Father’s Day Weekend: A gastronomical treat for the leading man in your life

Treat the leading man in your life to Lan Kwai Fong’s top Italian and Japanese restaurants this Father’s Day weekend.

What better way to celebrating the leading man in your life than to spoil him with a sumptuous gourmet meal to mark the upcoming Father’s Day. Set right in the heart of the city’s wine and dine hotspot, Lan Kwai Fong offers a diversified selection of Father’s Day Menus courtesy of LKF’s most notable and talented culinary teams. From contemporary Italian delights at Aria and Ciao Chow to mouth-watering steak dinners at Kyoto Joe to a special dad-cantered Omakase menu at Tokio Joe, make this Father’s Day an occasion to remember for dear Father on the coming June 20.

A contemporary Italian fare at Aria
Getting Father’s Day afternoon started with a sophisticated contemporary Italian fare at Aria will surely be a treat for dads come June 20, especially with Chef Andrea Zamboni’s revamped menu featuring a slew of creative iterations of modern Italian cuisine, such as the Poached Boston Lobster in Sardinian Style with Tomatoes, Onion and Lemon; Japanese Wagyu A4-8 Rib Eye and Milk-fed Lamb with Friar beard and Liquorice; as well as a range of house-made pasta with Beef Bolognese and Chitarra with Braised Oxtail Ragout; All with a panoramic view of LKF skyline in the backdrop.

In addition, each dad dining on Father’s Day will receive a complimentary glass of special cocktail ‘Per te Papà’ (Gin, Coffee and Cocoa infused Campari, Vermouth and Dark chocolate).

Price: From HK$990 /person + 10% service charge
Location: 24/F, California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
For bookings: +852 2804 1116 / ariaitalian.com

A scrumptious Italian brunch at Ciao Chow
What better time to get the family together to celebrate the man of the house than over brunch, especially if the offerings are as irresistible and scrumptious as Ciao Chow’s delightful brunch buffet. Presenting a long list of over 25 types of Italian delicacies from salad bar, carving station and dessert corner, and the house’s not-to-be-missed signature Neapolitan Pizza with VPN certification cooked-to-order courtesy of Executive Chef John Leung and his special Father’s Day touch.

Price: HK$488 /person + 10% service charge
Location: G/F, California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
For bookings: +852 2344 0005 / ciaochowlkf.com

Mouth-watering wagyu beef at Kyoto Joe
Treat your sushi-loving father to an ultra chic sushi fare at the Izakaya-themed Japanese restaurant Kyoto Joe. Offering an all-new all-you-can-eat dinner offering prepared by Chef Dow and his talented kitchen team. Presenting new and irresistible wagyu items specially for the carnivorous dads such as the Kobe Beef Roll, Saga Wagyu Tataki and Saga Wagyu Hot Pot.

The menu includes unlimited Hero Sushi Rolls, Salads/Appetizers, Sashimi and Robatayaki Grill (available for both brunch and dinner buffets) along side an optional free flow alcohol packages (HK$298) and a complimentary set of Tanai Kogen Ginrou IPA and Ginrou White Beer for a memorable Father’s Day gift.

Price: From HK$528 /adult, HK$280 /child + 10% service charge
Location: 23/F California Tower, Lan Kwai Fong, Central
For bookings: +852 2804 6800 / kyotojoe.com

A modern Omakase journey at Tokio Joe
New school dads who are too cool for the norm will surely be impressed with the curb-side Omakase-style Tokio Joe and their newly launched Father’s Day lunch and dinner menus for that special man in your life. Executive Chef Wah highlights the natural flavours of the premium ingredients he sources with a touch of modern flare.

Featuring the Tuna Salad, Wagyu Tataki, Joe’s Appetizer Trio and A5 Saga Beef Inaniwa Udon, alongside a complimentary glass of Hakurakusei Junmai Ginjo, as the latest of their offerings. Not to mention, dads dining on the Father’s Day will receive a complimentary set of AJB Co. Nozawa Black Stout and White Wheat Beer.

Price: From HK$529 /per person (lunch); From HK$1,100 /person (dinner) + 10% service charge
Location: 16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central
For bookings: +852 2525 1889 / tokiojoe.com

For more information visit www.lankwaifong.com.

Fresh Feasts: New Sunday brunch at Hue is all about fresh ingredients, freshly cooked

Tucked in a corner of the recently reopened Hong Kong Museum of Art in Tsim Sha Tsui, modern Australian restaurant Hue has already wowed discerning diners with its enticing mix of refined culinary dishes and jaw-dropping views across Victoria Harbour. Now, though, it looks to raise the bar even further with the introduction of an all-new Sunday Brunch.

Emphasising freshness and seasonality of ingredients above all else, the new weekend brunch at Hue is unlike most you’d find dotted across the city. Indeed, rather than rely on the typical buffet-style experience, where everything laid out for the diner to choose from inevitably turns stale, the focus here is to prepare dishes on the go, ensuring optimal freshness and taste.

“Real food is not served on a buffet,” explains Chris Woodyard , owner of Hue and an acclaimed Australian ‘one-hat’ chef. “Our brunch menu is about innovative cuisine that uses the freshest ingredients and is cooked when you order it, not in advance.”

The HK$380-per-person brunch menu starts with a whole host of sharing platters to get the mood going, ranging from buffalo milk burrata and charred broccolini to potato croquettes and house-smoked Wagyu pastrami. For the mains, diners can opt for one of several mains, including crispy pork belly, pan-seared market fish or – for vegetarians – ricotta and yam dumplings with shiitake ginger broth.

Rounding out the meal is an array of taste bud-tempting desserts like lemon tart, frangipani and fig cake and even a Basque-style cheesecake served with rhubarb and raspberry. If that weren’t enough, there’s even an add-on free-flow option at HK$250 per person for unlimited Taittinger Brut Reserve champagne, Bloody Mary and a selection of 10 white and red wines to give your meal a little extra oomph.

Seafood Sunday: Bostonian introduces new seafood-champagne brunch

Free-flow champagne and a seafood feast spread spanning four hours on a Sunday probably sounds like a dream for many of Hong Kong’s epicureans. Now, thanks to Bostonian Seafood and Grill, that dream has now become a reality.

Indeed, the stylish eatery – located in the basement of The Langham, Hong Kong – has launched its all-new four-hour interactive brunch with free-flow Perrier-Jouët champagne, featuring signature seafood towers piled high with imported oysters, Alaskan crab legs, prawns and jade whelks. If that weren’t enough to convince you to forego wearing your belt, the buffet also includes a gin and wasabi-marinated salmon bar, along with cheese, cold cuts and salad stations.

Following the delicious platters, guests are invited to order a main course from the restaurant’s three-choice made-to-order menu of either Black Agnus Beef Tenderloin (6oz), Whiskey Marinated Tasmanian Organic Salmon or Barsley Risotto with Porcini and Black Truffle, before making their way over to the dessert buffet, which is chock-full of sweet-tooth delights.

Those worried about finding a sitter needn’t worry as Bostonian is equipped with a children’s area filled with activities and toys, allowing for the whole family to be swept away in the brunch spirit.

For reservations and enquiries, please call 2132 7898 or email tlhkg.bostonian@langhamhotels.com.

Spanish restaurant Olé offers nine-course brunch to celebrate 20th anniversary

To celebrate its 20^th anniversary in Hong Kong, Spanish restaurant Olé in Central is offering a lavish nine-course brunch. Available on every Saturday and public holiday from now on, the brunch recreates Olé’s most favourite dishes from the past 20 years.

Head Chef, Jesus Pascual, who started his career at three-Michelin-star Arzak in San Sebastian, Spain, emphasizes on authenticity in each dish, right from the starters. Whether it’s the Iberico ham with tomato bread or Gazpacho, a traditional Spanish cold soup, every dish is true to Chef Pascual’s Spanish roots. Our personal favourites were the grilled octopus with paprika and aioli, and the stuffed baby squids in ink sauce. Both the tapas had a rich fullness and a slightly chewy texture which appealed to the seafood lovers in us. The other seafood starter – the sizzling garlic prawns wasn’t a standout dish, sadly, but the next starter – Spanish peppers stuffed with codfish and pepper sauce more than made up for it. The peppers had just the right amount of bite mixed with a slight hidden sweetness which would make it a favourite even with those who don’t enjoy spicy food.

Moving on to the mains, those who love seafood will be spoilt for choice with the traditional Spanish seafood paella, Spanish squid-ink rice, and codfish in green sauce with clam and shrimp – a staple in Spain’s Basque Country, where Chef Pascual spent some years working. Those feeling more carnivorous can try the Segovia-style roasted suckling pig or the baby lamp chops. The roasted pig was delightful in its minimalism – with a crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat inside. The emphasis was solely on the succulence and sweetness of the meat, undulated by excessive seasoning. The baby lamb chops were again prepared by grilling alone, with just the right amount of seasoning to bring out its meaty flavours. The only downside was that the meat itself was a tad dry though – but with the fat fries and the veggies, it made a rather wholesome meal.

With hardly any room left for desserts, we decided to try the lightest thing on the menu – fried milk with toffee reduction. Surprisingly light and fluffy, it was just the right note with which to end the rather generous spread. Someone looking for something more decadent must, however, try the Spanish churros with hot chocolate.

With a Spanish chef, rustic Spanish décor and emphatically modest Spanish cuisine, it seems that Olé has managed a winning combination.

Olé Brunch Details
Available: Every Saturday and Public Holiday (12:00pm to 3:00pm)
Price: Adult $380, Kids (4-9 years old) $228 (+10 % service charge)
Address: 1/F, Shun Ho Tower, 24-30 Ice House Street, Central
Reservation: (852) 2523 8624

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Gaucho taps into its Argentinean heritage in a new revitalised brunch menu

The 852 is no stranger to a weekend brunch (or two). With countless restaurants offering free-flow packages and indulgent buffets, we asked ourselves, what makes Gaucho unique?

Famous for its sumptuous steaks and mouth-watering ceviches, Argentinean restaurant Gaucho now offers a new weekend brunch menu featuring refreshing options for everyone while retaining its traditional Argentinean flavours.

THE SETTING

As you step inside the elegant room paved with marble flooring, it’ll be hard not to miss the impressive wine collection through the tasting room’s mirrored walls. Glancing around the room, I take note of the lavish interior resembling that of its popular London branch, Gaucho City, complete with mirrored walls, dim lights and ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers. Guests sit comfortably in plush leather booths and cowhide chairs, patiently waiting for their champagne-filled flutes to arrive.

EAT & DRINK

Upon being seated, the gourmand in me is unleashed. To start the feast we begin with an unlimited selection of starters including Mini Beef Empanadas made with carefully hand-diced beef, red peppers, Spanish onion and aji molido and Braised Back Ribs, topped with a delicious combination of hoisin, chilli orange sauce and pickled jalapeños for an extra kick. Juicy and flavourful, these meaty treats were cooked to perfection.

For those looking for something a little lighter, opt for Gaucho’s signature twist on two different Argentinian ceviches – Seabass Ceviche served with grapefruit, grilled corn, jalapeño and wasabi, and Tuna Ceviche, perfectly paired with an irresistibly creamy guacamole. It would be criminal to partake in the brunch without trying the Watermelon Salad – my personal favourite among the starters. The meat-free option packs a punch with a surprisingly moreish mixture of avocado, feta, chilli, mint and basil, topped with toasted almonds to add some crunch.

The mains offer a pleasant selection of hearty and light dishes, accompanied with green salad and chips for the table to share. Beef-lovers should choose from the Bife De Ancho (300g) – a delicately marbled rib-eye throughout, basted in home-made chimichurri, or the Bife de Chorizo (300g) – a tender yet succulent sirloin with its juicy and crackling strip. Pair these succulent dishes with the perfect red wine; Gaucho’s very own ‘G’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 from Mendoza, Argentina. While a true Gaucho experience is incomplete without its prime selection of free-range beef, non-beef eaters and vegetarians also have plenty to be happy about! The Oven-Baked Sea Bass with Torrontés confit tomatoes was not only light but deliciously fresh and flavorsome. Vegetarians may spoil themselves with the creamy Risotto with a simple yet sublime mixture of lemon and basil.

Taking a breather, I pondered the question of what beverage to choose next. For champagne lovers, Gaucho offers a free-flow package of Veuve Cliquot .Other options include house pours and select cocktails including Bloody Mary and mojitos. For those refraining from alcohol, there is a selection of mocktails including Homemade Mint Lemonade, Ginger Crush and not to forget, the refreshing Mojito, which I must note, tasted just as good without the rum.

To end the culinary adventure, treat yourself to Gaucho’s decadent and unlimited sharing platter of desserts including Mango and Passion Fruit Mess, Chocolate Brownie and the moist Dulce de Leche Cheescake – an all-time favourite with guests.

THE VERDICT

Whether you are on a health kick or continuing to dine on great food, Gaucho’s menu is a perfect mix of light and hearty dishes. However, with a number of delicious starters on offer, one must refrain from over-indulging or risk leaving the mains and dessert uneaten – which I must add, would be a real shame. The drinks, meanwhile, can’t be faulted. With classic brunch tipples, as well as a generous selection of non-alcoholic drinks, we can’t complain.

Gaucho has done a great job of incorporating its signature Argentinean dishes to form a tasty brunch menu but with Hong Kong’s cut-throat F&B scene, will it be enough to stand out? We, for one, hope that Gaucho stands the test of time.

Gaucho’s brunch is available from 12pm-3.30pm every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday. Each sitting is two hours, with free-flow packages starting from HK$350.

5th Floor, LHT Tower, 31 Queen’s Road Central. (852) 2386 8090. www.gauchorestaurants.com

Text: Hira Desai

Le Pan: A review of Kowloon Bay’s ritziest restaurant

Taste-testing Le Pan’s seven-course ‘Hedonist’s Lunch’

Kowloon Bay has been undergoing a major revitalisation in the last couple of decades since the old airport relocated to Lantau in 1998, exactly 20 years ago. Nowadays, however, when one thinks Kowloon Bay, the following might come to mind: the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, concerts at KITEC, the red monstrosity that is MegaBox (Hong Kong’s biggest ice skating rink!) and maybe the cinema at Telford Gardens.

How about the most opulent brunch you could possibly find this side of the harbour?

Kowloon East has finally gotten its own swanky Saturday bubbles ritual by way of Le Pan’s elaborate Hedonist’s Lunch featuring seven courses of contemporary French cuisine in a positively palatial property effused with natural sunlight.

Admittedly, we were not prepared for the grandeur that greeted us upon arriving at Le Pan, in the middle of a heretofore unexplored industrial-looking area of Kowloon Bay. Located on the ground floor of a brand spanking new skyscraper, this expansive restaurant extends over 10,000 square feet – a far cry from the tight spaces of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

One might feel a twinge of embarrassment, as we did, about not dressing up for such an impressive setting. But our nerves were quickly calmed upon meeting Herman Pang, Le Pan’s sincere and easygoing Assistant Manager. He even seemed genuinely curious about the hike we were planning to do after the lunch: the nearby “Suicide Cliff” on Kowloon Peak.

After Pang introduced the menu to us, we were then familiarised with the drinks as presented by Lauri Vainio, Le Pan’s Finnish Wine Director and award-winning sommelier. That was the beginning of the day’s free-flow champagne: Jacques Picard “Le Chapitre” Brut NV. If you’re celebrating something as we were, there couldn’t be a more opportune moment for this indulgent menu.

The meal started with a stomach-soothing chicken consommé followed by Royal Oscietra caviar in an oh-so-authentic tin; dig in and you’ll be rewarded with a satisfyingly salty Petuna ocean trout tartare. Crustacean lovers would love the fresh Fine de Claire oyster flown in from France, flavoured with the most subtle ginger vinaigrette. We got a taste of the sea, but it wasn’t overwhelming; texture was impeccable.

The seafood continues with the Blue lobster ‘piperade’, a concoction of arroz bomba grains and calamari: equal parts crispy, foamy and chewy. For the main course, you can choose between a lightly spiced Hapuka fish and jumbo prawns; Picalou French yellow chicken and Hokkaido scallop; or USDA Prime onglet ‘Bordelaise’. We went with the first and last dishes.

The ocean grouper didn’t quite melt in the mouth, but the prawn made up for where the white Hapuka was lacking. We had no complaints about the steak, which came in rich and filling cuts of tender beef with duxelles pureé (mushrooms) and grelot (pearl) onions.

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And last but not least, dessert: the Tropical ‘rum baba’. If you’re a chocolate person, this might not be your cup of tea, but after such a heavy meal you might appreciate the fruity zing and spongey cake. There’s also a weighty cheese selection for those who prefer savoury to sweet.

If one day you find yourself in the vicinity of Kowloon Bay and feel like treating yourself to a stately experience, there is only one place to go. Complimentary valet parking beckons to those with wheels coming from the New Territories and don’t want to get stuck in downtown traffic. For the more centrally located, however, you would have to exhaust the champagne brunches closer to home before heading further afield to this rare gem in Kowloon East.

Le Pan’s Hedonist Lunch is available every Saturday, from noon until 3:30 p.m at HK$980 per head. Ground Floor, Goldin Financial Global Centre, 17 Kai Cheung Road, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong. (852) 3188 2355. www.lepan.com.hk

Written by: Julienne C. Raboca