Celebrity Life

8 of Our Favourite Hong Kong Restaurant Openings of 2019

by Fontaine Cheng December 30, 2019

Never one to shy away from new openings, the dining scene in Hong Kong continued to thrive in 2019. We witnessed the launch of some very exciting new concepts as well as restaurants that travelled from overseas to join our dynamic city. From contemporary French cuisine and a luxury smokehouse and grill, to a modern approach to Japanese sushi and even a wine-focused eatery -- we had it all, and then some. But if you're wondering which ones came up top, then read on for our top eight restaurant openings of 2019.

1. Cornerstone

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Shane Osborn, the Australian chef behind one Michelin-starred Arcane and Netflix’s Final Table contestant, did it again with his second establishment Cornerstone. Occupying a smaller 24-seat space on Hollywood Road, the modern bistro feels more relaxed but is every bit as fantastic. Offering all-day dining, the menu is short, concise and filled with items that showcase the season's best produce, in true Australian style. Simple, but refined, and extremely satisfying, the food hits all the right notes and dishes are updated regularly. Signatures include a Salmon with herb cream cheese, homemade malt bread and cornichons, as well as a hearty mushroom Tagliatelle with optional white truffle (when the season is right).
Cornerstone, 49 Hollywood Road, Central

2. Henry

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When former Rhoda chef Nathan Green left the Ritz-Carlton, we all waited in anticipation to find out where he might turn up next. Thankfully, fans of his work will be pleased to know he did not go far. For he is now the Chef de Cuisine of the American grill, smokehouse and butcher concept Henry. Located in yet another opening of the year, Rosewood Hong Kong, Henry offers a menu inspired by the flavours and ingredients of America’s southern states. From premium cuts and signature meats such as the 44 Farms Texas whisky and ash-aged beef, T-bone and porterhouse, to dishes including a Butcher’s shop terrine, Henry's burger and an indulgent Mac & cheese with devilled lobster.

Henry, Level Five, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 3891 8732

3. L'Envol

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Hong Kong has many French fine dining options to choose from, but when the restaurant is led by seasoned chef Olivier Elzer, it's worth paying extra attention to. Recently awarded its first Michelin star, L'Envol offers innovative French gastronomy with curated tasting menus. During our first visit, we enjoyed beautifully presented dishes that were executed with precision and always remained balanced in flavour. The menu changes seasonally, but is always excellent, and is offered in an equally impressive restaurant which comes complete with its own French cheese cave.

L'Envol, 3/F, The St. Regis Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Drive, Wan Chai; +852 2138 6818

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4. Louise

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It was only a matter of time that celebrated chef Julien Royer of Odette, Asia's Best Restaurant 2019, would spread his culinary wings to our shores and he did so with Louise earlier this year. The concept is inspired by the traditional French cuisine that Royer was brought up on, and is now led by Executive chef Franckelie Laloum. The menu showcases honest cooking with a modern twist using the best (and local where possible) ingredients. Highlight dishes include the sautéed Hong Kong frog legs with parsley and garlic chips, Angel hair pasta with Kristal caviar, and the roasted Hong Kong yellow chicken with Nigata rice en cocotte.

Louise, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central; +852 2866 0300

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5. Mono

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If you were to guess the meaning of this restaurant's name, you probably wouldn't have thought it was connected to Mono-ha, the 1960s Japanese art movement. But this contemporary French restaurant is indeed inspired by the same essentialist approach. Hence, offering a single ingredients-driven tasting menu, which changes with the seasons. Furthermore, Petrus alum chef Ricardo Chaneton who also came from Mirazur; the World's Best Restaurant 2019, uses his background and memories to add South American nuances to his cuisine. The result of which is stunning. Think Ocean crudo with perfectly cooked seafood brightened with leche de tigre and a Miéral pigeon dish served with a deep and flavoursome 26-ingredient mole.

Mono, 5/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central; +852 2200 7000

6. Roganic

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Another new Hong Kong restaurant to be awarded its first Michelin star is overseas import Roganic. Hailing from London, acclaimed chef Simon Rogan has brought with him a restaurant that offers contemporary British cooking with the same farm-to-table concept as its sister. Having visited both restaurants, we got to know Rogan's cuisine quite well and found that his focus was always on letting the flavours of the ingredients speak for themselves. It's apparent in his exceptionally executed menu with seasonal dishes such as the leek, turnip and yellow chicken or Seaweed custard with beef tendon and pike perch.

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

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7. Somm

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As the new Amber and Sushi Shikon marked its place in The Landmark Mandarin Oriental this year, so did French neo-bistro Somm. Offering an incredibly diverse selection of over 1,600 champagnes, wines and sakes, the restaurant also serves up some really fantastic dishes too. A concise and seasonal menu currently includes items such as freshly shucked Ebisu winter oysters or signature dishes such as Japanese Pork Belly with BBQ Sauce & Hakata Cabbage. All dishes can be thoughtfully paired with the sommelier's choice or guests can experiment themselves, making it the ideal restaurant for both wine newcomers and connoisseurs alike.

Somm, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central; +852 2132 0055

8. The Araki

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One more restaurant coming in from the British isles is Mitsuhiro Araki's namesake The Araki, which opened recently in Tsim Sha Tsui's 1881 Heritage. Having previously been awarded three Michelin stars in both Tokyo and London, one wonders if the stars will follow. The concept remains the same in the Hong Kong outpost and offers Araki's renowned style of sushi which honours the origins of Edomae. It therefore makes use of local seafood such as fresh Hong Kong tiger prawns, mantis shrimp and clams. Paving the way for non-Japanese sushi masters. Expect more than the sushi you know, as that is certainly what we experienced here.

The Araki, Block, House 1881, G/F, Stable, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 3988 0000

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The post 8 of Our Favourite Hong Kong Restaurant Openings of 2019 appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in cornerstone, Dining, Henry, Hong Kong Restaurants, L'Envol, Louise, Mono, Roganic, somm, The Araki

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Where Chefs Eat: Olivier Elzer of L’Envol at The St. Regis Hong Kong

by Dara Chau October 28, 2019

Whether it’s an extravagant fine dining restaurant or a humble street side hawker stall, we are perpetually on the quest for delectable foods — whatever the occasion. So, for the ultimate insider scoop, who better to personally recommend the best eats around the world than top chefs who’ve seen and tasted it all. We go right to the source as international culinary legends reveal where they eat and what they order when the aprons come off.

Having been in Hong Kong for 10 years now, Culinary Director Olivier Elzer of French restaurant L’Envol at The St. Regis Hong Kong is more than familiar with the culture and food preferences of the locals here. With a buzzing food scene and competitive options for fine dining in the city, chef Elzer gets creative when it comes to putting forth fresh ideas on a plate. When out of the kitchen and into the dining room, here’s where the French native likes to unwind and indulge in Hong Kong.

For an evening of fine dining…

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I have three favourite fine dining restaurants I like to visit in Hong Kong:

Caprice at The Four Seasons is one of my favourite fine dining restaurants. The whole experience is very elegant and exactly what you can expect from a 3 Michelin-starred French fine dining experience. The chef is great at creating well-balanced dishes with amazing flavours and they also have a beautiful wine list that always excites me.

Haku, is another of my favourite. Chef Agustin Balbi is very talented – as a western chef, he’s very knowledgeable when it comes to Japanese cuisine. He’s also really innovative, which surprises me every time as I’m always trying new dishes when I’m there. My favourite dish that I always order is the abalone dish.

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L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is also definitely a favourite of mine. As you know, Joël Robuchon was my mentor and one of the most celebrated French chefs of his era. The Robuchon family is still very close to my heart – it’s always great to go to the restaurant and sample some new dishes and signature dishes by a Robuchon – every visit is like returning home.

Caprice, Four Seasons Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong; +852 3196 8888

HAKU, OT G04B, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 21115 9965

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Shop 401, Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central; +852 2166 9000

For a cheeky cheat meal…

Belon in SoHo is my go to for a cheat meal if I want to eat out. Every time I’m there, I order their foie gras, scallops, and ravioli with cepes mushroom.

But when it comes to my all-time favourite Chinese cheat meal, nothing beats a whole roast goose which I can usually finish entirely on my own.

Belon, 41 Elgin Street, Central; +852 2152 2872

For a romantic date night…

To eat in, I usually opt for something simple like Champagne and caviar.

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But for a special occasion, we like to eat at Le Pan. The restaurant is located in Kowloon Bay, and what makes it unique is the whole experience – the chef is very talented, the kitchen team does some very interesting and unique work and the whole set up is very beautiful. The team surprises us every time with the menu and it’s a great experience overall.

Le Pan, Goldin Financial Global Centre, 17 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay; +852 3188 2355

For getting friends and family together…

Locanda dell’ Angelo is a great restaurant for large family or friends gatherings. The atmosphere is great as they have an open kitchen, and they serve great Sicilian dishes. The chef is Angelo Aglianó who mentored under Joël Robuchon, too. I recommend trying their red prawn pasta, as it’s very fresh and flavoursome and something I always order.

Locanda dell’ Angelo, 10 – 12 Yuen Yuen Street, Happy Valley; +852 3709 2788

For a healthy detox…

To eat out, I like to go to Daigo by Mori Tomoaki located in Sheung Wan. It’s a Japanese restaurant serving some of the best sushi and sashimi. The one thing I love most about this place is that you get to sit at the bar and admire the knife skills and attention to detail in the plating – there’s something really exciting about seeing the food prepared right in front of you.

The chef decides on the whole menu for you, so you know it’s always fresh and seasonal. This place is usually very packed as it’s a small shop with limited seats, so be sure you make reservations if you’re planning a visit.

Daigo by Mori Tomoaki, 29 Bridges Street, Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan; +852 2979 5977

For happy hour tipples…

Avize in Causeway Bay. This place is actually a shop! They have an impressive list of wine and champagnes from their cellar. It’s always a great time when a large group of us go there. You can sample different kinds of wine and discover some new wineries. And of course, you can also buy your favourite ones to enjoy back at home as well.

Avize, 17 Moreton Terrace, Causeway Bay; +852 2567 0883

What’s happening at L’Envol?

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In order to keep our customers on their toes, it’s really important to bring fresh ideas to the restaurant. That’s why we change our lunch menus weekly and update our Prestige, Signature and Decouverte menus seasonally. Recently, we launched our Prestige seasonal menu which is focused on caviar and each of the eight dishes is paired with distinct, hand-selected species to complement the ingredients on the plate. Not to mention our extensive wine and Champagne list (we have over 800 Champagne labels!) that will pair beautifully with our dishes. We invite our guests to return time and time again, but for a new experience each time.

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The post Where Chefs Eat: Olivier Elzer of L’Envol at The St. Regis Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Posted in Belon, caprice, daigo by mori tomoaki, four seasons hong kong, Haku, L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon, L'Envol, Olivier Elzer, the st. regis hong kong, where chefs eat, Wine & Dine

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Where Chefs Eat: Agustin Balbi of HAKU

by Dara Chau October 16, 2019

Whether it’s an extravagant fine dining restaurant or a humble street side hawker stall, we are perpetually on the quest for delectable foods -- whatever the occasion. So, for the ultimate insider scoop, who better to personally recommend the best eats around the world than top chefs who’ve seen and tasted it all. We go right to the source as international culinary legends reveal where they eat and what they order when the aprons come off.

Chef Agustin Balbi is no newcomer to the dining scene. His road into the culinary arts began when he was 15 years old, inspired by the cooking and hospitality of his Spanish grandmother. Since then, he has garnered experience from kitchens all around the world, including Argentina, United States and Japan. Currently, Agustin Balbi is the executive chef of innovative Japanese restaurant, HAKU. Today, the award-winning chef lets us in on his favourite places to wine and dine in Hong Kong and abroad.