AMAZING CH-INGAPOREAN CUISINE | PARADISE DYNASTY | HONG KONG

Talking about signature food in Southeast China, you won't miss steamed dumpling (Xiao Long Bao) which is not only appearing everywhere in China, but also the world. In Hong Kong, you might think about Din Tai Fung while mentioning Xiao Long Bao, but what about something new? Rainbow Xiao Long Bao, must be fresh to you, and alined with it, a rich selection of Singaporean, Shanghainese, Cantonese, Sichuanese culinary dishes are offered by Paradise Dynasty flagship restaurant in Lee Theatre, Causeway Bay.

SPANISH SMALL BITES | ESPUMA | HONG KONG

Spanish cuisine is no longer special in Hong Kong, following the mass Spanish culinary restaurants popping up; but Spanish-theme cafe seems a new word. Espuma, a young Spanish cuisine line, is quietly exploring Hong Kong, from their first cafe in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Cafe is the basic definition of Espuma, exactly the same as this Spanish word, making some fresh & new foam to eaters in Hong Kong. Novell, the mature Spanish brand, is bring Espuma coffee beans from Barcelona and a line of Spanish dishes and tapas in lighter version to form up the Premium European-style cafe, meanwhile, they are localized by inputing Japanese-Taiwan desserts and drinks to cater younger eaters.

LES SAVEURS PRIVATE KITCHEN | HONG KONG

I would like to call Private Kitchen as Below-the-Line restaurants, because most of them are running well based on the clients' recommendation in their own networks. Normally those restaurants have very limited seats; they don't expect a crowd and they do reservation only. It might be the bad news to the eaters who are always craving good dining concepts.

Want to try private kitchen?

Here you go, one of 'below-the-line' restaurants in Causeway.

CHUAN SHAO | HONG KONG

Jordan, only one stop apart from Tsim Sha Tsui, it is totally another cityview with impressive local culture. I have a lot memory in Temple Street, around Fruit Market, and the special Eating-block near Austin. The beauty of that eating-area is more local than something fancy and luxury.

In Man Ying Street, there is a line of BBQ restaurants making the whole street smell like a BBQ stove. Chuan Shao is one of them, and probably one of the oldest and the most popular. To my surprise, the restaurant looks quite young with good environment and a lot creative and yummy dishes.

BASMATI INDIAN RESTAURANT | HONG KONG

Under the same dining group, Basmati is the sister restaurant, The Clay Oven, close to Kennedy Town (Read previous review). Quite traditional restaurant with a home-cuisine feel, especially we were welcomed by the Indian candies box at the entrance. 

SOLERA SPANISH CUISINE CONCEPTS | HONG KONG

In Hong Kong, we don't need to travel too much for a weekend holiday, to the beach, to the mountain, to the seaside resort, are always in about one hour. This time, I went to Discovery Bay, which is featured in a Western style by the looking of buildings and main street. Comparing to Ma Wan where I went a couple weeks before, Discovery Bay offers better quality and richer culinary. 

I arrived with my friends around 7pm that night, when the beautiful sunset was taking place. To enjoy a good city weekend, sight-seeing is not enough, it must be with some yummy-candy. Solera, just facing to the ferry pier, was where our stomach and mind would be feed. 

KOH THAI WAN CHAI | HONG KONG

We encountered a horrible rain that night and it was such a challenge to locate myself and let my feet lead me to the restaurant in Wanchai's street-crowd. Koh Thai, has three locations in Hong Kong, two in Central with limited space and self-defined more like a bar where I pass by quite frequently. Wanchai one, on the opposite, is an ideal place for find-casual dining. If there is a nice weather, the huge terrace dining space makes this restaurant a big attraction in summer. 

A little different from normal Thai restaurants, Koh Thai is slightly high-end defined as its decoration, its bar-restaurant atmosphere and its decent presentation of dishes served. Of course, it is still in the causal-dining category, thus I wonder argue too much on the looking and services.

PUGLIA CUISINE | GIANNI'S TRATTORIA ITALIANA | HONG KONG

I am looking for the Italian culinary in Hong Kong which is not offering their menu in a 'mass-production' way. To have an Italian night without pizza and spaghetti or linguini, and even not risotto or tortellini, luckily I was introduced to Gianni's Trattoria Italiana - a Puglia-Cuisine-featured restaurant in Soho, Central. The 70's Chef, Gianni, brought the authentic South Italy flavor back to 2013, and Puglia where the Chef is born and grows up, becomes the main cuisine origin of this special Italian restaurant.

HK FOOD EXPO 2014 PRESS CONFERENCE | HONG KONG

Coming to Hong Kong for almost 3 years, I never miss this yearly even in town, which matters a lot to each eaters, every smart housewife, and maybe every Hongkonger. Food Expo 2014 starts on 14th August in next week, and 10 days before, I was glad to be invited to the press conference. There are quite a lot suppliers from Food & Beverage industry, and also a lot others from tea post, kitchen equipment, furniture which to me, maybe less interesting.

NAM LOONG CAFE | HONG KONG

Memory is one of the most precious asset for human beings. For Hongkongers who's used to a wide diversity of dining culture since early times, the Hong Kong Tea Restaurant, is undoubtedly on the memorable list. The green metal railings, the white ceramics, the efficient-working staffs... each part forms up the idea of 'Tea Restaurant' where is the dream-creator of most Hongkongers. 

Years going, the old-style restaurant is fading away for many reasons, but luckily, fading-away memory creates more opportunities for those who care a lot and who can twist it with more value. Nam Loong, managed by Golden Stone Catering Group, is another story of modern-traditional Tea Restaurant.

THEATRE OF TAPAS | ZAFRAN | HONG KONG

Zafran, Spanish restaurant & bar under Aqua Amani Group, is located in the basement of LKF (Lan Kwai Fong) with a chic black image with golden shades. Chef. Pedro Samper, brings a unique Spanish tapas journey this season, combing the charming art of open kitchen. "Theatre of Tapas", such a decent name, combines the artistic Tapas, the art of communication among the eaters, the Chef and the restaurant, and theatre-luxury dining space. 

To quote the Chef's saying about this tasting menu, "Theatre of Tapas",

"An experience around Spanish flavors, Spanish ingredients, and my life experiences".

SUMMER DINNER BUFFET | L'HOTEL & LIS CAFE | HONG KONG

Under summer heat, we always lose our appetite and energy; well luckily I heart the new summer dinner buffet menu from L’hotel Island South. Since 1^st July till the end of August, a brand new dinner buffet with worldwide cold & hot dishes, desserts and special delivery of Japanese sea urchin harvested in a sustainable way, rich in the nutrient DHA. During the new buffet period, every adult customer would enjoy one sea urchin dish selected from Sea Urchin Sashimi with Seaweed and Rice Balls, Steamed Egg Custard with Sea Urchin, and Toast with Sea Urchin and Chicken Ragout.

TASTY KOREAN CHICKEN | SPICY ANDONG | HONG KONG

Spicy Andong

辛安東元祖奶奶雞

G/F, 20 Pak Po Street, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

+852 2332 0823

MK. Facebook 

7/F, Kyoto Plaza, 491-499 Lockhart Road, Causeway, Hong Kong

+852 2328 8917

CWB. Facebook

spicyandong@gmail.com

Mon to Sun. 12nn - 3pm & 6pm - 12pm

Korean food follows the popular trend of K-pop, slowly occupies the Hong Kong food market. Compared to Japanese food, it has the similarity of cold-cut & fresh, while it can satisfy our desire to spicy hot. That night we went to the quiet and little corner of Mongkok, Pak Po Street, and our target is Korean chicken in a non-fried way!

Overall this Korean restaurant is featured by a young Korean culture, which is quite welcomed by young generation. The large space also offers a chance for group gathering or some private party, of course, with their Soju/beer. A lot of familiar Korean dishes are offered, while some are made by imported Korean ingredients and materials. And the average cost of $150/head (without drink) is quite reasonable nowadays.

3-COURSE DINNER | LA MARMITE | HONG KONG

La Marmite

46 Stauton Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong

+852 2803 7808

lamarmite@aqua.com.hk

LA MARMITE. Facebook

Aqua Group

Having a casual walk in Soho area, there is always a line of pink green sharpening my eyes when they are used to the slightly dark color tone of Soho's restaurants. La Marmite, is a casual and light French (Paris) style bistro with a selection of French dishes and a blackboard of dining wines. The recently-promoted 3-course dinner, refreshes the 'expensive' definition of French dining in my mind. It is where you can have a relax French dinner with a middle-level price, while still you can stay and enjoy your dinner as long as 3 (even 4) hours.

BAO WOW | HONG KONG

Bao Wow

28 Tai Wong Street East, Wanchai, Hong Kong

+852 2528 9505

info@baowowhk.com

Mon to Sun. 12nn- 9pm

BAO WOW. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

The dining business in Wanchai is booming. In those hidden lanes, there locates interesting and new concept to feed your stomach and mind. Inspired from Taiwanese 'Gua Bao' (steamed bun), BAOWOW is a casual style restaurant. It is a cool place but more expat-feeling, for those looking for small bites. The semi-open buns are kept in the steamed bamboo basket, and you have a rich flavor list served freshly by cooks. Japanese imported beers and Taiwanese sweet beer is the must try items. Well, farther than cute buns, a variety of fried snacks are offered as well.

AUSTRALIAN WILD ABALONE | HONG KONG

Abalone is kind of deep impression in my mind since I was very little but start TVB episodes, and probably you even remember that well-known one themed with abalone business. Abalone, probably a sign of rich and luxury life in the old time, while nowadays, the lucky Hongkongers will have the first access to a variety of qualified wild abalone imported from Australia. 

Early this week, just went for a public media event about Australian Wild Abalone co. culinary demonstration of 5 abalone-dishes with Canned Australian Wild Abalone and Frozen Australian Wild Abalone, given my Master Chef, Dr. Chan Tak Po.

NORGE | OCEAN THREE | HONG KONG

OCEAN THREE

Rm 905, 9/F, Westlands Centre, 20 Westlands Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong

Flat G/O, 5/F, Camelpaint Bld, Block 3, 60 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon

Flat B, 13/F, Mai Wah Industrial Bld, 1-7 Wah Sing Street, Kwai Chung, N.T.

Tel. 3420 0103

Mon to Fri. 11am - 9pm

Sat & Sun. 11am - 8pm

OCEAN THREE. Facebook

NORGE. Weibo

Hongkongers love seafood is no longer a fresh topic, and I believe salmon would be the top listed seafood. We know the seafood from cold water is, in general, better than in warmer water; and last weekend I was lucky to know 'The Best Seafood from Norway', a joint-cooking-event held by NORGE and OCEAN THREE. 

METRO'S CAFE | METROPOLE HOTEL | MACAU

METRO'S CAFE. METROPOLE HOTEL MACAU

G/F, 493-501 Avenida da Praia Grande, Macau City, Macau

Tel. 853 28388166

ACCOMMODATION | METROPOLE HOTEL | MACAU

METROPOLE HOTEL MACAU

493-501 Avenida da Praia Grande, Macau City, Macau

Tel. 853 28388166

Check-in. 3pm

Check-out. 12nn

Rooms. Standard Twin | Superior | Suite

Room Styles. Trendy | Chinese | European

RIO CATWALK CARNIVAL | RIO CLUB | HONG KONG

RIO CLUB

B/F, Hang Shun Mansion, No. 68-82 Jaffe Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

Tel. 25273777

Fax. 25273626

Email. info@rioclub.hk

Mon to Sun. 5pm - 5am

RIO. Facebook | Youtube