Mercedes me store review: Casual dining at its finest
German carmaker Mercedes-Benz takes customer service to the next level with its new Mercedes me Store, an urban boutique bang in the middle of Central. Through this rather innovative ‘concept store’, Mercedes offers a versatile space that can be used for all kinds of lifestyle, cultural, or corporate activities, as well as for a variety of retail experiences.
Venture upstairs from this boutique space, though, and yet another surprise awaits the guests! Mercedes has rightly surmised that no retail experience can be complete without a gastronomic element in it. With that in mind, the Mercedes me Store now offers an all-day dining option for guests, from breakfast to late-night dinner and drinks.
Carefully crafted by Maximal Concepts’ Executive Chef Russell Doctrove and Head Chef Joaquin Elizondo, the menu brings together the best of Asian and European culinary influences. Chefs Doctrove and Elizondo seem equally comfortable with their raw and cooked dish presentations – resulting in an eclectic mix of casual, modern cuisine that’s meant to be shared.
Eager to put the chefs’ skills to test, we started with the appetisers and were pleasantly surprised by the wide range. From the cured beef carpaccio (HK$169), whose decadent truffle crème is matched by pickled tangy mushrooms, to the ramen organic egg (HK$65), which offers a mouthful of delectable sea urchin, there’s something here for every palate.
The large plates had a lot to live up to after the sumptuous small plate-tastings that we did, and they surpassed our expectations! We particularly recommend the spanner crab linguine (HK$360) for its well-seasoned perfection and the Australian Wagyu sirloin (HK$380) for its crispy meatiness and the generous sprinkling of fried shallots on top – a change from the usual sirloin offerings at most Hong Kong restaurants.
The drinks menu too more than matched up to our expectations with its homage to Asian and European influences. The Green Hell (HK$120) – a classic vodka-based cocktail with an Asian twist – particularly caught our attention. Those looking to go alcohol-free will also be spoilt for choice, with our vote going firmly to King Pin (HK$80).
It seems that with Mercedes me Store, Mercedes-Benz is going all out to please all its customers, no matter how different their individual tastes!
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Explore the unique pairing of Japanese and Italian cuisine with Chef Tabuchi
We check out the unique culinary craft of Chef Tabuchi of S’accapau, who brings together the best of Japanese and Italian ingredients in a beautiful blend!
Chef Tabuchi taps into his Japanese heritage and Italian experience in his culinary creations
While quite a few Hong Kong restaurants have been offering a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine – some of them even making it to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2018 list – fusing Japanese and Italian cuisine has been something of a novelty so far. And that is exactly what Chef Taku Tabuchi has been attempting to do in his Tokyo-based modernist restaurant S’accapau.
Hong Kongers were in luck last weekend with Chef Tabuchi cooking up a cultural storm of sorts at The Mira, Hong Kong, over 8 and 9 June, using his signature techniques that blend the best of his Japanese heritage and his Italian culinary experience.
Chef Tabuchi’s creations are easy on the eye and on the palate
For two nights only, Chef Tabuchi prepared a special six-course menu featuring elements from both Japanese and Italian cuisine, such as yellowtail with fennel and flowers, a trio of sliders, summer flounder with classic Italian sausage, and fregola with flying squid, sea urchin, white shrimp and Asari clams and mussels.
To accompany the delectable dishes was a handpicked selection of wines specially curated by sommelier Seju Yang. The boutique picks included a flinty and refreshing Schloss Johannisberg, Gelblack Feinherb Riesling from Rheingau and a modern Senkin Yamadanishiki hand-made sake. The wine and food pairings were however elevated to the next level by the perfect palate cleansers – the Acqua Panna and S.Pellegrino waters.
Sommelier Seju Yang’s drinks pairing menu has its share of uniqueness
The entire menu will be available for tasting WHISK, The Mira till 23 June from Monday to Saturday at dinner. The menu is priced at HK$890 for six courses, and HK$480 more for six glasses of wine pairings.
Modern-fusion delights at Tipsy, a hidden gem in Little Tai Hang
Once a sleepy village locale, Tai Hang has emerged as one of the city’s fastest-growing dining hubs, with eateries punctuating every one of its small narrow streets. Among the latest to open is Tipsy Restaurant and Bar. Located in the recently-opened Little Tai Hang boutique hotel, this new kid on the block doesn’t just serve up enticing modern European fare, it’s added some sumptuous summer dishes to its menu as well.
Tipsy is the brainchild of chef/owner Kong Wai Sing, whose varied culinary career includes stints in local cha chaan tengs, Australian eateries and, more recently, at Lily & Bloom, the well-known LKF steakhouse.
All these epicurean influences are well represented in Kong’s latest endeavour. The menu at Tipsy is a tad short perhaps, but is more than makes up for by the depths of flavour each dish provides.
We began our tasting with several small plates served tapas-style and plated to perfection. Standouts included the sinfully creamy and deceptively filling Duck Confit Risotto Ball with Spring Onion (HK$98) and the very refreshing and somewhat unconventional Tuna Tartar with Watermelon and Avocado (HK$178).
But it must be said that the Blistered Spanish Red Prawn in Sake and Sesame Oil (HK$188 per piece) definitely stole the show. Each gargantuan Spanish red prawn is blistered with a blow torch right at your table to a perfect medium-rare consistency. Expect interplaying textures between the crispy exterior and succulent flesh topped with the extra crunch provided by the puffed rice.
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Next, the main courses arrived in an explosion of colour. For seafood aficionados, opt for the indulgently rich King Prawn Ravioli with Sea Urchin Cream and Fennel Foam (HK$268) or splash out for the Whole Lobster Garganelli Pasta cooked with Cherry Tomato and Baby Spinach (HK$498). If poultry is more your speed, the Tipsy Signature Roast Spring Chicken stuffed with Black Truffle (HK$328) is another one not to miss.
Nearly filled to the brim, we rounded out our Tipsy tasting with the Charcoal Grilled Pineapple with Caramel and Coconut Ice Cream (HK$68), whose tart notes were the perfect post-meal digestive.
Tipsy is, without a doubt, a bastion of modern fusion cooking. But perhaps more critically, it’s a place where each carefully chosen ingredient is allowed to shine, whether solo or in tandem with an unexpected partner, without too many frills and fancies. And it is precisely this light-handed yet innovative touch that sets this particular Tai Hang restaurant in front of the pack.
Father’s Day festivities: Gifting and dining ideas for daddy dearest
Father’s Day is almost upon us, and while we think that just one designated day is not enough to show the love we have for the most special man in our lives, it’s also true that Father’s Day provides a perfect opportunity to shower daddy dearest with gifts and pamper him silly on this special occasion. But before you zero in on a gifting and dining option, check out our round-up:
To gift:
TUMI Alpha Bravo collection
Available in different colours to suit your dad’s personal style statement, the iconic Alpha Bravo collection has long been any jetsetter’s favourite accessory. Featuring luminescent reflective silver that pops to life under bright lights, the Alpha Bravo is a versatile collection that easily transitions between your dad’s days at the office, nights out in town and everywhere in between.
Armand de Brignac flute glass set
In time for Father’s Day, Armand de Brignac has released a new limited-edition gift set, including a bottle of Armand de Brignac Brut Gold (750ml), alongside two Armand de Brignac crystal champagne flute glasses. Conceptualised by Philippe Jamesse, the head sommelier at two-Michelin-star restaurant Les Crayères, the tulip-shaped flutes are shaped to best bring out the flavours and aroma of Armand de Brignac Champagnes. Direct orders at: www.adb-asia.com
Emporio Armani Father’s Day collection
Ahead of Father’s Day this year, Emporio Armani brings a range of signature pieces, including ready-to-wear items and accessories for fashion-forward fathers. From structured suits to well-fitted trousers, from jaunty shoes to casual t-shirts, there’s something for all fathers, no matter what their individual style is.
Check out the collection at:
1/F & 2/F Chater House, No. 11 Chater Road, Central
Shop 227, Level 2, Pacific Place, No. 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Shop G103A, No.23 Canton Road, Harbour City, Kowloon
Shop 6W542, Terminal 1, West Hall, HK International Airport, Lantau Island
To dine:
Gaucho
Treat your beloved dad to a sumptuous meal at Gaucho’s this Father’s Day. Chef Saruulgerel Eggi-Enkh-Amgalan cooks up a delectable storm for brunch, paying tribute to the diverse culinary traditions of Argentina. From succulent free-range beef, mouth-watering ceviches and other Argentinean classics to free-flow desserts, Father’s Day at Gaucho is expected to be a very satisfying affair.
Go Italian this Father’s Day with Gaia’s special brunch menu. Choose from a wide selection of appetisers and seafood from the buffet or creamy soup before progressing to meatier options like beef lasagna or roasted suckling pig. Those looking for white proteins can opt for grouper fish or free-range eggs.
Spend a relaxing Father’s Day over a French seafood lunch at InterContinental’s 1-Michelin star restaurant Rech by Alain Ducasse. Offering a 5-course set menu comprising a seafood sampler, choice of appetisers, main course and dessert, and Rech’s famous Camembert, the menu ensures a fulfilling experience for even the most discerning of dads. For children, the restaurant also offers a separate 3-course menu with choices of starters, main course and dessert, plus free-flowing drinks to keep your tiny tot happy and engaged as well.
Nothing spells gourmet better than Gordon Ramsey’s dishes, and that is exactly what is on offer at Bread Street Kitchen and Bar this Father’s Day weekend. Treat your father to the king of all dishes, Gordon Ramsey’s classic preparation of Beef Wellington. Also on offer are British classic brunch favourites, alongside a traditional Sunday roast, meaning there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Meat and Greet: Dining at one Michelin-starred Beefbar
Tucked away on Ice House Street, just on the outskirts of Lan Kwai Fong, lies the Beefbar, an establishment long-favoured by the city’s more carnivorous connoisseurs. While wowing the more meat-minded, it has also – rather impressively – managed to notch up a Michelin star for its trouble.
This, however, is the Hong Kong outpost of an international chain founded in Monaco in 2005, with the group guided by the sure instincts of award-winning Italian restauranteur, Riccardo Giraudi. To date, it’s the only branch in Asia as well as the sole claimant to a Michelin star.
Given its pre-eminent location, it should come as no surprise that its evening patronage has a distinct corporate skew, with many after-hours deals probably covertly consummated amid its marble trappings and plush leather seating. It pretty much goes without saying that its bar is well-stocked and that its selection of fine wines and premium spirits should satisfy even the most discerning of drinkophiles.
Executive Chef Andrea Spagoni has helmed Beefbar since day one
The main attraction here, as its name clearly asserts, is undoubtedly the beef. With Executive Chef Andrea Spagoni having been the man behind its menu from day, every item on its expansive menu is fashioned from only the finest produce, whether beef, seafood or – for those wanting to go green – vegetarian items.
With more than 20 years of experience under his big white hat, it’s apparent that Spagoni has a clear vision for Beefbar: “While we specialise in beef, we don’t call ourselves a steakhouse. We go far beyond that, whether in terms of our Raw Bar, which serves raw beef and seafood specialities, or our focus on delivering high quality seafood and vegetarian options to any diner who may be meat-averse.”
Tuna, Veal, Oyster and Caviar Tartare
Keen to put Spagoni’s claims to the test, we began with a selection of Raw delicacies, with Tuna, Veal, Oyster and Caviar Tartare (HK$490) first to the table. Surprisingly subtle, it proved a perfect balance of land-meets-ocean, with the meaty morsels of veal eye the perfect counterpoint to the salty tuna and creamy oyster nibbles.
Next was another cold appetiser – Seabass Ceviche with Edamame, Tosazu and Quail Egg (HK$220). Here, the milder flavours of the seabass were expertly forefronted, wholly enriched by crunchy edamame, a creamy quail egg and a tart vinaigrette sauce. The perfect summer dish.
Seabass with Edamame, Tosazu and Quail’s Egg
As a diverting interlude, Chef Spagoni then set about enticing us with items from his menu’s Street Food range, featuring Grade A5 Kobe beef prepared and served in a number of truly innovative ways.
Of these, the Kobe Beef and Sea Urchin Crispy Tacos (HK$290) was truly delicious with a surprisingly cohesive flavour given the robust taste profiles of its individual ingredients. Our undoubted favourite, though, was the Black Angus Slider with Bacon and Lemon Sauce (HK$100). Every bite of this mini-burger simply melted in the mouth, with the bacon according the taste buds a little added zing.
Kobe Beef and Sea Urchin Crispy Tacos
Finally, although almost wholly replete, it was time for dessert. As if on cue, an “Irish Coffee” Souffle and Coffee Ice Cream (HK$120) with an expresso shot appeared on the table. As any aspirant baker will attest, soufflés are among the most challenging desserts to deliver with true perfection, but Chef Spagoni rose to the occasion with considerable aplomb. Perfectly symmetrical and with just the right amount of wobble, it initially seemed solely suitable for those with the sweetest of tooths. Upon pairing it with a sip of the expresso shot, however, balance was more than restored, with the caffeine dispelling any hint of post-prandial torpor.
Black Angus Mini Burger with Bacon and Lemon Sauce
As each successive dish was served, it was eminently clear that it was more than just the food that sets Beefbar apart. In truth, it’s the finesse and eye for detail with which Chef Spagoni plates each dish that truly sets this establishment apart from Hong Kong’s horde of rival meaty me-too’s.
2/F, Club Lusitano, 16 Ice House St, Central. (852) 2110 8853. hk.beefbar.com/
Text: Tenzing Thondup
Eau Dear: Wine-water-food pairings are a mealtime must
Wine, water and food together form the Holy Trinity of gastronomic experience
While food and wine pairings have been done to death over the years, gourmands and libation lovers may yet have a final frontier to conquer – water. This much-overlooked liquid is finally being recognised as the third crucial component in any truly grand gastronomic experience. So much so, in fact, that it has given rise to the first wave of water sommeliers, H2O aficionados skilled in the arcane rites of harmonisation, i.e. the newly coined term for the process of wine-water-food pairings.
To date, Jason Kuok is the first and only certified water sommelier in Hong Kong. According to him, “Water is a very important element of any meal. As it can impact on your enjoyment of your chosen food and wine, care should be taken to pair the right food with the right wine and the most appropriate water.”
Water cleanses the palate and elevates the tasting experience
While it’s tempting to dismiss this as yet another far-fetched fad on the part of the over-dined, there is some scientific(ish) support for the notion. According to Dr Michael Mascha, a US food anthropologist, Americans and Europeans are starting to pay as much attention to the water as to the wine when they sit down to dine. When Ray’s & Stark Bar, an LA-based Mediterranean-style restaurant, launched a 42-page water menu, it saw its water sales soar by 500%.
So, how exactly should wine and water complement one other? According to Giuseppe Vaccarini and Claudia Moriondo, two of Italy’s most renowned wine sommeliers, alternately sipping wine and water should allow the palate to experience a series of overlapping sensations without one overpowering the other. As a rule, they say it’s best to serve still water with white wines or young reds and to match both of these with white proteins, fish, seafood and salads.
In the case of the full-bodied reds wines, these tend to have a bolder personality with a high tannin levels. As a result, they are best paired with rich proteins and S.Pellegrino-style sparkling water, with the liquid’s higher mineral content and light sparkle ideal for rinsing and refreshing the palate.
Clément Vachon, Sanpellegrino’s international relations and communication director
Whatever your chosen menu, Clément Vachon, Sanpellegrino’s international relations and communication director, says there is always one golden rule – “The water always pairs the wine, not the other way round.”
Expanding upon his belief, he says: “The king of the table is the dish. For centuries, wine pairings have enhanced the dining experience, while water remained the missing part of the trilogy. Now, by properly combining all three, you get the ultimate experience.”
Our recommendations
S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna should be paired with red and white wines respectively
Bollinger Grande Anée 2007 + Acqua Panna + Tuna Tartare
This wine is endowed with a lovely aromatic fullness, complete with honey flavours and a smooth chalky texture; candied lemon notes and a delicious bitterness, all concluding with a wonderfully refreshing finish. Acqua Panna harmonises well with the wine without overpowering the taste sensations and you can match this with a light tuna tartare or a gavlax of salmon for a truly great accompaniment.
This Tuscan wine boasts a beguiling blend of Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, Cab Franc and Petit Verdot. Ornellaia 2013, with its vibrant colour, has a nose of aromatic complexity, thoughtfully structured around a complex fruitiness and spiciness resonant with distinct balsamic notes. Pair with a glass of S.Pellegrino and a protein dish, such as a Florentine steak with a lemon butter sauce.
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Arcane: Embark on a European culinary adventure with multi-award winning Chef Shane Osborn
Chef Shane Osborn
Tucked away on On Lan Street, Arcane– proud owner of 1 Michelin star – stays true to its name by offering gourmands a discreet place to escape the hustle of the city, while conveniently being located right in the heart of it.
Helmed by multi-award winning chef, Shane Osborn, Arcane serves modern European cuisine, offered by way of a seasonal A la carte menu, alongside specials and a set lunch menu. As the first Australian Chef to achieve one and two Michelin stars at Pied à Terre in London, Chef Osborn then followed with a new solo venture, Arcane, in November 2014.
Upon entering, you will be welcomed with a wine cellar, complete with over 1,000 wines – a delightful nod at some of the marvels soon to follow. The intimate 36-seat restaurant is furnished with fine artworks and oak interiors, while the open kitchen provides a sneak peak of the behind-the-scenes action.
Explaining the concept behind Arcane, Stefano Bartolomei, Arcane’s General Manager and Wine Director, explains that fresh ingredients are key to the restaurant’s signature. Most are imported from Japan and Europe, while others are grown in-house. On warmer days, alfresco dining is available in the terrace area, redolent of a tropical English garden, complete with lush greenery and a garden where Chef Osborn grows a selection of herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Stefano Bartolomei, General Manager and Wine Director at Arcane
Admirably committed to the cause, the restaurant’s determination to offer only the finest of ingredients does not stop there. Born and raised in Umbria, the “Green Heart of Italy”, Bartolomei brings a little piece of his childhood to Arcane, in the form of Marfuga’s award-winning organic extra virgin olive oils. Made from handpicked olives from the groves of the Marfuga hills, the olive oil is then crafted at a family-owned mill with a 200-year tradition of olive oil making.
Marfuga Olive Oils are exclusively available at Arcane, Hong Kong
The D.O.P. Umbria (HK$248 per bottle) and L’Affiorante (HK$308 per bottle) are two of Italy’s finest and award-winning organic oils and are exclusively available at Arcane, Hong Kong. The premium and diverse product is used as an essential ingredient in Chef Osborn’s seasonal dishes, not only bringing a wealth of flavours, but also a wide range of health benefits such as reducing cholesterol and inflammation. While the lighter of the two, D.O.P. Umbria, can be used for cold preparations such as salads, fresh cheese or grilled fish, the more intense L’Affiorante is recommended on soups, red meats, lentils or braised preparations.
To gain a better understanding of how these two “extreme oils” – as labelled by Franceso Gradassi, owner of Marfuga – are used in Chef Osborne’s creations, we embarked on a culinary adventure.
Japanese fruit tomato with imam bayildi, rocket pesto, sour cream and marfuga olive oil
To begin, we were presented with the signature dish of Japanese fruit tomato with imam bayildi, rocket pesto, sour cream and marfuga olive oil. Sweet, salty and tangy with a tart almond touch, thanks to the D.O.P Umbria olive oil.
Next up, was the Sautéed potato gnocchi with truffle and pine nut cream, morel mushrooms and wild garlic leaves. The delicate dumplings were easily devoured thanks to the silky smooth texture, while the creamy garlic sauce drizzled over the meaty morel mushrooms was a match made in heaven.
Sautéed potato gnocchi with truffle and pine nut cream, morel mushrooms and wild garlic leaves
To finish, we were presented with Macadamia ice cream with fresh almond, topped with frozen L’Affiorante olive oil. That’s right, frozen olive oil is ‘A Thing’. While I felt undecided as to how I felt about a dessert with olive oil, I nonetheless rose to the challenge and was pleasantly surprised. The unexpected fusion of the cold and creamy macadamia ice cream against the waxy olive oil, at first, was admittedly unwelcome. But after the initial crunch (or two) of the fresh almonds, the ingredients unusually mingled together to create a harmonious medley of sweet and salty flavours.
As I pondered in silence, I very quickly came to the conclusion that there can be more to olive oil than meets the eye.
In a city of unimaginable eateries, even the most experienced epicures will be surprised with Chef Osborn’s ability to unpredictably pair these rich (and at times, rare) olive oils with the freshest of sweet and savoury ingredients.
If you are feeling inspired to incorporate these healthy alternatives into your daily diets, a visit to Arcane should definitely be on the cards!
Address: Arcane, 3/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central
For more information please visit, www.arcane.hk or call (852) 2728 0178
Text: Hira Desai
Portuguese cuisine gets modern makeover at Casa Lisboa
It’s hardly a secret that when it comes to Portuguese cuisine, our Macanese cousins may have a slight edge over our fair city. But all that may just change, thanks to Casa Lisboa, which recently opened doors at a new location on Wyndham Street in Central.
Casa Lisboa’s interiors
While Casa Lisboa’s traditional menu has been redolent of everything that is authentically Portuguese, the restaurant seems to have found a new direction in contemporary Portuguese cuisine, thanks to the able stewardship of Executive Chef Fábio Pombo. Drawing from his vast knowledge of Portuguese ingredients and culinary techniques, Chef Pombo has curated eight new courses that explore the more modern aspects of Portuguese fare.
Kenyan beans & green asparagus tempura
Our curiosity was piqued by the first course itself – an appetiser of Kenyan beans & green asparagus tempura. While someone with even a passing interest in food would know that tempura is a signature Japanese dish, few are actually aware that it passed on to Japan after originating in Portugal at the other end of the Eurasian continent. What sets apart the tempura at Casa Lisboa is, however, the fact that its crunchiness doesn’t compromise its garden flavours in any way. However, the appetiser that really won our heart was the oxtail pie with whipped meat sauce. Unpretentious to look at and packed to the brim with meaty goodness, this is the one dish that we’d be sure to re-order the next time we find ourselves at Casa Lisboa.
Lamb chops a mods da Quinta grilled lamb
Moving on to the mains then, the course that stayed with us was the lamb chops a mods da Quinta grilled lamb with roasted tomato, pumpkin and baby onion. Succulent, juicy and melting-in-the-mouth is just how we like our proteins to be! For guests looking to go light on red meats, the oven-baked sea bream Assada is a reliable choice. Sea bream, a popular fish in Portugal, evokes just the right amount of maritime flavours that are balanced perfectly by the accompanying grilled veggies.
Oven-baked sea bream Assada
Those looking for some carbs can try the octopus rice with spring onion, green asparagus & octopus tempura, but if you are full – and you are likely to be as the portions at Casa Lisboa are quite on the generous side – give it a miss altogether and head straight for the desserts. In keeping with the tradition of baked fruits, ever so popular in Portugal, Casa Lisboa offers a sumptuous dessert of roasted peach with Moscatel and yoghurt chantilly. The tender and creamy peach provides a perfect conclusion to a thoroughly satisfying meal.
Roasted peach with Moscatel & yogurt chantilly
It’s easy to understand, then, just why this restaurant was so packed when we visited. In a city thronging with ‘must-go-to’ eateries, we can safely say that Casa Lisboa is our ‘must-go-to-again’ destination.
Going Dutch: Dutch Days in Hong Kong explores the country’s rich culture and heritage
To celebrate King’s Day or Koningsdag – Holland’s National Day that falls on 27 April – the Dutch Consulate General in Hong Kong dedicates the whole month of April to celebrate all things Dutch through a month-long festival, aptly named Dutch Days in Hong Kong.
Now in its fourth year, the festival – co-organised by Asia Week Hong Kong – featured a series of panel discussions, art competitions, photography exhibitions, culinary evenings and good ol’ family fun activities – all steeped in that quintessential Dutch flavour.
As Annemieke Ruigrok, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macau puts it, “The Dutch Days will give you an insight into other forms of Dutch art and culture that may not be that well known.”
Several events like a Dutch oyster and caviar masterclass by Blend Brothers and Martin Rjik, an art x dining experience inspired by the Dutch Golden Ages, a photography exhibition by Dutch photographer Frank van Driel were among a host of cultural exchanges that brought nearer the rather distant shores of Hong Kong and the Netherlands this year.
In Asia Week Hong Kong Director Candice Lee’s own words, this celebration is an endeavour to “learn about Dutch society, culture, arts, entrepreneurship, which, we hope, will motivate everyone to enjoy what the Netherlands has to offer.”
Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay Video: Lai Tin Yeung
Top places to dine with your Mum this Mother’s Day
It’s that time of year again when we celebrate the superwoman in our lives – our mums! While we think our Mums deserve appreciation everyday, Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to pamper them and make them feel extra special. From brunches to special dinners with gifts, check out our guide to giving your mum the star treatment she deserves.
Free-flow bubbly brunches
Mercato by Jean-Georges’ new family-style brunch menuis the perfect way to enjoy the special occasion with your loved ones. Complete with hearty sharing dishes such as the Crispy Chicken Sandwich (HK$198) and Sunny Side Up, Egg House-Made Sausage Pizza (HK$188), this is a great option for large groups. If you are looking to incorporate some fizz into your celebrations, opt for the bubbly experience by adding two hours of free-flow Champagne Mumm (HK$258).
For those looking for a healthier option, Gaucho’s new revitalized brunch menu (from HK$350pp) offers the perfect balance of refreshing dishes while retaining its authentic Argentinean flavours.
Alternatively, treat Mum to a lavish brunch with the family at sophisticated Argentinian steakhouse Buenos Aires Polo Club, with a striking seafood bar, regal prime rib carving station, bountiful charcuterie and cheese boards, opulent egg station and towering selection of freshly baked pastries, breads, cakes and sweets.
Afternoon tea at Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour
If you’re mother is a fan of gin, this is definitely not one to miss! Inspired by the Swedish tradition of ‘Fika’, or time set aside to have tea in a highly social setting, Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlourlaunches a brand new Nordic afternoon tea (HK$498 + 10% for 2) this Mother’s Day. Each mum will receive a free upgrade to a Mother’s Day gin & tonic with the chance to surprise her with a special floral bouquet or organic tea jars crafted by Dr. Fern himself. If the idea of “pause and reset” sounds appealing, pair that with yummy treats and a live band performance for a perfect afternoon!
For more information: www.drfernshk.com, info@drfernshk.com, (852) 2111 9449
Mother’s Day at Intercontinental Hong Kong
If you are looking for something extra special this Mother’s Day, you will be spoilt for choice with an array of offerings at Intercontinental Hong Kong. The “Rosy Love” Afternoon Tea Set (HK$668 for 2) in partnership with SABON includes a luxurious gift set, complete with bodycare products and a gift card for a complimentary hand treatment.
Rech by Alain Ducasse celebrates Le French GourMay with both an Apéritif and 5-course menu (HK $1,188 per person) paying homage to Provence, this year’s showcased region and Nice, the hometown of Rech Executive Chef Stéphane Gortina. Alternatively, opt for the French seafood 4-course lunch set menu with choices of appetiser, main course and dessert, plus Rech’s famous Camembert (HK$588). Please note: All prices are subject to a 10% service charge.
If that isn’t enough to convince you, read on! All mothers enjoying the buffet or set lunch and dinner menus in the Intercontinental restaurants on May 13th will receive a gift set valued at HK$618 from “history of Whoo”, the prestigious Korean skincare brand. What’s not to love?
For more information and special offers at the Intercontinental Hong Kong, click here.
Whether you are looking for a low-key family get together or a reason to splash-out, Mother’s Day dining is a great way to spend some quality time with your loved one.
