One big change I have noticed from my prior visits to Hong Kong has been the fact that we now have a reporter -- Tony Lin -- based here and covering the region.  Law firms, in particular, seem to take us more seriously because they perceive that we are investing in the region and taking them more seriously.  And Tony, despite having been here for only one year, has really insinuated himself within the legal world, becoming well known both for his reporting and his gourmet appetite.  If you find yourself in the area and want to know where to find the hole-in-the-wall restaurant with absolutely the best and most authentic Chinese food in the city, apparently Tony's your guy.

Given the respect that Tony has garnered among lawyers here, our discussions about launching a daily email product offering law firm and important legal news from the region has been well received.  The people we've met with like the idea of a more serious offering that would interest firm and in-house lawyers in Asia as well as those in the US who are engaged with the region.  The field will be crowded, as there are plenty of other publications covering legal news from China and elsewhere.  But we definitely have the sense that something written at The American Lawyer level of sophistication would be a welcome addition.  And, importantly, a good way for firms, recruiters and others to advertise their services and become better known among potential clients and customers. 

Finally, last night at dinner with a very friendly recruiter, I continued my policy of always allowing the local to do the ordering.  That invariably means I will end up sampling dishes that I would never order for myself.  Last night's new addition to my culinary experience was pigeon, served with vegetables and rice -- delicious and, yes, it did taste a bit like chicken.  Alas, now I won't be able to walk in Central Park without feeling a little guilty.