Beginning in August 2020, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong will undergo an extensive six-month renovation of the five-star hotel’s 25th floor (to welcome The Aubrey in January 2021). The news is bittersweet as it sadly means we will have to bid farewell to Pierre, one of the city’s most celebrated two-Michelin-starred establishments, as well as the iconic M Bar. Man Wah, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, will also close temporarily. The good news is that Man Wah will be back after six months with a bigger and better space, expanding into the spot where M Bar now stands. The hotel will also make way for a brand-new dining concept, which will be revealed at a later date.
Another positive is that M Bar, Man Wah and Pierre will all be given proper send-offs, with special tasting menus and events that can be enjoyed until the end of July.
M Bar
You’ll be able to savour M Bar’s signature cocktails and picturesque views until 31 July. Enjoy a menu complete with the bar’s most popular cocktails over the years and take in the atmosphere. On its last evening on the 31st, M Bar will host Lights Out at M Bar ($688), a fabulous farewell event that will feature canapés, live DJ entertainment and a glass of Krug champagne.
Man Wah
Man Wah is known for its beautiful, imperial-court-style interior and fine Cantonese fare. The restaurant has maintained its reputation since 1968, a truly impressive feat anywhere, let alone in Hong Kong’s fickle dining scene. We are relieved to find out that Man Wah will return early next year, but they certainly deserve a send- off before their temporary closure.
Chef Wing-Keung Wong will highlight Man Wah’s heritage with the eight-course All-Time Favourites dinner tasting menu ($3,288), available until 30 July. Chef Wong’s signature dishes will also be available in a five-course lunch menu ($888) and an eight-course dinner menu ($1,688).
On 31 July, Man Wah’s last night before it shuts for six months, guests are invited to enjoy the eight-course Salute to a Legend dinner tasting menu ($3,388), which includes a glass of Krug champagne.
Guests who book a table at Man Wah over the coming weeks will be invited to an exclusive tasting when the restaurant reopens with a fresh new look in January 2021.
Pierre
After 14 years of exceptional French fine dining, celebrity chef Pierre Gagnaire’s Pierre will be sorely missed. Chef Gagnaire acknowledged the closure in a statement, saying, “I am honoured to have been embraced by Hong Kong’s dynamic dining scene the past 14 years. It has been a remarkable journey, and I will cherish the friends and memories that I have made.”
To honour these incredible 14 years, Chef Gagnaire and Chef de Cuisine Jacky Tauvry have designed a series of menus called Memoires of Pierre Gagnaire ($1,688 for 5 courses; $1,988 for 7 courses; $2,388 for 9 courses), available for dinner until 30 July. Guests can also opt for the Wine Not tasting menu ($888 for 3 courses; $1,288 for 5 courses), which will be available for Saturday lunch in June and July. Each course will be paired with wines selected by the resident sommelier.
For the ultimate celebration of Pierre, a final, fond farewell will take place with the nine-course Grand Finale ($4,988) on 31 July. This supremely luxe meal will include a degustation menu showcasing Chef Gagnaire’s most beloved dishes over the years, a glass of Krug champagne and a book by the chef to take home as a keepsake.
UPDATE: The Aubrey will say hello to Hong Kong from the 25th floor in January 2021
25/F, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, 2825 4000, mohkg-restaurants@mohg.com
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