Hongkong’s K11 Concepts: Toasting the Mona Lisa

The tail end of 2010 saw me wandering through the streets of Hongkong, bundled up against the nippy air. One of the first places we visited during this trip was K11 Concepts, an artsy-themed mall in Tsim Sha Tsui that was just a stone’s throw away from our hotel.

We originally went to K11 to grab a bite to eat. But the last thing I expected to see were eats lining the walls! A Mona Lisa done completely with toast? It’s one of those things you have to see to believe.

Constructed by New Zealander Maurice Bennett, the piece was made using bread, glue, an oven, a toaster, and a blow torch, with the last three tools used to create differing shades and textures of toast. To give the piece a sweet twist, a pink ice cream cone was placed in her hand. When we caught it last month though, she was all dressed up for Christmas with her cone replaced by a stack gifts and a santa hat jauntily perched on her head.

I’m sure most of you guys have seen me play with my food—heck, you probably first got here because of the bento posts. But this one really takes it to the next level. I’m not quite sure if this is still up at K11, but if you’re in the area, drop in and try to see it for yourself. It really is quite interesting, especially in person. But do try to stop yourself from taking a bite.

K11 Concepts is located at 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. It’s roughly across Holiday Inn Golden Mile along Nathan Road.