Sassy’s Guide to Arty Dinners and Drinks in Hong Kong 2015

In case you hadn’t noticed, this is the month of the art fairs! Yep, arguably the biggest art fair in the world, Art Basel, is gracing HK a couple of months earlier than last year, joined by the likes of the Asia Contemporary Art Fair, the new Art Central, Chai Wan Mei and a host of amazing exhibitions. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, you can still get into the spirit of things by indulging in some art-inspired menus and drinks from some of the coolest restaurants and bars around town! Here’s our pick of some of our fave arty dinners for you to try this month…

WHISK at The Mira
If you’re looking for a truly special dinner that’s elegant and inspired by art, then look no further than the ‘Six Sectors’ menu at The Mira’s WHISK. Chef Bjoern Alexander has whipped up another stunning meal using his two loves – the art of cooking and art itself. Expect delicious contemporary European fare that’s beautifully presented in a gorgeous candle-lit setting – we can’t think of a more elegant way to celebrate Hong Kong’s art month!

The Art Inspired Menu is available from now ’til 31 March, Tuesday-Saturday, 6.30-10pm. The six course menu costs $1,180 with an additional $498 for the sommelier recommendations at WHISK, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2315 5999

Absolut Pop Up Art Bar at Vibes
If you’re looking for the coolest party to celebrate Art Basel, then head to The Mira’s Absolut Pop Up Bar at Vibes. This outdoor space will provide a super cool backdrop for the hippest party in town! The pop-up bar is in collaboration with the Absolut Art Bureau and will feature incredible live art from Secret Walls x Hong Kong and limited edition Andy Warhol cocktails from the hotel’s mixologist James. This is definitely one party you don’t want to miss!

The Absolut Pop Up Art Bar runs from 12-17 March (Opening Night Party on 12 March, 7-9pm). Tickets cost $188 and are available here. Vibes, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2315 5999 

Sook & Eat Ethio @ Chai Wan Mei
We’re huge fans of the creative pop-ups and private kitchens hosted by Sook, especially the ones that feature the fabulous Ethiopian cuisine from Eat Ethio! That’s why we can’t wait to check out their curated foodie area at arguably the coolest of all the art festivals – Chai Wan Mei. The rooftop of WING will host their delicious food – look out for grilled Korean BBQ and special Sook bibimbap bowls… our mouths are watering already. And don’t forget to wash it all down with drinks from the Hong Kong Beer Co! WING will also host performances that focus on the theme of storytelling, so you can enjoy some live performances and public interventions on your way to lunch!

Sook & Eat Ethio will be on the rooftop of WING at Chai Wan Mei, Phase 1 Chai Wan Industrial City, 70 Wing Tai Road, Chai Wan, Hong Kong from Saturday 14 March, 12-4pm – Sunday 15 March, 12-5pm.

Art Week Cocktails at The Woods
Ok, we might be a little obsessed with this magical, enchanting bar (check out our review here), but we just had to share their stunning new art-inspired cocktails with you! Inspired by their favourite contemporary artists, The Woods‘ team have come up with whimsical and unique drinks that are sure to get you in the arty spirit of things! Try the ‘The Dandy Warhol’, made with Andy Warhol’s favourite tipple, Jack Daniels, in his favourite subject matter, a Campbell Soup Can. Or if you’re more a fan of Damien Hirst, then you’ve got to try the ‘Momento Mori’ cocktail, a smoked drink that comes in a skull-shaped glass, replicating Hirst’s infamous piece. We can’t wait to sample them, and while you’re there, why not try out the Sassy Secret Cocktail too?

Art Week Cocktails are available from 9-17 March at The Woods, 17 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0281

Mandarin Oriental
We couldn’t talk about arty dinners and drinks without mention the official partner of the big art fair itself, could we?! Mandarin Oriental is the official hotel partner of Art Basel, and is going all out with an art-inspired menu at the Michelin-starred Mandarin Grill + Bar and at Pierre, art-inspired chocolates and cocktails, three independent exhibitions and even a bespoke ‘Art Stay‘!

The ‘Art Stay’ is available from the 9-18 March, see more details here. More details about the exhibitions and art offers are here. Mandarin Oriental, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2522 0111

The Continental Restaurant and Bar Pop-Up
The new kid on the block, Art Central, is not only bringing some incredible art to the Central harbour front, but also some great food. Pacific Place’s The Continental Restaurant and Bar will be providing a pop-up at the fair, so expect delightful European dishes starting at 11am and lasting all day long. If you prefer to keep it casual or want to get some fresh air, be sure to check out Art Central’s Street Food area where you can munch on scrumptious bites from local eateries such as Brickhouse and Classified.

The Continental Restaurant and Bar is open from 14-16 March at Art Central from 11am. The Continental Restaurant and Bar, Unit 406, L4, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2704 5211, www.thecontinentalhongkong.com

The High Art of Dining at Felix, The Peninsula
Keep it classy at The Peninsula’s Felix with ‘The High Art of Dining’ menu. Tuck into Chef Yoshiharu Kaji’s new art-inspired five-course menu, which will take you on a beautiful culinary journey from Canada to Russia, to the US and Mexico. The influence of art, perfumery, architecture and music can be seen in each exquisitely executed dish, so if you looking for somewhere to splash out, this is the place to come!

The High Art of Dining is available from 1 March – 30 April for $ 1,038 per guest, or $ 1,588 paired with a global wine selection at Felix, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2606 6778, www.hongkong.peninsula.com

The Popsy Room
If you want to dine on art-inspired dishes all year round, then you have to check out The Popsy Room! As a gallery and a private kitchen, The Popsy Room offers a dining experience that will play on all five senses. For art month, they’re pulling out all the stops with an incredible exhibition by Hong Kong fashion designer, Zai Zai. Not only will her multimedia works be on display, but she’s also teamed up with The Popsy Room’s chef (who has stacks of experience at Michelin starred French restaurants) to create works of art on a plate. The dishes beautifully present the art works and they sound like the taste delicious too! Munch on Balik Salmon with Curried Quinoa, Salmon Roe and Lemon Cream Fraiche as you gaze at the ‘The Altar of Zai Zai’… this will be an experience you won’t forget.

Zai Zai’s exhibition is on until 2 May, email [email protected] or call 2234 6711 to book the dining experience. The Popsy Room, 30 Upper Lascar Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2234 6711, www.thepopsyroom.com

Duddell’s
Another great dining spot in the heart of Central that’s surround with incredible Asian artwork is Duddell’s. Not only is the food on point (the char siu is to die for…), but exhibitions that they host throughout the year are worth visiting in their own right. Duddell’s regularly hosts the latest and greatest cultural events, so if you’re looking for a shot of artistic inspiration while you dine, this should be top of your list.

Duddell’s, Level 3, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 9191, www.duddells.co

Bibo
A must-visit restaurant for art aficionados is definitely the uber cool Bibo. Set inconspicuously on Hollywood Road, Bibo is stocked full of outrageously good artwork from some very famous artists – think Jean Michel Basquiat (a personal favourite of mine!), Jeff Koons, Banksy and more. The fine french food is an interesting contrast to the street-art style decor, and I couldn’t think of anywhere more appropriate to dine during art month for a slice of inspiration!

Bibo, 163 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2956 3188, www.facebook.com/BiboHongKong

La Paloma at Soho 189 Art Lane
The hottest new art hub in Hong Kong is opening up this week! Soho 189 Art Lane is a brand new area that’s set to become the place for all things art. With three of the best art galleries, Leo Gallery, Pearl Lam and Galerie Huit, Soho 189 Art Lane is sure be your go-to creative hangout. And once you’ve done browsing the various exhibitions at the galleries, don’t forget to munch on delicious Spanish bites from La Paloma, the latest restaurant offering from the foodies behind FoFo by El Willy. It’s still in soft opening until 31 March with limited covers and they are only taking reservations (no walk ins!), but diners can enjoy a special 15% discount in exchange for feedback. The ideal spot to grab a bite to eat after wandering around the galleries…

La Paloma, 1/F, SoHo 189, 198 Queen’s Road West, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2291 6161

From palates to palettes, this roundup of arty dinners and drinks should get you feeling inspired in no time. Happy Hong Kong art month, Sassy girls!