Where to Eat and Drink in Hong Kong – June 2016

Summer has finally made an appearance in Hong Kong, along with what seems like five thousand new bars and restaurants. It really is a full-time job trying to keep up, but someone's got to do it. This month I hit up six of the newest places around town and return to two other classics.

Where to Eat

One Star House Party

While this isn’t a permanent restaurant, it deserves a mention for its creativity and originality. The team, made up of world-class chefs, executes theatrical, dinner party-style experiences in the form of overseas pop-ups in quirky spaces (think AirBnB’s, warehouses, even the head chef’s own house) to bring an authentic cooking experience right to your plate. This month’s pop-up had a ‘San Fransico’ theme, based on the team’s recent travels and experiences there. All 7-courses not only came with pure passion but with some intense flavours and special ingredients. Think lemon mousse served on  burnt lemon skins and lamb inside a butternut squash. Their next pop up in Hong Kong: 22 – 28 June (or if you’ll be in Taipei soon they are there 14 – 18 June) Check out their website for more details.

Figaro

Did someone say a new French restaurant in town? Did they not know they have a pretty competitive market surrounding them? But so be it, HK always has room for more. Step into the limelight Figaro, you actually deserve it… Hidden along Hollywood road (next to Munchies) sits a cosy new French bistro serving light and healthy summer dishes all under $150 a piece. A favourite of mine was the Pollock, Asparagus, Oyster & Gin Emulsion, Salmon & Herring Roe (pictured). Don’t bother with the desserts though, they are not up to scratch compared to the mains – head next door for a doughnut instead!

2 Shin Hing Sreet, Central

The Optimist

Brunch; a word you hear a few thousand times a weekend, and a good word it is! It means buffets, free flows and a ridiculous amount of over-eating, so where else to do it than this HK favourite, The Optimist. Their new brunch set comes in at a sweet $348 and includes a cold-cut buffet with cheeses, a sharing starter, main course and dessert. Go free-flow for an extra $180 giving you unlimited prosecco, white and red wine, sangria or beer (or all at the same time?!). Although The Optimist is a pretty new addition to the Wan Chai neighbourhood it serves consistently good food and awesome cocktails (if I’m honest I think the drinks are better than the food). Jump on the G&T’s after work if you can’t make the weekend brunch!