Hong Kong’s gastronomes dined in the shadow of eight full-sized dinosaur skeletons as part of the First Initiative Foundation’s latest gala dinner. We take a peek at this unprecedented 16-hands dinner
In 2018, the First Initiative Foundation, helmed by chairwoman Michelle Ong, brought a real, 12-metre-long Tyrannosaurus rex fossil skeleton to IFC Mall in Central. For three surreal weeks, the remnants of one of the most fearsome creatures to ever walk the Earth loomed over shoppers in the luxury mall.
The intervening years have certainly been rife with the surreal; so in bringing back its annual fundraiser on July 6 and 7, the charity organisation has outdone itself with not one, but eight complete dinosaur fossils. It’s a poignant reminder of the humbling power of nature. “Understanding the impact that one dinosaur fossil had on the public, and the amount we gave back to the community, I thought it would be wonderful to do a larger version of the 2018 initiative, and bring back some enthusiasm and a whole lot of energy to Hong Kong,” says Ong.
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Titled Dinosaurs Unleashed, the exhibition is being held in collaboration with—and at—the Hong Kong Science Museum. The huge logistical undertaking required to put the fossil display together required a culinary programme of equal scale and ambition. For the occasion, Ong put together a 16-hands menu that brings together eight of Hong Kong’s most accomplished chefs—together, their restaurants represent a combined 20 Michelin stars.
For each of the four savoury courses, two chefs worked in tandem, gradually elevating the intensity of flavour before culminating in a playful dessert by pastry chef Smita Grosse of Grand Hyatt Hong Kong. “I wanted to send out the message that the hardships are behind us, hopefully’,” says Ong. “This dinner is symbolic of many things, including strength, the ability to adapt, and savouring life through the good as well as the challenging times.”