9 July, 2014
Eat & Drink

Food News Flash – July: Restaurant openings, new menus and happy hours!

9 July, 2014
The heat is on in Hong Kong and if you’re seeking some sustenance to survive the sizzling sun then you don’t want to miss out on our July Food News Flash! With hot new restaurant openings and even hotter foodie promotions, you’ll be able to satisfy any summer hunger pangs in a flash. And let’s not forget those heavenly Happy Hours to cool down with… Mojito, anyone?

 

NEW OPENINGS

unnamed-8Purple Tomato
For those of you working or living in the Sheung Wan area, you’ll be pleased to know that a new, healthy salad joint has opened up on Jervois Street. Since finding healthy lunch options can be a struggle, here in the Sassy office we were delighted to try out these ‘chef-designed’ salads. With a range of different salads to choose from – Cobb Salad, Chef’s Salad, Greek Salad, to name but a few – and plenty of additional toppings too, Purple Tomato is a great light lunch option. With generous portions and reasonable prices, you’ll certainly be getting some bite for your buck! 

Purple Tomato, Shop 2A, Kai Fun Building, No. 2 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Central, Hong Kong, 6695 3623 

unnamed-9Grain De Sel Creperie
We spotted this new place when we were out and about for lunch and we couldn’t wait to try it out! The buckwheat crepes are not only gluten free but also taste delicious and come with an assortment of scrummy fillings. From the goat cheese, spinach and bacon galette to regular ham and cheese one, these crepes are the perfect lunchtime takeaway option. Best of all, they come at a reasonable price – definitely try the lunch set which includes a drink too!

Grain De Sel Creperie, G/F, 255 Manhattan Avenue, Queen’s Road, Sheung Wan, Central, 3904 2929, www.facebook.com/graindeselhk

10502165_344974258986630_5263149190094267060_nBrew Bros Coffee
We just can’t get enough of Sheung Wan lunch spots! And this one caught our eye with its cute, simple interior. They serve up mostly breakfast items and bagels, but have recently started a lunch set. Order either a hearty smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel or a Quiche Lorraine, both of which come with a coffee. Perfect for a midday break!

Brew Bros, Shop F2, LG/F, 33 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan, Central, Hong Kong, 2572 0238, www.facebook.com/brewbroscoffee

10417223_10152501383322437_999517384_nTexas Burger
Burger lovers, you’ll be pleased to know that yet another burger bar has opened up, but this one is for the East-siders. Just on from Causeway Bay in Tin Hau, Texas Burger serves up juicy burgers that use apple-wood smoked handmade Australian beef patties with servings of fat fries on the side… and don’t forget a creamy milkshake to top it off! If you’re looking for a filling, indulgent meal, this is the place for you – just make sure you come early to avoid the crowds. 

Texas Burger, G/F, 109 Electric Road, Tin Hau, Hong Kong, 2579 9011, www.facebook.com/texasburgerhk/timeline

ho lee fook 2Ho Lee Fook
It’s finally open! The long awaited funky Chinese resto on Elgin Street has opened its doors and we can’t wait to try out their unique dishes. Headed up by Taiwanese born Chef Jowett Yu, Ho Lee Fook serves up Chinese flavours that we know and love in a hip, trendy setting. See you there!

Ho Lee Fook, G/F, 1 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, Hong Kong, 2810 0860, www.facebook.com/holeefookhk 

Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 1.30.33 PMMotorino
This fab pizza place from New York has opened up another venue in Wan Chai! Set on the very trendy Ship Street, this Motorino branch is much more spacious and the perfect place for a casual meal with friends. We recently tried it for a little Sassy get together and it was ideal… and it’s not all pizza either! Keep it light and fresh this summer with their wide range of seasonal antipasti offerings such as Tuna and Cannelini Bean Salad, Fire Roasted Peppers, Zucchini, Asparagus and Eggplant with Garlic and Sundried Tomato and Grilled Seasonal Corn on the Cob (our favourite!). Yum!

Motorino, 14 Shelley Street, Soho, Hong Kong, 2520 0690; www.motorino.com.hk

 

NEW MENUS AND PROMOTIONS

Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 2.30.56 PMChôm Chôm
Soho’s hip Vietnamese eatery Chôm Chôm is celebrating its 1st birthday and they’ve invited you to the party! Stop by to sample the tasty new menu featuring prawn scotch eggs ($88), sole fillet rice paper rolls ($78) and ginger chicken with jasmine rice ($148) or simply kick back with a cold beer and a bucket of their signature Vietnamese fried chicken ($88). We can’t get enough!

Chôm Chôm, 58 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2810 0850; www.chomchom.hk 

image004Fatty Crab
This New York export is known for its funky take on South East Asian flavours, and they’re keeping it fresh this summer with refreshing dishes and cooling cocktails. Choose from a selection of chilled dishes including Smoked Crab Curry Summer Rolls ($60 each), Chilled Prawns ($120) which are served with dill & pickled daikon tartar and Scallop Crudo ($90) prepared with coconut, chili, lime and crispy shallots. Wash these tasty treats down with summer crafted cocktails, we can’t wait to try the Equalizer ($110), made with cachaça, fresh lemongrass syrup and lime juice topped with crushed ice…

Fatty Crab, G/F, 11-13 Old Bailey Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2521 2033, www.facebook.com/FattyCrabHK

kidsBubba Gump
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Build your own sundae at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co this summer with their fantastic sundae station. Priced at $48 plus 10% surcharge, the delectable dessert option lets you build your own ultimate sundae creations, with free reign to a toppings bar filled with chocolate syrup, snickers pieces, Oreo cookie crumbs, rainbow sprinkles, gummy bears, fruit pieces, whipped cream and more!

Bubba Gump, Shop 304 & 305, Level 3, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, 2849 2867; www.bubbagump.com

140605 Smoked Homemade Sichuan Hot Sausages stuffed with Veal ShankYun Yan
Face the fire of spicy Sichuan cuisine with Yun Yan’s six-course pairing menu featuring Chongqing-style dishes paired with refreshing Rieslings. The blend of sweet Riesling paired with fiery Sichuan will have your taste buds tingling in a happy marriage of flavours. At $498 / person, the tasting menu includes dishes such as beef tongue in wild mushroom oil, chicken soup with matsutake and cabbage and homemade Sichuan hot sausages stuffed with veal shank.

Yun Yan, Shop 1001B, 10/F Times Square, No. 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong; www.miradining.com/yun-yan 

Souvla - Taramasalata with pitaSouvla
Planning a weekend junk? Take advantage of Souvla’s junk catering service which offers a feast of mouthwatering Greek favourites including spit-roasted meats and healthy Greek salads. Starting from $345 per person, Souvla’s junk packages spoil you with a bountiful selection of their most popular dishes as well as healthy sides like marinated olives, dips and pita bread. The perfect accompaniment to a day out at sea!

Souvla, 1/F, Ho Lee Commercial Building, 40 D’Aguilar Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9285 8846; www.conceptcreations.com/souvla

salmonBloom
Summer is all about lighter lunch options and we’re loving Bloom’s new takeaway menu, featuring healthy options that still deliver a punch of flavour. Contemporary menu items include pan-seared Norwegian salmon with a baby greens and cherry tomatoes mixed salad ($148) and grilled chicken and soba noodles ($128). The speedy takeaway option means you can enjoy a quick, midday meal without fatty calories weighing you down!

Bloom, 5/F and 6/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong; www.lily-bloom.com

Minced partridge soup, Chrysanthemums, bamboo shoots, fungi and mushrooms 菊花鷓鴣羹One Harbour Road
Grand Hyatt Hong Kong is celebrating their 25th anniversary with two special menus highlighting the evolution of Cantonese cuisine at One Harbour Road Chinese Restaurant. The menu is designed by Pearl Chan, a Cantonese food authority in Hong Kong, and celebrates the versatility in Chinese cooking with a focus on skilful preparation and cooking techniques. Scrumptious dishes include stir-fried garoupa with night-fragrant buds and pine nuts and minced partridge broth with chrysanthemum bamboo shoots and fungi. Now there’s a mouthful! The menus run from 10-27 July.

One Harbour Road, 7/F and 8/F, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong, 2584 7722; hongkong.grand.hyattrestaurants.com

Screen Shot 2014-06-30 at 3.35.35 PMMAYTA Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar 
Get a taste of Peru with Mayta’s new summer menu, featuring diverse dishes that blend in influence from Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and native cuisines. Favourites such as pork ribs chaufa, quinoa risotto, braised fish with purple potato chips and and salmon escabechado are sure to excite your taste buds and take you on a culinary journey far from Hong Kong!

MAYTA, 3/F, Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, 2790 0928; www.diningconcepts.com/mayta 

Screen Shot 2014-06-30 at 3.45.37 PMSushi Ta-ke
For a grand Omakase feast, head to Sushi Ta-ke, which has just welcomed the addition of two new executive chefs, Chef Taisuke Sato and Chef Leung Hei Lam. Using fresh ingredients and skillful techniques, the new menu is a carefully crafted combination of Japanese specialties like firefly squid with vinegar miso paste, tuna belly, sea urchin, rosy seabass and seafood miso soup. Although not cheap at $1,500 per person, it’s worth the splurge for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience.

Sushi Ta-Ke, 12/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 2577 0611; www.sushitake.com.hk

Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 1.06.22 PMTipping Point Brewing Co.
Enjoy a scrumptious lunch and a few cold ones at Tipping Point Brewing Co., which recently launched their 3-course set lunch menu featuring a soup & sandwich, main and a cookie sandwich for dessert. This brewpub is Hong Kong’s first pub to make craft beers on site, so be sure to stop by to sample a few of their most popular brews!

Tipping Point Brewing Co., 79 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2868 2892; www.tippingpointbrewingco.com

Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 1.15.48 PMWhisk
The 5th anniversary of dining events at The Mira kicks off with a scrumptious Burgundy Wine Dinner with renowned wine critic Neal Martin. On Thursday, 25 July, sit down to a truly exquisite meal featuring nine hand-picked Burgundy wines paired with six delicious courses, priced at $2,788 per person. The limited seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out on this gastronomic feast!

Whisk, 5/F, The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2315 5999; www.themirahotel.com 

The GrillGrand Hyatt Hong Kong
The Grant Hyatt Hong Kong is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a special 25% discount on all dinner buffets for all of the hotel’s Facebook fans born in 1989, the same year as the hotel! If you share the same birthday, redeem the offer at Tiffin (now through 13 July), Grand Cafe (14 July to 10 August) or The Grill (11 to 31 August) and enjoy your special birthday treat!

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Hong Kong, 2584 7655; www.hongkong.grand.hyatt.com

Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 1.37.23 PMLobster Bar and Grill
Travel to Argentina with the Island Shangri-La’s Argentinian summer menu, filled with favourites such as empanadas, corn crème brûlée, Argentinian stuffed chicken and flan with dulce de leche. Running through 9 July, Chef Matias Aldasoro’s creations will focus on finding the balance between fine foods and wine, while taking the diner on a unique culinary journey.

Lobster Bar and Grill, Island Shangri-La, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2820 8560; www.shangri-la.com

Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 1.44.16 PMTAKU
Following the success of its Sensei-tional Sunday brunch, Japanese restaurant TAKU in Soho is launching another fantastic buffet promotion. Monster Tuesdays at TAKU will present the diner with all-you-can-eat Yakimono topped off with limitless Asahi for $350 per person. It’s a mammoth Japanese feast that won’t break the bank!

TAKU, 35 Elgin Street, Soho, Central, 2545 9966; www.taku.com.hk

Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 1.50.15 PMSEVVA
Settle down for an elegant afternoon tea at SEVVA, inspired by the cultural diversity of Hong Kong’s rich heritage. Afternoon tea goers will love this new offering from the glamorous dining destination, highlighting delicacies such as toasted crumpets with smoked salmon and fois gras mousse with onion marmalade on a savoury waffle. The menu also features innovative rolled sandwiches printed with the famous SEVVA Scenarios illustrations for a truly artsy afternoon. Afternoon tea is $720 for two people.

SEVVA, 25/F, Prince’s Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2537 1388; www.sevva.hk

fishFish & Meat
Sunday Brunch is a Hong Kong institution, and we can’t wait to try Fish & Meat’s offerings to the Sunday scene. Their new summer buffet starts off with a selection of fresh salads, as well as a seafood station with oysters, shrimps and cooked clams. Following that, main courses include the restaurant’s popular veal and pork meatballs, as well as a juicy Cedar River Prime Sirloin. Finish off with a delectable pancake station, serving up pancakes with your choice of toppings!

Fish & Meat, 32 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2565 6788; www.fishandmeat.hk 

140624 French Window x American Vintage Le Menu BleuFrench Window Brasserie and Bar
Enjoy a chic, French-themed summer tasting menu at French Window Brasserie and Bar. With its fantastic view and prime location, this restaurant is the perfect summer spot to indulge in a lazy afternoon of fine foods and wine. In collaboration with French fashion label American Vintage, Chef Matthieu Bonnier has created this summer menu based on the beautiful shade of ocean blue, featuring dishes such as Scallops á la Nage and Marinière Mussels with French Fries. Guests who book Le Menu Bleu will also receive a clutch bag from American Vintage’s 2014 Spring/Summer collection! $498 per person.

French Window Brasserie and Bar, 3101, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong, 2393 3812; www.miradining.com/french-window

jwwwJW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong 
Enjoy snacks and drinks poolside at the JW Marriott’s newest dining venue, the Pool Lounge. Their Lite Bites menu is perfect for after-work nibbles, featuring teasers such as calamari, clams in spicy miso lemon broth and crab and lobster cakes. As the sun sets, move inside to Flint Bar which serves up delicious cuisine paired with refreshing summer cocktails. Every Tuesday is the special Hendrick’s Gin and Tonic night, with an array of signature cocktails to entice all gin-lovers.

JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong; www.marriott.com

1_Yo Mama_Garfield Fro'yo Sundae_HK$34 (Regular)_HK$41 (Large)Yo Mama
Need to cool down? If you’re in a playful mood, you’ll love the new Garfield-themed froyo at Yo Mama this summer, complete with a Garfield cookie, chocolate sticks and a sweet cheery. Froyo is a healthier alternative to ice cream for the summer and we can’t get enough of this cute design!

Yo Mama, Unit UG-20, UG/F, Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2420 9111; www.yomama.com.hk

2Morton’s 
Meat-lovers won’t want to miss out on Morton’s special layer cake wine pairing menu, running through the end of July. For $938 per person, dine on a signature Morton’s salad, jumbo lump crab cake, a 6oz filet mignon and a choice of potato or vegetable, paired with beautiful wines from California and Argentina.

Morton’s, The Sheraton Hotel & Towers, 4/F, 20 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2732 2343; www.mortons.com/hongkong

Screen Shot 2014-07-03 at 2.18.55 PMIL Milione
Dine in style at Il Milione (check out our review here) this summer with their exclusive wine pairing menu. For $800 per person, guests will enjoy such extravagant and flavour-laden dishes such as Risotto Franciacorta (sparkling wine risotto with saffron), Timballo Mediterraneo (mushroom and fresh peppers with Burrata cheese) and Piccola Pasticceria (petit fours), a menu guaranteed to bring back the romance for any date night!

IL Milione, G16 – 21, G/F Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2481 1120; www.il-milione.com

image017Chachawan
Head to Chachawan for a taste of Thai and signature summer cocktails with a spicy kick! Chachawan’s extensive cocktail list has amped up to include a few must-tries such as the DEVIL’S SHARE ($90), a mix of Michter’s Rye, galangal, thyme and bitters, and the ChaCha Smash ($95), a refreshing blend of Hendrick’s gin, cucumber, mint, coriander and ginger beer. Pair these cocktails with an array of delicious Thai dishes for a feast that’s guaranteed to pack a punch.

Chachawan, G/F, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, 2549 0020; www.facebook.com/chachawan.hongkong

dudelsssDuddell’s
Sip on a bespoke cocktail and savour the summer weather at Duddell’s garden terrace, the perfect spot to enjoy good conversation and company in the heart of Central. The refreshments feature fresh seasonal produce and artisanal ingredients for an elevated cocktail experience, including such tipples such as The Straits Sling with fragrant gin and citrus notes ($158) and The Park Avenue with pineapple and rose ($158).

Duddell’s, Levels 3&4, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2525 9191; www.duddells.co

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