Header image: Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Beauty in The Pot
Photo credit: The Ranting Panda
This hotpot concept by Singaporean Paradise Group (of Paradise Dynasty xiao long bao fame) hits a double whammy that’s aimed at the more, shall we say, feminine persuasion with its signature beauty collagen broth and “pink princess” decor. Other healthy soup bases include spicy nourishing soup, herbal drunken chicken broth and cooling coconut broth. This sounds like our very own Foodie fountain of youth.
Shop 803, 8/F, Gala Place, 56 Dundas Street, Mongkok, 3162 8238
Ginger Grill
Those heading to Ocean Park will be excited to hear that the F&B options have considerably improved with the opening of Ginger Grill, situated at Aqua City waterfront, where Thai-inspired (white) charcoal-grilled meat and seafood are the USP. Signature dishes include satay, roasted sunflower chicken, tom yum goong and boat noodles – along with six dipping sauces, all made with ginger.
Aqua City, Ocean Park Hong Kong, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, 3923 2323
Kinship
Opening in late May is this new restaurant collaboration between the dynamic chef duo of Arron Rhodes (formerly of Gough’s on Gough and Statement) and Chris Grare (formerly of Lily & Bloom). Laid-back, farm-to-table Kinship is definitely one to watch and devour. Read more here.
3/F, 2–4 Shelley Street, SoHo, Central, 2520 0899
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental
In addition to the reopening of the refurbished two-Michelin-starred Amber, where Chef Richard Ekkebus will unveil 50 new progressive fine-dining dishes, chic hotel The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Central will debut three new dining concepts this month:
• Kappo Rin
Also by master chef Masahiro Yoshitake of Sushi Shikon (see below), Kappo Rin is a more relaxed Japanese dining experience, also counter side, showcasing both cooked and raw seasonal dishes in a multi-course menu. Eight seats.
• SOMM
All-day modern dining spot featuring a huge collection of wine, champagne and sake. The weekend Sommelier’s Lunch is set to be a highlight.
• Sushi Shikon
Relocating from its humbler Sheung Wan digs, Chef Masahiro Yoshitake’s sublime three-Michelin-starred Sushi Shikon will compete with Amber for Landmark’s top dining dog. Limited to eight seats.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2132 0188
The Leah
By day part of family members’ club Maggie & Rose, by night the space, open to the public from 21 May, transforms into The Leah, a lush outdoor bar with an English garden party vibe and an indoor dining room serving British comfort food. The drink menu features a notable Collins selection as well as British-inspired tipples like the Camden Spritz and Wimbledon Cup. Heading the kitchen is Chef James Sharman – he of global pop-up marvel One Star House Party – whipping up comforting, hearty dishes such as Scotch egg and soldiers, chicken, leek and bacon pie, beef Wellington and scampi with crushed peas, vinegar and crisps. We love us a proper savoury pie…
Shop 308 and 311, 3/F, Lee Garden Two, 28 Yun Ping Road, Causeway Bay, 2337 7651
Pici (Lai Chi Kok)
Homemade pasta has proven to be a big hit in Hong Kong, with five branches of Pirata Group’s Pici opening in quick succession. The newest can be found at D2 Place in Lai Chi Kok, launching in mid-May. To celebrate the opening, head to LCK on Friday, 17 May during lunch from 12pm or dinner from 6pm for a pasta giveaway (200 pasta dishes per time slot). Get yourself a plate of Pici’s sinful tagliolini with black truffle or classic lasagne on the house!
Shop G03, G/F, D2 Place TWO, 15 Cheung Shun Street, Lai Chi Kok, no bookings
Supabowl (Central)
Joining its sibling in Wanchai, the newest Supabowl shop continues to craft gorgeous and healthy rainbow-hued açai and smoothie bowls. Read more here.
41–43 Graham Street, Central, 9389 4838
Wagyu Vanne by GOSANGO
Sibling to and sharing a space with hotpot master J POT (read our review here), Wagyu Vanne offers a contemporary yakiniku experience founded by Japanese celeb chef (and DJ!) Vanne Kuwahara of Ebisu YORONIKU in Tokyo. As at J POT, the focus is on Wagyu from one of Japan’s oldest suppliers, Hiyama. The 10-course tasting menu is a highlight, as is Chef Kuwahara’s Hiyama A5 Wagyu sandwich for two.
1/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, 2885 0533
Closures
Blue: Butcher & Meat Specialist
Opened back in 2012 by Maximal Concepts under the moniker Blue Butcher on what was then the wrong end of Hollywood Road, steakhouse Blue spearheaded the revival of Sheung Wan as a dining destination. It’s with a heavy heart that we announce that Blue will host its final service on Sunday, 19 May, closing its doors following a steep rent increase. We’ll miss the top-notch beef, the cocktails, the brunch and the great vibe – so long, Blue (we’re blue).
Update: The Last Supper ($890/person) will be held on Saturday, 18 May with a throwback menu showcasing the greatest hits from Blue’s very first menu seven years ago. Phone 2898 3788 or email reservations@bluebutcher.com to book.
simplylife OPEN KITCHEN (ifc mall)
It was quite a surprise to see ifc mall’s always buzzing OPEN KITCHEN suddenly shuttered as of Thursday, 16 May. For years it’s been a reliable spot for brekkie, lunch and arvo snacking. We wonder what’s to come in its place… Update: it’s Duck & Waffle from London!
The Woods
Victoria Chow’s The Woods on Hollywood Road, whose Annex was the Editors’ Choice Hidden Gem winner at last year’s Foodie Forks – will serve up its last experimental cocktail on Thursday, 30 May. Get there before it shuts, with the bar offering an exciting daily line-up of events and giveaways to both celebrate its five-year anniversary and bemoan its sad imminent closure, from movie nights and free-flow fries to a cocktail and canapé dinner. But it’s not goodbye forever to The Woods – as the website cryptically states, “The Woods is not going anywhere, it’s going everywhere.” Let’s stay tuned to their Facebook page for details!
Related: New Restaurants April 2019
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