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Shannon Lee, daughter of the late martial arts actor Bruce Lee, poses
Michael Tullberg/Getty Images
Shannon Lee, daughter of the late martial arts actor Bruce Lee, poses
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Shannon Lee, the only surviving child of Bruce Lee, grew up in Hong Kong and Los Angeles. Her father, a big-screen martial-arts legend, would have been 71 this year. His daughter heads his corporate legacy as CEO of Bruce Lee Enterprises and president of the board of directors for the Bruce Lee Foundation. Based in Los Angeles, the 42-year-old actress/singer/entrepreneur may be seen next in “I Am Bruce Lee,” a feature-length documentary that soon will air on Spike TV.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: I love going to Kauai. I love the tropical weather, the lush landscapes and seascapes. There’s a particular ease that takes over your body when you wrap yourself in those warm trade winds. I also have dear friends there, so it’s like family — family you actually like hanging out with. It used to be that you had to stop in Hawaii when traveling from the West Coast to Asia, and we would stop there often, so my relationship with Hawaii is long and enduring. I also love the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. I stay with friends there, and we eat and shop till we drop.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: Weekend getaways are too few and far between. Santa Barbara is great. Ojai (in California) is a lesson in relaxation. Vegas is a lesson in sleep deprivation and sensory overload, but very fun. Palm Springs is nice too.

Q: What are your favorite hotels?

A: Ojai Valley Inn and Spa (ojairesort.com) is wonderful. There’s a little something for everyone there in the way of recreation and relaxation. I recently stayed at the Ritz-Carlton (ritzcarlton.com) in Tokyo. What a beautiful view of the city from the rooms! I have fond memories of the Island Shangri-La (www.shangri-la.com/en/property/hongkong/islandshangrila) in Hong Kong as well. The nighttime view of the harbor is stunning, almost mesmerizing.

Q: What are your favorite restaurants?

A: Well, Arirang Korean Restaurant (arirang.com.hk/eng/index.aspx) in Hong Kong is a sentimental favorite. I love Korean barbecue, and this place is just full of great memories with family and friends. We eat there almost every time I’m in Hong Kong. When I was doing concerts in Hong Kong in 2004, we had it brought into the Hong Kong Coliseum some nights before the show. Also, NBC Seafood Restaurant (nbcrestaurant.com) in Monterey Park, Calif., has great dim sum — authentic, great variety, delicious. You can really scratch your dim sum itch there. Lastly let me say this: New Orleans — from my old sentimental favorite of turtle soup and bread pudding souffle at Commander’s Palace (commanderspalace.com) to burgers and grilled pecan pie a la mode at Camellia Grill (camelliagrill.net/home.htm) to hot 3 a.m. beignets at Cafe Du Monde (cafedumonde.com) and on and on. I love it!

Q: What are your favorite cities?

A: Any surprise that I would say Hong Kong? I love Hong Kong. It’s my home away from home. New Orleans. I lived there for six years and fantasize repeatedly about spending more time there. I’ve had wonderful adventures and experiences in Prague, Amsterdam and Hakone (in Japan). But if we are talking about places I return to spend time, it would be Hong Kong, New Orleans, New York City, Kalaheo, Kauai and Los Angeles.

For more from the reporter, visit jaehakim.com.