scarves conjure up an old-fashioned and uptight image.
3) Sunglasses can also protect ones’ eyes from harmful UV rays.

Script: Louise Chow / Lily Poon
Article: Lily Poon
Director: CP Chan
Actresses: Barbara Li, Coney Ko, Lily Poon

文匯報互動英語教室 (10) - Choosing your own accessories (1) 13 Feb 2011 10:37 PM (14 years ago)

Barbara has signed a contract (合約) with Angel Music, a famous record label (唱片公司) in Hong Kong. Her manager, Lily, is aware of the importance of a singer’s image (形象) but initially has no idea what Barbara should wear while on stage. Lily decides to ask her professional (專業) stylist (設計師) friend Coney to create the best image for Barbara.

Lily has arranged an appointment (約會) with Coney for Barbara.

Barbara: Hi Lily, how are you? What’s the schedule for today?

Lily: You desperately need a makeover (改變外觀)!

Barbara: A makeover? I think my style looks just fine. Don’t you think so?

Lily: No way! I have to create a stylish (時尚的) and chic (有型的) look for you. Look at what you are wearing now! Who believes that you are a rising pop star? My friend has a jewelry shop (首飾店) around the corner. She designs and sells costume jewelry (人造首飾) and should be able to give you some style tips.

Barbara is excited about the opportunity to meet up a professional stylist. Lily thinks that Barbara has high potentials as a good singer but definitely had to improve her outlook. Coney is very confident that she can help to create the best image for her. Barbara is very impressed with the large variety of jewelry in the store. The materials that Coney uses to make her very own jewelry include precious stones (寶石), crystal (水晶), sterling silver (純銀), shell (貝殼) and many more.

Barbara: I am impressed by your unique (獨一無二的) collection of jewelry! Necklaces (項鍊) , bracelets (手鐲), earrings (耳環) and hats (帽子).

Lily: Coney, can you give her a glamorous (迷人的) makeover using your accessories (飾物)? She is going to have her first performance (表演) tomorrow.

Coney: Sure! You have come to the right place! (你找對了地方)

Coney tells Barbara to choose clothing that can represent her free spirit while staying stylish. One of the big advantages of wearing the right jewelry is that one can stay up with the latest looks. That’s why Coney is choosing the jewelry for Barbara carefully.

Coney: They are mainly vintage (古色古香的) style jewelry

Barbara: I read from a fashion magazine that the term “vintage” means nostalgic (懷舊) style!

Coney: Do you like this one?

Barbara: Not really. I prefer something simple. How about these hair clips (髮夾)?

Lily: No way. I am sure we will find something right for you.

Coney: How about this one? (Coney chooses a necklace made of fresh water pear (珍珠)

Barbara: Yes! It’s simple but elegant (雅緻的). This pearl gives me feminine (女性) charm (魅力).

Do you want to know what Barbara has chosen next? Don’t miss the next episode!

Questions:
1) Can you name some materials that can be used to make costume jewelry?
2) What kind of jewelry do you like the best?
3) What is the meaning of “vintage jewelry”?

Answers:
1) Precious stones, crystal, sterling silver and shell.
2) Necklaces , bracelets, earrings and hair clips.
3) The term “vintage” means nostalgic style.

Special thanks to Coney @ TAKA Accessories
Article by Lily Poon
Script by Louise Chow
Director: CP Chan

互動英語教室(9) - Let's go to an atelier (2) 23 Jan 2011 2:39 AM (14 years ago)

After the interview, Sun and Chrissy shared the joy of painting with Lily and Louise as a way to relax and express what they had in themselves. Lily and Louise closely observed (觀察) the uses of colour and learned the basic principles. Lily had great fun while sketching (素描) though she ended up in using the eraser (橡皮擦) a lot. They both agreed that they could rapidly (迅速地) polish (磨鍊) their talent (天資) and skills (技巧) with a teacher’s guidance.

Louise was impressed by the drawing on a wall in the garden. Sun told them that drawing on walls had always been enjoyed greatly by his students. He encouraged (鼓勵) his students to draw whatever they could think of in their mind. This free-form (自由) style reminded Lily of graffiti (塗鴉)…

Chrissy: Did you enjoy yourselves?

Louise: Sure! I like the drawing on the wall.

Sun Ho: My students love to draw on walls.

Lily: I heard that drawing on walls is very common in the States. It’s “gra”, “gra” , “gra” …(Lily couldn’t recall the term)

Chrissy: Do you mean “graffiti”?

Lily: Oh! Yeah!

Chrissy: Graffiti means "to write". Now it refers to writing, drawing, or symbols (符號) applied to any surface without the permission (允許) of the property (物業) owner. Graffiti is often related to hip hop culture and can occur anywhere such as on railroad (鐵路) boxcars (貨車) and subways (隧道). People use a variety of materials such as automotive car paint (車油), spray paint (噴漆), crayons (炭筆) and permanent ink (不脫色墨水). Never draw any graffiti without permission from property owners. But now, you can create graffiti legally (合法) here!

Sun gave Lily and Louise a small paint brush and taught them how to paint on walls. He also showed them some common graffiti fonts and encouraged them to use more colours and be creative most importantly.

Chrissy mentioned that what made street graffiti so different from other forms of visual (視覺) culture was that the production of the image was unauthorised (未被授權的). Lily suddenly thought of Tsang Tsou-choi (曾灶財), also known as "The King of Kowloon". She told Chrissy that Tsang was a local poor man who scrawled (亂塗) on lamp-posts (燈柱), walls and phone boxes. Basically, his script could be found throughout Hong Kong. He was also known for the Chinese calligraphy (書法) he invented. He later became famous around the world after some of his works were displayed (展出) at the Venice Biennale International Art Exhibition (威尼斯國際藝術雙年展) in 2003. Lily and Louise both thought that his unique art had become a part of the city's collective memory (集體回憶) after his death.

Lily and Louise discussed with their chef editor (總編輯) and decided to write an article about “painting and creativity” for the coming issue.

Questions:
1) What are the benefits to learn painting with a teacher’s guidance?
2) Are graffiti legal?
3) Where can you find graffiti usually?
4) What kinds of materials are used to draw graffiti?

Answers:
1) We can rapidly polish our talent and skills with a teacher’s guidance.
2) No.
3) Walls, railroad boxcars and subways.
4) Automotive car paint, spray paint, crayons and permanent ink.

Actress: Chrissy, Louise, Lily, Sun Ho
Director: C.P.
Article: Lily

文匯報互動英語教室(7) - It had all been a dream... 19 Dec 2010 5:37 AM (14 years ago)

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!

Lily and Louise just finished a video shoot (拍攝) for an upcoming “Quick and Easy Recipes” show on Italian cuisine. Louise couldn’t wait to leave when she thought of the dinner with her best friend from London. Lily was left alone to enjoy this fully refurbished (翻新了的) apartment(公寓). She was a great admirer (讚賞者) of English literature. She had installed herself on the sofa and started reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Lily was in a state of exhaustion (精疲力竭) after such a long day and fell asleep (睡著). After a while, she woke with a start (驚醒) and saw a little boy who looked like Daniel. Yet she was not very sure if he was the little boy whom she had been acquainted (認識的), but not very long ago. Looking at him, she felt that he was a little bit different. He was warmly dressed in a black pullover as if he had exposed to cold air. They entered into a conversation (對話)

Lily: You must be Daniel!

Daniel: Lily, welcome to the Wonderland.

Lily: “Lily in Wonderland”? Impossible! I should have met a rabbit instead of a kid! Has the story line been changed?

In spite of Lily’s agitation (不安), Daniel seemed extremely pleased.

Daniel: Follow me.

Although Lily was a bit sceptical (懷疑), she followed him into a hole in the middle of the bathroom. Suddenly, Daniel stopped and shouted at a lady.

Daniel: The Queen!

Daniel greeted the Queen and ran away. Lily could scarcely (幾乎沒可能) believe her eyes, and was almost scared at seeing her.

Queen: I am the Queen. What’s your name?

Lily was confused and mumbled (含糊地說) to herself.

Lily: Oh, no! I should be meeting the Chesire-Cat or the flamingo (紅鸛) but not the Queen.

Lily pretended to be delighted and introduced herself to the Queen. She was always off doing daring (大膽) things that often got her in trouble. She mocked at (嘲笑) the Queen’s outlook and even bursted into giggles (傻笑) afterwards. The Queen was outraged (憤怒).

Queen: Idiot (笨蛋)! Can you do tongue twisters (饒口令)? If not, you should be beheaded (砍頭).

Lily: Your majesty (陛下), I can do one.
The big black bug bit the big black bear.

The Queen became excited and happy. She continued the second part of the tongue twister.

Queen: but the big black bear bit the big black bug back!

Lily delivered another one:
How can a clam (蜆) cram (塞進) in a clean cream can (金屬罐)?

Queen replied without hesitation (猶豫): Send toast to ten tense (緊張的) stout (肥胖的) saints' (聖人) ten tall tents (帳篷).

Lily had run out of (耗盡) tongue twisters. She begged (哀求) the Queen to forgive her and let her go. The Queen grew furious (盛怒的) and lost her temper again.

Queen: No. Off with her head!

Lily: Your majesty! I can do another tongue twister.

Queen: Can you do Peter Piper picked a peck (少量) of pickled (醃製的) peppers (甜椒)?

Lily: No….

Suddenly, Lily woke up in a shock and discovered (發現) a deck of (一副) playing cards (撲克牌) with the Ace of Hearts facing upward (向上朝) next to the book. She was so frightened (驚慌) and left the apartment right away. Had it all been just a dream?

Contributor: Louise Chow/ Lily Poon

文匯報互動英語教室 (6) - Can I cook? 23 Nov 2010 11:04 PM (14 years ago)

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!

Lily and Louise are the hosts of “Quick and Easy Recipes”. It is one of the highest rated live TV cooking shows that presents the preparation of easy-to-prepare (容易煮的) food. One of the things the audience (觀眾) love about this show is that the hosts showcase (展現) produce from a different country each time and invite a local chef to prepare the items.

Lily and Louise invited a chef to demonstrate (示範) how to make a simple yet tasty pasta. Unfortunately, he couldn’t come because of a car accident. They could not find another chef to cover for him with such a short notice. Louise suggested to Lily that they could cook together. Lily hesitated (猶豫) because she lacked experience and self-confidence (自信心). Daniel, a 5-year-old cook, was in a buoyant (活潑的) mood when he knew that the chef was unable to show up. He volunteered (自發) to teach them how to make a smoked bacon penne pasta (通粉).

Louise: Hey guys! Welcome to “Quick and Easy Recipes” I am Louise.

Lily: I am Lily.

Louise: Today we are going to make a quick and easy smoked bacon penne pasta.

Lily: You need the following ingredients: penne pasta, smoked bacon, olive oil (橄欖油), garlic, parmesan cheese (巴馬乾酪芝士) , salt and pepper.

Lily got so nervous she forgot what to do next. Louise reminded (提醒) her to take out all the utensils (用具).

Louise: chopping board (砧板) , fry pan (平底鍋), tall pan (高身褒) and colander (濾鍋). Now fill the tall pan with water and place it on a high heat (高溫). Add a little bit of salt and olive oil.

Lily added a large amount of salt to the pasta unintentionally. (非故意地) Louise tried to suppress her anger and continued making the pasta.

Louise: When the water is boiling. Add the pasta and cook for 11 minutes. Now. Place the frying pan on a high heat. Fry the bacons and garlic until brown.

Lily put the unpeeled garlic in the frying pan and forgot to switch off the stove after 11 minutes. Overcooked penne was a sodden (過濕) pile of pasta that was not very appetizing!

Louise: Serve the pasta and bacons on a plate and sprinkle (灑) the parmesan cheese on top.

Daniel could not hold his laughter when he saw them cooking. Lily was annoyed when she saw Daniel laughing at her. She was thinking how to best get revenge on him and finally decided to invite Daniel to taste the pasta!

Smoked bacon penne recipe:

1 package dried penne pasta
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped smoked bacon
3 tablespoons minced (切碎) garlic
Salt and pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Questions:
1) Name the ingredients that you will need to make a smoked bacon penne pasta
2) Name the utensils that you will need.

Answers:
1) penne pasta, smoked bacon, olive oil, garlic, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
2) chopping board, fry pan, tall pan and colander

文匯報互動英語教室(5) - A vertical garden 11 Nov 2010 6:07 AM (14 years ago)

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
我的直立式花園!

Lily does not care about environmental protection (環保). She uses all kinds of single-use disposable (即棄) plastic products including trash bags (垃圾袋), cups, plates and bottles. Her friends keep telling her that plastic is one of the major toxic (有毒的) pollutants (污染物) and disposal (處置) of plastic products on land makes harm to soil. Unfortunately, she completely ignores all their advice and keeps using plastic products.

Lily is suffering from allergies (敏感) because of the poor quality of the air in her office. She complained to the property management company (物業管理公司) several times but for some reason her efforts didn’t take. She gave up finally. She felt asleep after a busy work day and had a strange dream in which she met Angel of the Forest…

Liz: Would you like to join me for a coffee and cake?

Lily looked at Liz quizzically (疑惑地).

Lily: Who are you?

Liz: I am Liz, Angel of the Forest. Why do you use so many plastic products?

Lily: Why not? They are so convenient. I can just throw them away after a single use. I never wash the dishes. I’d rather spend more time on playing online games.

Liz: Do you know many plastic products contain harmful chemicals?

Lily: I don’t care.

Liz: Oh! You are wasting paper and killing trees for nothing!

Lily: Who cares? I live in Hong Kong, a polluted big city anyway.

Liz: You are wrong. We can make Hong Kong a better place to live.

Lily: Are you sure?

Liz: Yes! Come with me.

Lily followed Liz to a café. She gave Liz an astonished (驚訝的) look when she saw so many beautiful tropical plants in this café.

Lily: Oh! Am I dreaming?

Liz: Welcome to The Village. Would you like to join me for a tour?

Lily : Sure! I have never seen so many plants in such a small area before! Amazing!

Liz: Like many other big cities, lack of space is a reality in Hong Kong. We should think of ways to maximize the use of any available space.

Lily: Like how?

Liz: Can you notice anything special about the plants here?

Lily: Some plants grow on the wall.

Liz: You are very smart. This is what we called “vertical gardening” (直立式花園). Plants are not restricted to growing on the ground or in pots, they can also grow on the wall.

Lily: Oh! The green walls! Are there any other ben

efits (好處)?

Liz: Of course. Plants can lower temperature of the walls and thus cool down the surrounding space.

Lily: I want to create an attractive garden in my small apartment too. They have a large variety of plants here.

Liz: You are right. Since no soil is used, there are no mosquitos (蚊子) and other insects.

Despite the fact that land is limited in Hong Kong, we can still improve our living place by adding plants to help keep our home and office atmosphere healthier. Vertical gardening, gardening with upright (向上) structures, is ideal for the urban city areas. Walls are often used to create practical (實用) gardening spaces. It is space saving and environmentally friendly.

Lily has decided to make small moves to keep her home green and clean. She stops using plastic bags and starts building a framework for a small vertical garden at home. She believes that these small things can add up to a better future.

Questions:

1) Why plastic products are harmful to the environment?

2) What is vertical gardening?

3) What are the benefits of having a vertical garden?

4) What will you do to help protect our environment?

Answers:

1) Plastic is one of the major toxic pollutants and disposal of plastic products on land makes harm to soil.

2) Plants are not restricted to growing on the ground or in pots, they can also grow on the wall.

3) You can build a vertical garden in a small area. Since no soil is used, there are no mosquitos and other insects.

By Lily Poon

Special thanks to The Village as our venue provider

If you have any suggestion, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

PURCARI 普加利葡萄酒的故事 4 Nov 2010 8:50 PM (14 years ago)

老友記從摩爾多瓦(Moldova)的著名酒莊普加利(Purcari)入口葡萄酒, 為香港酒迷帶來新驚喜! 想更了解摩爾多瓦葡萄酒? 請看"普加利葡萄酒的故事"!

歡迎您於11月4 - 6 日前來假香港會議及展覽中心舉行的香港國際美酒展(三號展覽館 booth no. 3G27)品嚐如此特別的佳釀!

字幕/ 聲音演出: Lily Poon
技術支援: C.P. Chan
Copyrighted by: Ghvino

展覽會上酒商對普加利酒莊的葡萄酒十分感興趣!

小妮在品嚐百聞不如一見的「黑色普加利」!

普加利葡萄酒於日本著名漫畫『神之水滴』中亦有提及!

最後我試了甜酒!

我們很期待您的到訪!

按此瀏覽香港國際美酒展網頁

互動英語教室(4) - Coffee or tea? 30 Oct 2010 6:15 AM (14 years ago)

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家飲咖啡...

Gary has been working for an Italian company for a few years and was recently promoted (升職) to Assistant Manager in January. He spent the last few months traveling from Hong Kong to Italy for work. His Italian colleagues (同事) are nice enough to introduce him to the Italian culture by taking him to restaurants, bars and concerts.

Coffee bars are one of the most impressive (印象深刻) places in Italy that Gary has visited. He thinks that Italy is a country of great variety (多元化) and coffee is an important aspect of the diversity (多方面的) of its culture. He is determined (下定決心) to bring the Italian coffee (咖啡) culture (文化) to Hong Kong and be a qualified (合資格) barista (咖啡師) one day. He understands that transplanting (引入) the Italian coffee bar culture to Hong Kong is a big challenge (挑戰) as the local market is dominated (被支配) by a few American brands (品牌). In order to minimize (減低) the risk (風險) of starting a small business, he has been going to different coffee shops in Hong Kong to understand the market before taking any further steps. His research has been aided (協助) immeasurably (不能計算地) by his friends who are coffee lovers. They keep sending him information about the latest (最新) coffee-industry trends in the world.

One day, while he was looking for the right equipment to brew (泡) coffee at home with his friend Louise, a sign (招牌) of a café caught their attention. He immediately has the impression that an attractive sign can increase the sales by attracting customers to see what you are selling. Gary and Louise decided to have a coffee in this café.

A young and polite waitress greeted Gary and Louise.

Waitress: Welcome. How many of you please?
歡迎，你們多少人?

Gary: Two please.
兩位。

Gary: Do you have coffee and cakes?
你們有咖啡和蛋糕嗎?

Waitress: Yes. We serve a large variety of coffee and cakes here.
有的。我們有很多不同種類的咖啡和蛋糕。

Gary: A cappuccino for my friend please.
我的朋友要一柸cappuccino。

Waitress: Sure, sir. How about you?
好的，先生你呢?

Gary: I’d like to have one iced lemon tea.
我想要一柸凍檸檬茶。

Louise was a big fan of cakes. They ordered a piece of cheese cake and a cool, refreshing (提神的) Italian dessert called tiramisu (一種義大利著名甜點，用咖啡及甜酒泡過分層海綿蛋糕，在各層之間塗有巧克力及義大利特產的mascarpone乳酪). She saw a customer having a British breakfast in the café and told Gary that full breakfast was traditionally served at breakfast time but it was also popular at other times.

Louise had never been to Italy and was very curious about Gary’s experience there. Gary introduced the most common types of Italian coffee to her. They were:
Caffè/ Espresso – a small cup of very strong coffee. The foam topped on the coffee is called "crema”.

Caffè latte – Coffee with hot milk

Cappuccino - a shot of espresso in a larger cup with steamed milk and foam

Caffè macchiato - also known as espresso macchiato, is espresso marked with a little milk

The history of coffee in Italy dated back to the 1600s. Coffee was exported from Turkey to Europe, landing for the first time in Venice (威尼斯). The first coffee shop in Venice was opened in 1683. During the latter half of the 17th century, coffee consumption spread to Italy, France, England and Germany. Coffee is now one of the most popular beverages in the world. The Italians like to follow their meals with a dessert and ended with a strong espresso.

Needless to say, Louise was very impressed with Gary’s profound (深入) knowledge (知識) of the Italian coffee culture. Louise told Gary that she saw a wide variety of tea types and flavours in London. The English enjoyed tea with milk and Ceylon tea from Sri Lanka was one of the most popular kinds of tea in England. She was surprised to know that this café served eight different kinds of tea including the Hong Kong-style milk tea!

It’s almost 5 o’clock…

Gary: Can I have the bill please?
我們要結帳。 (即廣東話”埋單”)

Waitress: Sure.
沒問題。

Gary: Do you take credit cards?
你們接受信用卡付款嗎?

Waitress: I am sorry sir, we only accept cash. Thank you!
先生對不起，我們只接受現金。

Gary not only paid the bill, but he also gave Louise a gift from Italy. She was very surprised and said,’ Thank you! You have become as romantic as the Italians!’

Questions:
1) Can you name some popular Italian coffee drinks?
2) Where is Ceylon tea from?
3) After a meal, what do you say to the waitor when you want to pay?

Answers:
1) Cafe Latte, Cappuccino and expresso
2) Sri Lanka
3) Can I have the bill please?/ Check please.
By Lily Poon
Special thanks to mIN+ café & kitchen 民家 as our venue provider

If you have any idea, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

互動英語教室(3) - In a French Grocery Store 13 Oct 2010 6:29 PM (14 years ago)

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到法國小店...

Eating out is one of the most common sources of entertainment in Hong Kong. Lily and Sharon seldom cook proper meals at home because they dislike washing dishes. Pizza, spaghetti and fish ball noodles are always on top of their list. One day, they were looking for something different and exciting to do for their friend’s birthday. Lily came up with the idea of hosting a surprise party. Sharon found this idea fabulous but she had no experience in organising a birthday party at home. Lily suggested having a party theme which could help make shopping easier. Sharon was worried about finding a suitable venue too. While they were discussing about their plans, they walked past a French grocery store called “Monsieur Chatte”. Sharon found the food sold in that shop very interesting and decided to take a closer look.

Caroline, the owner of this store, greeted Lily and Sharon.

Caroline: Hello, may I help you?
你們好, 有什麼我可以幫忙?

Lily: Yes. Can you suggest some ideas for a birthday party?
你可以給我們一些有關生日派對的建議嗎?

Sharon: We are looking for something special!
我們想找一些特別的東西啊!

Caroline: Sure! We are selling French food and beverages. In France, we eat a lot of cheese. Do you and your friends like cheese?
當然可以! 我們售買各式各樣的法國食品和飲品。在法國我們吃很多芝士的。你和你的朋友喜歡芝士嗎?

Caroline: This is comte and this is camembert. Would you like to try?
這是comte，這是camembert。你們想試試嗎?

Lily and Sharon: Yes. Thank you.
好的。謝謝。

This was the first time they had ever tried French cheese. Caroline explained to them that cheese and wine were central elements of the French diet and there were around 400 sorts of Cheese in France. Lily and Sharon had the impression that French food and drinks were very expensive. That’s why Sharon decided to ask for the price of the cheese she liked before buying. She was happy to know that they were affordable.

Sharon: I like this one. How much is it?
我喜歡這種。要多少錢呢?

Caroline: $52 per 100 grams.
每100克52元。

Lily: Can we have 100 grams please?
我可以要100克嗎?

Caroline: No problem.
沒問題。
Sharon was curious to know more about the sausages hanging in the shop.

Lily: Caroline, what are these?
Caroline, 這是什麼?

Caroline: They are French sausages, “sacisson” in French. You can cut them into pieces.
這是法國香腸。你可以把它們切成小塊吃。

Sharon told Caroline that Chinese people also had preserved food and was surprised to note the similarities in French and Chinese cooking philosophies. Sharon found some small cakes in the shop and asked Caroline for more information.

Sharon: Excuse me, Caroline, they look very cute, what are they?
Caroline，請問這是什麼? 樣子很可愛啊!

Caroline: Oh! These are “Cannelé”. They are little cookies from a region in France called “Bordeaux”.
噢! 這是“Cannelé” 。來自法國一個名為” Bordeaux”的地區。

Lily: We want 10 of them. How much do they cost?
我想要10件。一共要多少錢呢?

Caroline: It costs $12 each. The total is $120. Let’s go up to the second floor, we have French wines up there.
12元一件。一共120元。不如一起上二樓，那裡有法國葡萄酒。

Caroline: These are French wines. We usually drink white wines with seafood and red wines with meat.
這是法國葡萄酒。我們一般吃海鮮時飲白酒，吃肉類時飲紅酒。

Caroline: Have you found a place for your friend’s birthday party?
你們找到開生日派對的地方了嗎?

Lily: Not yet.
還未。

Caroline: Would you like to consider having your party here? Our private lounge can be used exclusively for parties. Let me show you the way.
你們會否考慮這兒? 我們的私人會客廳可以用來開派對。
Lily and Sharon followed Caroline to the second floor.

Lily: Oh! The setting is very stylish!
噢! 多麼時尚的裝修啊!

Caroline: It can accommodate 20-25 people.
這裏可以容納20至25人。

Sharon: Is there any minimum charge?
有沒有最低消費呢?

Caroline: Yes. You can consume our food and beverages. Let me send you a proposal tomorrow.
有的。你可以在這兒消費，享用我們的食物和飲品。我明天給你一個建議書吧!

After their visit to this French grocery store, Lily and Sharon find experiencing the food and drinks of a country being the best way to understand its culture. Although there are fundamental differences between Chinese and French food culture, it’s not a bad idea to have something different occasionally!

Special thanks to Monsieur Chatte.

If you have any suggestions, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

小妮新地獄遊記(4) - 遊割腎鼠咬小地獄 30 Sep 2010 4:41 AM (14 years ago)

My Trip to Hell...

濟佛: 小妮，我們將遊多個小地獄。

小妮: 好的!

濟佛: 我知道你因為早上要上班，晚上又要遊地獄，太辛苦了。我賜你靈丹三粒，快服下，以準備遊冥。

小妮: 靈丹可唔可以減肥呀，師傅? 哈哈!

(到了地獄...)

小妮:師傅! 前面是什麼地方？我聽見人聲慘叫和老鼠聲啊!

濟佛: 前面乃是六殿所管轄十六小地獄之「割腎鼠咬小地獄」。

小妮:啊! 成地老鼠向罪魂侵襲，每個罪魂被綁坐在地上不能動，他們犯了什麼罪？

獄官: 此獄全是男罪犯，都因在世貪淫好色，或犯清規戒律之色鬼。因生前好淫，敗道壞德，故除割下陰根陽物外，並由老鼠猛嚼其根底，要其「斬草除根」之意。

小妮: 吓???????????????? 「斬草除根」? 死啦!

濟佛: 死?

小妮: 師傅，我諗我有D friend 好危險，佢地成日北上。

濟佛:北方? 有何特別?

小妮搖了搖頭:生前北上，死後落硬「割腎鼠咬小地獄」。

濟佛: 男人一受割咬比什麼都痛苦，俗語說：「斬草不除根，春風吹又生。」

小妮: 電話係邊? 要盡快call Derek、Jonathan...可能已經上晒大陸。

濟佛: 我勸世人，切勿犯淫業，此罪最重，尤於修道之士，更應提高警覺，犯淫不赦。除五殿「誅心地獄」有份外，有者尚要再來此獄受刑！小妮，時刻已到要回陽間。

小妮第二天早上在中環巧遇Derek...

小妮: Derek，你尋晚係咪上左大陸?

Derek: 唔係，去左Disney Land 囉! 仲買左件禮物比我個仔，你睇吓...

Derek從袋中拿出一個米奇老鼠的公仔。

小妮反眼:我暈啦...

Derek: ?

待續...

互動英語教室(2) - In a Chinese restaurant 27 Sep 2010 7:56 AM (14 years ago)

文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到大牌檔...

Confucius once said, "The way you cut your meat reflects the way you live." The preparation (預備) and presentation of the food can be a work of art in Chinese culinary (烹飪). Basic cooking methods in Chinese cuisine include frying (煎), stir-frying (炒), deep-frying (炸), boiling (煮), stewing (炆、燉) and steaming (蒸).

Juliet, a food-curious tourist from England, came to Hong Kong for holiday. She wanted to try all kinds of adventurous (大膽的) Chinese recipes (食譜). A dai pai dong (大牌檔) called Royal Kitchen was a recommendation from the travel guide book she bought in England. She found this kind of open-air food stalls very unique and decided to give it a try. Unfortunately, she got lost on her way to Royal Kitchen and became frustrated because she couldn’t speak Chinese and ask for assistance. Laura, who lived nearby, saw Juliet and did her best to help.

Laura: Hi, may I help you?

你好，有需要幫忙嗎？

Juliet: Oh yes! I am looking for a Chinese restaurant called Royal Kitchen.

你好。我在尋找一家名為御膳廚房的中式餐廳。

Laura: Oh, it’s just right here!

哦！就在這裡啊！

Juliet: Cool! Thanks!

太好了！謝謝！

Juliet couldn't have felt more welcome and invited Laura to dinner. Laura hesitated at first but then accepted the invitation.

Laura: Is this your first time to Hong Kong?

你第一次來香港嗎？

Juliet: Yes, I am alone actually. Do you want to join me for dinner?

是啊，一個人來。你賞面跟我一起吃飯嗎？

Laura: Sure! Why not?

好的！

Juliet was very upbeat (樂觀的) and warm. According to her guide book, deep fried calamari (椒鹽炒鮮魷) was the signature dish (招牌菜) of Royal Kitchen that best showcased (展示) the chef’s deep try skills. Juliet highly recommended it to Laura. They also wanted to have some all-time favourite (時常都很受歡迎) vegetarian dishes but had no idea which vegetables were in season (合時). They asked the waitress (女侍應) (waiter “男侍應”) for advice. The waitress said that they had morning glory (通菜), lettuce (生菜), choi sum also called “flowering cabbage” (菜心) and broccoli (西蘭花). Laura ordered morning glory with beef. Juliet was surprised to know that most Chinese dishes were cooked with meat and vegetables together.

As a tourist, Juliet wanted to explore a Chinese cook's arsenal (“兵工廠”. 比喻廚房像個兵工廠). The waitress was so generous (大方的) that she allowed them to observe how the chef (廚師) prepared their dishes. It was such an eye-opening (大開眼界) experience to Juliet! Inside the kitchen, they saw some common Chinese ingredients (材料) such as spring onions (蔥), garlic (蒜茸), ginger (薑), peppers (辣椒) and corn starch (粟粉).

Chinese people like to put dishes in the middle of the table for all to share and use individual bowls of rice for each person. Laura and Juliet ordered two bowls of plain rice. The waitress offered Juliet knife and fork as she knew those were European cutlery (餐具). Juliet declined (婉拒) her offer as she could manage chopsticks (筷子) very well. The food was delicious!

To remove food residue (食物殘渣) from teeth with toothpicks (牙籤) is a common practise in China. However, Laura avoided doing so as she thought it was not hygienic (衛生) and could appear to be rude (粗魯的).

Questions:

1. Can you name some cooking methods in Chinese culinary?

2. What are the ingredients mentioned in the video?

3. What is the most common cutlery do Chinese people use?

Answers:

1. fry (煎), stir-fry (炒), boil (煮), deep-fry (炸), stew (炆、燉), steam (蒸)

2. spring onion (蔥), garlic (蒜茸), ginger (薑), peppers (辣椒) and corn flour (粟粉)

3. Chopsticks.

Special thanks to Royal Kitchen
Contributor: Louise Chow

小妮新地獄遊記(3) - 與冥王敍談 26 Sep 2010 4:22 AM (14 years ago)

My Trip to Hell...

濟佛：今天準備遊冥，小妮你心神為何不靜？

小妮：公事纏身，一心數用，一個頂三個人的workload，所以精神散亂。

濟佛：遊冥非兒戲，心若不靜，你的靈魂難入陰府，我賜你一粒「定心丸」，快服下，準備起程。

小妮：地獄Panadol? 感謝師父，我已"0拍"左粒丸，精神為之一振!

濟佛：起程吧！

小妮：師父! 師父!這是什麼地方? 前面有一個大殿，人頸湧湧啊!

濟佛：前面就是「冥府第一殿」，我們快前去參見冥王。

濟佛見到冥王：參見冥王

冥王：勿客氣，隨我入殿。請在會客室稍坐。命將軍速奉仙茶。

將軍：遵命。

冥王：濟佛、小妮小姐請用茶。

小妮：我唔敢飲呀! 聽人講，若係凡人到地府，飲用食物，上唔返去陽間，所以您地飲啦。我唔飲啦! (小妮心裏很害怕)

冥王：小妮你不要信，世俗所傳陽人不可食陰物，此乃對一般人而言。陰陽各有主，當然不可混亂紊綱。但你是奉旨而來，屬貴賓身份，怎會不能回陽呢？

小妮: 你...你唔好玩我呀!不過"奉左旨"就應該冇事，公司都係咁之嗎，D人"奉左老細旨"做咩都得啦。好啦! 我飲。

冥王：世人都是貪生切死，但如小妮生怕死不敢喝茶，還情有可原。有一般世人，明知為非作歹，只有死路一條，仍不回頭，勇往直前，真是可悲。

小妮：世途險惡，我唔信人係人知常情啊! 請問冥王，外面咁多人排隊是為什麼？

冥王：我掌管「第一殿」，凡人死後，陰差便將亡魂押至本殿，我查其善惡，善功多者，帶入陰府各殿參觀，或可再修煉，或發送至賞善司或聚善所；罪過多者，發令交二殿審判，或押進罰惡司；但如罪重者，必先押上孽鏡臺，照現其原形，再送二殿。

小妮：嘩! 好有系統! 外面亡魂點解啼哭哭啼啼？

冥王：世人到本殿，明白自己已經離開世間，亡魂深知將受陰律審判受刑，個個心寒而慄，痛哭後悔。

小妮：做得壞事多，知衰啦!

濟佛：對! 今晚時刻已到，要回陽間。

冥王：送駕！

小妮心想：可惜人世間，太多事情在於灰色地帶。人在江湖，身不由已。冥王你可知人心可比鬼心更難測呢。

小妮新地獄遊記(2) - 「清心池」 24 Sep 2010 5:19 PM (14 years ago)

My Trip to Hell...

濟佛：小妮準備遊冥。

小妮：唔係呀嘩? 咁早去遊冥? 我成11點先放工呀! 精神疲勞，好想睡覺，下次先啦！

濟佛：你太懶散了，香港人受一點風霜就畏苦，還能成什麼大器！

小妮：你試下一日做12個鐘呀大老! 呀呀呀唔係..."大師"! 算啦，算啦。你等我換件衫一齊出發啦。

小妮：大師！地獄好凍呀。前面個池好大呀，池水好清，個天好藍啊! 一D都唔似去左地獄呀! 水中浮出三個字「清心池」。係咩東東呢?

濟佛：你前日遊冥，因用凡胎俗眼看地獄，所以能見到到的事物很少，我今天帶你到此地，就是要你下池洗去塵埃，自然「凡眼」成為「法眼」。

小妮：吓? 你要我落水? 好凍啊! 我怕感冒，唔敢落去。

(濟佛一手推了小妮下去)

守池將軍：拜見濟公活佛，失迎！失迎！剛才您將一凡人推下池內，不知濟佛用意如何在？

小妮：喂! 實Q! 實Q! 快D拉我上去呀喂!

濟佛：將軍您不知，現時世人都是醉生夢死，塵埃滿身，喪失原來靈明本性，他們看不見人生真理的。

(守池將軍拉了小妮上岸)

小妮：嗶! 你個地獄公務員呀! 枉我清明燒金銀比我阿爺時順便燒比你地? 你咁遲先來拉我上岸?

濟佛：小妮! 不要大鬧! 走吧!

(他們一起向前走)

小妮：那兒滿天風沙，有人哭哭啼啼。莫非真的可以見到鬼魂?
(小妮心裏開始有點怕)

濟佛：那是世間人死後之靈魂，剛到陰間。這是陰陽界。

小妮：前面兩排高樓寫上「交簿廳」...啊! "Registration"!生死註冊處。

濟佛：什麼"純"?

小妮：哈哈! 大師，英文你唔會明啦。原來我地係地獄個個人都有自己的record ，每個人都好特別，真的不可小看自己。

交簿官：歡迎濟佛及小妮駕臨本廳，在八月十五日，就接到玉帝諭旨，獲悉貴堂為著作「地獄遊記」一書，將到地府觀察詳情。

小妮：啊! 有本 tour guidebook?

濟佛：因時刻已到，改日再來拜訪。

交簿官：可也，送駕。

小妮：Bye bye!

交簿官：?? 啊! 拜拜小妮小姐!

濟佛：先回陽間吧!

小妮：OK!

濟佛：?

待續...

小妮新地獄遊記(1) - 「心頭山」 24 Sep 2010 7:50 AM (14 years ago)

My Trip to Hell...

濟佛：小妮！今夜起我們二人將要到地獄一遊，你感覺如何？

小妮: Who are you?

濟佛：很久以前和楊善生去過地獄的。事隔太久了，又要找一個人到地獄一遊。

小妮: 要帶D咩?

濟佛：什麼都不用帶，天亮前可以回家，你上班不用遲到。

小妮: 咁好啦，見唔洗錢。

濟佛：小妮一起喝酒吧！因為看破了世情，人心太可怕，世人難度，讓我心碎，所以只有藉酒解愁，我看你乾脆也喝些酒，讓它一醉到九泉吧！

小妮:邊個 Château ?

濟佛：什麼?何謂"沙吐" ?前面是「心頭山」，所以古聖曰：「心可做天堂，心可做地獄。」全憑一念之差而分別。

小妮：心頭高的喝Château 、心頭低的喝清酒，亦快樂。「心頭山」是我們心中的標準，是高是低由自己決定，快樂與否亦如是。

濟佛：今夜時刻有限，暫時遊至此，回程。

待續...

文匯報英語互動教室(1) - In a Western-style Restaurant 13 Sep 2010 10:05 PM (14 years ago)

小妮文匯報互動英語教室之《餐廳篇》將帶你到中西餐廳學英文!
本集和大家到西餐廳...

於文匯報刊登日期為9月14日

Europe is always a top holiday destination (目的地) for many travellers. Lily and Louise are planning their summer holiday to London. They are looking for opportunities to improve their English communication skills before their trip. Food is always the first thing that comes to their minds. Lily and Louise are not used to speaking English in Hong Kong. They are intimidated (生畏) when they have to order food in English. These are the reasons why they want to practise restaurant phrases including ordering and food words.

One day Lily and Louise passed by a unique (獨一無二) and charming (吸引) restaurant in Central. They were particularly impressed by the decoration (裝修) and the ambiance (氣氛) of this restaurant. Indeed, it was no disappointment! This restaurant offered different types of delicious food and beverages (飲品). Let’s watch the video and learn some common restaurant phrases in English.

When Lily and Louise arrived, a waiter greeted them with a delighted expression.

Waiter: How many people are you?
你們一共有多少人?

Lily: Two please.
兩位，謝謝。

The waiter showed them to a table. Lily was so hungry that she asked for the menu immediately.

Lily: May I have the menu please?
可否給我餐牌?

Waiter: Sure. Do you want something to drink?
當然可以。你要不要飲品?

Lily: Can I have some cold water please?
可否給我凍水?

Waiter: Sure. Sparkling or still?
當然可以。有氣還是沒有氣的?

As Lily and Louise were saving money for their trip, they preferred something free of charge.

Lily: Tap water is fine.
自來水(水喉水) 可以了。

Lily seldom went to Western-style restaurants. Louise explained to her that a typical European meal consisted of an appetizer (頭盤), a main Course (主菜). and followed by a dessert (甜品).

Lily: Can we have a potato salad to share?
我們要一個薯仔沙律一起吃呢。

Waiter: How about main course?
那麼主菜呢?

Louise: Can I have a seafood pasta?
我要一個海鮮意粉。

Lily: Same for me please.
我也一樣。

Waiter: No problem.
沒問題。

The seafood pasta was big enough to serve two people. Although Lily and Louise were very full, there’s always room for dessert.

Louise: Excuse me, what dessert do you have?
請問你們有什麼甜品?

Waiter: We have ice-cream and chocolate cakes today.
我們今天有雪糕同朱古力蛋糕。

Lily: Let’s have both!
不如兩款也要!

There is always both an a la carte (點餐牌上的菜)and set menu (套餐) option (套餐) offered in a Western-style restaurant. The French language phrase “à la carte” means "according to the menu". You can choose your favourites from the a la carte menu. A formal meal can consist of three to four courses or even more. A menu with four courses is called a “four-course menu” (四道菜餐). Appetizers (頭盤) are to be served before the main course. Salad is a popular appetizer.

Questions:

(1) What do a typical Western-style meal consist of?
(2) What is the different between an a la carte menu and a set menu?
(3) Can you name some main course options?
(4) How to order food? Please complete this sentence:
______________ a seafood pasta?

Answers:

(1) Appetizer, main course and dessert followed by tea or coffee
(2) You can choose the dishes you want from the a la carte menu while the choices of a set menu is fixed.
(3) Steaks, chicken and fish fillets.
(4) Can I have/ May I have/ I would like to have a seafood pasta.

Special thanks to Fridge.

If you have any idea, please email us! wwpenglishcolumn@gmail.com

Blog:
http://wwpenglishcolumn.blogspot.com

文匯報網址:
http://paper.wenweipo.com/2010/09/14/ED1009140015.htm

文匯報英文專欄拍攝花絮(1) 24 Aug 2010 4:43 AM (14 years ago)

小妮將於9月份為文匯報推出新一輯英文專欄，和大家一齊開學!

小妮、Louise、導演C.P.和一班美少女於一連6集的《餐廳篇》中，帶你到各中西餐廳的廚房，包括大排檔、西餐廳、法國和意大利食品店等，以英語介紹材料、餸菜、飲品和實用詞彙。實行「走遍香港，反轉廚房」!

The Making of ...

導演C.P.和一班美少女工作人員走進大排檔廚房拍攝，C.P.即場生吞通菜(English name: morning glory)，令美少女大叫:「食得的都是草!」

小妮表演怒斬...紅辣椒(English name: red chilli) 一條，小心!

大廚和鬼妹???

請密切留意更多搞笑花絮!

特別嗚謝: 御膳廚房

敗家女- 香港Wine Bar系列 18 Aug 2010 6:11 AM (14 years ago)

香港Wine Bar系列

Philia

http://buynowgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/wine-bar-philia.html

Dominic 新書發佈會 - 8月15日 15 Aug 2010 1:42 AM (14 years ago)

Dr. Dominic Chan 新書發佈會
日期: 8月15日
時間: 下午
地點: 中環

朋友Dr. Dominic Chan是劍橋大學畢業生，他撰寫了新書《八載劍橋》，今天小妮出席了其新書發佈會啊!

(左起: Dr. Dominic Chan, 小妮, Dominic太太Irene)

Dominic 介紹其新作時，打趣說此書不是教人如何能升讀劍橋大學，而是分享他的校園生活，哄得來賓哈哈大笑。

出席的嘉賓均獲贈精緻瑞士朱古力禮包，我很幸運可和品牌創辦人Francesca MAEDER交流，原來她到不同機構講解有關朱古力的知識，如朱古力和葡萄酒的配搭，十分有趣!

Francesca Maeder公司網址:
www.enrichyourpotential.com

Grand Barista Championship - 8月14日 14 Aug 2010 5:46 AM (14 years ago)

日期: 8月14日
時間: 下午
地點: The Blend of Danes,G/F, Midas Plaza,1 Tai Yau Street, San Po Kong

咖啡天天飲，參觀咖啡師比賽都是第一次。Grand Barista Championship在位於新蒲崗的The Blend of Danes舉行兩天初賽。

參賽者用咖啡機泡出不同的咖啡給評判評分。

判評團嚐過參賽者的咖啡後便給予分數，十分專業。

觀眾亦可品嚐不同牌子的咖啡，包括來自意大利的Flavia。我嚐了一柸，感覺比其他意大利品牌如Lavazza淡口，有點像美國咖啡。

Orchestra? 世上有咖啡樂團嗎?

Orchestra原來是另一意大利咖啡機品牌!

咖啡迷千萬不要錯過9月7日於香港餐飲展(Restaurant & Bar)舉行的Grand Barista Championship決賽呢!

香港餐飲展(Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong 2010)
www.restaurantandbarhk.com

巴黎來回機票 (4) - 法國香檳 8 Aug 2010 7:25 AM (14 years ago)

I need a return ticket to Paris...

同學娜姐問 : 「小妮，一起去Reims City玩好不好? 」

我說 :「吓? 去 Sims City? 打機咩? 」

第二天，我們坐TVG從巴黎出發到香檳區的經濟首府Reims。

法國 Champagne Pommery酒莊

法國香檳區

法國香檳區地圖

法國香檳區位於巴黎東北部。三個主要葡萄園為Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims 和 Côte des Blancs。

可用來釀製香檳的葡萄 (Grape varieties)

最常用的:
Chardonnay
Pinot Meunier
Pinot Noir

其他葡萄:
Arbane
Petit Meslier
Pinot Blanc

釀造法 (Vinification)

葡萄被採摘後便立即放入壓榨機中壓榨，根據法國法例，製造100公升的葡萄果汁，必須要用160公斤葡萄。之後，果汁便會於不鏽鋼或橡木桶中發酵。香檳不同的種類包括:

Non-vintage (無年份香檳)
Vintage (年份香檳)
Pretige Cuvée (頂級香檳)
Rosé (玫瑰香檳)
Blanc de Blanc (白中白香檳)

造酒者選定了香檳的種類後，於香檳入瓶前或入瓶時，加入小量的liqueur de tirage(即酒、糖和酵母)，果汁會於瓶中進行第二次發酵。香檳中的泡泡就是於這個程序製成的啊! 瓶子會被暫時封口，橫放在架上，室溫要保持於10~12℃。

室溫要經常保持於10~12℃，酒都放在地低去!

無年份香檳須要於擺放最少15個月，年份香檳須要最少3年呢! 下一個步驟是清除瓶中的沈積物。之後，瓶子會被倒轉直放。有時你會看到造酒者把瓶子轉來轉去，就是因為這個原因了。現在很多酒莊已用機器代替人手做此工作。而加糖入酒中的過程叫"dosage"，加多少糖就要看那款酒的style了。

術語 (Terminology)

只有於香檳區製造的才可稱為香檳(Champagne)，其他只可叫做有氣酒(Sparkling wine)。

支酒好"dry"是什麼意思呢?

Dry不dry就是指酒中的糖份比例啦! 糖份高是Sweet，糖份低的就是dry。香檳瓶上的label常見的字眼:

Brut - 好 dry
Extra sec - dry
Sec - Off-dry
Demi-sec - Sweet

下次再介紹另外一個地區的葡萄酒給你啊!

敗家女日記 - Domaine Chanzy 葡萄酒 6 Aug 2010 9:29 AM (14 years ago)

Domaine Chanzy 葡萄酒

http://buynowgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/domaine-chanzy.html

巴黎來回機票(3) - 巴黎夢 4 Aug 2010 7:06 AM (14 years ago)

I need a return ticket to Paris...

請你先看此video，才看文章...

下課後我在昨天同一位置等阿明。

阿明在我耳邊大聲說:「喂! 小妮! 跟我來。」

他走得很快，我只好跟在後面。我剛才幻想巴黎街頭的浪漫情景，現在被他粉碎了!

我投訴 : 「有個巴黎男生對我說，法國人是"Walk according to their feelings"的(跟隨自己的感覺而走路)，多浪漫啊!」

阿明盯著我然後抽了口煙 : 「巴黎咁多車，walk according to your feelings? 車死你啦! 法國仔嗡咩你都話浪漫啦，超!」

巴黎交通的確比較亂，現在很多巴黎人為了省錢，改開電單車，情況更不堪。我們走了幾個街頭，到達了一間中餐館。

阿明指著一對亞洲男女 : 「他們已經來了。」

中餐館內的燈光很暗，裝修很土氣，人客又不多。阿明向我介紹兩位日本留學生阿沙和他的女朋友和子。我們點了個雲吞麵和炒飯，都是比較便宜的。

日本人很講究面子，阿沙告訴和子中國人不喜歡把食物通通吃光，要留下一點不吃才算有禮貌，表示主人家預備了很多餸菜，和子點頭向我微笑，樣子很淘氣。

我說 : 「我們這個年代的人沒所謂的了。阿沙，你正在唸什麼?」

阿沙也抽煙 : 「我先唸法文，之後想在巴黎報讀經濟學位。」

原來和子也在唸法文，她以前沒想過來巴黎生活，但為了維繫這段感情，只好放棄日本的工作，來到巴黎和阿沙一起生活。

一天下課阿明氣衝衝地告訴我：「和子因為不適應巴黎的生活而在家大哭，精神受到困擾。我要立即到他們家! 」

我看得呆住。

各人在巴黎追尋找一個夢...都付出了很多。幸好我知道何時會回家，因為我的是張來回機票，但有些人只買了單程。

(待續)

巴黎來回機票(2) - 抽煙的人 2 Aug 2010 6:58 PM (14 years ago)

I need a return ticket to Paris...

巴黎夏天陽光充足，晚上十時許太陽才下山，正中『不夜天』。

初到貴境，我於巴黎法國文化協會報讀了一個法文班。第一天早上，拿了一些紙和筆便離開房間。我輕鬆地走在石板街上，此刻的巴黎很實在，沒有名店，亦沒有觀光客，只有路人匆匆擦身而過。巴黎地鐵沒冷氣，幸好天氣乾爽，才沒出現大汗淋漓的尷尬情況。電視看到那些豐富的法式早餐，實屬欺騙遊客，跟其他巴黎人一樣，我每天只吃朱古力包或牛角包當早餐。

巴黎法國文化協會吸引了來自世界各地的學生入讀。第一天上學，沒朋友，下課後第一時間進行重要活動 - 「搭散」(注: 廣東話「搭散」即是主動跟不相認的人閒聊) 。遠處有堆中國人，其中一個男生在抽煙，他留意到我在看他。

他走過來問 :「Ca va? Je suis Ming。」(你好嗎? 我叫阿明)

我考慮了兩秒後，有禮貌地用普通話回答:「我是中國人，叫小妮。」

阿明抽了一口煙說 :「香港妹。」

我瞪大了眼說:「你為什麼會講廣東話?」

阿明說 :「我係廣州人。」他抽了一口煙又繼續 :「香港妹......最難溝。」

我指著他說 :「哈! 你你你!!!」

阿明問我 :「你香港妹來巴黎幹嗎?」

我說 :「學法文。那你來巴黎幹什麼?」

阿明說:「我不想來歐洲的。不過申請不到美國簽證，所以先來歐洲，我最終都會跑到美國去唸設計的!」

我沒響半聲，看不出他的理想如此偉大。

阿明說:「香港妹，明天我約了兩個日本朋友到附近的中餐館吃飯，你一起來吧。」

我說:「好的。」

阿明抽著煙，轉身便走了。好的，明天見...

(待續)

法國文化協會校內的"吹水園地"。

巴黎地鐵圖

巴黎法國文化協會設有短期課程，方便在職人士就讀。
http://www.alliancefr.org

Swedish Crayfish Party @ fridge - 31 July 31 Jul 2010 5:55 AM (14 years ago)

fridge 於8月份推出瑞典小龍蝦節，並於7月31日舉行了launch party!

你看我們上手上的小龍蝦

嘉賓品嚐小龍蝦意粉和伏特加酒

記者朋友一起party!

fridge 推出瑞典「小龍蝦派對」午餐。

日期: 8月14日及21日(星期六)

時間: 下午1時至3時

地點: fridge中環卑利街48號地下

價錢: $180 (不另收加一)

午餐美食以小龍蝦和三文魚沙律為頭盤，主菜是fridge的特色小龍蝦意粉，您更可以即場自製瑞典薑餅。當然不少得瑞典伏特加酒和咖啡!

fridge

地址: 中環卑利街48號地下

訂座請致電Carole Wong 93577125或電郵致 carole@fridge.com.hk.

舞台劇《陌生客》"LÉtranger" 25 Jul 2010 4:50 AM (14 years ago)

一天老友記Gary告知他將參與改編自法國小說《陌生客》"L’Étranger"的舞台劇演出。

我十分驚訝，因為本人N年前看過這本小說，睇極都唔知講咩。可能當時年紀太小，對生命充滿熱誠，不明白為什麼主角阿莫對身邊人和事均表現得如此冷漠。現在被社會洗禮過後，已經向現實低頭，為5 kilo米折腰，成為一條"軟皮蛇"。

眾人認定主角阿莫殺了人，因為母親死後他亦沒哭。他的行為反映了很多香港人"行屍走肉，心靈空虛"的生活嗎? 如果你只是想對世事的無奈抽離一下，別人便對你的"冷莫表現"認定為"麻木不仁"，那麼，我們要事事表現熱情才合情合理?