Celebrity Life

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and we can't think of a better way to start your morning than with a luxurious spread at one of Hong Kong’s finest hotels. From all-you-can-eat upscale buffets to thoughtfully crafted sets and indulgent menus, these are the the best luxury hotel breakfasts in Hong Kong.

SOMM, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental

If you're looking for a bubbly and decadent breakfast, SOMM’s formula comprises hot, savoury, and sweet delicacies served with Olivier Blanc de Noirs champagne. Its cage-free egg dishes include a tempting poached egg English muffin with black truffle butter, hollandaise sauce and crispy bellota ham. To truly start your day with an indulgent treat, you can also choose from dishes like banana pancakes covered in toasted pecan nuts, dark Okinawa sugar syrup and yuzu.

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

Salisterra, Upper House

Newly opened Salisterra at Upper House boasts six delicate morning spreads featuring traditional East Asian fare, a classic English breakfast, a vegetarian herbivore special and even a Charcuterie set. You can opt for the House Viennoiserie for freshly baked pastries and French press coffee or for the Japanese set to try grilled salted salmon with tamagoyaki, steamed rice, miso soup, and Genmaicha green tea.

Salisterra, Level 49, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; +852 3968 1106

Grand Café, Grand Hyatt

The Grand Café at the Grand Hyatt has it all: an à-la-carte morning menu, continental and healthy breakfast sets, and an all-you-can-eat buffet guaranteed to have something for everyone. The thoughtful menu makes a note of everything (including alcohol and pork, as well as highlighting vegetarian options), allowing for a no-brainer morning meal. Make sure to browse the Healthy Choice teas to boost your energy, including a specially designed jet-lag relief concoction.

Grand Café, Lobby, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai; +852 2584 7722

The Lobby, The Peninsula

Eating at The Lobby at The Peninsula is a timeless Hong Kong tradition. Start your day early with authentic Continental and Chinese breakfast staples. Delightful dishes include a brioche French toast with apple compote, mixed berries, and maple syrup and an avocado rye toast topped with a poached egg and tomato salsa. Don't forget to try a home-baked pastry (there's even a gluten-free option!) from The Peninsula’s iconic bakery.

The Lobby, G/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2696 6772

Lucciola, The Hari

Trendy Italian eatery Lucciola at The Hari features a daily breakfast a-la-carte menu and a weekend semi-buffet option. Head to Wan Chai for modern décor, hot treats and eggs in any style. The upscale continental breakfast includes a bread basket, sliced fruit, orange juice and coffee. Need something sweeter? The orange brioche French toast with caramelised orange and mascarpone cream is a delectable dream.

Lucciola, 1/F, The Hari, 330 Lockhart Road, Wan Chai; +852 2129 0333

Clipper Lounge, Mandarin Oriental

The Clipper Lounge at Mandarin Oriental offers the perfect everything-under-the-sun breakfast buffet with dim sum and steamed buns, omelettes, noodles, congee, waffles, pancakes, and more. Perfect for a big group, head there early and take your time to check out each food station (the Chinese noodle selection is extensive!) to make sure you don't miss anything from the sumptuous banquet.

Clipper Lounge, Main Floor, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central; +852 2825 4007

The Lounge, Four Seasons

Enjoy dishes from the à-la-carte menu or opt for a hearty breakfast spread next to the Four Season's glass atrium lobby. The classic Hong Kong Breakfast comes with wok-fried noodles, rice congee, dim sum and Chinese tea. For an energising morning boost, the Well Feeling Breakfast set features an egg white frittata and a sourdough toast, complete with coconut juice, a fruit salad, organic yoghurt, a vegetable selection (asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, ricotta and basil), and coffee or tea.

The Lounge, Four Seasons, 8 Finance Street, Central; +852 3196 8882

Holt’s Café, Rosewood

The ever elegant Holt’s Café is ideal for a closer-to-home traditional breakfast. A contemporary and upscale take on the city's cha chaan tengs, head to the Rosewood for local favourites such as spiced pork cubes instant noodles, rice congee, and wonton noodle soup. The Hong Kong-style teahouse also offers Japanese and Continental fare, as well as an extensive egg selection.

Holt’s Café, Rosewood Hong Kong, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon; +852 3891 8732

The Lounge & Bar, The Ritz-Carlton

With floor-to-ceiling windows, the view from The Ritz-Carlton’s The Lounge & Bar is truly unbeatable. Enjoy classic Western, Cantonese and Japanese fare while looking over the Victoria Harbour and skyline. The Healthy Breakfast Package is guaranteed to be a hearty, nourishing start to your day, with six food offerings including poached organic free range eggs on whole wheat muffin with avocado and green salad, and a fresh fruit quinoa salad with honey, lime and basil mint. Want a lighter start to your day? Browse the wide selection of Chinese and black teas and start your morning with a soothing cup.

The Lounge & Bar, 102/F, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Road West; +852 2263 2270

The post The Best Luxury Hotel Breakfasts in Hong Kong appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

It is said that we no longer live in the information age and instead, have entered the era of entertainment. After all, who doesn't like to be entertained?

It is for that very reason that we decided to check into The Landmark Mandarin Oriental's most luxurious offering, the Entertainment Suite. This stunning 1,800 sq. ft. space is designed to truly impress and in addition, is now available as part of a Symphony of Urban Delights package. Think home cinema with state-of-the-art audiovisuals, virtual reality headsets and computer games, entertainment wall with free-flowing wine, unlimited yoga, relaxing massages, dinner at two Michelin-starred Amber and much, much more.

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Location: 10/10

Sitting at the very centre of Hong Kong's business district, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental probably has the most convenient address in terms of going to and from anywhere on Hong Kong island. So convenient in fact, that you needn't go outside to shop at luxury mall The Landmark, or head onto the MTR at Central Station to visit other parts of the city. It's also only a 3 to 5 minute drive to ifc or the Hong Kong Macau ferry terminal, while walking takes under 20 minutes.

Design: 9/10

A contemporary and streamlined design runs throughout the hotel. Soft lights meet warm woods and leathers, while plush textiles and brass accents are dotted around the rooms and suites. In addition, the colour palettes range from modern muted teals and olive, to stylish taupes and pebble greys which mingle splendidly with spicy terracottas and rust. The result is a continuous warm autumnal look that feels timeless. Moreover, they are all loaded with technology and gadgets to make the stay more user-friendly and cosy in the best possible manner, too.

Ambience: 9/10

Though elegance and luxury is at every corner of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, it's with a sigh of relief that we found it never to be uptight and always amiable. The hotel also gives off the sense that you are very well looked after; as if your every whim can be indulged. During our stay we noticed mostly business moguls or mature families. No young children were spotted, which makes for a rather peaceful atmosphere. However babysitting services are available to ensure every vacation or staycation is a tranquil one.

Rooms: 10/10

Out of all 111 spacious rooms and suites at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, the Entertainment Suite is by far the most luxurious. Here, a whole host of (you guessed it) entertainment is in store for its guests. Whether you're using it to entertain or for private refuge, you can be sure that no one will be bored. As it happens, there are too many room features to list, but to name a few: an entertainment wall is fully stocked with snacks, teas and coffees while a dispenser pours four bottles of wine per stay; a 13 ft. by 11.5 ft. cinema screen drops down while a laser projector and B&O Beolab sound system make the most of your favourite movies; virtual reality headsets and games can take you a different world; the private dining room and kitchen enables easy entertaining; and a FreshBed allows custom climate control for the best sleep. The Entertainment Suite is likely to be the most elaborate room you'll ever stay in and one you find extremely difficult to leave.

Service & Facilities: 10/10

From the luxury Hermès amenities and the opulent marble bathtub in the suite, to the indoor pool, fitness centre and award-winning spa, Landmark Mandarin Oriental has it all -- especially with the Symphony of Urban Delights package. This also means that a dedicated butler is assigned to take care of you. In our experience, this meant a quick WhatsApp message for coffee, which was responded to within 2 minutes, followed by a hot brew within 5 minutes. This is luxury service at its best -- prompt, efficient and always catered to the individual.

Food & Drink: 10/10

Guests at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental can opt for a number of different wine and dine options including two Michelin-starred Amber; wine and sake-inspired bistro SOMM; all-day dining and cocktails at MO Bar (in which a new Belvedere brunch is now available on weekends); intimate speakeasy bar PDT, three Michelin starred Sushi Shikon and Kappo Rin which offers fresh, modern Japanese cuisine. In this package, dinner for two at Amber or SOMM is included and with Culinary Director Richard Ekkebus at the helm. Prepare to be dazzled by dishes such as the Okinawa corn with Kristal Schrencki caviar and Kamchatka crab with Hass avocado and mikan when dining at Amber.

Rates: start from HK$58,000/night for the Symphony of Urban Delights package. It is inclusive of round-trip limousine transfer; 24-hour personal butler and concierge; packing & unpacking service; entertainment access to Netflix, PlayStation, Apple Music, Apple Movies; daily champagne breakfast; one luxury dinner for two; drinks for two at the bar; 60-minute massage for two; unlimited group yoga classes; 60-minute personal training session for two; 30-minute in-body composition analysis; daily laundry service; exclusive access to the Bespoke member's Sapphire Salon. Terms and conditions apply. The price may vary depending on availability and season.

Rating: 9.5/10

Perfect for: an indulgent stay in a suite brimming with luxury leisure at Hong Kong's top hotel.

The post Hotel Review: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is Hong Kong’s Artisan of Luxury and Leisure appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

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.

For an evening of fine dining…

[caption id="attachment_179082" align="alignnone" width="900"] Le Gavroche[/caption]

One of the best experiences I had was at Le Gavroche, an exquisite two Michelin star restaurant in London, featuring traditional classic French cuisine in a very classy and sophisticated cooking style.

Le Gavroche, 43 Upper Brook Street, Mayfair, London; +44 20 7408 0881

For a cheeky cheat meal…

[caption id="attachment_179084" align="alignnone" width="2606"] Pici[/caption]

Since I am new in Hong Kong, I love to explore every neighbourhood with its specialty eats and hidden gems. And on my culinary discovery tour through the streets of Hong Kong, I discovered Pici in Wan Chai – that is now my place to go, when I want to get a carbs charge and satisfy my cravings.

Pici, 16 Francis Yard, Wan Chai; +852 2755 5523 

Pici, 24 - 26 Aberdeen Street, Central; +852 2755 5233

Pici, 29 - 31 Chatham Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; +852 2771 2231

For a romantic date night…

For the perfect date night, I would definitely pick the Armani / Ristorante in Dubai, inside the world-class Burj Khalifa. During the time I was working there, I witnessed so many proposals – all of them with a happy end, of course. The trick is, it is all about the sleek combination of an incomparably captivating atmosphere with a breath-taking view of the Dubai fountain show that perfectly add to the star-acclaimed food.

Armani / Ristorante, Burj Khalifa, Armani Hotel Dobai, Sheikh Mohammaed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai; +971 4 888 3366

For getting friends and family together…

[caption id="attachment_179090" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Duck & Waffle[/caption]

Duck & Waffle is my favourite place to go if I want to enjoy a fun and casual time with my friends. I like the sharing style of food, and the relaxing yet modern atmosphere paired with the cheerful attentive service makes it one of my top picks.

Duck & Waffle, Shop 1081, Podium Level 1, ifc mall, Central; +852 2267 6338

For a healthy detox…

Actually, the best healthy food is the food that I prepare for my loved ones at home. I believe it is always best to source the ingredients myself, so I know they come from somewhere I trust. Then I can decide myself how I wish to prepare them.

For happy hour tipples…

[caption id="attachment_179092" align="alignnone" width="1080"] MO Bar[/caption]

For happy hour, I always head to MO Bar at Landmark Mandarin Oriental. You always get superb drinks prepared by very skilful bartenders!

MO Bar, Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central; +852 2132 0077

What’s happening at SPIGA?

SPIGA has been known to introduce new menus based on season and unique chef collaborations. For one of the most exciting times of the year, chef Paolo Olivieri and Michelin starred chef Enrico Bartolini create an enticing to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s. A five-course Chef Tasting Menu will showcase the finest land and sea ingredients from Milan, Rome, Piedmont and SIciliy. Each course is expertly paired with specialty wines to bring out the best flavours of each dish.

The post Where Chefs Eat: Paolo Olivieri of SPIGA appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.