Food News Flash – May: Restaurant Openings, New Menus and Happy Hours!

NEW OPENINGS

Craft Brew & Co. Soho
Continuing the craft beer trend is Craft Brew & Co., which is opening soon in Soho. Specialising in (you guessed it!) craft beers from breweries all over the world, Craft Beer & Co. also serves up a range of delicious artisanal sausages. From classic bratwursts and English pork sausages to more exotic meats likes rabbit, crocodile and even cobra – you’re sure to get your sausage fix here! The cool warehouse-like design makes this one restaurant that will easily fit into its trendy neighbourhood… perfect for an after-work pint!

Craft Brew & Co. Soho, 17 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong

Sushi To
Celebrity Michelin-star chef, Harlan Goldstein, has done it again with his brand new restaurant Sushi To! This contemporary Japanese restaurant promises Harlan’s signature creativity and flair, with dishes such as Harlan G’s Funky Maki Rolls and Creative Nigiri Sushi on offer. Everyone loves sushi, and the unusual flavours and playful take on a favourite Hong Kong cuisine guarantees that this will be the new ‘it’ resto in town.

Sushi To, 29/F, Soundwill Plaza II Midtown, 1-29 Tung Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; www.sushito-dining.com

PIG OUT
If you’re checking out Island East Markets on a Sunday in Quarry Bay, you’ve got to stop and try PIG OUT! The Sausage Co. has teamed up with Enoteca to create PIG OUT, which sells a range of delicious, locally produced gourmet sausages. We tried the peppery Cumberland sausages and they were the best we’ve had in HK! PIG OUT is also open Monday to Friday during lunch in Quarry Bay. The sausages are served up in a fresh baguette and make the ideal lunchtime treat – perfect  for a quick, casual bite!

PIG OUT, 33 Hoi Wan Street, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong; www.thesausageco.com

Check-in Taipei
If you’re a fan of Taiwanese cuisine then you need to check out Soho’s latest resto. Check-in Taipei brings a taste of contemporary Taiwanese fare to HK with beautiful and (more importantly) delicious dishes. Using ingredients sourced straight from Taiwan, Check-in Taipei retains an element of authenticity while also creating innovative dishes… stay tuned for our review!

Check-in Taipei, G/F, 27 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2351 2622; www.facebook.com/ctaipei

ENMARU Izakaya
This high-quality Japanese restaurant is definitely one to try if you’re looking for top-of-the-range, classic Robatayaki dishes. Set in Times Square, the impeccable food and sophisticated setting make it perfect for a special celebration. The traditional ceremonial elements of the restaurant and classic Japanese household design also add an authentic touch.

ENMARU Izakaya, Shop 1001A, 10/F, Times Square, No. 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2721 9955

Saboten Japanese Cutlet
This popular tonkatsu chain has taken Asia by storm, and recently opened its second location in TST. The interior reflects a modern aesthetic, while still embracing a sense of comfort that mimics the food it serves. Expect to taste authentic Japanese flavours and high quality ingredients – we’re talking premium pork loin and special dipping sauces from Hokkaido! 

Saboten Tsim Sha Tsui, 1/F, Tern Plaza, 5 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2295 3116; www.miradining.com/Saboten

Food Plaza
If you’re jetting off this month over one of our many public holidays, you’ll be pleased to note that the new Food Plaza has opened at Hong Kong International airport! Located near gate 36, you can now plan on eating some decent food before boarding at one of four new dining options. Get your last fix of Cantonese fare at The Terrace Express or tuck into some Korean favourites like Bibimbap at Lee Fa Yuen Express. If you’re after some healthy grub, The Green Market Express is the place to go for nutritious salads and fresh pressed juices or try out Moon Bar for drinks and charcuterie. It’s a step up from plane food!

Food Plaza, Gate 36, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, Hong Kong;
www.plaza-network.com

NEW MENUS AND PROMOTIONS

Café Siam
Add some spice to your Sunday dinner at Café Siam’s traditional Thai dinner buffet in Lan Kwai Fong. For just $348 per person, guests can enjoy a spread of mouth-watering Thai treats such as papaya salad, chicken in pandan leaves, Tom Yum soup and fresh clams with chilli paste. Wash it all down with Thai milk tea or add $30 to upgrade to a glass of house wine or beer.

Café Siam,  21 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, 2851 4803; http://www.cafesiam.com.hk/

Taku
Lazy, long weekend brunches are even better when you can feel good about what you’re eating! We think this new brunch deal is pretty great: $308 for unlimited sushi and sake sangria (review coming soon!) at trendy Japanese restaurant Taku in Soho. Dine on an array of light and delicious dishes including a range of sashimi, tempura, maki rolls and yakitori. Finish it all off with unlimited scoops of green tea and yuzu ice cream!

Taku, 26-30 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2530 9963; www.taku.com.hk

Mango Tree
Internationally-renowned Thai restaurant Mango Tree is bringing high tea to those craving an afternoon fix beyond just scones and cucumber sandwiches. The Sweetie Thai High Tea Set offers a mix of Thai and Western-styled snacks that will satisfy all your taste buds, from chocolate cheesecake to Thai pandan leaf cake! Available everyday from 3-5.30pm for $298.

Mango Tree, Shop 2032, 2/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2668 4884; www.mangotree.com.hk

Souvla
Go Greek this summer with Souvla’s new menu additions using ingredients straight from Greece! Among the new menu items are a tasty Halloumi Souva and a Sous-vide Swordfish with oven-roasted potatoes. Katafi prawns with angel hair pasta is luscious for seafood lovers who appreciate a bit of variety. Souvla is now serving their popular Greek-style lunch buffet on the weekends for $168 — a great way to while away an afternoon!

Souvla, 1/F Ho Lee Commercial Building, 40 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9285 8846; www.conceptcreations.hk

Cafe Deco Group
Cafe Deco Group is calling out to all Kowloon-side foodies with updated food and drink menus at both their restaurants in Elements mall, Cafe Deco Pizzeria and Cafe Iguana. New items at Cafe Deco Pizzeria include a smoked salmon salad and pesto chicken pizza, while Cafe Iguana revamps Mexican flavours with dishes such as pork ribs in chipotle sauce and achiote salmon. Pop by for a casual dinner after an afternoon of shopping!

Cafe Iguana, Shop R004, Civic Square, Elements, Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2196 8733;
Cafe Deco Pizzeria, Shop 1005, Elements, Kowloon Station, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2196 8099;
www.cafedecogroup.com

Chicha
For those days when you need a mid-day breather, head on over to Peruvian restaurant Chicha in Soho. Their Lima Lunch Extravaganza Special (12-3pm) features a delicious assortment of ceviche, seafood, noodles and picarones — a Peruvian favourite! New summer items at Chicha also include sashimi style cut salmon, Leche de Tigre and Aji de Gallina, a classic potato appetizer topped with Peruvian style chicken.

Chicha, G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2561 3336; www.conceptcreations.com

DiVino Patio
This new weekend brunch will have you dreaming of bathing under the Tuscan sun right in the heart of Hong Kong! We absolutely love their outdoor space and think it’s the perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon filling up on a hearty buffet and unlimited Prosecco. There’s something for everyone on the grill, including rotisserie chicken, striploin, pork belly, swordfish, seabass and salmon as well as a delicious antipasto spread to match. Prices are $368 per adult and $168 per child with free-flow packages starting from $98 extra.

DiVino Patio, Shop 11, 1/F, BRIM28, Causeway Bay Centre, 28 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2877 3552; www.divinogroup.com/restaurants/divino-patio/reservation/

K.O. Dining Group Anniversary
K.O. Dining Group celebrates its 2nd anniversary this May with a series of culinary journeys across its three restaurants: Kazuo Okada, Yu Lei and Messina. For $1,288 per person, Kazuo Okada will bring guests the best of Japanese fine dining in an eight-course kaiseki menu featuring dishes such as lobster with yuzu pepper and scallop & sansho pepper rice. At Michelin-starred restaurant Yu Lei, guests can embark on a journey of indulgent Chinese dishes ($1,288) while Messina strives to bring the best of Italy with a $765 wine pairing gourmet dinner showcasing the best from Piedmont, Sicily and Veneto. There’s something for everyone, so book ahead for your next special occasion! The menu runs from 13 May to 2 June.

Kazuo Okada, 5/F, Harbourfront Landmark, 11 Wan Hoi Street, Hung Hom, 3746 2722;
Yu Lei, 5/F, Harbourfront Landmark, 11 Wan Hoi Street, Hung Hom, 3746 2788;
Messina, 5/F, Harbourfront Landmark, 11 Wan Hoi Street, Hung Hom, 3746 2733;
www.kodining.com

Grand Hyatt Steakhouse White Asparagus Menu
Discover the delights of white asparagus at The Grand Hyatt Steakhouse this May, as chef Patrick Shimada showcases this beautiful ingredient in an exclusive seasonal menu. White asparagus is the star of the plate here, with side dishes consisting of potatoes, tenderloin and smoked salmon. We personally think the white asparagus soup is out of this world!

Grand Hyatt Steakhouse, Mezzanine Floor, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2584 7722; www.hongkong.grandhyatt.com

Stockton’s New Supper Menu
Maximal Concept’s old-world bar, Stockton, is launching a new supper menu! Now you can enjoy some substantial, delicious meals along with your classic cocktails. Tuck into the braised Wagyu beef cheek with Guinness, root vegetables and toasted bread, or enjoy some fresh Australian mussels with garlic, chilli, white wine and cream. It’s the perfect place to come for an intimate dinner and cocktail (or two… or three!).

Stockton, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2565 5268; www.stockton.com.hk 

Wildgrass Green Monday Menu
Wildgrass are taking part in ‘Meatless Mondays’ by creating a special veggie menu. Try out this delicious range of meat-free dishes that includes organic ingredients, and of course, some amazing desserts that are not to be missed! Enjoy the Chocolate Pavlova with fresh berries and raspberry coulis or the Granny Smith apple crumble with cherry and honey ice-cream… have you booked yet?! Best of all, by not eating meat one day a week you’ll be making a difference and helping to reduce your carbon footprint.

Wildgrass, 1/F, 4-8 Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2810 1189; www.wildgrass.hk

LE FRENCH GOURMAY

La Vache! desserts
La Vache! is known for mouth-watering steak frites, but in celebration of Le French May you’ve got to check out their dessert cart. They’ll be showcasing desserts from Lyon, in keeping with Le French May’s theme of the Rhône Valley, so if you’ve got a sweet tooth be sure to check it out!

La Vache, 48 Peel Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2880 0248; www.lavache.com.hk

Lily & Bloom Louisiana Classics Pairing Menu
Take a bite of the American south at Lily & Bloom this month. They’ll be redefining classic Vieux Carré favourites and including them in a delicious pairing menu to coincide with this French-themed month. We sampled some of their dishes and they were utterly to die for! Definitely a dinner worth splurging on…

Lily & Bloom, 5/F and 6/F, Lan Kwai Fong Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Hong Kong, 2810 6166; www.lily-bloom.com

Brasserie on the Eighth
Enjoy a feast of gastronomic proportions at Brasserie on the Eighth’s four-course dinner menu in celebration of Le French May. For $788 per person, guests will dine on French Bresse Pigeon, Goose Liver Pot-au-feu and Oven-roasted Monkfish, amongst many other indulgent dishes! For $160 extra, add two glasses of specially paired wine for a classic French indulgence.

Brasserie on the Eighth, 8/F, Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong; www.conradhotels3.hilton.com

Café Renaissance
Café Renaissance brings you the best in French specialties in its Le French Dinner Buffet, lasting through June! The spread perfectly captures the charm of dainty French elegance, including everything from escargot and homemade terrine to Niçoise salad. There’ll even be a live cooking station — perfect for a bit of entertainment! Prices start at $538 per adult and $258 per child.

Café Renaissance, Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong; 2584 6970

French Window Brasserie and Bar
Le Menu Gourmand de Lyon is a specially crafted menu oozing with French elegance in tribute to the beautiful city of Lyon. From a traditional Lyon cold cut platter to the Pike Perch Quenelle main course (and let’s not forget the chocolate praline dessert!), this menu is guaranteed to have you dreaming of summers in France. At $498 per person, it won’t break the bank either…

French Window Brasserie and Bar, 3101, Podium Level 3, ifc mall, Central, Hong Kong, 2393 3812; www.miradining.com/french-window

Amber
As the regional partner of this year’s Le French GourMay, Amber at the Mandarin Oriental will be presenting a special five-course menu featuring the finest products from the Rhône Valley — we’re talking frog legs from Dombes and poularde from Mieral, all paired with hand-selected wines from local vineyards. Sounds divine!

Amber, 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2132 0066; www.amberhongkong.com/menus/food