Celebrity Life

Before you hastily wave goodbye to 2021, celebrate with good friends and a grand feast for a proper sendoff to a wildly underwhelming year.

You know, 2021 was supposed to be the year where everything went Back to Normal. It didn't. How naive we all were. Instead, we sat through a rollercoaster ride of border restrictions — opened up (yay) before quickly shut again (boo) — 14, then 21 days of quarantines at home and hotels, and lots and lots of QR scans and temperature checks.

But what we did discover while anchored in the city is that new restaurants were the one thing that got us through. They never stopped opening! We went beyond the two usual stops on the Island Line to explore new venues and cuisines far and away from home. So with a final goodbye to 2021, and a hopeful look-ahead to 2022 (please, let us go somewhere; anywhere!), celebrate New Year's Eve with a memorable dinner at the many venues that helped sate our appetites this last 12 months.

Where to celebrate New Year's Eve Dinner in Hong Kong

Écriture

To mark an occasion as rare as the welcoming of a new year takes one very special location indeed. New Year's Eve only happens once a year! And that's a location like two-Michelin star Écriture where stunning views are only rivalled by an even more stunning array of dishes prepared by chef Maxime Gilbert and chef Heloïse Fischbach. The seven-course New Year's Eve dinner menu is a complete showcase of the restaurant's refined take on contemporary French cuisine, and includes roasted giant Brittany langoustine, Brittany live sea urchin prepared like an egg cocotte with caviar, Normandy scallop shaved with winter black truffle and a whole roasted rack of beef that's finished off over smoky binchotan.

Écriture, 26/F, H Queens' 80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2795 5996

Margo

Chef Mario Paecke of Margo prepares an eight-course dinner of decadence in bidding adieu to 2021. The modern European brasserie serves up a classic menu coupled with delightful contemporary twists the likes of a Fukuoka snow crab cocktail concocted with green asparagus and seaweed brioche, roasted pork belly with Brussel sprouts, muscat grapes and violet mustard and an Alexandre Polmard beef tartare topped with cep & white onion purée. To finish, chef ends on a sweet note with a German holiday tradition: bratapfe — baked apples served with vanilla custard.

Margo, Shop 6, G/F, The Galleria, 9 Queens Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2130 7731

Osteria Marzia

If counting down to the New Year is typically done in a seaside locale of some sort, the lack of travel this holiday season means very inventive alternatives. Osteria Marzia is one such location, evocative of coastal Italy with airy interiors and sea-fresh produce which includes Seppia, cuttlefish prepared with pistachio di Bronte, Fine de Claire oysters and a dedicated Catch of the Day, set to stun and surprise with bright Italian flavours. The meal rounds out with a decadent Foresta Nera Flambé — a fabulous way to see out the end of the year, I'll say.

Osteria Marzia, G/F, The Fleming, 41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 3607 2253

Rajasthan Rifles

The Peak will be having New Year's excitement of its own, with celebrations at Anglo-Indian mess hall Rajasthan Rifles kicking off at 9pm beginning with a grand feast starring all of the venue's beloved comforts: Tandoor-cooked lamb chops, lobster garlic butter fry and a Calcutta-style Asian sea bass curry, Macher Kalia. Also served around the room, free flow of any of your go-to beverages, with anything from Pimm's Cups to G&Ts and flutes of Champagne. Swing out the evening with tunes from the live band just in time for welcoming 2022 toasts.

Rajasthan Rifles, G/F, The Peak Galleria, Hong Kong, +852 2388 8874‬

Hue Dining

Not only will you be seated with a front-row view of Victoria Harbour (no fireworks this year, sadly), you'll sit with a sweet serenade by way of professional accordionist Nazar Tabachyshyn's stunning live music performance. Dinner comes in either three- or four-course seating with chef Wilson Leung's take on modern Australian cuisine of fresh seafood and quality produce, including saffron risotto with scallop and edamame, Carabinero prawns, Australian Grade 9 Mayura wagyu sirloin, banoffee cheesecake and the entrance of a glorious cheese trolley filled to the brim will all sorts of tasty treats.

Hue, 1/F, Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong;+852 3500 5888

Roji

If you're counting down to 2022 at Roji, fantastic choice. Not only is the Central hideaway izakaya throwing a grand New Year's Eve soirée to farewell 2021, you'll also be dining with some of the venue's latest seasonal serves: Crispy-fried chicken skin with a miso mayo dip, Polmard beef tartare and a personal favourite (which I gushed endlessly about in one edition of our weekly Best Bites), Mentaiko udon, coated in rich, creamy ginger-garlic dressing sprinkled with mentaiko pollack roe. The dinner, available in two seatings, will also come with a welcome glass of Moët & Chandon Champagne but we recommend going for the list of special-made cocktails, including the flavoured Highballs, which I also enthusiastically raved about here.

Roji, G/F, 20A D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong; +852 +852 9884 0704

La Rambla

When it comes to the final minute of 2021, you'll probably think back on the the past 12 months, flipping through all the best memories had. But no need to flip so far — just remember this delicious Catalan meal at La Rambla you had just a few hours ago. Staying true to a memorable feast, the eight-course menu includes a selection of cuisine favourites like fresh tomato on toasted crystal bread with a drizzle of olive oil, a unique Hokkaido uni doughnut served with miso mayonnaise, foie grass mi-cuit and a hearty Boston lobster paella, topped with the classic trio of clams, squid and mussels.

La Rambla, Shop 3071 -3073, Level 3, ifc mall, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2661 1161

Bacchus

The secret to successful New Year's celebration? Good food and lots and lots of wine. A wish that is sure to come true at the newly opened Bacchus on Hollywood Road, which prides itself on its very extensive list of fine wines. Naturally then, the seafood-centric, six-course New Year's Eve dinner comes paired with a thoughtfully curated selection of vinos, set to highlight the exquisite flavours of the venue's Asian-inspired French cuisine. Caviar is, of course, in attendance, but so are some very extravagant serves: Russian Red Merus king crab leg, French Brioche Perdu, Japanese sea urchin and grilled Atlantic turbot in a decadent Champagne-caviar sauce.

Bacchus, 3/F Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 3750 5200

Giacomo

On the flip side of New Year's Eve extravagance, there's comfort. Time spent with nearest and dearest all wrapped and warm as you anticipate an exciting welcoming to another new year. Giacomo's New Year's Eve menu is a six-course dinner celebration that allows you to do both: Southern Italian comforts made with intent for complete indulgence. Foie gras with chestnut emulsion. Royale oysters topped with caviar. Mayura beef tenderloin with winter black truffle. Then the hearty, home-style pastas by executive chef Keith Yam: Brittany blue lobster Sardinian gnocchi, tagliolini with mushroom jus and Alba white truffle. A wonderful end and beginning to the years.

Giacomo, G/F, 8 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 3980 3008

Cornerstone

When the clock strikes 12 on 31 December, all that matters is you, you loved one and the kind of celebration you share to toast a year just had and to be had. An intimate dinner prior is sets the scene, then. Cornerstone, with its sleek interiors and cosy seating, presents a perfect setting along with a delicious menu representative of chef Neal G. Ledesma's sophisticated plates that manage to comfort. For New Year's Eve, the modern bistro prepares a four-course menu topped with smoked ricotta raviolo, pan-seared wagyu rump cap and celeraic risotto, before finishing with a modest yet very indulgent banana cake topped with dulce mousse and a drizzle of caramel.

Cornerstone, G/F, 49 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

LPM Restaurant & Bar

Now don't be mistaken, LPM Restaurant & Bar might be known for its fresh and bright French-Mediterranean serves but it doesn't mean it's a reason not to dress up. The restaurant encourages you to with the welcoming of 2022, and set the theme of the evening to the glamorous setting of Studio 54. So find the glitziest sequins dress you own and shimmy your way to the restaurant's H Queen's location. The menu itself is a true dedication to LPM's coastal flavours, devised by head chef Maurizio Pace. Except crowd favourites like the scallop tartare and grilled pink sea bream, grilled "Black Onyx" sirloin steak and a comforting sun-dried tomato pesto spaghetti topped with squid. Of course, it not a complete LPM experience without the glamorous cocktails, with a choice of four for the evening. The Criquet de Milly of white cacao, peppermint liqueur and coconut sorbet, in particular, will be a delightful end, with flavour profiles similar to an After Eight mint.

LPM Restaurant & Bar, Shop 1, 1/F, 23-29 Stanley Street, H Queen's Central, Hong Kong; +852 2887 1113

Zuma

When it comes to throwing grand affairs, you can count Zuma high upon the list. The contemporary Japanese izakaya in infamous for its free-flow brunches, which marks yet another return on New Year's Eve with the Yashoku Night Brunch. The premise is same as usual, with free-flow dishes and drinks including sake and beer and addition entry to the countdown party later on in the evening.

Alternatively, Zuma has also put together a less raucous New Year's Eve Dinner for sophisticated celebrators. The menu is a curation of venue highlights from Japanese wagyu tataki with white truffle shavings, grilled Gillardeau oyster, crispy Mazara red prawn and, of course, decadent spoonfuls of Kristal Zuma Caviar.

Zuma, Level 5 & 6, Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 3657 6388

NYE Steak Rebellion

Something with a lil difference than your usual glitz and glam New Year’s Eve celebration. Steak Rebellion at The Factory is all about great food and great atmosphere. And with a twist of an immersive dining experience too; this year, dress to theme of "Gangs of New York x Sweeney Todd". 

A five course dinner that begins with caviar and shots of vodka, just before you've fully recovered, the dinner also comes with a complimentary bottle of quality wine to sip alongside fresh oysters and dry-aged steaks. With the pulsating beat of live musicians at the venue, it's the perfect scene for a fantastic welcoming to 2022.

The Factory, 16A Kwai Bo Industrial Building, 40 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong; +852 9085 1817

The post Welcome, 2022! 13 Restaurants for New Year’s Eve Dinner appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Today, Ashley Salmon, Li Man-Lung and Maxime Gilbert are acclaimed chefs with refined palates and sophisticated tastes, but they still remember and treasure the homemade comfort food that they grew up eating. Whether it's at home or in their fine dining kitchens, their festive family meals and menus are inspired by those memories and what they represent. We asked these three Hong Kong Michelin-starred chefs to share their Christmas traditions, favourite recipes and culinary inspirations.

Chef Ashley Salmon of Roganic Hong Kong

What do you and your family usually cook for Christmas?

If I’m not working, which happens a lot as a chef, I celebrate with my family and I try not to cook – but then I end up taking care of the star of the meal: the meat. We all love food but I wouldn’t say that we are a family with a lot of great cooks. We usually have simple food like soup, roast turkey and stuffed turkey leg with potatoes, red cabbage and vegetables. Traditional British food. In our Christmas menu at Roganic we basically took this exact concept and elevated it with the freshest products and finest techniques.

What is the dish on your menu that best represents your festive traditions?

We have a dessert at the restaurant, the chocolate fondant, that I have made many times on Christmas day and it’s inspired by my grandma’s recipe. I wouldn’t say it’s traditional in the UK but we usually eat it a lot around Christmas time in my family and I guess it’s about every person’s personal experience. It’s rich, indulgent and it represents the time that we all come together to eat even if we are very busy.

2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone, did cooking help you to cope with the challenges?

I think food is the one thing that connects everybody and brings people together. I don’t want to sound to cheesy but it genuinely is. During hard times and crises food really helps to overcome challenges. Cooking for your loved ones and sharing the dishes especially - they don’t have to be fancy. Food just connects human beings like anything else. During the pandemic I think it has been very helpful for people to do something rewarding while being stuck at home.

How are you going to celebrate Christmas this year?

I will be working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we will make sure that the staff will also have food so that we can share it together and make sure that people that are away from their families can still feel the festive atmosphere.

What can people do to avoid wasting food when cooking during the holidays?

My advice is to repurpose all the leftovers into something else so that you don’t get bored. Maybe it’s hard with no cooking experience because home cooks tend to buy way too much while in restaurants we have to learn and make sure that we don’t buy too many ingredients because we cannot afford to generate waste. I think that being creative can be a good advice – or just go on google.

Roganic, Sino Plaza, UG/F 08, 255 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay; +852 2817 8383

Chef Li Man-Lung of Duddell's

What do you and your family usually cook for Christmas?

I like to spend time at home with my wife and family and we usually have steak and wine.

Can you share with us a recipe on your festive menu and the traditions behind it?

Crispy suckling duck is a traditional Cantonese dish that uses the “Pipa Duck” processing method. The ducks are marinated with our in-house blend of spices, air-dried, smoked and grilled, and finished with a pour of hot oil to imitate the traditional cooking process of a fried crispy chicken. This creates a golden-red hue, with crispy skin and succulent meat.

What is the dish on your menu that most represents your festive traditions?

Steamed chicken, minced shrimp and supreme chicken broth. In Chinese traditions, chicken is always people’s first choice during festivals and special occasions. Steam is also a very common cooking method for Chinese home cooking and it reminds me of that.

2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone, did cooking help you to cope with the challenges?

With the Covid situation, it has definitely been a very tough year for everyone. What really has helped me is trying to be creative to bring some exciting new dishes for our guests. I really hope that they enjoy spending their time at Duddell’s.

What will you do this Christmas?

I will be working at Duddell’s with my team, we have prepared a free-flow weekend brunch with Michelin-starred Cantonese specialties and festive cocktails.

What can people do to avoid wasting food when cooking during the Holidays?

Everybody has leftovers from dinners and parties. I would suggest using them to create something new. For example, the steam chicken could turn into a delicious dish, add garlic and chives and pan-fry to turn it into a nice lunch with a bowl of rice or egg fried rice.

Duddells, Level 3 Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell St, Central; +852 2525 9191

Chef Maxime Gilbert of Écriture

What do you and your family usually cook for Christmas?

We always cook poultry, it can be poularde, goose or duck. Oyster and crepinette (a classic Christmas sausage roll in cepine from Charente region), foie gras and, of course, Christmas log.

Can you share with us a recipe on your festive menu and the traditions behind it?

The crepinette that we serve with oyster is a classic item from my region in Central France, it is basically a chipolatas sausage mixed with black truffle , then rolled in crepine (caul fat). You pan-sear it and eat with oysters, bread and butter.

What is the dish on your menu that most represents your festive traditions?

This year, at Écriture, we have decided to change it up a little bit, instead of serving the signature dishes, we have prepared the poularde, a dish which Heloise (my chef de cuisine) and Marc-Antoine (my restaurant director), and myself, actually want to have for Christmas. It will be cooked in a very traditional way with exceptional produce and in respect of the tradition with a small twist.

2020 has been a very difficult year for everyone, did cooking help you to cope with the challenges?

Yes, definitely! When you cook with your heart and soul you give the better of yourself, and, in this difficult time, my team and I, together with Marc-Antoine, have tried to give our best to our customers.

What will you do this Christmas?

I will be cooking at the restaurant. On Christmas Day, for lunch, we will be serving a whole table carved Roasted Bresse Poularde contise with black truffle, a sea food plater (with an Ècriture twist), caviar a la louche with condiment, blue lobster with Chateau Chalon sauce and white truffle, classic foie gras torchon with black truffle and Sauterne jelly, Mont blanc Christmas and many other festive delicacies.

What can people do to avoid wasting food when cooking during the Holidays?

The concept of cooking and serving a whole poularde during Christmas might sound too much for two guests - both at home and at the restaurant - and that’s why we brought in the French concept of bringing home the food and enjoy it the day after. This is something common in France, we carry on our feast the day after, both for lunch and dinner, and people can do it at home as well.

Écriture, 26/F H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2795 5996

The post 3 Hong Kong Michelin-Starred Chefs on Their Christmas Meals appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

2020 has been a very tough year for the hospitality industry in Hong Kong and all over the world. Throughout the pandemic, however, the city's bars and restaurants have showed remarkable resilience and creativity and have continuously adapted and reinvented themselves. With the fourth wave of Covid-19 cases hitting the city just before Christmas, these top restaurants have come up with new lunch menus, delivery and take away options to make sure that they can continue to feed us and keep us company.

22 Ships

Recently revamped Spanish eatery 22 Ships, helmed by chef Antonio Oviedo, is offering a new weekend à la carte lunch menu featuring all its trendy revisitations of Iberian classics as well as take out and delivery options for walk in orders and via JIA Everywhere.

22 Ships, 22 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 2555 0722

AULIS

Aulis, Simon Rogan's intimate chef table experience in Hong Kong, has launched a new lunch set menu that includes refined Modern European delicacies like the Pigeon with red cabbage and blackberry and the acclaimed Truffle Pudding. The menu is available for one session from Tuesday to Friday and on Saturday for two sessions (12.30 and 3.30).

AULIS by Simon Rogan, UG08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay; +852 2817 8383

The Diplomat

Acclaimed speakeasy cocktail bar The Diplomat has launched the new 3 Martini Lunch promotion, welcoming guests to dine on a refined menu of pub grub and cocktails all day long. Additionally, the bar is offering a premium Cocktails To-Go bottled cocktail service, created to enjoy professionally mixed cocktails at home. To celebrate the festive seasons, The Diplomat is also bringing some much-needed festive cheer in the form of 12 Days of Cocktails, an advent calendar that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy special Christmas-themed cocktails at home until December 25th.

The Diplomat, Shop 1, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central; +852 3619 0302

Écriture

Two Michelin star French restaurant Écriture has relaunched Écriture A La Maison, a take out and delivery service that features set menus for two or four guests. Highlights of the sets include the famed Caviar & Uni Tart, the Line Caught Brittany Turbot and the Bresse Chicken.

Écriture, 26/F H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central; +852 2795 5996

Bayfare Social

Pan Mediterranean concept Bayfare Social at Rosewood Hong Kong, which blends elements of Spanish cuisines and Asian influences, is offering a new selection of take out and delivery options through Deliveroo as well as catering packages and an à la carte menu for dining in from Tuesday to Sunday (12-6pm).

Bayfare Social, 5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 3891 8732

Tate Dining Room

Vicky Lau's Michelin-starred elegant take on innovative French cuisine Tate Dining Room is offering a new festive lunch menu featuring delicacies like the Spiced Oil Confit Vension with Peppercorn Sauce and Aubergine. Additionally, newly opened lifestyle and gourmet boutique Date by Tate offers plenty of original and elegant takeaway options, like the very intagrammable Gastronomy Gourmet Boxes.

Tate Dining Room, G/F, 210 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2555 2172

Castellana

Italian restaurant Castellana has made some of its popular Piedmontese delicacies available for takeout and delivery. Additionally, the restaurant offers a new festive set lunch menu with Alba white truffle also available from Monday to Saturday with special openings on Sundays from December 20th to January 3rd. Castellana has also recently launched an online store with exclusive Italian products, Owl of Minerva.

Castellana, 10/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay; +852 3188 5028

La Rambla by Catalunya

La Rambla's famed Catalonian feasts are now available for delivery and take out through La Rambla@Home and Deliveroo. Options include dinner and sharing sets featuring signatures like the Avocado Lobster, Seafood Paella and Pan De Cristal Con Tomato. Additionally, the restaurant is also offering lunch from Monday to Saturday and all-day brunch on Sunday.

La Rambla by Catalunya, 8 finance st. 3071-73 Level 3, ifc mall, Central; +852 2661 1161

Duddells

Micheline-starred restaurant Duddells has made some of its sumptuous Cantonese banquets available for delivery and take out via JIA Everywhere. Some of these season's special include the decadent and refined winter claypot dishes, such as the Lamb with Winter Bamboo Shoots and Winter Mushrooms and Chinese Preserved Meat Clay Pot Rice.

Duddells, Level 3 Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell St, Central; +852 2525 9191

Penicillin and Dead&

Penicillin, Hong Kong's first sustainable bar that recently opened in the heart of SoHo and its sister bar Dead&, both by industry legends Agung Prabowo and Roman Ghale, have launched new takeaway offerings and new opening hours. Penicillin is now offering bottled cocktails available for delivery (upon spending a minimum amount) and grab and go as well as new service hours for food and drinks from 2 to 6pm. DEAD &’s 250ml cocktails are also now available to sip and enjoy at home alongside mouth-watering signature food items like the Dead Dog and the &Wings.

Penicillin, Amber Lodge, L/G, 23 Hollywood Rd, Central; +852 9880-7995

Dead&, G/F, 18 Wo On Lane, Lan Kwai Fong, Central; +852 +852 9886 5711

Simon Rogan at Home

Following the latest restrictions, Simon Rogan’s Michelin-starred Roganic Hong Kong has brought back its award- winning delivery and takeaway service, Simon Rogan at Home. The new 3-course menu features festive delights such as roast turkey and Caramelised chestnut and celeriac soup with hazelnut.

Roganic, Sino Plaza, UG/F 08, 255 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay; +852 2817 8383

The post Here’s How You Can Continue to Eat at These Top Restaurants This December appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

2020 has been a very tough year for the hospitality industry in Hong Kong and all over the world. Throughout the pandemic, however, the city's bars and restaurants have showed remarkable resilience and creativity and have continuously adapted and reinvented themselves. With the fourth wave of Covid-19 cases hitting the city just before Christmas, these top restaurants have come up with new lunch menus, delivery and take away options to make sure that they can continue to feed us and keep us company.

22 Ships

Recently revamped Spanish eatery 22 Ships, helmed by chef Antonio Oviedo, is offering a new weekend à la carte lunch menu featuring all its trendy revisitations of Iberian classics as well as take out and delivery options for walk in orders and via JIA Everywhere.

22 Ships, 22 Ship Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 2555 0722

AULIS

Aulis, Simon Rogan's intimate chef table experience in Hong Kong, has launched a new lunch set menu that includes refined Modern European delicacies like the Pigeon with red cabbage and blackberry and the acclaimed Truffle Pudding. The menu is available for one session from Tuesday to Friday and on Saturday for two sessions (12.30 and 3.30).

AULIS by Simon Rogan, UG08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay; +852 2817 8383

The Diplomat

Acclaimed speakeasy cocktail bar The Diplomat has launched the new 3 Martini Lunch promotion, welcoming guests to dine on a refined menu of pub grub and cocktails all day long. Additionally, the bar is offering a premium Cocktails To-Go bottled cocktail service, created to enjoy professionally mixed cocktails at home. To celebrate the festive seasons, The Diplomat is also bringing some much-needed festive cheer in the form of 12 Days of Cocktails, an advent calendar that offers guests the opportunity to enjoy special Christmas-themed cocktails at home until December 25th.

The Diplomat, Shop 1, LG/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger St, Central; +852 3619 0302

Écriture

Two Michelin star French restaurant Écriture has relaunched Écriture A La Maison, a take out and delivery service that features set menus for two or four guests. Highlights of the sets include the famed Caviar & Uni Tart, the Line Caught Brittany Turbot and the Bresse Chicken.

Écriture, 26/F H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central; +852 2795 5996

Bayfare Social

Pan Mediterranean concept Bayfare Social at Rosewood Hong Kong, which blends elements of Spanish cuisines and Asian influences, is offering a new selection of take out and delivery options through Deliveroo as well as catering packages and an à la carte menu for dining in from Tuesday to Sunday (12-6pm).

Bayfare Social, 5/F, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 3891 8732

Tate Dining Room

Vicky Lau's Michelin-starred elegant take on innovative French cuisine Tate Dining Room is offering a new festive lunch menu featuring delicacies like the Spiced Oil Confit Vension with Peppercorn Sauce and Aubergine. Additionally, newly opened lifestyle and gourmet boutique Date by Tate offers plenty of original and elegant takeaway options, like the very intagrammable Gastronomy Gourmet Boxes.

Tate Dining Room, G/F, 210 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2555 2172

Castellana

Italian restaurant Castellana has made some of its popular Piedmontese delicacies available for takeout and delivery. Additionally, the restaurant offers a new festive set lunch menu with Alba white truffle also available from Monday to Saturday with special openings on Sundays from December 20th to January 3rd. Castellana has also recently launched an online store with exclusive Italian products, Owl of Minerva.

Castellana, 10/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay; +852 3188 5028

La Rambla by Catalunya

La Rambla's famed Catalonian feasts are now available for delivery and take out through La Rambla@Home and Deliveroo. Options include dinner and sharing sets featuring signatures like the Avocado Lobster, Seafood Paella and Pan De Cristal Con Tomato. Additionally, the restaurant is also offering lunch from Monday to Saturday and all-day brunch on Sunday.

La Rambla by Catalunya, 8 finance st. 3071-73 Level 3, ifc mall, Central; +852 2661 1161

Duddells

Micheline-starred restaurant Duddells has made some of its sumptuous Cantonese banquets available for delivery and take out via JIA Everywhere. Some of these season's special include the decadent and refined winter claypot dishes, such as the Lamb with Winter Bamboo Shoots and Winter Mushrooms and Chinese Preserved Meat Clay Pot Rice.

Duddells, Level 3 Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell St, Central; +852 2525 9191

Penicillin and Dead&

Penicillin, Hong Kong's first sustainable bar that recently opened in the heart of SoHo and its sister bar Dead&, both by industry legends Agung Prabowo and Roman Ghale, have launched new takeaway offerings and new opening hours. Penicillin is now offering bottled cocktails available for delivery (upon spending a minimum amount) and grab and go as well as new service hours for food and drinks from 2 to 6pm. DEAD &’s 250ml cocktails are also now available to sip and enjoy at home alongside mouth-watering signature food items like the Dead Dog and the &Wings.

Penicillin, Amber Lodge, L/G, 23 Hollywood Rd, Central; +852 9880-7995

Dead&, G/F, 18 Wo On Lane, Lan Kwai Fong, Central; +852 +852 9886 5711

Simon Rogan at Home

Following the latest restrictions, Simon Rogan’s Michelin-starred Roganic Hong Kong has brought back its award- winning delivery and takeaway service, Simon Rogan at Home. The new 3-course menu features festive delights such as roast turkey and Caramelised chestnut and celeriac soup with hazelnut.

Roganic, Sino Plaza, UG/F 08, 255 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay; +852 2817 8383

The post Here’s How You Can Continue to Eat at These Top Restaurants This December appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

As the world attempts to navigate through these current challenging times, so does chef Maxime Gilbert of Hong Kong’s two-Michelin-star restaurant Écriture. Ahead, he tells us how he plans to innovate and evolve.

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It’s late afternoon on a weekday in April when I walk into Écriture, the two Michelin-star contemporary French restaurant headed by executive chef Maxime Gilbert. To my surprise, I’m asked to wait, because the restaurant is still full of lunchtime diners. I’m confused and even doubtful – many restaurants I’ve visited in the past few weeks have been as empty as a politician’s promises. Intrigued, I take a peek around the corner to see if this is indeed true and my eyes widen as they take in the busy room. Can Hong Kong, along with its restaurants, be on the road to recovery at last?

You may already have dined at Écriture and are familiar with its exceptionally creative cuisine, as well as the special kind of theatre that Gilbert presents. Not in the sense of dry ice and superfluous plating tricks, but in the stagecraft service and table-side carving, and the shows of smoking put on especially for you. Dining here is an experience – and it’s one worth revisiting as the change of seasons brings with it new produce and therefore new recipes and menus to savour.

Named after the French word for “writing”, the restaurant’s story began when it opened its doors in 2018. Its genre, or rather cuisine, is contemporary French but, as Gilbert explains, it’s also about “going back to basics”. Underpinned by traditional French cooking, his cuisine focuses on respecting produce as the basis of every plate of food he serves. It’s where nonessential components are removed, where real cooking takes place and where the true flavours of the produce can be found.

[caption id="attachment_206613" align="alignnone" width="1329"] The Écriture kitchen at work[/caption]

"If there are ever any small herbs or flowers on the plate it's because it brings something to the dish,” says Gilbert. “It’s not there to just make it beautiful. If the dish is beautiful, it’s because the produce is beautiful; the cooking is beautiful. Not because of the plate.”

We start at the beginning of Gilbert’s story. “Even at a young age, I’ve always loved cooking and eating. My family are all gourmands – we love to eat.” It was this love of food and eating that sparked his interest in becoming a chef. His introduction to fine dining, however, came from his father who worked in the cognac industry and would return home after travelling the world with stories about the top chefs he’d met. Thus inspired, Gilbert went on to study and train to become a world-class chef, dreaming of achieving a Michelin star at his own restaurant one day.

That dream became a reality when Écriture was awarded two Michelin stars within six months of opening and retained its stars this year too. “It’s not what we work for, but it means a lot to us,” he says. Asked whether he now dreams of three stars, he says “yes” without a second’s thought, adding “but it takes time”.

[caption id="attachment_206614" align="alignnone" width="1524"] Chef Maxime Gilbert prepares the Brittany Langoustine dish from his new Library of Flavours tasting menu[/caption]

His determination to achieve this is something he learned from the world-renowned and celebrated French chef Yannick Alléno. As the latter’s protégé, Gilbert cut his teeth at a number of high-end establishments including the Hotel Le Meurice in Paris, La Grande Table Française in Marrakech and Stay by Yannick Alleno at the Shangri-La in Beijing. Asked what it was like to work with Alléno, Gilbert says with a laugh, “It was hard, but it was good.”

“I was 21 when I arrived to work with him. He’d just taken over Le Meurice, and he said: it’s one star, but I come here for three stars, that’s the goal.” After three years, Alléno and his team, including Gilbert, achieved the highest accolade of three Michelin stars. “I still have a very good relationship with Alléno. I talk to him very often and he always has good advice.”

Thereafter, Gilbert became the head chef at Hong Kong’s Amber. It was there that he came to understand how a restaurant – and not just a kitchen – is run. “This experience taught me a lot. It wasn’t easy. We opened seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It was non-stop,” he recalls. “It’s good to work in a place like this as it will quickly show you that you cannot be a little princess.”

[gallery size="full" ids="206621,206622,206623,206624"]

Gilbert’s next chapter has been realised today at Écriture. During my visit, he prepares several dishes from his new Library of Flavours tasting menu, which features four to seven courses made with produce from French farmers, producers and suppliers. The reason, as Gilbert explains plainly, is because “I’m French and I love French produce, so I support France”. Our chat meanders into the state of Hong Kong’s food and beverage industry, how restaurants all around the world have been hit extremely hard, and that this is his way of supporting his native country during this time.

New dishes, as always, spotlight the produce. One highlight, Green Asparagus, uses the legendary spears from Pertuis, which are braised in seawater brought in from Brittany, before being topped with thin slices of beef ham-cured John Dory, which hails from a small family-run supplier in northwestern France. The Brittany Langoustine is fragrantly steamed in Vin Jaune, one of the rarest French wines, and is complemented by the fresh green peas of spring and a claw bouillon infused with liquorice. A Parisian butcher supplies its finest meat for the Roasted Blanc de Blanc Lamb, which is grounded with the earthy flavours of grilled maitake, sorrel and a silky uni miso cream.

“We’re very lucky in Hong Kong, as we’re one of not many cities that are still open,” says Gilbert. “But we need to adapt. To have a profitable business, to keep our team, to not lose jobs, we have to create revenue. So we need to be creative.”

[caption id="attachment_206618" align="alignnone" width="1451"] The tasting menu finishes with Lychee, served with aloe vera, lychee sorbet and caviar with mint bouillon[/caption]

To adapt, Écriture is in survival mode by temporarily switching to a tasting menu only, while Gilbert is also offering a weekend lunch to satisfy guests who are no longer travelling and must remain in Hong Kong. He’s also been drumming up creative ideas to keep going, such as a new delivery menu, and he’s taking part in online culinary classes and live chef talks. Among the latter will be a collaboration with chefs Anatoly Kazakov of Selfie and Vladimir Mukhin of White Rabbit, both of which are considered Moscow’s most progressive restaurants.

On the subject of recovery, Gilbert expresses his anxious uncertainty. "To be honest," he says, "everyone is suffering and I don't know how it will go.” It’s an emotion many of us have felt in recent times. Fortunately, it’s not long before I catch a glint of resilience in his eyes and a positivity in his voice that says he won’t go down easily. With that, I’m reminded of the important – and in my opinion necessary – role that fine dining restaurants play in this story. They're the table of luxury and the plate to escapism that we need, especially now, and I vow never to take them for granted again.

The post Chef Maxime Gilbert of Écriture on The Uncertain Future of F&B appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting culinary capitals, where good food is more than abundant. In that light, we’ve put together a few of our tastiest tidbits and most memorable morsels that are worth tracking down to try.

Bibo

[caption id="attachment_172075" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Image credit: Dishtag[/caption]

Taking inspiration from his native Singapore, Chef Nicholas Chew's new menu features the marriage of French technique and Singaporean cuisine. More specifically, it offers dishes influenced by the aromatic and rich flavours of Peranakan food; prepared and presented in a refined fashion that is typical of French fare. Take the Cold poached abalone dish, which is sliced and served atop bouncy udon tossed with classic assam pedas (or literally 'sour spicy' in Malay) seafood sauce and chorizo. It's a blend of flavours that is uplifting, tangy, and full of umami, which really helped to whet our appetite for the degustation experience to come.

Bibo, 163 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan;  +852 2956 3188

TokyoLima

The popular Nikkei restaurant has been quite successful in refreshing their menu, and our tastebuds, every season. This autumn, they've introduced the Henko collection which offers some punchy new dishes to sample. For us, the clear winner is the Ceviche mixto. A Peruvian classic and a seafood lover’s dream dish, this refreshing ceviche is jam packed with ingredients. Think textural layers of Iberian octopus, fresh prawn, seared scallop and crispy squid marinated beautifully with a vibrant leche de tigre, or tiger’s milk. So good, you might just drink up the rest of the sauce by the spoonful.

TokyoLima, G/F, 18-20 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central; +852 2811 1152

Écriture

For those of you that are up for some wild game, hunt down the dishes on Écriture's 'Furs, Feathers, Iode" menu. Chef Maxime has once again crafted some creative dishes that not only feature wild game, but also some fantastic autumnal flavours. One such dish is the Partridge, which takes on the bird whole and oven-roasts it until golden. It's then carved by the table for a nice serving of dining theatrics. The light textured meat is then smoked gently with herbs to take on flavour and fragrance, before it's presented alongside porcini en papillote and brightened by sweet muscat grapes.

Écriture, 26/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2795 5996

Carbone

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. A saying that we would happily apply to the Spicy vodka rigatoni at Carbone. As they celebrate their fifth anniversary this year, a special celebratory lunch took us back to the Italian-American restaurant to enjoy the cult classic dishes once more. It's bright, creamy and satisfyingly spicy. At Carbone, the chunky rigatoni is smothered in sauce, which actually has no vodka in it, despite its name. It's a belly-warming pasta dish that we keep going back for and we think you will too.

Carbone, 9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2593 2593

Ying Jee Club

Comforting Cantonese cuisine gets a sophisticated makeover at two Michelin-starred Ying Jee Club, which Executive Chef Siu Hin Chi -- formerly of Duddell's -- is responsible for. Here, in their elegant and stylish dining room, signature dishes such as Steamed king prawn with egg white and crab coral tastes as exquisite as it looks. The intensely-flavoured, creamy coral and sweet crab meat pairs flawlessly with the lighter tasting fresh prawn and soft steamed egg white. It's no wonder it became a firm favourite and signature on the menu.

Ying Jee Club, Shop G05, 107-108, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2801 6882

Roganic

Thanks to the change in season, a revisit to Roganic was due. Not that we needed an excuse to eat British chef Simon Rogan's food again, but the new tasting menu and dishes did not disappoint. Case in point is the Berkswell pudding. This creative interpretation of an English bread and butter pudding is love at first bite. Savoury, with subtle notes of sweetness, the pudding is layered with birch sap syrup before it's topped with plenty of aged Berkswell cheese. It's a rich, buttery snack that we definitely want more of.

Roganic, UG/F 08, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 2817 8383

Kakure

Ginza-style restaurant Kakure has all the Japanese sub-cuisines from sushi to sukiyaki, but the champion dish here is offered at their teppanyaki live grill bar. The prized Hida Wagyu from Japan's Gifu prefecture is a speciality here and as soon as you take your first bite, it's clear as to why. The succulent A5-certified premium beef is not only charred to perfection, but it also strikes a wonderful balance between flavour, juiciness and tender texture. The cubes are presented straight off the grill and guests are open to season their meat with salt, pepper, garlic, shallots or wasabi.

Kakure, Shop M20-24, M/F, Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central; +852 2522 9990

The post The Top 7 Dishes We Ate in October 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Culled from Hong Kong’s always-hot dining scene, here are some of the most exciting menus to try this month. Be prepared for chef takeovers, collaborations melding divergent cuisines and seasonal specials -- these one-off opportunities are not to be missed.

New Seasonal Menu at Aulis

[caption id="attachment_167381" align="alignnone" width="533"] Grille Salad, Aulis.[/caption]

When: Now until October 31
Price: HK$1,480 +10%; Wine pairing +HK$680 +10%

British chef Simon Rogan has steadily won over hearts and stomachs citywide with his private fine dining concept Aulis and its casual contemporary counterpart Roganic. As autumn sets in, Chef Rogan is excited to share his new menu which takes advantage of seasonal ingredients found only at this time of year, both locally and abroad. His signature tartlets get a makeover with local baby Spanish mackerel with carrot purée and pickled apple, while other new dishes include Hokkaido scallop barbecued in its shell and served with smoked pike perch roe; and buttermilk, cherry custard and rosemary caramel served with hibiscus kombucha syrup.

Aulis, UG/F, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay; +852 2817 8383

Furs, Feathers & Iode Wild Game Menu at Écriture

[caption id="attachment_167527" align="alignnone" width="853"] Yari Ika Farci Hare, Écriture.[/caption]

When: Now until October 31
Price: HK$2,288 + 10%

Chef Maxime Gilbert, of two Michelin-starred Écriture, is back at it again with his annual wild game menu just as we roll into the thick of hunting season. And this year, the fresh game from France and England is designed to pair with seasonal Japanese seafood to strike a beautiful balance that brings out the flavours of these seasonal ingredients. The 10-course menu features rare proteins such as grouse, hare, katsuo fish, partridge, spear squid and doe, while seasonal accompaniments including persimmon and white truffles add that extra touch of autumn as we adjust to the colder months. The Furs, Feathers & Iode menu is available a la carte for lunch and as a tasting menu for dinner.

Écriture, 26/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2795 5996

New Seasonal Menu at Senti

[caption id="attachment_167383" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Monkfish with leek, foie gras and cep, Senti.[/caption]

When: Now until October 31
Price: HK$880 +10%

Newcomer to the Hong Kong dining scene is Senti, a contemporary European restaurant dedicated to redefining the traditional fine dining experience by offering a more relaxed ambiance and innovative menu. Helmed by Chef Alex Law who previously earned recognition with Ryne, the fine dining, Chef’s Hat-rated restaurant he opened in Melbourne with partner Donovan Cooke. Senti offers seasonal tasting menus using ingredients sourced locally and from France and across Europe. The Hong Kong debut introduces a six-course tasting menu, demonstrating his sophisticated culinary skills with dishes like octopus with chorizo and capsicum, lobster with daikon, grape and cappuccino, and monkfish with leek and foie gras.

Senti, 3/F, Parekh House, 63 Wyndham Street, Central; +852 2668 4088

Pierre

[caption id="attachment_167384" align="alignnone" width="4912"] Chef Pierre Gagnaire, Pierre.[/caption]

When: October 7 to 12
Price: HK$1,988 + 10%

Legendary chef Pierre Gagnaire returns to his two Michelin-starred restaurant Pierre at Mandarin Oriental to present his signature Italian dishes from his Italian restaurant Piero TT to Hong Kong. The seven course degustation menu includes veal and white truffle paste ravioli, Blue lobster risotto, veal chop Milanese-style with artichoke salad, and of course, the most iconic Italian dessert: tiramisu with burrata ice cream. These special dishes are also available à la carte.

Pierre, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Centra, Central; +852 2825 4001

Chef Bo Bech for PDT Hong Kong

[caption id="attachment_167385" align="alignnone" width="4480"] Geist Spicy Harissa Hotdog, PDT.[/caption]

When: October 8 to 14
Price: Average spending starts at approximately HK$350

When at PDT, it’s almost customary to treat yourself to a little sinful snacking – and by that we mean the speakeasy’s bar menu of hotdogs. This October, cookbook writer and TV Chef Bo Bech will be joining master mixologist Jim Meehan in Hong Kong for the last series of the bar’s star-studded hotdog series for 2019. New to the menu is Bech’s Geist Spicy Harisssa Hotdog -- a loaded grilled pork dog topped with his own take of harissa using sweet red peppers, red chilli pepper, red onion, garlic, coriander seeds, cumin and piment d’espelette garnished with coriander. The special hotdog series pays tribute to the first PDT in NYC which has a history of innovative culinary collaboration. Meanwhile, mixologist Jim Meehan will also bring exciting and imaginative cocktails to wash down the American staple food.

PDT, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2132 0033

6 Hands Menu at Casa Lisboa Gastronomia Portuguesa

[gallery ids="167389,167390,167387"]

When: October 9
Price: HK$880 +10%; Wine pairing +HK$480 +10%

Three chefs from three cultures join together for one night only in a very special culinary collaboration. Chef Fábio Pombo of Casa Lisboa will be joined by Angelo Vecchio of Porterhouse and Jesus Pascual of Olé to present a combined effort of Portuguese, Italian and Spanish influences. The six-course, six-hands dinner is composed of the best dishes from each of the chefs and comes together in a curated menu that highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients and each chef’s unique cooking style.

Casa Lisboa, 2/F, Parekh House, 63 Wyndham Street, Central; +852 2905 1168

Guest Chef Bee of Paste at Mandarin Oriental

[caption id="attachment_167391" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Australian trout choo chee curry, Paste.[/caption]

When: The Krug Room October 16 & 17, Man Wah October 18 & 19
Price: The Krug Room HK$2,888 + 10% (includes to glasses of Krug Grande Cuvée 167ème Édition and a glass of Krug Vintage 2004); Man Wah HK$1,888 + 10%

Chef Bongkoch ‘Bee’ Satongun of Paste Bangkok needs no introduction. Ranked 28 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019 for her innovative Thai cuisine, and Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2018, chef Bee has made her name a prominent one in the culinary world. Having collaborated in Hong Kong previously, this time, she returns as resident chef at the prestigious Krug Room, where she will be presenting a nine-course menu for two nights.

Following her chef takeover at the private dining space, she will be partnering with chef Wing-Keung Wong of Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Man Wah. The pair will be designing a menu with each chef serving five of their own dishes to create a harmonious marriage of flavours from their respective cuisine. Dishes not to be missed include the flower crab with Chumporn roasted shrimp paste by chef Bee and steamed and sautéed egg with lobster, sea urchin and mini goldfish dumpling by chef Wong.

The Krug Room, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central; +852 2825 4014   

Man Wah, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central; +852 2825 4003

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World's 50 Best Rank 1 Chef Colagerco at Grill 58

[caption id="attachment_167392" align="alignnone" width="853"] Chef Mauro Colagreco, Mirazur.[/caption]

When: October 18 to 20
Price: Approximately MOP$2,000 +10%

It’s not often that a chance to enjoy the world’s finest European dining comes by. This October, the legendary Italian-Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur in Menton will pay a visit to MGM Cotai to showcase his dishes driven by quality seasonal ingredients and Mediterranean inspired cuisine. Awarded three Michelin stars and ranked first in World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2019, chef Colagreco’s visit is one of the most anticipated guest chef visits in Macau this year. His menu will include Poultry velouté in green curry with crayfish, Char-grilled carabineros with chicken supreme, beurre blanc sauce and trout eggs, and Aveyron lamb rack with eggplants and anchovies.

Grill 58, MGM Cotai, Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau; +853 8806 2318

Chef Bruno Oger of La Villa Archange at Gaddi’s

[caption id="attachment_167393" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Iced Fennel with Anise, La Villa Archange.[/caption]

When: October 21 & 22
Price: Lunch ranges from HK$1,288 to HK$2, 688 + 10%; Dinner HK$2,688 + 10%

French chef Bruno Oger, who earned two Michelin stars for La Villa Archange, takes his Mediterranean and Brittany influenced-cuisine to Gaddi’s in a collaboration with chef Albin Goblin. The two will join forces to offer a menu focused on modern interpretations of refined French classic gastronomy with fresh ingredients and delicate flavours. Chef Oger will be in Hong Kong for both lunch and dinner services, and diners can choose from four to seven courses at lunch and a seven-course prix fixe degustation menu in the evening.

Gaddi’s, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2696 6763

Guest Chef Gordon Leung of Shangri-La Group at Shang Palace

[caption id="attachment_167394" align="alignnone" width="2652"] Deep-fried Stuffed Crab Meat in Shell, Shang Palace.[/caption]

When: October 24
Price: HK$1,600 + 10%

With his recent appointment as Corporate Chinese Executive Chef at Shangri-La Group, chef Gordon Leung lends over 30 years of culinary experience to a very special four hands dinner with Chef Daniel Cheung of Shang Palace at Kowloon Shangri-La. The duo will deliver an expertly curated menu of Cantonese and classic Chinese cuisine in the form of their signature dishes. The dishes are prepared and cooked in a way to emphasise the original flavours of the premium seasonal ingredients to bring forth the complex charred aromas known locally as wok hei. The most anticipated dishes include deep-fried stuffed crab meat in shell, oven-boiled cod with egg white and conpoy, and the delectable dessert platter, a signature of Shang Palace.

Shang Place, Kowloon Shangri-La, 64 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2733 8483

The post The Top 10 Special Menus You Can’t Miss This October appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting culinary capitals, where good food is more than abundant. In that light, we’ve put together a few of our tastiest tidbits and most memorable morsels that are worth tracking down to try.

Honjo

[caption id="attachment_162107" align="alignnone" width="7677"] The Wagyu is dressed in chorizo oil and asahi ponzu.[/caption]

Pirata Group has done it again with the opening of their new modern-Japanese restaurant, Honjo, where dark and moody interiors are jazzed up with eccentric details and a buzzy vibe -- it's no wonder the restaurant is already packed with guest bookings. There are lots of fresh takes on classic Japanese flavours, but our star dish of the night was 'The Wagyu'. This dish is so fragrant that you can smell it even before the waiter puts it on the table. The wagyu meat is singed ever so slightly for a smoky flavour while it bathes in chorizo oil for a little heat. Asahi ponzu lifts the palate, while crispy quinoa and chives are sprinkled for texture. Simply sensational.

Honjo, 1/F, Hollywood Centre, Queen's Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2663 3772

Rùn

[caption id="attachment_162095" align="alignnone" width="1998"] Braised white bitter melon with Ibérico pork and fish broth.[/caption]

The St. Regis Hong Kong's Chinese restaurant has a modern interior inspired by the architecture of a traditional Chinese tea pavilion. It's elegant yet relaxed -- just like the cuisine that acclaimed Chinese chef Hung Chi-Kwong puts forward. A great example of this is a seasonal dish that makes use of fresh white bitter melon stewed with Ibérico pork in fish broth. It's a clever dish where everything has a purpose: The pork and broth serve as a rich foundation of flavour, melon cuts through with a bite of bitterness, green peas brighten it up and a sprinkling of sakura shrimp is added for a touch of smokiness to round it all off.

Rùn, 2/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; +852 2138 6888

Ecriture x Chef's Table

[caption id="attachment_162078" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Scottish langoustine and sweetbread lasagna.[/caption]

At a recent chef collaboration between chef Maxime Gilbert of Écriture and ex-Caprice chef Vincent Thierry of Chef’s Table at Lebua in Bangkok, we were lucky enough to taste a few signatures from the two star chefs. One such stunning dish was chef Thierry's Scottish langoustine and sweetbread lasagna. The rich and creamy sweetbread was paired with a tomato and fennel confit, fennel flower, and topped with a gorgeous parsley-printed lasagna sheet and a light shellfish emulsion. It's a dish we've been thinking about since we last tasted it, so now we'll have to go to Bangkok to enjoy it once more.

Écriture, 26/F H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2795 5996

Chef's Table at Lebua, Floor 61, Tower Club at Lebua, 1055 Si Lom, Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand; +66 2 624 9555

Gough's on Gough

[caption id="attachment_162101" align="alignnone" width="5792"] 'Hong Kong rarebit'.[/caption]

When it comes to the best British fare in Hong Kong, chef Cary Docherty immediately comes to mind. What's new is that Gough's on Gough is now serving delectable dishes from a no-fuss snacking menu for a quick bite. On the ground floor of the restaurant is Piranha Bar, which has just introduced some seriously delicious finger food. Here, the classic Welsh rarebit gets a Hong Kong-style makeover. It may not be the most visually attractive plate on the menu, but the big flavour more than makes up for it. Made with a savoury sauce of melted cheese laced with fish and oyster sauces that's then poured over slices of warm toasted bread, it's soft and chewy but still has a pleasant bit of crispy crunch.

Gough's on Gough, 15 Gough Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2473 9066

Zest by Konishi

[caption id="attachment_161957" align="alignnone" width="5700"] The Green Garden.[/caption]

Taking over the space that was once ON Dining, new French-Japanese restaurant Zest by Konishi has officially opened with chef Mitsuru Konishi -- whom you may remember from Wan Chai’s Wagyu Takumi -- at the helm. His return brings his trademark playful cuisine to the forefront with dishes like a sprightly salad named The Green Garden. This dish uses 20 different herbs and vegetables, many of which are sourced from Hong Kong organic farms, including celery root purée, fennel jelly, baby carrots, edamame, black olive crumble and crispy quinoa. It's all dressed in fragrant shiso paste, lemon, marigold flowers, micro herbs and more, before a bright and clear extraction of Australian romaine tomatoes and cherry tomatoes is added to the mix.

Zest By Konishi, 28 & 29/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2715 0878

Porterhouse

[caption id="attachment_162094" align="alignnone" width="2000"] Spanish ‘Los Norteños’ steak.[/caption]

The California Tower steakhouse has been offering Hong Kong's largest collection of Porterhouse steaks for some time now, but it was a recent 'Porterhouse Monday' half-price steak promotion that brought us back. We opted for the Spanish ‘Los Norteños’ which makes use of the grass-fed Iberian beef called Rubia Gallega, aged for 60 days. The result is a deeply flavoured steak with earthy and almost nutty notes, as well as a very soft and fine texture that your knife can cut through easily. The large steak was accompanied by a selection of salts, mustard and a red wine jus which coated the triple-cooked fries nicely, too.

Porterhouse, 7/F California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong; +852 2522 6366

TMK

[caption id="attachment_162102" align="alignnone" width="8688"] Tuna Hotdog.[/caption]

Sushi rolls meet punk rock and Cali vibes at TMK. The unapologetically loud temakeria is another of Pirata Group's newest openings and presents a casual Japanese concept that delivers a refreshing take on sushi rolls with a slight Western influence. The Tuna Hotdog is the reinvented version of a traditional roll, with a crispy deep-fried rice "bun" holding fresh cubes of tuna sashimi doused in spicy mayo sauce and topped with furikake and chives. Be prepared to wash that down with sake as the restaurant's "Drinks on Me" concept means guests can buy a round for the whole house for an easy HK$290.

TMK, Hollywood Centre, 77 - 91 Queen's Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; +852 2662 2269 

Uma Nota

[caption id="attachment_162103" align="alignnone" width="8000"] Churrasco Tuesday's meat platter.[/caption]

Mark your calendars, because Tuesdays just got a little more exciting for the carnivores among us with Uma Nota's Churrasco menu. The gaucho Brazilian platter comes with a sizzling grill plate piled high with flame-licked beef, chipotle chicken pork ribs and grilled veggies, accompanied by a side of salad. The greatest part of all this succulent meaty goodness is the surprising tenderness and juiciness of the meat and its unique spice rub that adds a burst of flavour. The meal is designed to be shared and with all the items already preset for you, you'll get to sample a bit of everything and not have to ponder what to order.

Uma Nota, 38 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2889 7576

The post The Top 8 Dishes We Ate in August 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

For one night only, award-winning French chef Vincent Thierry will be in Hong Kong for an exclusive collaborative meal with another French Chef, Maxime Gilbert of two-Michelin-starred Écriture, on Monday, 12 August. The nine-course dégustation menu will feature inventive French cuisine from the two accomplished chefs, including dishes such as king crab tiramisu with marinaded tandoori fruits and mascarpone cream, caviar bone marrow made with a Royal Caviar Club blend of pickled 8-year-old sturgeon roe, and Scottish langoustine and sweetbread lasagna with tomato and fennel confit and light shellfish.

[gallery ids="152616,152618,152617"]

Chef Thierry, who led Caprice at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hong Kong to three Michelin stars from 2010–2013, is currently the Chef de Cuisine at Chef's Table in Bangkok, which is perched on the 61st floor of The Dome at Lebua. Since opening in March earlier this year, the restaurant has already begun to make waves in the Thai capital's fine-dining scene. Pair this with Gilbert's culinary finesse and his interpretation of French cuisine using exceptional Japanese produce -- which helped to put Écriture in the 2019 Michelin Guide with two stars -- and this is a dinner that we have high hopes for. We can't wait to see (and taste) what the chefs will bring to the table.

[caption id="attachment_152619" align="alignnone" width="2480"] The four hands dinner will take place in Écriture atop H Queen's in Central.[/caption]

Écriture x Chef's Table, The Dome at Lebua Four Hands Dinner

When: Monday, 12 August
Price:HK$2,880 +10% per person
To book: Call +852 2795 5996 or email Ecriture@lecomptoir.hk

The post Écriture Welcomes Celebrated Chef Vincent Thierry for Exclusive Four-Hands Dinner appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Culled from Hong Kong’s always-hot dining scene, here are some of the most exciting menus to try this month. Be prepared for chef takeovers, collaborations melding divergent cuisines and seasonal specials -- these one-off opportunities are not to be missed.

Ecriture: 5-Course Caviar Menu

When: now until 30 June

Price: HK$2,888 + 10%

[caption id="attachment_141029" align="alignnone" width="800"] Caviar Uni Tart at Ecriture[/caption]

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve come across and lusted over Ecriture’s mouth-watering caviar photos all over Instagram. Executive Chef Maxime Gilbert of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant partners with Royal Caviar Club to develop five dishes that showcase the decadent yet delicate flavours of caviar. The most opulent (and Instagram-worthy) dish is served at the start of the meal: an iconic pairing of creamy Hokkaido sea urchin with celeriac whipped cream on a buckwheat shell tart, topped with a ridiculously generous amount of Cristal caviar. The special menu ends this month, so if you haven’t tried it yet this is your last chance, and if you have already -- then you know it’s worth revisiting.

Ecriture, 26/F, H Queen’s, 80 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2795 5996

Man Wah: Exclusive Chinese Tea Pairing Menu 

When: now until 28 June

Price: HK$1,588; three premium teas HK$300, wine pairing HK$780 + 10%

[caption id="attachment_145725" align="alignnone" width="2972"] Steamed winter melon, crab meat, carrot paste and egg white at Man Wah[/caption]

Man Wah has been an iconic destination for local and regional cuisines in Hong Kong for generations. The Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant is now introducing a special tea-pairing menu featuring old and new dishes to perfectly complement its range of exclusive Chinese tea. The eight-course menu comes with three teas from Guizhou, Huizhou and Jiangxi, each distinct in its base, aroma and intensity, and all meant to enhance the flavours of Chef Wing-Keung Wong’s Michelin-starred specialties including a juicy baked half lobster with supreme broth, pan-fried wagyu with mastsutake mushroom and tossed angel hair with spring onions and crispy tea leaves. An additional wine pairing option is also available.

Man Wah, 25/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central; +852 2825 4003

Morton's The Steakhouse: Limited Edition Seasonal Menu

When: now until the end of summer 

Price: ranges from HK$128 to HK$978

[caption id="attachment_145740" align="alignnone" width="1110"] Bone-in Filet Mignon and Roasted Cauliflower with Romesco Sauce at Morton's The Steakhouse[/caption]

If you like steak, you’ll have likely visited one of Hong Kong’s best steakhouses located in the Sheraton Hotel. And if you haven’t, then you better get yourself to Morton’s now. This season, they have a whole host of new and returning dishes that include summer flavours and a meat feast of epic proportions. Highlights include the new refreshing strawberry, arugula and goat cheese salad; the succulent return of Nueske’s bacon steak; and the generously meaty Prime New York steak flight, which features three medallions of steak made up of all natural Black Angus, USDA Prime and Snake River Farm Premium Wagyu Strip, or the limited-time-only Bone-in Filet mignon. Make sure to bring a big appetite!

Morton's The Steakhouse, The Sheraton Hotel Hong Kong, 4th Level, 20 Nathan Road, Kowloon; +852 2732 2343

Rech by Alain Ducasse: La Riviera d’Alain Ducasse 5-Course Menu

When: from 1 June to 31 July

Price: HK$1,288 + 10%

[caption id="attachment_145730" align="alignnone" width="7360"] Warm Artichokes "Barigoule" at Rech by Alain Ducasse[/caption]

Rech by Alain Ducasse continues its culinary voyage through France, making a pitstop in the south for the months of June and July. Premium fresh seafood, which is native to the region and the French Riviera, is caught along the beautiful coastline and is now also available on this special menu. Executive Chef Guillaume Katola introduces Rech’s rendition of the bouillabaisse -- a melting pot (literally) of fresh ocean flavours using scorpion fish, red mullet, monkfish and John Dory, reinventing the traditional fisherman soup from 18th-century dish into a flavourful blend and signature of the one-Michelin-star restaurant and Provençal cuisine.

Rech by Alain Ducasse, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2313 2323

à nu Retrouvez-Vous: Caviar & Champagne Menu

When: 3 & 4 June

Price: HK$2,450 & HK$2,980 + 10%

[caption id="attachment_145742" align="alignnone" width="5070"] Seasonal Hana-sansho with wagyu beef on rice at à nu Retrouvez-Vouz[/caption]

With two Michelin stars under his belt, chef Shohei Shimono of à nu in Tokyo brings his culinary concept to Hong Kong. À nu meaning “just as it is” in French, is the exact characterisation of the restaurant -- each dish showcases one specific ingredient and is given a voice by accentuating its flavours with complementing elements. For two nights only, chef Shimono himself will be in Hong Kong to present two special nine-course tasting menus, the first in partnership with W3 caviar on 3 June, and the final with Henri Giraud Champagne. Expect to be wowed by opulent ingredients such as fresh uni, baby clams, firefly squid, wagyu beef and seasonal fish. 

À nu retrouvez-vous, Shop OTE 402, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2770 6222

Robuchon au Dôme: Robuchon’s Devotion Gala Dinner

When: 8 June

Price: HK$4,200 + 10%

[caption id="attachment_145731" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Le Crabe Mille Guille of Tomato and Crab Meat at Robuchon au Dôme[/caption]

With three Michelin stars for the past 11 consecutive years, need we introduce Robuchon au Dôme? Robuchon’s family of chefs -- Eric Bouchenoire, Tomonori Danzaki and François Benot join Robuchon au Dôme’s Julien Tongourian to continue the late Jöel Robuchon's legacy through a collaborative menu dedicated to the culinary legend's devotion to his art. This extremely rare menu is available for one night only at Grand Lisboa Hotel. 

Robuchon au Dôme, Level 43, Grand Lisboa Hotel, Avenida de Lisboa, Macau; +853 8803 7878

VEA x JL Studio: Chinese x French Four Hands 22-Course Menu

When: 12 & 13 June

Price: HK$2,380; wine and cocktail pairing HK$780  + 10%

[caption id="attachment_145733" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Signature Banana Curry by JL Studio at VEA Restaurant and Lounge[/caption]

It’s no news that the guys at VEA like to collaborate with top international culinary masters -- you may remember their successful partnerships with chef Bee Satongun of Paste (Bangkok) and chef Julien Royer of Odette (Singapore). This time, chef Vicky Cheng is joining forces with guest chef Jimmy Lim of JL Studio in Tai Chung. Both chefs are bringing eight small bites, two main courses, a dessert and their Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant title to the table -- serving each guest 22 dishes in one sitting. The concept behind the duo come from a culinary pairing of Chinese and French cuisine; honouring our hometown food served at dai pai dongs and cha chaan tengs.

 VEA Restaurant & Lounge, 29 & 30/F, The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central; +852 2711 8639

The post The Top 7 Special Menus You Can’t Miss This June appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting culinary capitals, where good food is more than abundant. In that light, we’ve put together a few of our tastiest tidbits and most memorable morsels that are worth tracking down to try.

Pez Limón at Ichu Peru

As the heat turns up in Hong Kong, we naturally turn to cooler and more refreshing dishes -- and there’s nothing quite like a ceviche that screams summer. At one of Ichu’s first-ever four-hand collaborations, we sampled dishes created by their very own Chef Sang Jeong and Chef Emanuel Alvarado from Crab Market in Dubai, and found an intensely bright, zesty ceviche that did just the job. Using fresh yellowtail bathed in a punchy leche de tigre with yuzu, the sharp and spicy flavours are sprinkled with a little sweetness from large Peruvian corn (or choclo) and sweet potato crisps. It makes us wonder what they have in store for their second four-hands menu with Chef Ferran Tadeo of La Rambla from 5–8 May too.

Ichu, 3/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2477 7717

Caviar and Uni Tart at Écriture

Everything tastes better with caviar, which is why the Écriture x Royal Caviar Club collaboration menu has been the talk of the town for weeks now. The five-course meal begins with the star of the show -- an iconic pairing of creamy Hokkaido sea urchin with celeriac whipped cream on a buckwheat shell tart, topped with a ridiculously generous amount of Cristal caviar (a Royal Caviar Club hybrid blend of pickled roe of mature 8-year-old sturgeon). Oh, and did we mention that it’s finished off with a light yet decadent beurre blanc sauce? Écriture sets a pretty high bar with this dish when comes to over-the-top indulgence.

Ecriture, 26/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2795 5996 

Braised Daikon at VEA

Another chef collaboration took us to another Asia’s 50 Best restaurant -- VEA -- which also retained its Michelin star in 2019. This time, Chef Vicky Cheng’s partner was 2018’s best female chef in Asia, Bongkoch “Bee” Satongun of Paste in Bangkok. Together, they created a degustation menu which we were lucky enough to preview. There were some incredible dishes packed with flavour, but the one that struck a chord was the braised daikon. Here the mild-flavoured radish was brought to life in a one-and-a-half-year-old master stock before being fried crispy, while a perfectly cooked Taiyouran egg sits atop and is dressed with truffle.

VEA, 30/F, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 2711 8639

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Okinawa at Arbor

During the four-hands collaboration between Chef Eric Räty of Michelin-starred Arbor in Hong Kong and Chef-Owner Noboru Arai of two Michelin-starred Hommage in Tokyo, we were treated to inventive flavours that were also visual delights -- one of which was a dish featuring produce from Okinawa. As enjoyable for the eyes as it was pleasant for the palate, the distinct flavours and texture of sweet corn ice cream and the pop of savoury sea grapes were blended with the tropical tang of passion fruit for the perfect little meal teaser.

Arbor, 25/F, H Queen's, 80 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong; +852 3185 8388

Gancini Chocolate Cake from Salvatore Ferragamo Afternoon Tea at Mandarin Oriental Macau

It's not often that we attend repeat afternoon tea collaborations, but Salvatore Ferragamo's fashion inspired set is too delectable to miss. Curated by Mandarin Oriental Macau's Executive Pastry Chef Sebatien Bernis, the cake selection draws from the Italian house's classic pieces such as the Varina ballet flat, which is paired with Vara mousse cake and the Amo Flowerful fragrance which was turned into a fragrant panna cotta. Our favourite morsel was the Gancini chocolate cake inspired by Ferragamo's iconic Studio bag with Gancini pattern that hides a chocolate cake underneath. Guests were also gifted a complimentary souvenir from Salvatore Ferragamo at Once Central Mall. Now if that isn't worth crossing over to Macau for, we don't know what is.

Mandarin Oriental Macau, N.945, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Macau; +853 8805 8888

Handmade Pasta at J Pot

We know what it sounds like, and we’re right there with you in wondering why the newest hotpot spot in Causeway Bay is offering handmade Italian pasta. It turns out that JPOT is a combination of Chinese hot pot traditions, the freshest ingredients (such as Hiyama Kuroge Wagyu) and some Western accents along the way. In a special preview for the tasting menu, we were able to sample just that -- freshly made fettuccine, cooked perfectly al dente and draped with a thin slice of Wagyu sashimi.

J Pot, 1/F, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; +852 2885 0533

The post The Top 6 Dishes We Ate in April 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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