By: Rebecca Simpson
Keeping up with new restaurants in Hong Kong, let alone new chefs and new menus, can be tricky. Our restaurant news round-up will keep you in the loop about the city’s ever-evolving dining scene. From the latest eatery to open its doors to celebrity chefs to Hong Kong brunches and bars, it’s all here!
Hong Kong Rum Week
If you’re a rum lover, or a lover of someone who likes rum, then this one is for you. Hong Kong Rum Week will be hitting our city from 2nd – 8th September. The multi-venue Rum Run is a great one to join for those new to the city. You can pick up a free rum passport and explore limited edition rum cocktails in a range of bars around the city collecting stamps as you go. There’s rum masterclasses and some international mixologists on display. Check out the festival’s Facebook page here.
Asia’s Best Chef lands at Louise
Asia’s Best Chef, who also ranks No.18 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Julien Royer, is at the helm of Louise, JIA’s new Hong Kong restaurant. JIA tells us, “Named after an imaginary woman, Louise, the restaurant is based on the home of this eccentric French expatriate lady who finds herself in Hong Kong, entertaining guests with style and panache.” Sounds like fun. Louise offers two different menus – a chic casual vibe for the ground floor ‘Parlour’ with an inviting yet cosy ivory space in the ‘Dining Room’. Find Louise at 35 Aberdeen Street, Central. louise.hk
Pirata Party
Pirata Group opened its first Hong Kong restaurant, Pirata, in 2014 and haven’t looked back. Since then, they’ve delivered The Optimist, TokyoLima and Pici, MEATS, Madame Ching, Chaiwala, TMK and Honjo. That’s a lot of good times and full bellies. To celebrate this fifth anniversary, the group will celebrate all throughout September. Guests who dine at participating restaurants during dinner will receive an invitation to Pirata Group’s exclusive anniversary party. Hosted by Chaiwala in Central on 28 September at 10:30pm till 3am. On 22 September, The Optimist will host a celebratory brunch from 12pm till 2:30pm with interactive experiences. Keep an eye on their Facebook and website for details pirata.hk
New Karashibi Miso Ramen Restaurant, Kikanbo
Ramen fans take note – Tokyo’s much beloved Karashibi Miso Ramen restaurant, Kikanbo, has officially opened its first Hong Kong restaurant in Causeway Bay. As a favorite ramen choice for many Tokyoites and ramen fans, the Karashibi Miso Ramen from Kikanbo features different kinds of custom-made irresistible made-to-order spicy miso soup. All seasoned with the original blended red pepper Kara. Customers can adjust the soup base according to their own preference and endurance. Choose from one of the five spicy levels – from “none” (拔き), “less” (少なめ), “medium” (普通), “high” (增し) to “oni level” (鬼増し). Find it at 530 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay. kikanbo.co.jp/english
A quick lunch (with veggie options)
Sheung Wan Mexican eatery, Te Quiero Mucho, has put together a fast and fabulous weekly lunch menu titled Lunch Rapido. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a speedy lunch option. They’ll focus on a single fast special each day, serving up signature tacos, burritos and tostadas, all in less than 10 minutes. Thursday provides a meatless offering with the Veggie Trio (which includes a Green Taco filled with grilled vegetables). Lunch Rapido is available from Monday to Friday between 12-5pm with TQM’s new flexi-lunch menu. mojonomad.com/central/
Afternoon bites at La Rambla
Inspired by the culinary traditions of Catalunya, La Rambla launches its first Spanish afternoon tea set featuring sweet and savoury bites by Chef Ferran Tadeo. Available from 3pm to 5pm every day, the tea set offers Spanish tapas-style delights paired with freshly-brewed loose leaf tea from Plantation by Teakha. The set includes Chef Ferran’s signature Avocado Lobster, made with fine slices of fresh avocado wrapped around a lobster salad. There’s also Jamon Croquetas, Spanish croquettes filled with creamy béchamel and Iberico ham. This tea set is priced from HK$480 for two. larambla.hk
Doubling down on dessert at Posto Pubblico
Now we have your attention, dessert lovers, you’ll be happy to hear Posto Pubblico in Soho has extended its dessert menu of American diner must-haves. The menu now includes a few authentic Italiano sweethearts. The sinful and fragrant Limoncello Cake (HK$109) incorporates the sweet zest of Hong Kong-grown organic lemons with a generous splash of Limoncello. The new classic Italian Panna Cotta (HK$90) is topped with seasonal mango and passionfruit. There’s even a Flourless Almond Citrus Cake (HK$120), an Italian mainstay – and it’s gluten free (a nice find in a Hong Kong restaurant). postopubblico.com
New food hall at City’super Times Square
The first phase of the revamped City’super Times Square store in Causeway Bay is due to open. The brand-new Amazing Food Hall will offer a made-to-order, ready-to-eat experience for customers. According to City’super, the top six must-visit gourmet and wine zones include Seafood Kitchen, Sushi & Sashimi, Butcher Factory, Noodles & Pasta, Super Green, and Wine Town. (You heard that right: Wine Town.) citysuper.com.hk
Brunch Alert! Live jazz and free flow bubbles
Spiga is celebrating Sunday brunch with bubbles in your glass and jazz in your ears. This Italian brunch starts with a generous buffet selection followed by a choice of made-to-order main courses. There’s also an indulgent dessert bar and, of course, optional free-flow Champagne, cocktails, beers and selected wines. Is this the soundtrack for a perfect Sunday? Brunch at Spiga is on Sundays from 12pm to 3pm and starts from $388. Free-flow sparkling Prosecco, refreshing mimosas, Bloody Marys, Peroni beer, crisp white wine or bold red wine for two hours $180. Read more about Spiga here.
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