Notable Openings
Central Market Has Officially Re-Opened!
Hong Kong’s Central Market was the city’s first ever wet market, erected in 1939 and now a listed Grade III historical site. Beginning in 2009, the 500 million dollar revitalisation project has finally culminated in a brand new era for the market, with a revamped look and feel incorporating dining, shopping, cultural and even educational components. The original architecture of the space has been carefully preserved, while the interiors have been modernised with sleek folding doors and equipped with projectors and a sound system for upcoming events that the space will host. Food highlights include izakaya Wako Sake, Singaporean joint Pulau and grocer and deli Chef’s Market.
Open now at 93 Queen’s Road Central; centralmarket.hk
Pop-Ups & Collaborations
Ice Age! x Landmark Mandarin Oriental
Dairy-free ice cream store Ice Age! has collaborated with Landmark Oriental’s PDT to recreate some of the bar’s most iconic drinks as frozen treats. Ice Age! offers up a delectable array of creamy, vegan delights, the ice-cream created using the same molecular makeup as whey from dairy but without involving animals nor any animal products. The result is a creamy and rich ice-cream that is better for you, and the planet. The Cucumber Spritz is a refreshing delight, with a touch of fizz in the Prosecco ice cream for a cooling treat!
When: From August 19
Where: The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
Impossible Foods x Peking Garden
Peking Garden ventures into the world of meatless meats with Impossible, with executive chef Kan Chi-Kwan crafting an entirely vegetarian menu featuring 8 traditional Chinese dishes. Crowd favourite dishes include pan-fried dumplings stuffed with Impossible beef for crispy, juicy morsels bursting with flavour, while the Impossible Minced Meat Thick Soup combines the classic Hangzhou dish with Impossible beef, egg whites and enoki mushrooms for a wholesome and warming starter.
When: From August
Where: Basement 1, Alexandra House, LANDMARK, Central; 2526 6456
Shake it EP Themed Dancing Nights At Cassio
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Following a French Riviera ‘70s themed dance bonanza in July, Cassio will present a night of music and drinks inspired by Japan in the ‘80s for one night only this August. Alberto Aldave, the former senior mixologist at The Ritz in London, has crafted two unique cocktails just for the occasion: a Japanese twist on a dry martini and a fruity and delicate vodka-based cocktail inspired by the founder of Suntory. The innovative creations will be accompanied by Japan ‘80s city-pop, courtesy of DJ JayMe.
When: August 19
Where: 2/F LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central; 37920129
Champagne Masterclass At The Aubrey
Japanese izakaya The Aubrey has officially launched the Champagne and Sake Bar located within the intimate setting of their Curio Lounge. With over 50 champagne labels and 25 exclusive sakes, the eclectic collection also features 3 sparkling sakes for guests to enjoy a thorough and unique drinking experience. Head Sommelier Dirk Chen and Maximal Concept’s Group Sommelier Marie-Paule Herman will also lead thrilling Champagne Masterclasses each Saturday beginning August 14, taking guests on a champagne-filled journey, for an edifying and hands-on process understanding the various types of champagne styles alongside differences between regions and vinification processes.
When: 3pm every Saturday from August 14
Where: 25/F, Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central; mandarinoriental.com
Cookie DPT returns to LANDMARK
Hong Kong’s most covetable cookie store returns to LANDMARK for an extended stay! The pop-up will also host a lineup of LANDMARK exclusive products, including cinnamon rolls, fudge brownies and basque burnt cheesecakes. Two daily deliveries to the pop-up will ensure that only the freshest rotation of goods will be available, while Cookie DPT will continue to roll out exciting new flavours, their latest being a decadent and marshmallow-stuffed s’mores-inspired cookie.
When: Until September 30
Where: Shop 350, 3/F LANDMARK ATRUM; cookiedpt.com
The Upper House x Mother Pearl
Guilt-free, plant-based and the only bubble tea store in Hong Kong to make their ingredients from scratch, Mother Pearl is a boba joint unlike any other. The health-conscious eatery has set up a pop-up space at The Upper House from now until August 31, dishing out a selection of their signature vegan delights including the Yuen Yeung 2.0 and the Taro Mo Latte. The collaboration will also include a healing, somatic singing bowl meditation experience on June 12 co-hosted by boutique wellness consultancy, iLiving, the session wrapping up with a clean bubble tea refreshment to nourish both body and mind.
When: From June 3 – August 31 with a somatic singing bowl meditation experience on June 12
Where: Level 6, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty
Menu Updates
COBO HOUSE Off-Chapter “Italian x Asian” Menu
K11 MUSEA’s COBO HOUSE presents a unique off-chapter menu that highlights Italy’s finest produce and dishes with a notably Hong Kong twist. A locally remade semolina pasta is infused with choi sum and paired with swordfish belly, while a trio of tomatoes – a staple Italian ingredient – are brightened with a medley of Asian-influenced sauces. Through careful intention and expert technique, Chef Ray and Devon marry familiar Italian flavours with Asian inspired ingredients from Japan and Hong Kong for a truly refreshing and refined take on fusion.
When: From 18 August to 30 September
Where: Shop 602, 6/F, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; cobohouse.com
Miss Lee Summer Menu
Vegetarian favourite Miss Lee has updated their menu to include a host of nostalgic and approachable summer-friendly offerings. Get your meal off to a refreshing start with the Celtuce & Mushroom Salad, served with pickled ginger jelly for a zingy pick-me-up. The Homemade Scallion Pancake is a plant-based take on the Cantonese favourite, oozing melty vegan cheese for a comforting bite. The Cold Noodles with Potato Strips is inspired by Sichuanese stir-fried potato chips, served with crunchy fungus and bamboo shoots for a textural delight.
When: From August
Where: G/F,The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Sheung Wan; misslee.hk
Yakinikumafia Summer Menu
Hong Kong’s favourite Yakiniku joint presents a refreshing array of summer dishes to brighten up and complement their signature, melt-in-your-mouth Ozaki beef. The Hiyashi Somen sees silky and delicate wheat noodles chilled over ice and served with a flavourful dashi broth. The cold noodles offer a delightful bite, while the sweet daikon radish balances the acidity of fresh lime. Another bright addition is the Japanese Green Pepper Salad, where Miyazaki green peppers are tossed with Kombu and splashed with the zingy Wagyumafia Wagyusco dressing. Opt for the signature Omakase – featuring six rare cuts of Ozaki beef – to enjoy the full Yakinikumafia experience!
When: From August
Where: 2/F, Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan; yakinikumafia.hk
A “Taste of Singapore” at J.A.M.
Joint Asian Market’s Uncle Quek presents a satiating spread of six Singaporean dishes in celebration of Singapore National Day on August 9! In lieu of the Singapore-Hong Kong travel bubble and available at just HK$180 a head, the feast will surely satisfy your Singapore food cravings with iconic favourites like char kway teow and black pepper prawns, while guests can quench their thirst on Singaporean specials Milo dinosaur or fresh calamansi soda among other refreshing beverages.
When: From 21 July
Where: Lobby, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Road Central; j-a-m.hk
Darkside The Moon Menu
Darkside presents an ethereal menu of 8 new cocktails representing the 8 phases of the moon. The cocktail “Gratitude” is inspired by the strength of a full moon, packing a powerful punch with a base of Star of Bombay gin alongside clarified milk punch and sour cherry wine. In contrast, the New Beginning cocktail, which gives a subtle nod to the first phase of the moon cycle, is an aromatic blend of Johnnie Walker Black Label and Fernet Hunter, while the addition of Cantine Intorica Banana Aromatic Marsala Wine adds a subtle complexity to the light and approachable cocktail.
When: From July 12th
Where: Level Two, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; darkside.hk
Aria Omakase
Aria brings authentic Italian cuisine with innovative flair to the heart of Lan Kwai Fong. Helmed by Chef Angelo Vecchio, Aria presents a brand new omakase menu that features inventive and delightful dishes highlighting fresh produce arriving that day. A line-caught, jet-fresh meagre fish from Brittany, France is pan-fried, the delicate, flaky meat served with caviar sauce and zucchini for enhanced brininess and textural play. Meanwhile, the spaghetti alla chittarra features handmade spaghetti served with a creamy, buttery sauce and a generous heaping of truffles. The à la carte menu is inspired by tradition but informed with modernity and innovation – the spring onion risotto takes the humble spring onion and dissects it for a mouthwatering dish. The four-course executive lunch offers a speedy solution to fine dining, while mama’s home cooking menu highlights Italian comfort food.
When: From late July
Where: 24/F California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central; ariaitalian.com
BaseHall welcomes FRANCIS, Grub 1842 and WineHouse
Good things come and go as apparent in BaseHall’s evolving roladex of Hong Kong’s hottest new eateries. The below ground spot is saying goodbye to a few darlings, but, for the first time since it’s opening a year ago, BaseHall will be delivering new options including Middle Eastern restaurant FRANCIS, Young Master’s culinary spin-off Grub 1842 and WineHouse by BaseHall. BaseHall proved to be a hit amongst city dwellers – with 10 vendors to choose from, each experience at the food hall promises to be unique and satisfying. This time, feast on a palatable menu ranging from the Za’atar dosed dishes of Tel Aviv to Japanese sakes and a gourmet take on the no-frills mac n’ cheese that includes ingredients such as gruyère, red rice koji and squid ink.
When: From June
Where: Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place Central; basehall.hk
La Rambla Taste of Barcelona
Dynamic Spanish eatery La Rambla has updated their menu with creative takes on traditional flavours. The Seafood Canelon is Chef Ferran Tadeo’s marine twist on a traditional cannelloni, stuffed instead with crab and scallop before drizzled with a crab-infused béchamel. Aside from a plentiful selection of new seafood dishes, the Pigeon De Racan is succulent and juicy, elevated with Asian influences like spicy grilled cabbage and homemade bao. For those wanting to try a bite of everything, two new tasting menus including one 8-course menu of signature dishes and one 12-course seafood & seasonal feast allow Chef Tadeo to hand-pick the dishes every evening so guests are sure to find new favourites each time.
When: From June
Where: 3071-73 level 3, ifc mall, Central; larambla.hk
Editor
Carina Fischer
