Food News Flash: July

We’re more than halfway through 2015 and it’s been a phenomenal year so far for Hong Kong’s F&B scene! We’ve already added a few new favourites to our list, and have heard murmurs of some amazing concepts set to open in the later half of 2015… foodies, stay tuned! For now, here are the brand new restaurants and exclusive menus you should be checking out this month:

NEW OPENINGS

Kettle Black
Sporting a modern white and black decor, Kettle Black offers all-day comfort fare in the heart of Central, with tempting options like a breakfast of fried eggs or omelette with veggies and meat ($98); Kettle Black garlic bread ($68); Crispy Shell with Escargot and Herbs Butter ($78); Kettle Black Fried Chicken ($88) and KB Fish & Chips ($128). We’re also digging the sound of their new “Black” menu, literally showcasing black ingredients like squid ink, charcoal bread and black truffles.

Kettle Black, G/F 198 Wellington Street, Central, 3628 2238, www.facebook/kettleblackhk

Mr & Mrs Fox
The latest dining concept from Swire Properties is set to open in Quarry Bay this September, bringing a spacious 3-story dining destination to East Hong Kong Island’ers. “Mrs Fox” welcomes guests on the ground floor – the perfect place for quick lunches, after-work drinks or evening gatherings with friends featuring a selection of artisanal cocktails, seafood and charcuterie platters. “Mr Fox’s” dedicated dining room on the 1st floor is a more formal establishment, offering prime seafood and steak selections with food trolleys filled with cheese boards and made-to-order martinis. Private parties can be had upstairs at “The Den”, a 24-seat dining room with an adjoining terrace.

Mr & Mrs Fox, 29 Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place Apartments, website coming soon

Cecconi’s
Cecconi’s Italian has set up camp at an all-new venue on Wyndham Street, showcasing a brand new look in conjunction with an all-new menu of traditional Italian-style dishes. The new space will blend a convivial atmosphere with a tasty menu of seasonal dishes, such as Roasted Lamb, Poached Chicken Breast with Polenta and Truffle Jus and Pan Fried Sea Bass with Chickpeas. Pair these dishes with a glass of wine and a cheese platter for an authentic Italian meal.

Cecconi’s, 2/F, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2565 5300, www.diningconcepts.com

ZUMUFI
Continuing the Hong Kong health trend, ZUMUFI has opened its doors in Sheung Wan, offering delicious all-natural drinks to promote health and well-being. ZUMUFI uses fruit ingredients imported from Australia, with a focus on quality and freshness in its food and beverages. Inspired by living overseas, founder Daniel decided to fill the gap in Hong Kong’s market for delicious smoothies, and we can’t wait to get a taste of these tasty beverages!

ZUMUFI, Shop D, G/F, Willy Commercial Building, 28-36 Wing Kut Street, Sheung Wan, 2949 9829, www.facebook.com/zumufi

Sesame Kitchen
Sesame Kitchen has newly relocated to a brand new spacious venue in Kennedy Town, so pop on by to check out their variety of raw food / healthy food hands-on workshops from making miso to raw-chocolate tasting. They also offer a variety of kid-friendly events, making it a great weekend activity if you’re looking to have fun indoors while teaching kids the benefits of health eating. Check out their website for classes and pricing schedules and while you’re at it don’t forget to browse their sister online store FoodCraft for a variety of health food treats.

Sesame Kitchen, Flat A, 21/F, Yuiga Factory Building, No. 62 Victoria Road, Western (Kennedy Town), Hong Kong, 6771 3343, sesamekitchen.com

Burger Joys 
The HK Burger craze shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon and we couldn’t be more excited… bring on the burgers! Latest on the scene is Burger Joys in Wan Chai, serving up Californian-style burgers with a simple menu comprised of cheeseburgers, fries, milkshakes and buffalo wings. We’ve had a sneaky sample and can safely confirm that these burgers join the best in Hong Kong for all-American, no-fuss cheeseburgers loaded with all the toppings. Pair them with a side of the garlic or truffle fries and a thick, creamy Oreo milkshake for a delicious dinner (you can always hit the gym later!).

Burger Joys, Shop E G/F De Fenwick 42-50 Lockhart Road, 2787 1288, facebook.com/burgerjoyshk 

Porterhouse by Laris
Located in the new California Tower in LKF, Porterhouse by Laris is bringing contemporary, upscale dining to the heart of Central, with a focus on beautiful and simple protein cooked to perfection in a charcoal grilled oven. Opened by popular chef and restaurateur David Laris, you can bet on enjoying a solid, scrumptious meal here while feasting on Seared Strip Loin, King Crab, Salmon with Caviar, Char-grilled Chicken, and Ribeye.

Porterhouse by Laris, 7/F, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong, www.porterhousebylaris.com.hk

TRi
Looking for an exotic beach-side restaurant to whisk you away from the HK city life? Pop on by TRi, a newly opened restaurant from the team at Le Comptoir. This resto embraces the best of Balinese culture, with a beautiful exotic decor and Balinese island specialties to satisfy your appetite – all complemented by a delicious and refreshing cocktail menu! Bring a few friends along and savour the flavours of Balinese cuisine, with signature dishes like Isi Sapi, Duck Betutu and Gado Gado Salad.

TRi, Shop 302, 3/F, The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, www.tri.hk

Mano Café
Corner Kitchen has taken over Mano at the L. Place in Central, and is bringing with it a whole new concept and menu! Expect to find all the staples from the current Corner Kitchen Café in Sheung Wan at the newly opened Mano Café, plus a host of delicious and nutritious Southeast Asian-inspired dishes such as Gado Gado, Balinese ginger beer and artisanal coffee. What’s better, most of the dishes on offer will be 100% gluten-free!

Mano Café, GF, The L Place, No. 139 Queens Road Central, Hong Kong, 2362 6997; www.facebook.com/pages/Mano-Cafe

NEW MENUS

Alibi – Special Sassy Offer!
Alibi is the newest addition to the swanky Langham Place Hotel in Mongkok, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, this summer is the perfect time too! Alibi has a very special offer for all Sassy Girls that is sure to get you salivating. Stop by for ‘Bubbles n’ Bites’ – a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Champagne and a delectable Spanish tapas platter for just $458 (plus 10% service charge). Think Spanish olives with pickles, jamon serrano and cured chorizo… mmm. Now that’s what we call value! This is a tempting treat that you just can’t miss. Alibi is open from Sunday to Thursday, 11am-11pm. See you there, girls!

Alibi, Langham Place, 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3552 3388, hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com/restaurants/alibi

Satay Inn
To celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence, Satay Inn at The Royal Pacific Hotel has created a special Singaporean set dinner for two. Feast on classic SG dishes such as their Signature Hainanese Chicken, Lemongrass and Mint Leaves Prawns and of course, Satay with Peanut Sauce for just $498 for you and a companion. Trust us, it’s delish!

Satay Inn, Shop 3, Tower 1, Podium Level, The Royal Pacific Hotel & Towers, China Hong Kong City, 33 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2738 2368, www.satay-inn.com

Ho Lee Fook
If you’re a fan of this cool, contemporary Asian restaurant in Soho, then make sure you stop by this Sunday 26th July for a special, one-night only kitchen takeover by Chef Morgan McGlone. Hailing from Melbourne’s Belle’s Hot Chicken, Chef Morgan is set to bring over his famous, delicious deep-fried Southern fare; think fried chicken with a kick accompanied by Mac and Cheese and Jalapeño Buttered Corn. We’re drooling at the thought… it’s $350 per person so book now to avoid disappointment, as they won’t be accepting walk-ins.

Ho Lee Fook, G/F & L/G, 1 Elgin Street, Soho, 2810 0860, www.holeefook.com.hk

Beef and Liberty
One of our favourite spots for a burger is serving up a brand new meaty delight from now until 31st August, “The Notorious P.I.G”! Apart from the awesome name, this burger packs a punch with numerous mouthwatering ingredients. Think Tasmanian grass-fed beef layered with tender braised pulled pork and smokey house BBQ pork. Top it all off with fresh green apple slaw and spring onions – phew!

Beef and Liberty, Star Street Precinct, 23 Wing Fung St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2911 3009, www.beef-liberty.com

FoFo by El Willy
This popular Spanish resto is launching its second round of the “Spanish Summer Season Series” with a host of specials. Think icy treats to keep you cool in the form of Frozen Watermelon Vodka Cocktails and ice-pops with your Sangria! Stop by for Paella + Sangria Tuesdays to enjoy the signature Paella Valenciana at just $288 (normal price – $368) and pick your choice of Sangria at just $250 per jug. Or why not celebrate the start of the weekend with the Oyster + Cava night on Fridays?!

FoFo by El Willy, 20/F, M88, 2-8 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2900 2009, www.fofo.hk

Quest
Renowned Chef Que Vinh Dang is bringing some fresh summer flavours to his fine dining Vietnamese resto in Wan Chai, introducing a host of new exciting dishes. Tuck into ‘Carabineros Shrimp Ceviche’ with Avocado, Salmon Roe, Crab and Lemongrass Consomme, or ‘BBQ Eel’ with Fish Sauce Caramel, Lime Pearls, Chipotle Cucumber, Green Apple and Mint Coleslaw. The perfect place for a sophisticated summer meal!

Quest, 28/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2554 0888, www.questbyque.com

Fresh Modern Kitchen
Staying true to its name, Fresh Modern Kitchen is launching a new dinner menu that includes high quality ingredients and mouthwatering flavours. Think French Blue Mussels with Garlic Bread to start, followed by Pan-Fried French Spring Chicken with Truffle Mash or Linguine with Boston Lobster in Cherry Tomato Sauce. You can also try the new ‘endless seafood and salad bar’, or if you’re looking for something lighter but equally as delicious, indulge in the new Happy Hour deal. For $130, you’ll get six Coffin Bay Oysters and a glass of McGuigan Signature Chardonnay… cheers!

Fresh Modern Kitchen, Shop C, Upper G/F, Felicity Building, 56-58 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2771 1328; www.fmk-hk.com

Room One at The Mira
Lovers of sushi, you’ll be pleased to hear that Room One at The Mira has just launched an unlimited sushi and free-flow saketini night! Munch on freshly-made sushi bento boxes, washed down with a fruity peach and passion fruit ‘Fukutini’ or a non-alcoholic lemongrass and chilli syrup ‘Kyototini’. Head over to the sleek and chic hotel in TST from 7-10pm to indulge in this amazing Japanese feast for just $288 per person.

Room One, The Mira, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong,
2368 1111; www.themirahotel.com

Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italiano
Love seafood? Then head over to the cute The Pottinger Hotel this summer in the heart of Central to try the new summer seafood menu at Gradini! Inspired by Italian and Mediterranean flavours, you’ll love the decadent antipasto which includes a classically prepared seafood salad with pan-fried baby squid, tiger prawns and mussels, and a porcini mushroom ‘cappuccino’. Expect Italian favourites like homemade ravioli and don’t forget to try the refreshing summer cocktails too!

Gradini Ristorante E Bar Italiano, G/F, 74 Queens Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2308 3088; www.facebook.com/thepottingerhongkong

Bloom
Looking for something a bit different to whet your appetite this summer? Stop by Bloom on a Sunday evening to try their newly launched ‘Sunday Night Picnic’ for $490 per person (plus 10% service). It includes six scrumptious courses that are light, bright and (you guessed it!) picnic themed. The fresh, farm-to-table fare will be a treat to eat at the interactive setting which includes a crossword puzzle and a free drink!

Bloom, 5/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2810 6166, lily-bloom.com

foodpanda
Hong Kong’s largest online food delivery service foodpanda celebrated their 1st birthday last weekend, with an all-night party aboard the Beatship cruise alongside partygoers and foodies till the wee hours of the morning. A global online food ordering marketplace, foodpanda delivers the best of Hong Kong’s dining scene straight to your doorstep – with its fast, easy and affordable service, we can’t think of a better reason to eat at home! Hop on the website now and enjoy scrumptious dining from the likes of Little Burro, Foxtail & Broomcorn, Bao Wow, Mana! and Doppio Zero. Download the foodpanda app and enjoy 25% off your bill.

foodpanda, www.foodpanda.hk

HAPPY HOURS/DRINKS

aqua
If you’re seriously into your cocktails then you can’t miss the specials from ‘The World’s Best Bartender’, Charles Joly. He’s created a bespoke cocktail menu for the summer at the one and only aqua. Inspired by summer destinations, the five cocktails are available until 31 August and include ‘The Garden of England’, ‘The Provencal’, ‘South Pacific’, ‘Ocean Drive’ and ‘Biarritz’. Using CÎROC VODKA® and zesty summer flavours, these are sure to tantalise your tastebuds and cool you down on a hot day!

aqua spirit, 29+30F, One Peking, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 3427 2288, www.aqua.com.hk. Also available at Armani/Aqua and Armani/Prive. 

Mod Bar – Tycoon Tann
Looking for a new drinks spot? The beautifully designed Mod Bar at Tycoon Tann may become your new watering hole this summer with its Chinese inspired decor, drinks and food. Bar Manager Jimmy Chung has whipped up some unique summer drinks using different spices and spirits. Why not try the Rosemary Paradise with house-infused rosemary gin, or the Sloe Gin Negroni? Or there’s always the Kavalan Taiwanese Whiskey…

Mod Bar – Tycoon Tann, 74 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, 3125 3228, www.tycoontann.com

Honi Honi
If a laidback yet chic vibe is what you’re after, then look no further than our fave tiki lounge Honi Honi. They’ve added 10 new rums to their menu which they make the most of in brand new summer cocktails. Chill on the outdoor terrace on a ‘Honi Honi Collins’ with Elderflower syrup or share a ‘Caribbean Lagoon’ with the girls; an epic sharing cocktail with Club 3Yo Rum, coconut milk, pineapple and more.

Honi Honi, 3/F Somptueux Central, 52 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.honihonibar.com