Celebrity Life

And… we’re back to summer of 2020, when months of lockdown was the norm. Having maintained a solid effort to keep low and trackable cases, Hong Kong was able to return to a normal life for most of 2021. But early 2022 seemed to have other plans for us with new social distancing rules being recently implemented.

Following the latest announcement by the Hong Kong government, the city will once again be under strict social distancing rules starting 7 January (today), for at least two weeks. The news broke many plans and motivated resolutions, with restrictions on large events, gyms and international travel. 

Despite the reimposition of strict social distancing rules, if you still want to enjoy your January, read on to learn exactly the do’s and don’ts in Hong Kong, as well as what's open, and who had to close.

Hong Kong's Social Distancing Rules: Here's What You Need to Know

Masks

In all public places — public transports, malls, supermarkets, office buildings, and parks — wearing a mask remains mandatory.

However, for hiking, running or exercising at an outdoor park, masks are not required.

Group gatherings

The maximum number of people in a group gathering is now set at four. 

The maximum penalty for an individual participating in unaccepted gathering is $5,000, an increase from the previous amount of $2,000.

Additionally, as announced by the government, “any person who participated in a prohibited group gathering; organises a prohibited group gathering; owns, controls or operates the place of the gathering; and knowingly allows the gathering” is fined a maximum of $25,000.

Dining 

New dining restrictions taking effect on 7 January require restaurants to close from 6pm to 5am for dine-in services, meaning only take-aways for dinner. However, go ahead and still catch up with friends for lunch, tea, early dinner, all of that, just as long as it’s before 6pm. (See an updated list of restaurants that have adjusted their hours here.) Category C and Category D businesses are allowed to seat tables of 4 and 6 respectively, but still need to close dine-in after 6pm.

Additionally, new dining regulations go into effect 24 February 2022 that require customers must have had at least one COVID-19 vaccination to be able to dine-in at restaurants. Scanning the LeaveHomeSafe app remains mandatory, along with temperature checking upon entry.

Bars and clubs

All bars, pubs, nightclubs, karaokes, mahjong and tin kau parlours and party rooms will be closed from 7 January until further notice. 

Daily activities 

Unfortunately, all public and private gyms, pools and sports facilities will be closed from 7 January for two weeks until further notice.

Per the government announcement, these regulations will be reviewed on 14 January.

Entertainment

Entertainment facilities including theme parks, museums, gaming arcades, bowling alleys, live entertainment venues and ice skate rinks will be closed from 7 January until further notice.

Travel 

Only HKID holders are permitted to enter Hong Kong, and all arrivals have to undergo mandatory quarantine in designated hotels for 21 days. Announced on 5 January, flights to Hong Kong from the following countries; the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, France, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan are banned for two weeks. This applies to both direct and transit flights from 8 January until 21 January 2022. 

Schools

The government has ruled that schools can remain open.

Work

Per the government announcement, offices and workplaces are allowed to remain open, but business are encouraged to have their employees work from home if possible.

Outdoor activities 

Although gyms may be shut, Hong Kong boasts the most beautiful hiking trails and camping sites. Outdoor activities are welcome to enjoy, but keep in mind to not go in more than a group of four.

Staycations 

If you've booked a relaxing staycation, don’t cancel it just yet! Hotels will remain open while imposing strict hygiene procedures. The maximum number of guests permitted in one hotel room is 4, and up to 8 for a suite room. 

Weddings 

Weddings are still allowed to continue, but on a much much smaller scale — perfect if you’re not planning a massive celebration, anyway. Wedding gatherings are limited to 20 people, and no food or drinks are allowed to be served at ceremonies. In the case the celebration is at restaurant or catering premises, regulations of six people per table must be followed. 

For updated information on inbound travel click here

The post Hong Kong’s New Social Distancing Regulations: All the Do’s and Don’ts appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Randy Lai ventures beyond his home bar in search of Hong Kong’s most delicious Martini, and the mixologists poised to revitalise the beverage for an exciting comeback.

Like most addictions popularised over the past year and a half – who could forget the meteoric spike in online searches for “how to make sourdough”? – my initial motive for fixing Martinis at home was, predictably, to drown out the internal screaming that runs concomitant with a worldwide health emergency. Those days when I felt especially helpless – typically, the result of another lockdown, new restriction or some horrible announcement of yet another untimely venue closure – I resorted to the “direct pour” method: in effect, a searingly cold glass of gin, where the presence of vermouth could best be described as “ineffectual”.

But as Hong Kong wobbles gingerly into the third quarter of something like a “normal” year, my appetite for the drink has taken on a decidedly more appreciative guise. Last year, consuming them (and the pivot to making cocktails at home in general) seemed crucially like an act of self-care. In 2021, the Martini symbolises a return to form, typifying a whole class of well-made classics that we now have the pleasure of falling in love with on an evening out, following many months of homemade analogues.

Of course, some will argue that the drink’s elemental simplicity makes it a poor choice of standard bearer in the mission to re-open bars and encourage over-the-counter drinking. How could any cocktail made with just three ingredients (namely: gin, vermouth and ice) possibly be good enough to warrant a return to the notoriously outbreak-prone realm of bars and restaurants?

The first salvo to this mostly rhetorical invective is fired from across the harbour. The triggerman in question? Simone Rossi. A veteran bartender of London’s Dorchester Hotel, he now heads up DarkSide, Rosewood Hong Kong’s sultry hideaway for jazz, classic cocktails and premium aged spirits. Ranked No 40 on Asia’s 50 Best list, the bar stirs up one of Hong Kong’s most popular Martinis, and a litany of beverages made in the same minimalist style. “In order to foster interest in the classics, we first needed to have a very well-rounded signature,” says Rossi. “That’s why we created the Martini Vs Vesper, as a kind of baby step for casual drinkers, taking the traditional gin/ vermouth pairing and making it a little more light-hearted and approachable.”

To the layman, the signature concoction will appear uncannily similar to the archetypal Martini, served – in the hallowed tradition of transatlantic supper clubs – in a long conical glass, always chilled and garnished with a green olive-esque morsel. Available on a spirited base of either vodka or gin, it’s a surprisingly mellow evocation of a beverage that’s frequently typecast as boozy, bone-dry denouement. Rossi says that this recipe, incorporating two kinds of Mancino Vermouth (aromatised wine produced by adding botanicals to a base of Trebbiano) and wakamomo mountain peaches, is an “evolution” of the classic Martini, one that accommodates the distinctive preferences of Hong Kong’s local drinking culture. “Nowadays, many people are looking for something that’s less unhealthy and low ABV. Aside from its lower alcohol content, our Vs Vesper utilises a range of ingredients that mellow out and balance the entire flavour profile. It’s a lighter drinking experience, with floral notes and a texture closer to the wetter side of the palette.”

The success of the Vs Vesper does, of course, track with the Martini’s well-earned reputation for versatility. Sherry, amaro, pickled onions: time and time again, the basic equation of ‘gin plus vermouth’ has a way of reconciling cameo ingredients with surprisingly scrumptious results. “That’s why it’s so underrated,” says Rossi.

“As a category, there are few drinks better for showcasing lesser -known liquors, because of the outsized way in which these impact the strength, structure, or complexity of the basic recipe.” For discerning types on either side of the bar, the Martini’s potentially infinite variability – actuated by no more than a slight tweak in the proportion of gin, vermouth, or ice – has often made it the subject of fairly detailed scrutiny. Back on Hong Kong Island, in the belly of the financial district, drinkers will find Kyle & Bain, an intimate alcove that seats no more than 20, where the entire beverage programme (notwithstanding one or two curveballs) reads like Martini-fuelled Magna Carta.

Opened by award-winning Seattleite bartender John Nugent, who’s also behind Asia’s No 20 bar, The Diplomat, it feels – to put it mildly – like the sort of establishment that’s long overdue in Hong Kong. Dismayed by the absence of bars capable of whipping up anything more than a tepid Appletini, Nugent took matters into his own hands (with an assist from local hospitality group Leading Nation), culminating in a space where the “golden age” of the Martini remains well and truly alive. “Among the cocktail community, Martinis have always been a fixture,” says Nugent, “but within broader popular culture they gradually became this kind of abused, overly diluted drink. Many of our customers responded warmly to the idea of a bar that would challenge those misconceptions. At the same time, we were becoming acutely aware that what Hong Kong lacked was a place where drinkers could discover a wide assortment of Martini-style recipes, ranging from forgotten classics to modern interpretations.”

Each section of Kyle & Bain’s menu is inspired by the various “building blocks” comprising a classic American Martini. Essentially a four-act structure, cocktails pivot around spirits, vermouth, ice, soigné (the so-called “special element” that really ties a drink together, as Nugent explains) or some combination thereof. Start on a reassuringly strong note with the Gimlet: a boozy yet balanced number, located in the Spirits chapter of the menu. The recipe traditionally calls for equal parts gin and lime juice; on top of which Nugent shepherds in complementary flavours of genever, mastiha (a herbal liqueur originating on the Greek island of Chios) and a “salad cordial’ made by flavouring the eponymous preparation with leeks, cucumber and a variety of other bright, crunchy vegetables. Round, refreshing, yet also mouth-wateringly savoury, it adds a distinctly culinary facet to the Martini’s already-manifold personality.

Turn the page, and you’ll be greeted by the Vermouth section. Unlike the previous spirit-inspired chapter, this part consists of drinks that are driven by mellower, low-ABV ingredients. “That doesn’t necessarily mean they all must include vermouth,” says Nugent, “but it’s a catch-all we use to describe our lighter-drinking cocktails – those utilising aperitifs and fortified wines”. The pithily named Just Grapes is a helpful example. A tipple of Nugent’s own invention, it’s built on a base of two spirits – gin and Armagnac – then stirred over ice with verjus and Lillet Blanc (a fairly typical aromatised wine, made by blending Bordeaux grapes together with citrus liqueur). For good measure, a handful of muscat is garnished prior to serving, hammering home the drink’s essential qualities with the aid of a simple visual flourish. Semi-sweet, balanced and on occasion fruit-forward, these are – for lack of a better phrase – another excellent “gateway drug” to the realm of stiffly made cocktails.

In conversation with devotees like Rossi and Nugent, it’s clear then that the Martini remains a rich, somewhat underrated seam for innovation, just waiting to be mined. As always, the million-dollar question is whether such labours will produce a comeback that lasts; or whether the drinking public will simply lose interest and hurry on to the next thing. For a barman like Nugent, who’s staked much of Kyle & Bain’s reputation on the Martini’s inexhaustible possibilities, Hongkongers’ proven appetite for “simple things, done well” – whether we’re speaking of tuna temaki or a Tuxedo No 2 – gives him no small measure of confidence.

“I think that at any bar striving for excellence, it’s our job to guide customers into the same world that we ourselves have derived so much valuable experience and pleasure from. Even if you’re not ‘into’ the classic dry Martini, we have the elements to make something that’s going to be delicious, approachable and unlikely to alienate you.” The Martini: a beverage for the people, by the people. Now there’s a thought.

(Hero image: Kyle & Bain’s signature martini)

The post Stirring Renditions: n Search of Hong Kong’s Most Delicious Martini appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

A hearty congratulations to Asia's 50 Best Bars 2020, especially the eight Hong Kong bars that made it on the list this year.

Much like Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, the annual award ceremony for Asia's 50 Best Bars was unveiled as a virtual event. The fifth edition of the list featured the very best across Asia and included eight bars from Hong Kong.

[caption id="attachment_207065" align="alignnone" width="1501"] The Old Man Hong Kong[/caption]

This year, The Old Man Hong Kong dropped from the No.1 spot and placed second to Singapore's Jigger & Pony. The Singaporean bar entered the ranking two years ago and in 2019, won the Highest Climber Award by moving up a whopping 33 places, before jumping an additional 8 to take first place this year. Although The Old Man were knocked off the top, award-winning mixologist and co-owner Agung Prabowo was awarded the inaugural Industry Icon award, while sister bar The Old Man Singapore ranked in at 22. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's agave-based cocktail bar COA took third place, rising 9 spots to place 12th on the list. Co-founder Jay Khan was also awarded the Altos Bartenders' Bartender for 2020.

[caption id="attachment_207067" align="alignnone" width="1646"] Jay Khan of COA[/caption]

Other bars from Hong Kong on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 include Quinary (No. 16); The Wise King (No. 18); Otto e Mezzo Bombana at (No. 28); Caprice Bar at (No. 34); The Pontiac (No. 35 -- newcomer); and Lobster Bar and Grill (No. 44).

The full list of Asia's 50 Best Bars 2020:

1. Jigger & Pony, Singapore
2. The Old Man Hong Kong, Hong Kong
3. Coa, Hong Kong
4. Indulge Experimental Bistro, Taipei
5. Atlas, Singapore
6. Native, Singapore
7. The Bamboo Bar, Bangkok
8. Manhattan, Singapore
9. The SG Club, Tokyo
10. Aha Saloon, Taipei
11. Vesper, Bangkok
12. Sober Company, Shanghai
13. Bar Mood, Taipei
14. Bar Trigona, Kuala Lumpur
15. Bar Benfiddich, Tokyo
16. Quinary, Hong Kong
17. Tippling Club, Singapore
18. The Wise King, Hong Kong
19. Speak Low, Shanghai
20. Bar High Five, Tokyo
21. Bee's Knees, Kyoto
22. The Old Man Singapore, Singapore
23. D.Bespoke, Singapore
24. Tropic City, Bangkok
25. Gibson, Singapore
26. Draft Land, Taipei
27. Room By Le Kief, Taipei
28. Otto E Mezzo Bombana, Hong Kong
29. Charles H, Seoul
30. 28 HongKong Street, Singapore
31. Rabbit Hole, Bangkok
32. Nutmeg & Clove, Singapore
33. Backstage Cocktail Bar, Bangkok
34. Caprice Bar, Hong Kong
35. The Pontiac, Hong Kong
36. Hope & Sesame, Guangzhou
37. Junglebird, Kuala Lumpur
38. The Odd Couple, Shanghai
39. Bar Trench, Tokyo 
40. Sidecar, New Delhi
41. Bar Orchard Ginza, Tokyo
42. The Curator, Manila
43. Union Brasserie, Bakery & Bar, Jakarta
44. Lobster Bar & Grill, Hong Kong
45. The Back Room, Manila
46. MO Bar, Singapore
47. Alice, Seoul
48. Coley, Kuala Lumpur
49. Le Chamber, Seoul
50. Cham Bar, Seoul

The post 8 Hong Kong Bars Listed on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2020 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

As we wind down to the end of the year, it seems only right to sit down with cocktail in hand and take a retrospective look at what we did... and drank.

2019 was a year of ups and downs aplenty, but when it comes to new and happening bars, Hong Kong never disappoints. From new luxury hotel bar openings, to the city's first ladies-only speakeasy, to cocktails on tap, to wine and tea-inspired bars, we had it all. So here it is, our top seven bars that opened in Hong Kong and where we enjoyed a fair few tipples this year.

1. DarkSide

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Not only was the Rosewood one of Hong Kong's top luxury hotel openings of the year, but they also opened one of the city's best new bars; DarkSide. An homage to Kowloon's fondly-known moniker, the bar also dedicates itself to a selection of dark spirits including some rather rare labels of rum, whiskey, calvados, cognac and more. In addition, the concise but stellar cocktail list goes down extremely well with the live jazz sessions. There are also vintage cigars and an array of dark chocolates and snacks to pair with your beverage of choice.

DarkSide, 2/F Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 3891 8732
 

2. Dai Bing

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Dai Bing -- meaning big ice in Cantonese -- is the little sister to popular watering hole Ping Pong 129 Gintonería. Featuring Hong Kong’s first artisanal ice suite that creates crystal clear ice, an atmospheric interior and a live band on Saturdays, it's safe to say that Dai Bing is pretty cool. Much like its sister, the bar's secluded location makes it feel like a hidden gem too, and remains a great place to have good conversations while you sip on their long drinks, or highballs.

Dai Bing, 52 Bonham Strand West, Sheung Wan;  +852 9838 4438

3. Tell Camellia

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Inspired by our beloved beverages of tea and cocktails, it's no wonder we frequent this somewhat hidden bar. Tucked away in Central's H Code building, Tell Camellia is the drinking den that satisfies both cravings. It's also headed by bartender and industry experts Sandeep Hathiramani and Gagan Gurung, so you can be sure that you are in safe hands. Meanwhile the menu showcases a rotating list of Teatails and T&Tonics, which either blends tea in the cocktails or uses tea redistilled with gin.

Tell Camellia, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central; +852 9821 5501

4. The Sea by The Old Man

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The second instalment of Asia's Best Bar 2019 (The Old Man) is none other than The Sea by The Old Man. Following in its sister's footsteps, the spin-off is also based on the theme of Ernest Hemingway’s 1952 novel. In fact, it doesn't look dissimilar to the original concept and also features a moody interior but with slightly more space. Here, modern mixology and complex techniques such as fermentation, sous-vide cooking and rotary evaporation, creates some of Hong Kong's most innovative cocktails.

The Sea by The Old Man, 2 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan; +852 2307 0030

5. The St. Regis Bar

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When luxury hotel The St. Regis Hong Kong opened earlier this year, there was one particular thing -- other than the stunning André Fu-designed suites -- we were all excited to visit; The St. Regis Bar. Thankfully, it did not disappoint. Quite the contrary, it exceeded many of our expectations and offered us some solid, and rather spirited, cocktails that we were happy to sip on. The St. Regis' signature service is also apparent and makes for an indulgent evening of cocktail drinking indeed.

The St. Regis Bar, 2/F The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai; +852 2138 6800

6. ThinkWine

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Without a doubt, this sommelier-led wine bar has been created with oenophiles in mind. Offering almost 600 different wines, the extensive menu at ThinkWine is a stunning showcase of diverse vintages and appellations that are not usually found in Hong Kong. What's more, they offer some fantastic food pairings, which range from fresh oysters, to caviar and cheeses, all within their charming space that comes complete with open air balcony. They are also able to accommodate wine tastings and masterclasses too.

ThinkWine, 2/F LL Tower, 2 Shelley Street, Central; +852 2886 3121

7. XX

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Calling all those who carry two X chromosomes is ladies-only speakeasy XX. Hidden away behind a secret coded door, the new bar is also situated in Rosewood Hong Kong and offers the kind of comforts made specially for the female population. From the soft slippers provided at the door (so you can kick off your heels), to sweet treats and savouries to pair with the colourful cocktail menu -- this is the luxury lady bar that could beat the gentleman's club any day.

XX, 5/F Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 5239 9219

The post The 7 Best Hong Kong Bar Openings of 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.