Tokio Joe is a staple for top quality Japanese food, and the place is constantly buzzing. Head over on a Friday evening and you’ll see the chefs toasting the weekend over shots of sake. The service remains impeccable.
The summer menu begins with a Hamaguri Beer Mushi with fresh Japanese Clams and Vegetables. There’s a strong alcohol taste here, so it pairs perfectly with the (frequently refilled) green tea. Next up was the star of the show, the Seared Toro Roll. Though there’s no beer element to the dish, the Fresh Tuna, Crab Meat and Avocado is a stellar combination. For the main, the Grilled Wagyu Beef Cubes are cooked to perfection – paired with crispy garlic flakes and a homemade butter sauce. The ideal mix of tender, creamy and crunch.
Must order dish: If you’re ordering extras for the table, a tried and tested option is the Seared Salmon Roll
Price: $550 per person
Tokio Joe, 16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong, www.tokiojoe.com
Chef Sammai Phetsukh highlights the wonderful flavours of a Thai summer, which means that if you’re not jetting off for a break, this menu will still fulfil your Thai food cravings.
The trio of starters consists of delectable Deep-Fried Sea Bass bites in a fresh Rice Paper roll, Prawn Salad with Pomelo and Young Coconut, and lovely light Potato Dumplings – all served with Sweet Chili Mango and Beer dipping sauce. Next up is a full-flavoured Tom Yum Pla, bursting with tender Salmon.
For mains? Take your pick between a beautifully presented Whole Tilapia with fruity and Sweet Barbeque Tamarind Sauce or grilled Australian Lamb Chops marinated in Chang beer (so they’re extra tender) served with pumpkin puree and piquant black pepper. Dessert is a brightly coloured celebration of Floral Water Chestnut, Mango Sticky Rice and Bright Green Sago Coconut.
Must order dish: The Whole Tilapia fish (as your main)
Price: $298 per person
Ayuthaiya, 35 Hollywood Rd, Central, Hong Kong, www.ayuthaiya.com.hk
Chef Angelo Vecchio outdid himself with the courses, managing to infuse each item on the menu with beer.
The meal kicks off with a refreshing welcome cocktail, made with ginger liqueur, lime and orange juice. Drinks are followed by Oysters, topped with Beer and Pineapple dressing. The Scallop Carpaccio infused with Malt Beer and Caviar is a refreshingly light, yet indulgent dish, leaving you with ample room to finish off the main and still have room for dessert.
The Grilled USDA Prime Beef Sirloin is tender and generous – with the buttery truffle mash complementing the rich flavours. The Chocolate Mousse, served with fresh berries and the chef’s own special beer ice cream, satisfied our sweet tooth, whilst not feeling too heavy.
Must order dish: The Prime Beef Sirloin (ask for extra truffle mash – it’s a divine addition!)
Price: $398 per person
Porterhouse, California Tower, 30-36 D’Aguilar St, Central, Hong Kong, www.porterhouse.com.hk
Looking for a summery Spanish selection? Zafran is offering four brand new beer-infused menu items worth a try.
Begin with the Calamari and Anchovies Tempura, cooked in a light Estrella batter. To take the spice factor up a notch, the Catalan Chorizo offers slightly fiery flavours – the ideal combination with an ice-cold beer. For the main, Chef Miguel Gallo has put together a Mediterranean Meatball dish, slow cooked in a rich Estrella Inedit Sauce. The best bit? The dessert, of course. The homemade Churros are sugary and filling, with a Spanish stout to seal the deal.
Must order dish: Any of the Spanish Tapas!
Price: $398 per person
Zafran, Basement, 43-, 55 Wyndham St, Central, Hong Kong, www.zafran.com.hk
If beer infused isn’t quite what you’re after, there’s nothing like going back to basics with a burger and beer. Beef & Liberty is here to offer exactly that. No fuss, no frills, just the way we like it. It proudly serves hormone-free, grass-fed beef from naturally raised Hereford and Angus cattle in Tasmania.
For the Summer Vibes Special, the LKF branch of this burger joint is offering your choice of burger, paired with three small draft beers. The selection includes: Beef & Liberty x Moonzen Lemon Saison, Estrekka Damm (Pilsner), Moonzen Jade Emperor (IPA), Brooklyn Lager.
Must order dish: The Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Burger
Price: $258 per person
Beef & Liberty, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar St, Central, www.beef-liberty.com/hk