January has flown by and February is here with the bang! February is the month of romance and of course, HK’s F&B scene is going wild with hundreds of Valentine’s dinners and promotions popping up (check out our favourites in our Valentine’s Dining Guide here). Apart from all the lovey dovey offers, there’s plenty of new restaurant openings, fun menus and happy hours to keep our bellies filled this February! 

NEW OPENINGS

Sama
This decade-old chain from Hokkaido is hitting Hong Kong this month, and we can’t wait to try it. Sama serves up tasty Japanese curries, perfect for a warming bowl with the chilly weather we’ve been having lately. Specialties include ocean trophy with shrimp curry, curry hamburger with coconut curry and even Hokkaido popcorn! All the soup bases are made in Sama’s Japanese kitchen and imported to Hong Kong, so you know you’ll be getting the authentic version. You can also construct your own curry, choosing from a tomato, coconut or shrimp curry base, as well as chicken, pork belly or seafood for the meat.

Sama, 51A Gough Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2191 8850, www.facebook.com/samahongkong

Choice Healthy Foods
Choice Cooperative has closed down its store and is re-launching as a catering company, offering healthy, delicious, gluten-free goodies for events and parties, along with healthy cooking classes! We’ve always admired Ifat Kafry Hindes’ approach to healthy and nutritious food, highlighting fresh ingredients and seasonal produce, and can’t wait to try out dishes such as homemade baked mac ‘n’ cheese “cupcakes”, coconut almond baked chicken fingers and smoked turkey and cheese paninis as part of Choice Healthy Foods’ kids’ catering packages. Also, check out the nutrition workshops, which show you how to make healthy recipes at home and feed the family, gluten-free!

Choice Healthy Foods, Unit 427, Hoi Luen Industrial Centre, 55 Hoi Yuen Road, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, 2345 8370, www.choicehealthyfoods.com

Cafe Deco Pizzeria 
Bring the whole troupe down to Sheung Wan to satisfy little bellies and big appetites at Cafe Deco’s newest location on Po Yan Street. Cafe Deco Pizzeria serves up innovative international dishes, and has an all new brunch to tempt tastebuds, starting at $228 per adult and $128 per child (free for children under age 6). Weekend brunch options include spaghetti carbonara, buffalo pizza, fluffy pancakes and grilled US sirloin steak with sunny side up eggs. Enjoy unlimited Prosecco, rosé, juice and soft drinks for $150 or unlimited  juices, soft drinks, regular coffee and tea for $68.

Cafe Deco Pizzeria, Shop 3-4, G/F, Tower 125, 11 Po Yan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2559 4100, www.cafedecogroup.com

Pierre Hermé Paris
Fans of Pierre Hermé will now be able to find these tasty sweet cakes at The Ritz-Carlton at an exclusive new retail counter showcasing the latest macaron creations from the Parisian institution. Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour, The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with elegance and exclusivity, and Pierre Hermé is a natural new addition to the 5-star hotel. Don’t miss out on their Valentine’s Day afternoon tea set featuring these gourmet sweets at Café 103 and The Lounge & Bar. 

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre (ICC), 1 Austin Rd W, Elements, Hong Kong, www.ritzcarlton.com/en

Ore-No Kappou
Here’s another Japanese import that we’re looking forward to – Ore-No Kappou by Ginza Okamoto will serve authentic, modern kaiseki cuisine at the new California Tower in LKF when it opens this February, joining a slew of other highly-anticipated bars and restaurants to open at the new dining destination. The restaurant is a collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs, Hidetsugu Okamoto and Hiroshi Shimada, and will serve up traditional kaiseki with an elegant, modern twist, as well as more than 15 different types of lunch sets for the buzzing Central lunch crowd. Of course, there will also be an extensive sake and shochu menu to wash it all down!

Ore-No Kappou, 6/F, California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, 2328 3302, www.facebook.com/orenohongkong

Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social
Alibi is the newest bar and lounge at the Langham Place in Mongkok, a cool place to enjoy a cocktail or two before heading off to dinner at night. Better yet, stay and feast on Alibi’s mouthwatering menu of international delicacies, including Spain-inspired tapas like bruschetta and bomba rice fritters, or a pairing menu from Langham Place’s other top-notch restaurants including Ming Court and Tokoro. With 140 seats and covering 5,500 square feet, the rustic, elegant bar and lounge is sure to draw up a large crowd interested in fine dining and wining.

Alibi – Wine Dine Be Social, 5/F, Langham Place Hotel, 555 Shanghai Street, Mongkok, Hong Kong, 3552 3028, www.hongkong.langhamplacehotels.com/restaurants/alibi.htm

Double D Burger
In true Maximal Concepts fashion, the restaurant group’s newest eatery Double D Burger (or “Dirty & Decadent”) is making a big splash in Hong Kong foodie headlines, with billboards popping up around the city featuring scantily clad ladies holding up juicy burgers, in an effort to tempt tastebuds (and maybe something more..). Hate the concept or love it, one thing’s for sure: these burgers are guaranteed to attract the LKF crowds. Stay tuned for more details on opening dates…

Double D Burger,  22 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.facebook.com/DoubleDburger

Holy Crab
Here’s another one for those who frequent LKF on the weekends or work nearby! Holy Crab is set to be Hong Kong’s first authentic Cajun seafood restaurant, featuring fresh ingredients flown in daily from the US, including Louisiana crawfish and swimming crab, King and Dungeness Crab from Alaska, and lobster from Maine. Holy Crab is sure to be a satisfying feast for seafood lovers, complete with a wooden mallet to bash your way through the shells and a bib to keep your clothes shellfish-free! We think this may make a fun date night option too – stay tuned for our review!

Holy Crab, 3/F, Cosmos Building, 8-11 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, www.holycrab.com

La Paloma
Sai Ying Pun is becoming quite the dining spot these days, and La Paloma will only add to the scene! Opening at the end of February, La Paloma is the brainchild of Chef Willy Trullas Moreno, the man behind FoFo by el Willy, and Chef Alex Fargas, the head of the Spanish Chefs Association in Asia. Expect a ‘sexy tapas restaurant’ right next to the brand new Sai Ying Pun MTR, which will be serving up Spanish favourites like huevos, paella and roasted pigeon (staying true to its namesake!). We can’t wait to check out this casual new eatery… stay tuned!

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

Porch The Coffee Merchants
Caffeine addicts, you’ll be happy to hear about brand new HK coffee company, Porch The Coffee Merchants! If you’re craving high-quality coffee on-the-go, but you don’t want to drink flavourless instant, then you’ve got to try Porch. They provide little sachets of drip coffee that you can easily use at work or when travelling. This coffee is rich and flavourful, sourced from Indonesia, and comes in four different flavours. If you want flavourful coffee at any time, this is for you! Try their new gift collections which are delivered in a cute little book case to sample them all… time to wake up!

Porch The Coffee Merchants, www.porchcoffees.com

NEW PROMOTIONS

Perrier-Jouët  Afternoon Tea at Island Shangri-La
We love the elegance and old school glamour of the Island Shangri-La, the perfect setting for afternoon tea. We’re happy to say that they’ve created a gorgeous new tea set, teaming up with renowned Champagne brand, Perrier-Jouët to create a delicious range of Champagne-infused afternoon tea treats. Think sweet and savoury bites like Jamón ibérico with green asparagus, quail egg and pink pepper and Cherry and Perrier-Jouët cheesecake. We love the beautifully presented bite-sized goodies, and the best part is that everyone who orders this afternoon tea with a bottle of Perrier Jouët will get a free gift of two flower-decorated Champagne glasses – pretty! The teat costs $318 for one person, $538 for two people and $988 for two with a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé.

Island Shangri-La, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong, 2877 3838, www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila

The Alternative Caterer at Prune Organic Deli & Workshop
If you’re a fan of the tasty and nutritious food at Prune Organic Deli & Workshop (we sure are – just check out our full review here!) then you’ll be pleased to know that they’ve recently launched a new catering project. Their high-quality, plant-based foods are now available for corporate events, press launches and private gatherings – a great healthy alternative when you need to call a caterer in! Simply email [email protected] or call 2873 3353 for more info and enquiries.

The Alternative Caterer, 2873 3353, www.prunedeliworkshop.com/catering

Peru-Italian menu at Chicha
One of our fave Soho restos is updating their lunchtime menu! They’re introducing a new fusion lunch set which will combine their delicious Peruvian menu with Italian flavours – think purple potato gnocchi with mushrooms, cream and truffle oil, and signature dishes like their ‘Oh My Cod’ inside thin ravioli. The menu is available at lunch and starts at $150 per person.

Chicha, G/F, 26 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9637 7701, www.conceptcreations.hk

Pancake Day at Aberdeen Street Social
Any Brits or pancake lovers are going to be happy about this new promotion! Aberdeen Street Social, one of Jason Atherton’s coolest restos, is celebrating ‘Shrove Tuesday’ aka Pancake Day with specially crafted (you guessed it) pancakes! This British tradition has been given an exciting twist… think pancakes with JAAL gelato (their very popular chocolate), sliced bananas, gianduja and chocolate crunchy bits or fresh berries. Yum… head over on 17 February to enjoy these sweet specials.

Aberdeen Street Social, PMQ, Ground Floor, JPC, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2866 0300, www.aberdeenstreetsocial.hk

KISS cupcake from Niche
If you’re looking to share the love this Valentine’s Day, then grab your lover a sweet little limited edition cupcake from Niche! Their special ‘KISS’ V-day cupcakes look ridiculously delicious, with chocolate, chocolate buttercream, a salted caramel drizzle and handmade chocolate and sugar hearts. You’re sure to win over your crush with one of these!

Available online at: www.niche-food.com from now until 12 February 2015.

Brunch at The Continental
The latest dining option to open up in Pacific Place, The Continental is now offering a special Sunday Brunch and a Saturday Shopper’s Lunch. The Sunday Brunch includes seafood and signature brunch dishes such as Eggs Benedict and Pancakes with Bacon and Maple Syrup, and the Saturday Shopper’s Lunch is $265 with a salad, a tart, a stew and a chocolate fondant for dessert! Sounds delish… the perfect place to grab a bite to eat during your weekend shopping spree!

The Continental, Unit 406, L4 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong, 2704 5211, www.facebook.com/TheContinentalHK

New Year set from Dondonya
Bring in the Chinese New Year with a brand new Japanese set for two at Dondonya. They’re offering nine courses of mouthwatering appetisers, a sashimi platter, grilled dishes, hot pot and dessert… and they’ve got some special refreshing drinks and cocktails to go with it too! If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine then this is not one to miss…

Dondonya, Shop 2103-04, Level 2, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2196 8589

Bao Wow Golden Fish Bao
If you’re looking for a CNY snack with a modern twist, then be sure to head down to Bao Wow to try the special Golden Fish Bao! Stuffed with crunchy fried fish, spicy Taucheo sauce and red peppers, this is one lucky (and tasty bun) to kick off the New Year with. Available now until 28 February.

Bao Wow, 28 Tai Wong Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, www.baowowhk.com

Happy Hour at Linguini Fini
You might have already seen us mention this in our recent review, but we can’t rave about it enough! The Happy Hour at Linguini Fini  starts at 5pm and continues for two hours ’til 7pm, with unlimited PBR and chicken wings for just $98! These wings are to die for… especially with the blue cheese dipping sauce (trust us, we’ve tried them!) – so take full advantage. See you there for post-work drinks and wings!

Linguini Fini Elgin Street, 49 Elgin Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2387 6338, www.linguinifini.com

Wine Spirit & Senses
Ever wished that you could perfect the art of wine pairing? Well, Wine Spirit & Senses have created a concept that will make it a lot easier for you! Sign up for either a pay-as-you-go subscription or a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription and you’ll receive a box of two wines, with a food pairing card every month. The convenience of having the wines delivered to your home is ideal in our busy city, and you’ll be on the way to becoming a wine connoisseur before you know it!

Wine Spirit & Senses, email [email protected] or [email protected] for more info, 5630 9930, winespiritnsenses.com

Crafty Cow
We loved our recent Sassy blogger get together at Crafty Cow in Sheung Wan (beer and beef? Yes please!) and now you lucky Sassy readers can check it out too! The lovely folks at the ‘gastro-pub’ style joint are offering one free bottle of Toffee Apple Cider for every two Sassy readers… yum! Stop by after work to check it out and order a ‘build-your-own-bao’ while you’re at it.

Crafty Cow, Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2915 8988, www.craftycow.hk