Oh, October, in the UK you mean Autumn, cosy nights in, and rainy days. In Hong Kong you mean the same as every other month; an opportunity to eat until you can’t eat anymore and drink like there’s no tomorrow. Just another reason I love you so. This month, I spent more days out of HK that I did in, with adventures to Indonesia, China and even two trips to Macau. So for the first time ever, I’m going to give you some recommendations in one of my new favourite hangouts, Macau, too.
Where to Eat
Table
Table
Living, working, socialising and generally spending a lot of time in Central and Sheung Wan, it is not often I find an established restaurant that I haven’t heard of or given a try. But when I was told about Table, I really had no idea it existed, even though it had called the Pemberton home for the last 3 years. Specialising in live seafood and other fine ingredients, Table is a pioneer in the concept of ingredient based cuisine. Not restricted by traditional geographical cuisine, their culinary team has the free hand to decide the best preparation method that suits a particular ingredient. And what comes from this is fresh, perfectly cooked seafood, in the heart of Sheung Wan. Something that I know doesn’t exist within a large radius. But, perhaps the best thing about Table is that it is the only restaurant in Hong Kong depurating (cleansing or purifying) its live seafood with the knowledge of resident marine biologist. A happy, healthy seafood haven awaits. You’re most welcome.
Where: 8/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan
Book: 2815 2367 or
Flint Grill & Bar
Flint Grill & Bar
I have to be honest, I’m not a fan of hotel restaurants. When I travel I tend to want to explore outside of the hotel walls, and usually go wandering the surrounding streets in search of local delights. But I received the invitation to Flint Grill & Bar, and since I wasn’t actually staying at the hotel, I decided to change my routine and go along and check it out. Surprisingly it seems a lot of others did too. Flint Grill & Bar, inside the Marriott, seems to catch a lot of the Admiralty happy hour/dinner trade and I was one of a few dozen hungry customers that night. It’s all about the steak here, and you absolutely must order the Grilled USDA Prime Beef after you finish the Seared Scallops with Chorizo. However, there is one dish that steals the show and that is the S’more Tart, a soft chocolate tart with marshmallow and graham cracker ice cream. Heaven on a plate!
Where: JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway
Book: 2810 8366
Aberdeen Street Social
Aberdeen Street Social
Aberdeen Street Social is a restaurant I mention a lot, and that’s because every time I go, whether its to try a new menu, taste some classic cocktails, or just grab a coffee on the terrace, it never lets me down. Another reason I love visiting time and time again is to try Executive Chef, Chris Whitmore, and his team’s exciting dishes. This time I tried the set lunch menu ( 2 courses, $238), and tucked into the tomato gazpacho with olive powder and sourdough croutons to start and Jeruselem artichoke risotto with nutmeg, hazelnut and goat’s cheese, to warm up on a, then, cold and wet day. As always I can only sing their praises. Have you been lately?
Where: PMQ, Ground Floor, JPC, 35 Aberdeen Street
Book: 2866 0300 or
Casa de Tapas – Macau
Casa de Tapas Macau
I had a bit of a love, hate relationship with Macau until this month. With two visits in the space of 2 weeks I decided to really start exploring it, and see it as more than just a gambling haven. And to do this I knew Taipa Village was just the place. After a day of sight seeing and drinking lots of coffee we headed to Casa de Tapas, managed by a team of Spaniards with a passion for their country’s cuisine. The restaurant is a distinctive new addition to Macau’s dining scene and offers a lot more than some HK restaurants due to its size and authentic location. And when in a Spanish restaurant do as the Spanish do and order plates and plates of tapas and sip on wine. We even got to sit outside and watch the sunset.
Where: Rua dos Clérigos No.9, Taipa, Macau
Book: +853 2857 6626
Where to Drink
Paradis
Paradis
Paradis, the hip French hangout in Central, has recently upped its food game, but I still can’t help but love their cocktails more than their food. So when I went along this month for dinner, I came out more drunk than full. Hidden on Wyndham street, away from the craziness below, Paradis offers somewhat of a secret vibe to those in the know, but their cocktails are definitely not to be kept a secret. Try their Negorini, it has its own unique twist and is guaranteed to cheer you up after any long day!
Where: 3/F, 46-48 Wyndham Street, Central
Book: 3182 0105
The Envoy
Birds of a Feather cocktail at The Envoy
The Envoy on Stanley Street (inside The Pottinger Hotel) is cocktail bar and dining room with a modern take on the colonial influences of Hong Kong, using tea as a key element in their cocktails. With both an indoor and outdoor area, it is one of those bars/restaurants in Central you are looking for but can never find! But I found it, and I found a pretty good cocktail menu too, created by Amanda Wan a superstar female bartender (there really aren’t a lot of these in HK) with creative names and ingredients like My Neighbour To-Taro a fragrant purple taro sundae with Myers’s Rum, you’re sure to be entertained. First date material we think!
Where: 3/F. The Pottinger, 74 Queen’s Road Central
Book: 2169 3311 or
Quarter Square – Macau
The Quarter Square – Macau
This Macau based gallery, showroom and coffee bar, displays a refined selection of national and international contemporary design. It’s also a good place to hangout and enjoy good coffee and conversation. I popped in on my last visit and loved the concept so much! There really is something for everyone in this cute little store, and the coffee is awesome. Quarter Square is also getting a name for itself on Instagram thanks to the owners French Bulldog Copper who has his very own account (@copper.frenchie) and has customers travelling from all around to grab a selfie with him.
Where: 89 Largo Maia de Magalhães, Macao
Book: +853 2857 6914
We have lots more food and drink recommendations right here in our Taste pages!
Sarah is a 27 year old professional world wanderer. Four years ago, she left the UK and everything that offered security and routine in exchange for a life of constant excitement and adventure. Through working as a Scuba Dive Instructor, freelance writer and running her blog www.coffeewithasliceoflife.com she now leads a life as a full time digital nomad. Based in Hong Kong you will most likely bump into her typing away on her laptop in one of the city’s latest coffee shops.