18 August, 2015
Eat & Drink

Food News Flash – August: Restaurant Openings, New Menus and Happy Hours

18 August, 2015

HONG KONG’S LATEST DINING NEWS

We’ve rounded up all the latest dining news in this month’s Food News Flash for you to sink your teeth into. Try something fresh, be it an brand new restaurant or simply a new menu at one of your favourite eateries around town… we’ve got all your gourmet gossip covered below:

NEW OPENINGS

bun chaBun Cha
It’s safe to say that Vietnamese cuisine has become quite popular in the 852. With Bun Cha, you can really delve into the authentic Vietnamese experience. With its cosy and comforting environment, Bun Cha is the perfect place for a relaxing meal with delicious, honest food. We do love our Pho!

Bun Cha, Shop 1, G/F, King Ho Building, Aberdeen St, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong; www.facebook.com/bunchaworld

beer and fishBeer & Fish
Recently opened on 8 August, Beer & Fish shines with its simplicity. The stars of the show are craft beer and fish (the name says it all!), and they sure know how to do those two things right. Beer can even a be chosen as a batter option for your fish, alongside many other options, such as wheat, amber ale or stout. Definitely one to try if you’re seeking hearty comfort food!

Beer & Fish, G/F, 67 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong; www.facebook.com/pages/Beer-Fish

casaCasa
For those of you who have tried Casa in Sai Kung, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a new branch in Shek Tong Tsui. This eatery serves tons of tapas alongside a variety of wines and craft beers. Very much like the Casa in Sai Kung, this venue has a fun, exciting atmosphere as they also have in-house live music.

Casa, 14-16 Woo Hop Street, Shek Tong Tsui, Hong Kong; www.casagroup.co

DBt73RuC4z4GLrbv42yfXw0BuA6xITv2qMtYJfIPtJQK-Pocha
With its colourful interior and up-beat environment, K-Pocha is a great spot for contemporary Korean fare before you head out for a night on the town. Located in the hub of LKF, this restaurant serves up authentic Korean family-style dishes. They also have some tasty sounding soju cocktails as well as their own brewed rice wine (makgeolli).

K-Pocha, 7/F, Ho Lee Commercial Building, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong; www.kpocha.hk

pregoPrego
What’s better than a touch of traditional home-style Italian cooking? Dining Concepts have just opened Prego, a laid-back and relaxing dining experience that offers just that. This Italian bistro has a menu that includes a variety of delicious antipasti and pastas. If you’re a big fan of Cecconi’s, you’ll love this place.

Prego, 43 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong; www.diningconcepts.com

sky 726Sky 726
Located in the heart of Mongkok, Sky726 is a new French fusion kitchen and bar. The resto showcases their signature slow-cooking style using sous-vide techniques that result rich, indulgent dishes. Apart from the food, they also stock some hoppy craft beers and have a spectacular view on the top floor overlooking Kowloon. If you’re looking for a resto with a view, this is definitely one to try out.

Sky 726, 25/4, Nathan 726, 724-726 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Hong Kong; www.facebook.com/sky726

el mercadoEl Mercado
El Mercado introduces Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, also known as ‘Nikkei’ cuisine, to the ‘Kong for the first time. Stop by Wan Chai to try the unusual flavour combinations and fresh ingredients – this unique cuisine is taking the world by storm and we’re sure it’s going to go down a treat here in HK!

El Mercado, 21/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; www.elmercado.hk

uraUra
Calling all Japanese cuisine fans.. this one’s for you! Located in The Wellington in Central, Ura offers an authentic Japanese experience for foodies, with its delicacy of fresh and contemporary Japanese soul food. Not only do they have a wide range of Japanese specialities imported from Osaka, but they also have a happy hour from 3pm to 7pm daily.

Ura, 2/F The Wellington, 198 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong; www.urajapan.com

issayaIssaya Siamese Club
If you’ve been to the Issaya Siamese Club in Bangkok, then you’ll be excited to know that this resto will be opening in HK on 27 August. Showcasing exquisite traditional Thai dishes and flavours from international celebrity Chef Ian Kittichai, the Issaya Siamese Club is bound to bring a truly authentic taste of Thailand to HK. But wait, there’s more.. the resto will even feature an open kitchen with an amazing pastry and dessert counter! We love the sound of that. Opening soon.

Issaya Siamese Club, 25/F, Soundwill Plaza II – Midtown, 1 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; www.issaya.hk

the optimistThe Optimist
Opening in late September, The Optimist offers an authentic and unique Northern Spanish experience for its diners. The interior is designed by the Rocio Martinez, and aims to make feel like you are actually in Spain with its lively Barcelona chic bar and all-day dining. Included in their menu, will be grilled specialities, such as, Txuleta, a delicacy straight from Galicia, as well as Rodaballo a la brasa (grilled turbot) from the Basque country. We can’t wait to try this one out…

The Optimist, G/F-2/F, 239 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong; www.theoptimist.hk

pivoPivo Czech
This summer is the perfect opportunity to try something new! A Czech inspired bar has opened on Kowloon side serving an endless array of traditional beers and liqueurs. Try their top national draught beers, vodkas and absinthes, which you’ve definitely never spotted here in HK before. To complete the Czech experience enjoy your drinks with some traditional Czech nibbles including Crisp Fried Fish Fritters, Mixed Sausages and Pork Belly, Roasted Bone Marrow with Braised Oxtail and Bread Dumplings… and much more.

Pivo Czech Bar, Shop R004 Civic Square, Elements, Kowloon Station, West Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2196 8733, www.cafedecogroup.com 

comptoireComptoir
Kennedy Town is becoming a wining and dining haven with new places popping up all the time (check out our Dining Guide here). This summer’s cool new addition to K-town has to be Comptoir, the French bistro serving all day dining, drinks and weekend brunch. A casual bistro downstairs and a more formal wine cellar and tasting room upstairs, Comptoir is the ideal place to sip on one of 600 bottles of their French wines and nibble on traditional Mediterranean tapas. Stay tuned for our review coming soon!

Comptoir, 42 Forbes Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong, 2453 9873 www.facebook.com/ComptoirHongKong

the pontiacThe Pontiac
Sick of the same old Soho watering holes? The old Fatty Crab bar has recently transformed into a super cool new hangout named The Pontiac. If you’re looking for a night of serious fun and wild times, then this is the place to head.

The Pontiac, 13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 3855, www.facebook.com/thepontiac

noodiesNoodies
If you’re craving a comforting bowl of fail-safe noodles, then make sure you check out ‘Noodies’ in Sai Ying Pun. This cute little noodle bar serves up steaming bowls of different types of noodles with a variety of soup bases and toppings. All the food is MSG-free, so you can feel (relatively!) guilt-free about slurping up these delicious noodles.

Noodies, Shop E, G/F, 56 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2559 0080, www.facebook.com/Noodiesnoodle

NEW MENUS

taku 2Taku
For all you sushi lovers, Taku is hosting its very first Tuna Fest. Think akami, fatty tuna, extra fatty tuna and more! Tuna is the most in demand fish in HK, so from 1 August – 13 September tuck into some of Taku’s 12 new farm raised Australian tuna dishes. Don’t forget to also try Taku’s limited specials, such as their Maguro tail or their prized Maguro collar, you won’t be disappointed! Check out our full review of Taku here.

Taku, 35 Elgin Street, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong, 2545 9966, www.taku.com.hk 

blue butcherBlue Butcher
This NYC-esque restaurant has introduced their August special; a peppercorn crusted 42 oz. USDA Prime Porterhouse steak. Served only the best way, with garlic herbed butter and roasted garlic, yummm! If you’re a steak lover, get your knife and fork ready and head down to Hollywood Road for this special treat. Check out our full review of Blue Butcher here.

Blue Butcher, 108 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2613 9286, www.bluebutcher.com

catalunyaCatalunya
One of HK’s best (and very Sassy approved) Spanish tapas restaurants is offering you a new summer tasting menu available ’til the end of September. If your looking for a delightful dinner of exquisite quality, try the tasting menu for $980 per person, and pair your food with a collection of their wines for $480, or premium wines for $680. Or if you’re up for a quick lunch, their revamped lunch menu offers two tapas for $188 or three tapas for $268 with a a selection of nine different cold or hot dishes. Let’s not forget their valued Suckling Pig and Iberico, which will also be available if you want a bigger feast for lunch!

Catalunya, G/F Guardian House, Morrison Hill, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2866 7900, www.catalunya.hk 

jamies italianJamie’s Italian
To celebrate Jamie’s 1st birthday in Hong Kong, the family inspired Italian restaurant will be serving an express lunch plank ($145). Whether you’re escaping the office for an a hour or just looking for a tasty lunch at an affordable price, this is the place to go. Start by choosing between the soup of the day or freshly made prosciutto bruschetta. Then tuck into one of five main dishes including a choice of oven baked salmon fillet, mussels arrabbiata, aubergine parmagiana, chicken cacciatore or Italian minute steak. All great comfort dishes that will have you lickin’ your lips!

Jamie’s Italian, 2/F, Soundwill Plaza II, 1 Tang Lung Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 3958 2222, www.jamieoliver.com/italian/hongkong

u-hangU-Hang
We love visiting the hip ‘hood of Sai Ying Pun and now you have an even better excuse to visit this weekend! U-Hang, a trendy Korean eatery, has introduced a new Bubbly Weekend Brunch menu. Every Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm they’re offering Korean pancakes with crispy bacon, Kimchi pork eggs Benedict and the juicy U-Hang burger. It’s your classic brunch with an Asian twist, and by adding $188 guests can sip on free flowing prosecco while sitting outside and enjoying the sunshine (if it ever comes back!). Check out our recent full review of U-Hang here.

U-Hang, 58-60 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2549 6788, uhang.hk

ritzCafé 103
Starting from 1 September, The Ritz Carlton (one of our favourite sky-high hotels) is offering a new strawberry chocolate fantasy available, in a Afternoon Tea Set (Monday to Friday for $368) or their Afternoon Tea Buffet (Saturday & Sunday for $369 per adult). Tuck into treats made by executive pastry chef Richard Long and his team in the highest hotel in the world. The sweet treats include Strawberry Choux, Strawberry Basil Pave, Strawberry Eton Mess and more and more strawberries!

Café 103, Level 103, The Ritz Carlton, Hong Kong, 2263 2270, www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/Dining/Cafe_103/ 

mrs pound 2Mrs. Pound
From 5pm to 7pm, head down to the hidden stamp shop (that’s actually a trendy speakeasy restaurant and bar) in Sheung Wan for a new summer cocktail menu. Their fusion cocktails include the Tom Yum Collins, Summer Cup, Pineapple Pink and more! It’s the perfect place for a post-work tipple. 

Mrs. Pound, 6 Pound Lane, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 3426 3949, www.mrspound.com

la vacheLa Vache
Love steak? Then make sure you save the date on Thursday, 3 September! La Vache is bringing you the best way to spend September’s public holiday, with their free flow brunch. So if you’re a meat lover, book your table fast for unlimited steak frites and dessert including free-flow piscine, house wine and beer ($398) – now that’s what we call a good deal.

La Vache, 48 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2880 0248, www.lavache.com.hk

tsubi soupTsubi Soup
Love miso soup? Then you’ve got to try out new brand ‘Tsubi Soup’! Tsubi Soup offers small packs of vegan, instant miso soup – perfect as a super healthy snack or addition to a meal. We’ve sampled these soups and not only are they made out of natural, nutritious ingredients, but they taste great too. So make sure you get your hands on them when they launch this autumn!

Available online at www.tsubisoup.com.

boqueriaBoqueria
Blacksheep’s Boqueria is bringing Valencia’s famous tomato throwing La Tomatina Festival to Hong Kong with a tomato focused six-dish menu by Chef Robert Petzold. This will be available on Monday, 24 August, so book quickly to get a table!

Boqueria, 7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2321 8681, www.boqueria.com.hk

porch coffeePorch Coffee
Here at Sassy we love our coffee – everyone has to get their caffeine fix early in the morning before we start typing away! We instantly fell for Porch Coffee when we tried their delicious blends, which come in uniquely designed drip bags, so we were excited to hear that they’re launching a new product all the way from Hawaii. The 100% Kona Coffee is sourced directly from the Kona View Estate, and has a smooth and sweet flavour. Try it out now and receive a 15% discount using the code “konalaunch” before Monday 31 August.

Porch Coffee, available online at www.porchcoffees.com.

teds lookout 2Ted’s Lookout
Sit amongst hanging lights, graffiti wall-art and vintage industrial furniture enjoying a brand new burger menu at the re-opened Ted’s Lookout! This secret Wan Chai hideout is offering a Build-Your-Own burger concept, so you can enjoy exactly what burger you really want. Starting from a beef burger ($150), chicken ($100) or a fish burger ($100), build from there with extra toppings and sauces. If burgers aren’t for you, indulge in their tacos, spicy chicken wings, fish and chips and more! See our full review here.

Ted’s Lookout, 17A Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2520 0076, www.facebook.com/pages/TEDs-Lookout

shundeShunde Cuisine at One Harbour Road
The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong has decided to bring back the exclusive Shunde Menu designed by China’s culinary master Chef Luo Funan and resident executive chef Li Shu Tim to One Harbour Road. Shunde cuisine comes from a district on the Pearl River delta and explores flavour, freshness and texture to create the most delicious delicacies. The traditional dishes include Pork Marinated in Chinese Rice Wine and Herbs, Slow-cooked roasted goose and Stewed Mud Carp with Conpoy. The dinner can be accompanied by a distinct wine pairing, too. Don’t miss out this rare opportunity to taste traditional Shunde Cuisine. 

One Harbour Road, 7 /F & 8/F, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong, 2584 7722, www.facebook.com/grandhyatthongkong

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Phew! We hope you’ve got your foodie fix after this month’s comprehensive guide to HK’s best epicurean delights…

 

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