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Le French May is in full swing for all you gourmands looking to take advantage of stellar restaurant deals this month, with more than 60 restaurants (including a smattering of Michelin-starred chefs!) presenting original menus and wine pairings to celebrate the tastes of the Midi-Pyrénées. Not a fan of French food and culture? No problem – from a new tapas resto to Chinese-inspired cocktails at the new Mod Bar, we’ve got your culinary cravings covered in this month’s Food News Flash!
NEW RESTAURANT OPENINGS
Pastis Wine Cellar
There’s nothing like planning a picnic with an assortment of French cheeses and fine wines to get you in the spirit of Le French GourMAY! Luckily, French Creations has opened its first wine shop in the heart of Sai Ying Pun, stocking a large range of French Fine Wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Côte du Rhone and Provence. Pick up your choice of Red, White, Rosé and Sweet Wines, with prices adapting to any kind of budget (prices range from less than $100 to more than $20,000). Don’t worry if you’re not a big vinophile – there are specialists on hand to guide you toward picking the perfect wine for the occasion.
Pastis Wine Cellar, G/F, 20 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/pastiswinecellar
Scarlett Café & Wine Bar
Riding on the French theme, this new French Café & Wine Bar is sure to become a popular watering hole on Kimberley Road in TST with its blackboard menus, metal and wood décor and open kitchen. Scarlett promises to serve up the “best value French wines in Hong Kong” with prices starting at $220 a bottle and $45 a glass. Complement your inexpensive vino with a diverse tapas menu featuring pates & terrines, cheese/charcuterie boards, pasta, meat dishes and Chef Specials. They’re also serving up a quick and easy lunch menu with sandwiches, burgers, roast chicken, salads and pastas for $88 (2 courses) or $98 (3 courses).
Scarlett Café & Wine Bar, 2 Austin Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2238 1991, facebook.com/scarletthk
Hello Kitty Chinese Restaurant
Every girl’s favourite cat cartoon is now in the shape of dim sum buns and noodles at the new Hello Kitty Restaurant on Canton Road. Created by restaurant owner Man Kwong, this cute cafe serves dim sum platters, stir-fried noodles, vegetable bowls and fried rice – all decorated with an innovative assortment of edible bows and Hello Kitty faces. Almost too cute to eat, this restaurant is sure to impress your little girls as they delight in the cute culinary treats. The official opening is set for 1 June.
Hello Kitty Chinese Restaurant, Shop A to C, Lee Loy Mansion, 332-338 Canton Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 8202 8203, www.hellokittychinesecuisine.com.hk
Tycoon Tan and Mod Bar
Celebrate the best of Hong Kong cuisine and sip on Chinese-inspired cocktails at the newly opened Tycoon Tann and Mod Bar. This snazzy new spot aims to deliver the best of Chinese food and culture, with a strong emphasis on modern Chinese design. Drop in for a quick bite at lunch or for an intimate dinner and feast on Braised Abalone with black truffle in a casserole ($368), Baked Crab Shell stuffed with fresh crab meat, onion and cheese ($168) and Tycoon Tann Signature Fried Rice ($328). For tasty tipples, head downstairs to the avant-garde Mod Bar and sip on creative cocktails such as Yum Cha ($105) and Chi Pao ($85) – all celebrating traditional Chinese ingredients such as Chinese tea, lemongrass and Moutai.
Tycoon Tan and Mod Bar, 74 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3125 3228, www.tycoontann.com
Shoku
An all-new Japanese dining experience is setting up camp at The Pulse at Repulse Bay, and we can’t wait to try it! The sister restaurant of Causeway Bay’s sushi haven Kishoku, Shoku at The Pulse will occupy a 4,000 square foot space and feature an authentic Japanese “Binchotan” charcoal grill pit for serving up sizzling specialties. In the evenings, DJs will turn the restaurant/lounge into an enticing place to see and be seen.
Shoku, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/ShokuHK
TOWNHOUSE
Following the success of GLASSHOUSE at the ifc, Gaia Group has opened its sister restaurant TOWNHOUSE in LKF, bringing an exciting blend of Asian and Western cuisine made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu at this new establishment features skewers and small bites, cheese rice noodles, bacon and 62°c egg, black truffle, salted duck egg and cauliflower, duck noodles with sizzling hot spicy broth, and hamachi sashimi. The menu is truly innovative, with dishes such as green apple wasabi ice and yuzu peaking our curiosity!
TOWNHOUSE, 23/F, New California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, www.gaiagroup.com.hk/townhouse
The Walrus
With The WOODS being one of our favourite hangouts in town, we can’t wait to see what owner Victoria Chow has in store for her second establishment! The Walrus is set to be a cool, casual oyster bar – one of the first of its kind in Hong Kong! Along with dozens of varieties of fresh oysters, it goes without saying they’ll also be serving up an amazing selection of cocktails to wash it all down. Keep your eyes peeled on their Instagram account for news of the opening, and their Facebook page coming soon!
The Walrus, www.instagram.com/TheWalrusHK
La Paloma
Get whisked away to Barcelona and feast on tapas in style at the newly opened La Paloma in the upcoming dining destination Sai Ying Pun. Situated in the new art complex, SoHo 189, La Paloma offers Spanish cuisine in a laid-back, modern atmosphere, and features classic dishes such as Spanish anchovies, crispy lettuce and olive oil vinaigrette ($80), Kingfish “Tiradito” with avocado and green chili sauce ($72) and Octopus with potato, smoked paprika and olive oil ($115). With the signature “el Willy” touch, this new spot is sure to bring the best of Spain to Hong Kong’ers looking to freshen up their palates.
La Paloma, 1/F, SoHo 189, 189 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2291 6161, www.elwillygroup.com/en/venues/la-paloma
Frites
After expanding to Wan Chai and Quarry Bay, Concept Creations has brought the popular Frites back to Central, with an outpost on Wellington Street just a few minutes’ walk from the mid-levels escalators. This authentic Belgian beer and dining hall occupies 7,000 sq. feet and features its own “Abbey” private dining room. You’ll find all the signature favourites here: the “Good Wife” sausage, pork knuckle and a fabulous selection of steaks – a meat-lover’s paradise! Wash it all down a cool beer for an all-around refreshing meal.
Frites, The Wellington, 1/F, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2217 6671, www.facebook.com/friteshk
Blacksheep Restaurant at PMQ
Blacksheep is at it again! We’ve heard word that they’ll be debuting their latest establishment later this month, set to be a casual neighborhood in the heart of SoHo. The latest venture by restaurateurs Christopher Mark and Syed Asim Hussain will serve fresh fare from breakfast until late night, complemented by a lively atmosphere and Italian-style service. Looking out on PMQ, the comfortable space will have a community feel and sure to draw passers-by, whether it’s for a quick and easy lunch, or late-night drinks with friends.
www.facebook.com/BlackSheepRestaurantsHK
Yayakiya
This stylish new Japanese Ryori has just set up shop in the buzzing Tsim Sha Tsui district, featuring an assortment of grilled skewers, cold and hot a la carte dishes and specially designed waffle chirashi sushi. Yayakiya aims to be a hipster enclave, with an informal vibe that will invite passers-by to stop in for a bit of sake and skewers. Don’t miss out on the Wagyu beef sukiyaki rolls ($55) and pork belly skewers with plum paste and basil sauce ($28).
Yayakiya, 29-31 Chatham Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Ciao Rui
Need a hearty and healthy lunch option delivered straight to your office door? Ciao Rui is a new company that provides balanced lunches (99% gluten-free) for those looking for a nutritious boost to their day. The menu changes weekly and features the freshest ingredients available including chicken, beef, sweet potato, broccoli, quinoa, brown rice and more. The best part? These heart-healthy lunches are delivered straight to your door with little personalised notes to go along with it – we sure loved them here at Sassy! It doesn’t get better than this for getting a home-cooked meal ‘away from home’. Lunches are delivered on weekdays, Monday to Friday, between 11am and 1pm by the “Ciao Rui Lunch Girls”, currently serving Sheung Wan and Central. They are $100 each and can be ordered from the website.
Stazione Novella
This is Black Sheep Restaurants‘ latest offering in Soho. A self-described ‘Italian bar’, Stazione Novella is inspired by the fiaschetterias of Florence, Italy, and serves up paninis, bruschetta, salumi and cheeses. The all-Italian wine list definitely sounds appealing, as does the refreshing ‘Sgroppino al Limone‘, an icy lemon sorbet and prosecco cocktail. Perfect for the hot and humid Hong Kong days! Check out more details here.
Stazione Novella, 52-56 Staunton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2559 0559, www.stazionenovella.com
NEW MENUS AND PROMOTIONS
NOM
We love this no-nonsense casual Italian eatery for its high-quality ingredients and simple yet comforting dishes. And now Chef Fabrizio Napolitano is introducing a brand new menu for summer! There will be some fresh seafood dishes to whet your appetite, such as Spanish Octopus, Hokkaido Scallops, Black Atlantic Cod Fish, Italian Mussels and more. Stop by to try them out and wash them down with a cheeky new summer cocktail (the Floradora sounds divine – think Fords Gin, Small Hands Food Raspberry Gomme, Lime Juice, East Imperial Mombasa Ginger Beer, Orchid – $120).
NOM, 1/F, 1-5 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2540 7988, www.nom.com.hk
Jamie’s Italian
He’s just launched a new resto in Harbour City and now Jamie Oliver’s got a new summer menu at his Causeway Bay branch. This friendly neighbourhood resto is rolling out some delicious nibbles, veggie options, seafood dishes and refreshing dessert for the warmer climes. Snack on the new Italian Nachos and Ricotta Bruschetta and keep it light with Superfood Salad and Chicken al Mattone. Finish off with the tangy Pineapple and Frozen Yoghurt for a cooling end to a tasty meal!
Jamie’s Italian Hong Kong, 2/f, Soundwill Plaza II – Midtown, 1 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 3958 2222, www.jamieoliver.com
Yan Toh Heen
Get ready for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival by indulging in traditional local goodies at Yan Toh Heen. Celebrate by munching on their homemade glutinous rice dumplings, choosing from super sweet mini dumplings, indulgent Wagyu beef cheek and porcini dumplings or whole abalone dumplings. It’ll be a dumpling feast!
Yan Toh Heen, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2313 2323, www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com
Crafty Cow
If beef and beer sounds the like the perfect lunch combo to you, then you’ll want to check out Crafty Cow’s new Craft Beer Lunch menu! Starting at $108, the lunch includes juicy cuts of meat prepared using flavourful craft beers. This hearty lunch includes dishes such as Spiced Stout Beef Tourtiere and Truffle Grilled Cheese & Onion Soup… yum! Each set includes tea, coffee or soda and you can wash it all down with a craft beer for an extra $40 only. See our full review of Crafty Cow here!
Crafty Cow, G/F, 3-3A Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2915 8988, www.craftycow.hk. Closed on Mondays, no reservations.
Secret Ingredient
With Le French Gourmay comes the opportunity to indulge in delicious French cuisine! One of our favourite delivery services is now offering you the chance to create your own fantastic French meal at home with its brand new specials. Secret Ingredient has asked three talented French chefs in Hong Kong to create these specials, and our personal favourite has got to be the Pan Seared Fillet of Beef with Red wine Sauce and Aligot. Order it online here and all the ingredients and recipe will be delivered to your home so you can have a go at creating your own French meal! Bon appetit!
Hotel ICON
The fabulous Hotel ICON is joining in on the French Gourmay action by launching a quaint, French-themed afternoon tea set at GREEN. The elegant setting perfectly complements the afternoon tea designed by Christian Tetedoie, a Michelin-starred Chef. With seven authentic savoury delights such as Cherry Tomato stuffed with Eggplant and Black Olives and Foie Gras with Strawberry Balsamic and sweet treats such as Vanilla Panna Cotta with Strawberry and Salted Caramel and Cottage Cheese Foam with Apricot Compote, this isn’t an afternoon tea you want to miss!
GREEN Lobby, Hotel ICON, 17 Science Museum Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon, 3400 1388, www.hotel-icon.com. $218 per person/$388 for two persons from Mon-Thurs, $238 per person/$438 for two persons from Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays.
Feast (Food by EAST) Franc Franc afternoon tea
The stylish EAST hotel in Tai Koo has teamed up with the trendy home-ware store Franc Franc to create a very stylish afternoon tea. With four savouries and six sweets that include Devilled Egg Profiteroles, Croque Monsieur, Fruit Scones and a Raspberry Slice, this is a delicious afternoon treat! The tea is $238 for two people.
Feast (Food by EAST), EAST hotel, 29 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing, Hong Kong, 3968 3968, www.east-hongkong.com
Black Sheep Restaurants
The super cool Black Sheep Restaurants have lined up refreshing summer cocktails across their eclectic mix of trendy restos. A personal favourite? The The Pho-jito ($98) at Chôm Chôm, which is a South East Asian take on a classic summery mojito using lemongrass and mint flavours. Boqueria, La Vache, Ho Lee Fook, Carbone, Burger Circus and Motorino all have cocktails specials lined up to get you in the mood for the summer season… so whether you fancy a Spanish Sangrita ($98) to sip on or a coconut and vanilla ice-cream Pina Colada ($78), they’ve got you covered.
See all restaurants and locations on the Black Sheep Restaurants website.
The Kinnet Café
Another summer menu to hit the dining scene is The Kinnet Café. This cute cafe in Sheung Wan is serving up healthy salads, a fish or roast of the day and organic US chicken for summer, which are happily enjoyed al fresco in the quaint terrace area. Don’t forget to check out the new brunch menu too on the weekends, which includes sharing platters that feature grilled king prawns, Lamb Kebabs and Whole Baked Snapper. Stay tuned for our review coming soon!
The Kinnet Café, 3/F, 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, 3968 7623, www.facebook.com/TheKinnetCafe
Aqua Spirit
Head to Aqua Spirit on the 29/F of One Peking for the first chance to sample an exclusive martini menu created by World Class 2013 Champion Bartender David Rios. Known as the “Master of the Martini”, David has concocted four complex cocktail creations featuring his Tanqueray No. 10 signature martini serve that will be available exclusively at Aqua Spirit until June. With its stunning views of the cityscape, Aqua Spirit is the perfect place to impress guests and sip on these world-class martinis while enjoying the fusion food on offer.
Aqua Spirit, 29 & 30/F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 3752 2056, www.aqua.com.hk
Zafran
This May, Zafran are launching an awesome free-flow tapas menu from Monday to Thursday, 5-7.30pm. Stop by to enjoy an unlimited feast of tapas delights, all created by Zafran’s Spanish Chef. The tapas include Serrano ham, homemade chorizo – Catalan style, potato bravas with “Mojo Picon” chilli sauce, Valencian Seafood Fideua and Galician Padron Peppers, amongst many others. It’s only $350 per person to enjoy and you’ll also get a free glass of Spanish beer (Estrella) on arrival. Every glass of Estrella after is only an amazing $5! You better believe it…
Zafran, Basement, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2116 8855, www.zafran.com.hk
NEW PRODUCTS
Taboocha
We’re huge fans of this local Hong Kong brand which handcrafts Kombucha drinks. Not only is kombucha super healthy for your gut as a natural probiotic, but Taboocha also tastes really good too! The mix of sweet and sour fizziness is the perfect pick me up, and we can’t wait to try the new ‘Wonderwood’ flavour that’s just launched in JustGreen.
Blackshot
If sipping on a scorching hot coffee doesn’t sound ideal on the steamy streets of Hong Kong, then why not try Blackshot’s cold brew coffee? Another local, sustainably brewed beverage, Blackshot Coffee is fantastically refreshing and flavourful, perfect as a morning wake-up call.
www.facebook.com/BLACKSHOTColdBrewCoffee
Nice Things
Sugar, spice and everything nice – you’ll find all that and more on Nice Things, a new online platform. We’re loving the unique and intensely flavoured ‘tomato wine’, which matches perfectly with cheese and cold cuts. They also sell ‘Baobab’ superfood products, which include fruit spreads, truffles and more. Our favourite Baobab product? The delicious tomato, onion, garlic and chilli salsa which is fair-trade, organic, vegan and gluten-free… the perfect thing to bring to your next rooftop party!
nood food
One of our favourite companies for all things healthy is launching some new juice flavours, just in time for summer! nood food is introducing four new summery flavours using fruity and coconut-based ingredients. Sip on the Sweet Dream, Tropical Twist, Coco Mylk or a Coco Kiss for a refreshing and healthy taste of summer!
