Cover The abalone and caviar tartlette at Arbor
The abalone and caviar tartlette at Arbor
1 / 1
From a new chef and limited-time menus to wine partnerships and a charitable event, here are all the food and drink happenings that should be on your radar this week
In this week’s Hong Kong restaurant and bar scene, there’s plenty to indulge in with various exciting updates. From the arrival of new chefs and tantalising menus to special guest shifts commemorating a first anniversary and a charitable culinary event, the city’s dining landscape is brimming with opportunities to savour great food and drinks.
Among the highlights, we bid adieu to Beckaly Franks as she takes her leave from The Pontiac, while also getting a sneak peek into the newly unveiled Lips Cocktails & Theatre venue. Additionally, we take a nostalgic journey through the history of Tatler Dining, reminiscing over its significant milestones spanning four decades. Stay tuned for more delectable updates and culinary adventures.
In case you missed it: Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Crab pops up at Ozone, World Class Cocktail Festival showcases creative tipples, and more
Caviar dreams and gourmet schemes
Above Limited-time caviar menu
Limited-time caviar menu
1 / 1
Led by chef-owner Eric Räty, Arbor is introducing a limited-time caviar menu, available throughout May, blending nuanced Nordic fare with delicate Japanese flavours while showcasing the finest pearls of the sea. Petrossian Daurenki Tsar Imperial caviar, renowned for its rarity and quality, enhances three signature dishes, starting with golden beets, horseradish, and sour cream. The umami-rich Australian Blacklip abalone and sake-poached Hokkigai (surf clam) courses are also elevated with caviar-infused sauces and a tartelette. Diners can supplement Arbor’s eight-course tasting menu at HK$1,888 per person with 50g of caviar for HK$1,800, for two. Until May 20, guests will also have the chance to win prizes, ranging from complimentary Krug Grande Cuvée to discounts, expressing gratitude for their continued support.
Great chefs, great cause
Above The 27th Great Chefs of Hong Kong, hosted by Heep Hong Society
The 27th Great Chefs of Hong Kong, hosted by Heep Hong Society
1 / 1
The Great Chefs of Hong Kong, a charitable event that brings some of the city’s top chefs together, returns after a five-year hiatus on May 6 and will be hosted at the Grand Hyatt. Over 50 chefs from the city’s premier hotels and independent dining establishments will unite to support Heep Hong Society, an organisation dedicated to aiding children and young individuals with special needs. Guests can enjoy the finest offerings from Michelin-starred establishments such as Forum, Octavium, Feuille and VEA. Ticket options range from General tickets priced at HK$880, providing access to over 30 signature dishes in a cocktail party setting, to Great Chefs Plus tickets at HK$1,780, offering private dining experiences in the Grand Rooms, and the exclusive Star Chef Plus tickets priced at HK$2,380, granting intimate encounters with top chefs at Tiffin Lounge. For reservations and further details, visit www.heephong.org/greatchefs.
Sips at Sếp
Above Sếp’s executive chef DoBee Lam
Above Founder-sommelier of Somm’s Philosophy, Reeze Choi
Sếp’s executive chef DoBee Lam
1 / 2
Sếp has announced a new collaboration with Somm’s Philosophy, led by the founder-sommelier Reeze Choi. This partnership has resulted in wine pairings which consider the nuances of wood-fired Vietnamese dishes created by executive chef DoBee Lam, and elevate the dining journey in which wine becomes the “third sauce”. There are two offerings: a five-glass pairing for HK$480 or a seven-glass pairing for HK$680. In addition to the regular wine pairing menu, Sếp and Somm’s Philosophy will host exclusive wine dinners, with the inaugural event scheduled for May 17. Priced at HK$2,400 per person, guests will embark on an indulgent eight-course dinner, each dish meticulously crafted to harmonise with the wines.
Sếp
Address: 19/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong
See also: How Hongkonger Reeze Choi became one of the best sommeliers in the world
A pizza of my heart
Above Three new pizzas to try at Motorino
Three new pizzas to try at Motorino
1 / 1
Experience chef Roberta De Sario’s latest pizza creations at Motorino, each crafted with a heartfelt touch and inspired by cherished memories. Indulge in the Thomas (HK$238), a savoury blend of fior di latte, parma ham, and black pepper, inspired by her nephew’s fondness for parma ham. For a taste of tradition, try the Mimosa (HK$208), paying homage to her mother and grandmother with a medley of corn, nduja, smoked scamorza, parmesan, ham, pecorino, and basil. Don’t miss the Italia (HK$218), a delightful fusion of fior di latte, date tomato, stracciatella, basil pesto, and pine nuts, evoking the essence of Italy and the spirit of summer. All pizzas are now available at Motorino.
Primo compleanno
Above Bar Leone celebrates first anniversary with some of the world’s top bars
Bar Leone celebrates first anniversary with some of the world’s top bars
1 / 1
Bar Leone is gearing up to celebrate its first birthday, by hosting some of the world’s top bars from May to June. Kicking off the month-long extravaganza on May 26, award-winning bartender Simone Caporale from Boadas Bar in Barcelona will set the tone with classic cocktails, accompanied by Spanish dishes from chef Rafa Gil of La Rambla. Said to be the oldest cocktail
bar in Barcelona, Boadas has been celebrated for its martinis since its opening in 1930. Before the guest shift, from 2pm to 3pm, Caporale will host a masterclass on Boadas’ history and Amaro Santoni.
Thereafter, guests can enjoy cocktails from more renowned establishments like Tjoget from Sweden on June 2, with Hedda Bruce behind the bar with Swedish-inspired snacks by Jim Lofdhal of Embla. Bruce will also host a masterclass on the same day from 2pm to 3pm. Keila Urzaiz de Calignon of Satan’s Whiskers from London will guest shift on June 9, with chef Mark Catchpole from Roganic making British snacks such as black pudding croquettes and mini Yorkshire pudding. Urzaiz de Caligno will also host a masterclass on the same day from 2pm to 3pm. The final guest shift on June 27 will see Freni e Frizioni’s bar manager Riccardo Rossi from Rome shaking up cocktails drawn from tradition. Alongside him, will be chef Marco Xodo from the Testina, who will offer snacks inspired by Roman traditions including supply carbonara and pizzette with anchovies and salsa verde. All guest shifts start from 7pm to 10pm.
Bar Leone
Address: 15 Bridges Street, Central, Hong Kong
See also: The winners of the Tatler Dining Bar Awards Hong Kong
New hues
Above Executive chef Ramsey Wong
Above Hokkaido sea urchin angel hair
Executive chef Ramsey Wong
1 / 2
Modern Australian restaurant Hue Dining has welcomed new executive chef Ramsey Wong, who brings a fresh perspective to the restaurant’s cuisine. With almost fifteen years of experience and guidance from Australian chef (and founder of Woolly Pig) Chris Woodyard, Wong presents a refreshed menu inspired by the multicultural flavours from Down Under. Prices range from HK$680 to HK$950 per person for the two to five-course dinner menu.
Highlights include tuna with squid ceviche, Wagyu beef tartare, and Hokkaido sea urchin angel hair. For mains, indulge in guinea fowl with orange and lemon peel, kinmedai with crispy fish skin, and Margra lamb loin with asparagus purée. Don’t miss out on delightful desserts like the raspberry tart and cheese and beets. Additionally, enjoy a vibrant free-flow brunch every weekend from 11am to 3pm, priced at HK$550 per person, with live jazz performances on Sundays.
Topics
A storyteller by day and a first-class food devourer by night, Fontaine is the Regional Dining Editor at Tatler Asia, overseeing dining content across all regions and shaping the brand’s editorial voice on food, chefs and culinary culture.
She is also Content Lead for Tatler Best and Co-jury Head for Tatler Best Hong Kong and Macau, guiding the awards’ editorial direction and evaluation process. With over a decade in the lifestyle and media industry spanning London and Hong Kong, she brings a cross-regional perspective to the table.
Follow her on Instagram at @fontimes.
