Intercontinental's #852TAILS Menu is Dynamic and Distinctive

The Lobby Lounge at the InterContinental is 'the' place for cocktails, where every mover and shaker can be seen sipping effortlessly on something fabulous. Set against the iconic backdrop of Victoria Harbour and that skyline, this Hong Kong classic has got a whole lot of wow factor. 

To compliment the splendour of the surroundings, the InterContinental has just launched an extensive new cocktail and appetiser menu in the Lobby Lounge that is reflective of the dynamic and compelling energy of HK itself. Despite the fact that the hotel is situated in busy TST, the Lobby Lounge still manages to retain an ambience of chic, old Hollywood glamour that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the city.

With seven alcoholic cocktails and five non-alcoholic varieties, there is something for everyone on this long list of creations. While I do love an old reliable, I often find drink menus repetitive, and it can be difficult to discover innovative mixology. Rest assured that the curators at the Lobby Lounge have blended these beverages with a great splash of creative thought – there's not a cosmo or mai tai in sight! The elements of each drink – from the name to the ingredients – are intrinsically linked to aspects of local history and culture, taking the diner through a snapshot of storytelling with every sip. 

One of my favourites was the New Territories, a refreshing blend of gin, tonic, citrus, cucumber and bitter melon – a contemporary interpretation of a standard G and T. This would be ideal for cooling off during the summer season or as a light aperitif before dinner. On that note, Tea Time, inspired by the bo lo bao (pineapple bun), also had a tropical tang of buttered rum, pineapple, local honey and citrus. I was apprehensive that this could be a little too sickly, but it turned out to be the perfect sweet treat. For a different flavour, I loved the spicy, heady notes in From Condiment to Confection, a mix of bourbon, citrus, local honey, ginger and bitters; this is a great winter warmer for the colder snap. 

The appetisers that accompany these indulgent cocktails are a combination of festive features for the Lunar New Year (say hello to the best turnip cake ever) and firm favourites like the breadcrumbed fish and chips and the scrumptious Wagyu beef balls. It was the chilli plate that – quite literally – tickled my taste buds, though, as the snack selection ranged from one to five on the spice-ometer. For those a little shy of spice, the chilli cheese nuggets and stuffed jalapeños pack just the right amount of punch. If you're feeling like a bit more fire, the crispy octopus with piri-piri mayo and king prawns with chorizo are unforgettable. 

The Lobby Lounge features live entertainment nightly from 6pm–12:30am, with one of Asia's leading jazz singers, Jennifer Parlor, performing every Thursday from 9:45–11:45pm. With this sublime soundtrack, this is the only place to marvel at the harbour light show or simply enjoy an #852TAIL with a view. 

Lobby, InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, TST, 2721 1211

All images courtesy of The Intercontinental 

Sponge: Mobile Beauty Service for HK's Lively Ladies

It’s almost December and our calendars are filling up with festive invitations, faster than you can say “Father Christmas”. We’ve got it all going on: from office parties, to seasonal socials and family obligations. Oh, and we also have to hold down those day jobs to fund these frolics! Ladies - it’s a lot - I hear you. With so much to think about, Diane Younes and her Sponge team have popped up at the perfect time to launch the city’s slickest at-home hair and makeup service, to help us look and feel fabulous for any occasion.

Diane herself is the most impressive advert for Sponge, as she arrived to our meeting with meticulous makeup and her hair in a chic chignon. Her drive and determination is infectious and her personal connection to the brand is evident in every element of Sponge. She is the epitome of a #girlboss - after leaving behind her corporate number in New York to move to HK - where she discovered that we were missing the effective, efficient and economical beauty services synonymous with NYC. Cue some serious hustle and the birth of Sponge, which offers women an extensive range of hair and makeup looks in your home, office or, anywhere that is convenient for you; all you need is a flat surface and a plug – genius!

The whole process is a pleasure; start by choosing your desired looks from the website and locking in your preferred appointment slot. I decided to go for The Weekender hair which promised cool waves and an undone look and The Influencer makeup: a smoky eye, contoured cheek bones and a neutral lip. I was clearly going for Gisele vibes and while I, unfortunately, did not transform into an Amazonian Goddess (sob), I did feel super swish and pampered after my session!

The only thing I was slightly apprehensive about was inviting people into my home to complete this service. Undergoing beauty treatments can be a personal and intimate experience – especially in a HK sized apartment – so you really need to have the right personalities to make sure it doesn’t get awkward. Don’t sweat it though, Diane is a step ahead and has assembled a Sponge squad who are talented, warm and friendly; a joy to welcome into your private space. I was lucky enough to have two ladies who were pleasant but professional, punctual and prompt – everything took just under an hour and we even had time for a sign along to Britney’s greatest hits. Yep, those girls rocked!

 I was really pleased with my finished looks and so impressed by the ease and affordability of the service. Everything at Sponge is customisable and after chatting with my stylists, I was able to create an individual look that I was fully satisfied with – all while lounging in my living room. This is definitely something I can see myself getting hooked on so, I may need to ask Santa for some Sponge vouchers in my stocking this year!  

Appointments can be booked anything from two hours to one month in advance, with prices from HK$330 to HK$440 for hair and HK$440 to HK$550 for makeup. Eyelash extensions are also available and you can avail of a HK$50 discount off your first appointment, when you enter the promotion code “FIRST50” at checkout. Happy pampering and here’s to a new way of doing beauty in HK!

www.gosponge.com

T'ang Court Launches Lavish Lunar New Year Menu

There's no denying that time flies – especially in this fabulously frenetic city where the celebrations last all year long. So it's not surprising that Chinese New Year menus have already been perfectly prepped by HK's hottest spots, to ensure that eager diners can book well in advance to avoid disappointment. With this festive spirit in mind, I can't think of a better place to step back in time to China's Golden Age than T'ang Court in the Langham Hotel, which serves up authentic Cantonese cuisine along with exquisite presentation and supreme service. 

Since 2009, T'ang Court has been recognised by industry heavyweights like The Michelin Guide, Forbes Travel Guide and Elite Traveler and has impressively maintained its prestigious reputation as one of the most credible and opulent venues to indulge in local fare in the city. The kitchen is led by veteran chef Kwong Wai Keung, who continues to re-invent Cantonese delicacies with elegance and innovation whilst remaining diligently deferential to the ornate attributes of China's Golden Era. The T'ang Court team have crafted a stellar menu to celebrate Chinese taste and tradition, perfect for ringing in CNY with a close group of friends or family in a charming environment.

From the moment you step inside T'ang Court, diners can expect to wonder at the classic, lavish furnishings where reds, golds and velvets create an atmosphere of luxury and exclusivity while long, heavy drapes maximise privacy for the ultimate individual dining experience. There are also several stunning private function rooms featuring dark mahoganies and traditional accessories that pay homage to the T'ang Dynasty. There are endless choices in HK, but for me, this is the perfect place to get lost in time immemorial.

The menu is a collective triumph of old favourites such as a scrumptious scallop and shrimp dim sum combination, decadent black truffle dumplings and crispy, golden-fried taro puffs packed full of fresh, flavourful seafood and adorned with colourful flowers. Following this came light and fluffy pan-fried rice flour rolls, served with homemade XO sauce that broke up the glutinous texture of the rolls with a fiery kick. I would highly recommend enjoying these dishes with a cold glass of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut, on the expert advice of T'ang Court's sommelier. 

Another standout was the baked fresh lobster with mozzarella cheese and a creamy Portuguese sauce, alongside a cool white Burgundy wine that enhanced the deep flavours and tender texture of the lobster. Staying on the seafood theme, the sautéed prawns arrived surrounded by asparagus, crunchy, caramelised walnuts and mixed peppers, together with a light and airy 2014 rosé. Meat lovers will be kept happy with the succulent stir-fried diced lamb with mixed mushrooms and onion, ideally served with a warming Shiraz. 

To make sure that T'ang Court has all bases covered, I specially requested some vegetarian options and can promise any veggies out there that you will be fully catered for at T'ang Court. I often find Cantonese vegetarian options bland and uninspiring, but this was certainly not the case after tasting the unique menu full of meatless choices that were fun and tasty. Everything from the ingredients to the presentation was prepared with equal consideration and effort, ensuring that anyone with special dietary requirements would feel just as included in the extraordinary experience of dining at T'ang Court. This is a true testament to the team's commitment to consistently producing award-winning culinary masterpieces. 

As with all fine dining options, T'ang Court sits at the higher end of the price scale, but if it's splendour, satisfaction and sophistication you're after, this one will certainly give you a lot of bang for your buck.

1/F and 2/F, The Langham, Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, TST, 2132 7898

All images courtesy of Taking Hong Kong and T'ang Court

Christmas Comes to Cova

With the Silly Season well and truly upon us, there are so many options for a festive feast that it can sometimes leave us spoilt for choice. When it comes to Christmas fare, we want all the classics – like turkey and cranberry sauce – but with a contemporary twist to keep us interested. A tall order indeed. Enter Cova Hong Kong: the Milanese patisserie and restaurant steeped in Italian cuisine and culture, established here since 1998.

I was well aware of Cova's renowned reputation for producing classic Italian delicacies, so I was intrigued to discover the tantalising treats on offer this December. 

First off: Cova in Lee Garden One, Causeway Bay, sets the seasonal scene like no other venue. Don't be deceived by the outward appearance of the coffee shop and patisserie; there's so much more to this place than sinfully delicious cakes and coffee. Behind lies a treasure trove of luxurious dining rooms and private party spaces. My personal favourite room reminded me of a homely sitting area, complete with a decorated Christmas tree and huge fireplace that I was assured can be lit to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere for the ultimate merry dinner party. Cova manages to offer the diner fine foods coupled with home comforts with grace and ease. 

The Christmas selection is a conceptual mix of antipasti, homemade pasta and turkey with a twist, culminating in the age-old Italian masterpiece of panettone with homemade gelato. I mean, you really are a Grinch if you're not feeling the Santa Claus vibes after this. There are a number of set menus available at the various Cova locations, and I was lucky enough to sample the very best of their eclectic 2016 assortment. 

To begin, Cova offers a creamy panna cotta with subtle flavours of burrata and a tangy mayo, topped with chunky helpings of lobster. Next, you can tuck into handmade ravioli filled with oxtail, chocolate powder and seasonal truffle – hey, if you can't be decadent at Christmas, when can you? 

Following this was the star of the show: turkey roulade stuffed with pork sausage on a bed of lentils, creamed chestnut and a balsamic plum sauce. The turkey was tender and juicy, the pork bursting with intense flavour. It tasted like something straight out of Mama's kitchen (if your mama is a Michelin-starred chef, that is!). 

The last course was a playful concoction of the Italian classic dessert panettone, packed with layers of sweet gelato, topped with red fruits and dripping in a light custard. My local source (the fabulous F&B director, Daniele) informed me that most Italian families can get through two loaves of panettone a day over the Christmas period, and it can be enjoyed with everything from coffee to wine – now, that's my kind of pudding! 

Cova offers an ample choice of set lunch and dinner menus that, depending on your preferred location, start at $388 per person. If you don't get a chance to check out Cova's Christmas extravaganza, you can order one of their custom hampers or incredible cakes to add some seasonal sparkle to your kitchen this year. Oh, and as 31 December rapidly approaches, gather some friends and family and pop along to their amazing – and relatively affordable – New Year's Eve bash for an eight-course menu, two glasses of Moet & Chandon and live entertainment – all for $1,188 per person. Now that's amore! 

Shop 101–103, 1/F, Lee Garden One, Lee Gardens, 33 Hysan Ave, Causeway Bay, 2907 3399 

Fish School – Sai Ying Pun’s Specialty Seafood Spot

Tucked away on Third Street, Fish School is one of the latest eateries à la mode to hit Sai Ying Pun. French-trained chef, David Lai, spearheads this eclectic fish specialty joint, with an emphasis on local catch and culture and a focus on fresh, seasonal and organic ingredients. As the brainchild of Yenn Wong (the restauranteur behind gems like 22 Ships, Chachawan and Aberdeen Street Social), my expectations were set suitable high for this dining experience.

Finding Fish School was a challenge, but as soon as I stumbled upon the right spot, I was instantly enthralled by the urban feel of the location. It struck me almost as a Mediterranean tavern - with exposed brick walls and fairy lights adorning the outside of the restaurant. Inside, the cozy ambiance didn’t disappoint with fun touches like fish tanks and open kitchen tables to entertain diners. Luckily, we had prime seats, and were able to observe our food being skillfully prepared right in front of us. The lively and animated vibe of this place makes it ideal for a group setting and would be superb for Friday night frolics with friends.

The service at Fish School was noteworthy; the staff were very casual, jovial and chatty - without being overly intrusive on the table. Our server was most knowledgeable about the food and beverage menu and explained each one of our seven courses effortlessly, as they were received. I particularly appreciated the attention to detail exhibited; with small touches like a comprehensive overview of dietary requirements and a change of cutlery and plates, where appropriate.

Fish School’s vision is to pay homage to the abundance of sea food on offer in Hongky waters - wherever possible - and to add a touch of creative flair with exquisite preparation and presentation. This aim is achieved fluently with a gorgeous variety of tapas-style portions that are both appetizing and aesthetically pleasing (hello, they had me at flowers on the food!). Each serving was a feast for the belly and the eyes - with plenty of Instagram opportunities throughout the meal!

Some of my personal winners were the crispy, oyster croquettes with tangy and spicy yuzo mayo, the complimentarily cool Hamachi Crudo with cucumber and plum and the marinated raw crab and sea urchin rice. The fluffy, wild sea mullet was unforgettable; swimming in the most intriguing combination of ginger milk and preserved mustard root. Meat lovers are not neglected at Fish School either, and can chow down on the scintillating wagyu beef, or wagyu tartare, with fermented mushroom and mustard brulee. My only disappointment was the clam custard - which I didn’t quite get - I found the flavours bland and flat and while I welcome the inventiveness, the whole dish missed the mark for me. 

The drinks menu was also impressive, with a massive selection of everything from sake to beers and wines, all carefully crafted and selected to accompany the light, contemporary food. I really enjoyed flicking through the cocktail list which was as innovative as the food - forget your run-of-the-mill Cosmo here! At Fish School it’s all about something different, like the Wet Market Martini or the Third Street Spritz to whet your appetite or finish off your evening with a funky twist.

All-in-all, I had a wonderful experience and felt a million miles away enveloped in the bustling surroundings. If you’re in search of something other than the likely Central picks, get out your Google maps to sample the offbeat and original at Fish School.

Original article appeared on Sassy Hong Kong

http://www.sassyhongkong.com/eat-drink-fish-school-sai-ying-pun-seafood-restaurant/ 

All images courtesy of Fish School

Tantalising New Menu at 22 Ships

The Hong Kong dining scene is a rapid revolving door, with new joints opening and closing faster than you can say “cheque, please!”. While this provides plenty of opportunity to frequent a new restaurant every other week, it’s also comforting to know that some HK staples are alive, well and at their very best. Enter 22 Ships: the creation of Gordon Ramsay protégé Jason Atherton, that has been a Hongkers hit for over four years and still has people queuing on the daily to bag a seat at the hottest table in The Wanch. Top tip: those in the know - and who call this spot their regular - simply call it “Ships”, donchaknow!

We arrived to treat our taste buds to some of the new additions to the menu, and the 35-seat venue was packed and buzzing with the vivacious chit-chat of hungry diners. The atmosphere at Ships is electric, with the clanging of small plates of perfectly proportioned tapas and chilled glasses of crisp wine adding to the hectic soundtrack of the venue. If you’re in the mood for an aloof, reserved dinner date then Ships is not The One. However, if it’s energy and entertainment you’re after, thrown in with some seriously divine dishes, then step right up to a high stool at this animated - and at times boisterous - bistro!

The team at Ships prepare each dish freshly in the open kitchen; sprinkling ferocious passion on every aspect of their menu. Head Chef, Aaron Gillespie, was a breath of fresh air as he detailed each offering with optimum pride and enthusiasm. His infectious nature worked a treat and we were bursting with excitement to delve into some stellar staples and new choices.

We began with one of the evening’s specials - on Aaron’s recommendation - which was a glorious pairing of imported Italian burrata and shaved Australia truffle followed by the Jamon, Manchego and Truffle toastie with quail’s eggs – an extravagant, indulgent and flavourful twist on an old classic. Moving on to the guilt-free but gratifying Bluefin Tuna with Sago Crackers was the perfect transition and gluten free to boot – bonus!

For the side accompaniments, we decided on a helping of the cauliflower, mushroom and walnut pesto medley which, you have to taste to believe: I’m still wondering how this weird and wonderful concoction captured my heart so well! And just to be fair to the veggies, we also tried the peas, broad beans, goat’s cheese and red vein sorrel which I would highly recommend for its freshness and depth of flavor. Don’t say I’m not good to you guys!

Of course, no trip to Ships would be complete without sampling the suckling pig, drizzled in a reduction of pineapple and piquillo peppers. This trusty treat did not disappoint and is still as consistently good as it was when Ships first launched, years ago. Likewise, the seafood paella – served with fava beans and crispy bacon – is not to be missed, with its creamy consistency and smoky undertones.

By this point, we were feeling pretty full and happy but I’m so glad that we managed to fit in some of the playful desserts on the menu. Finishing off with the Green Tea Cheesecake provided the perfect mix of sharp and sweet; combining just the right amounts of cooling yoghurt and zesty lime. The Strawberry Chantilly was intricately plated and tantalisingly tangy.

I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Ships to unwind with the casual and social way of eating. It’s easy to hop on the latest bandwagon but, it’s worth bearing in mind that this place is an oldie, but a goodie.

Original article appeared on Sassy Hong Kong

http://www.sassyhongkong.com/eat-drink-22-ships-new-menu/

Images courtesy of 22 Ships and Taking Hong Kong