Where to eat and drink in May

The Aubrey After Dark at Mandarin Oriental

“The Aubrey After Dark” is a thrilling new series of late-night sessions that pay tribute to Hong Kong’s iconic nightlife scene, which emerged alongside the opening of The Mandarin in 1963. 

Starting from May 24, these sessions will take place every Friday from 10pm until late at The Aubrey, formerly known as the Harbour Restaurant, a renowned venue that has hosted legendary international performers like Eartha Kitt, Dave Allen, Les Dawson, Barry Humphries, Bob Monkhouse, and Max Bygraves. 

Guests can expect an exciting line-up of international underground DJs from London, New York, and Paris who will spin a fusion of Classic Disco, Chicago House, and the latest music genres like Amapiano, Afro, and Latin vibes. 

The highly anticipated launch on May 24 will feature performances by Hank Korsan from Los Angeles, Cosmo Webber, The Aubrey’s first curator-in-residence from London’s contemporary party circuit, and Hong Kong’s DJ legend Andrew Bull, also known as DJ El Toro.

Entry costs just $150 which includes one drink. 

The Aubrey, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central

From Paris to Provence: Exploring the flavours of France with Caprice Bar’s new cocktail menu

Caprice Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong has introduced Terroir Volume Two, an extraordinary cocktail menu that takes guests on a sensory journey through the diverse regions of France. With ten unique cocktails inspired by six different French regions, from the enchanting Outre-mer to the historic Limoges, Caprice Bar Manager Anyss Saintilan skillfully showcases the rich flavours and lesser-known aspects of French culture and tradition. Experience the exotic flavours of La Vanille Bleue and Sunny Lychee from the Outre-mer, indulge in the sophistication of La Banane and Rose Pamplemousse from Cognac, savour the salty-sweet traditions of Brittany with Old Caramel, and enjoy the innovative blend of Coconut and Chardonnay and Grain de Café. Raise a glass to the South with the Three Musketeers, and finally, journey back to Central France with The Monk’s Highball and It’s Thyme!

The exquisite Terroir Volume Two cocktail collection is now available at Caprice Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, and the cocktails are priced at $220 each. 

Caprice Bar, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, 8 Finance Street, Central, 3196 8882

Aqua launches Ankh Tasting Menu

Aqua, the renowned restaurant situated on the 17th floor of H Zentre in Tsim Sha Tsui, has introduced a new Ankh Tasting Menu consisting of seven courses which blend modern Italian cuisine curated by Chef Ilaria Zamperlin and traditional Japanese dishes crafted by Chef Iwahashi Tatsuya. 

The menu showcases a fusion of contemporary Italian and Japanese cuisine, featuring a variety of seasonal seafood, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Each course is thoughtfully paired with Italian wines and Japanese sakes for a unique dining experience.

The focus is on seafood, with appetisers like Bluefin Tuna Tartare with Crystal Dashi and Caviar, Alaskan King Crab with Lemon Gel and Caviar, and Somen Noodle with Seared Scallop, Hotaru-ika Baby Squid, and Salmon Roe. The main courses include Homemade Lobster Ravioli with Tomato Water Infused with Plankton and Mediterranean Herbs, as well as Charcoal Grilled Saikyo Miso Marinated Black Cod and Chilli Teriyaki Lamb with Yuzu, Garlic & Miso. For dessert, guests can enjoy the Raindrop Cake infused with almond extract, resembling a mesmerising blue “eye,” and the Sgroppino, a refreshing blend of lemon sorbet, ice cream, prosecco, and a choice of sake or grappa.

The Ankh Tasting Menu is available until June 23 for $1,188 per person, with optional wine and sake pairings available for $788 per person.

Aqua, 17/F, H Zentre, 15 Middle Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3427 2288

Celebrating One Year: Bar Leone’s Anniversary Takeover

Bar Leone will mark its first anniversary in June with a month-long celebration showcasing some of the finest bars from around the globe. Simone Caporale, award-winning bartender and co-founder of Sips in Barcelona (#1 World’s 50 Best Bars 2023), will lead the celebration with an exclusive takeover on May 26.  Tjoget and Hedda Bruce from Stockholm’s Tjoget (#40 World Best Bars 2023) will take over on June 2, offering classic cocktails with unique flavours, Satan’s Whiskers from London (#28 in the World’s 50 Best Bars), will be featured on June 9 with Bar Manager Keila Urzaiz de Calignon. Riccardo Rossi from Freni e Frizioni in Rome (#33 in the World’s Best 50 Bars) will conclude the celebration on June 27 with traditional connoisseur-pleasing cocktails. 

To reserve a table for any of the takeover events, email tuttobene@barleonehk.com

Bar Leone, 15 Bridges St, Central

Celebrating 30 years: COVA’s reopens Lee Gardens One store

COVA, one of Italy’s oldest pasticceria, celebrates its 30th anniversary in Hong Kong this month with the reopening of its Lee Garden One store and the launch of a limited-time four-hand White Asparagus Menu.

Established in 1817 by Antonio COVA, the brand opened its first international store in Hong Kong in 1993. Over the years, COVA has grown its global footprint with stores in major cities like Paris, Beijing, Shanghai, Taiwan, Tokyo, Monte Carlo, and Dubai, and is currently owned by the LVMH Group.

COVA at Lee Garden One is celebrating its reopening with a special five-course White Asparagus menu available until June 15. This menu, priced at $988 per person, features a collaboration between Chef Eduardo Gadda from COVA Milano and Chef Liu Cheuk-shun from COVA Hong Kong. Dishes include Steamed White Asparagus and Smoked Salmon, White Asparagus Cream Soup with seared scallops, Red Prawn Homemade Squid Ink Spaghetti, Pan-fried White Cod, Grilled US Prime Ribeye, and a delicious Panettone Semifreddo dessert.

COVA, 101-103, 1/F, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, 2907 3060

Celebrate International Burger Day with $28 ShackBurgers

Be one of the lucky first 60 guests at any Shack location in Hong Kong and Macau on May 28 to savour the mouthwatering signature ShackBurger for just $28! Made with 100% all-natural Angus beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce, it’s a burger you don’t want to miss. For every six mouthwatering ShackBurgers sold, ShakeShack will donate the value of one burger to rén, its local social enterprise partner in Hong Kong. 

Shake Shack locations across Hong Kong including at IFC Mall and Pacific Place.

Chef Cary Docherty returns to Lobster Bar and Grill

Island Shangri-La welcomes back chef Cary Docherty to the Lobster Bar and Grill, known for his innovative approach to classic brasserie dishes. Docherty plans to maintain the restaurant’s legacy while introducing fresh ideas to cater to existing and new customers, drawing from his experience with renowned British chefs to enhance the dining experience. Rather than revamping the menu, Docherty focuses on perfecting traditional favourites and adding some new bold flavours. 

The Lobster Bar and Grill now offers a lavish Sunday Brunch experience featuring a variety of appetisers served family-style, such as prawn cocktails, oysters, and lobster bisque. For the main course, guests can choose roast beef, lamb, pork with all the trimmings, or whole Boston lobster with garlic or lemon butter. Indulgent desserts highlight Docherty’s pastry skills and Canadian heritage, including triple chocolate mud pie, banoffee pie, yuzu meringue pie, and apple tart tatin. Enhance the brunch with a seafood tower and free-flow drinks package, with options like Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart Blanc de Blanc, or Krug champagne. 

Also new is a Burger Bar menu featuring five mouthwatering options. Among them are the Panko-crusted Alaskan pollock fish burger, which has achieved icon status in Docherty’s hands, and a Gourmet Sweetbread burger. Sought out by food lovers in the know, it comprises roasted veal sweetbread, braised morels and honey peas, black truffle, and roasted garlic puree sandwiched between a lightly toasted potato bun.

A lunch menu is available from Monday to Saturday, catering to diners such as business executives, shoppers, and office workers. It offers a good value set and a shortened à la carte menu. The menu is regularly updated and includes dishes like Steak Tartare, Roasted Scallops, Parsnip Soup, Grilled Beef, and Eton Mess. Additionally, a free-flow drinks package is offered on Saturdays for those who prefer a more leisurely meal.

Lobster Bar and Grill at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong, Level 6, Pacific Place, Supreme Court Road, Central, 2820 8560

Casa Cucina returns with refined flair

After two years crafting delicious dishes in the trendy Sai Ying Pun neighbourhood, Casa Cucina recently relaunched in the vibrant Causeway Bay at Fashion Walk. 

Embarking on a culinary journey after a successful career in finance, Chef Anthony Cheung has honed his skills under the guidance of esteemed chefs like Jean Georges Vongerichten and Richard Ekkebus. At Casa Cucina, he brings his passion for quality ingredients, creative dishes, and a playful culinary style, all inspired by the principles of Italian cuisine. 

The menu features handcrafted pasta from locally sourced produce alongside a seasonal a la carte selection that combines traditional favourites with innovative creations like Morels Pappardelle, Burrata, Lamb Rack, and Peri Peri Chicken.

Guests can enjoy the Signature Sharing Set Menu for $498 per person, which includes three starters, two pastas, two main courses, and one dessert, or opt for the Weekend Brunch menu for $238 per person, which consists of a starter, primary, and dessert.

Casa Cucina, Shop C & D, Riviera Mansion, 59-65 Paterson St, Causeway Bay, 2152 0556

MICHELIN-starred New Punjab Club launches revamped a la carte menu

New Punjab Club, the World’s first MICHELIN-starred Punjabi restaurant, is introducing a fresh a la carte menu this month that further explores the rich culture of Punjab. 

New Punjab Club has become a firm favourite with Hong Kong diners over the past six years with a kitchen centred around tandoor ovens and flame-cooked proteins that steal the show. 

Chefs Palash Mitra, Chhabil Sidhu, and Tara Mehta display their culinary expertise through dishes like the Bade Ka Boti Kebab, a 12oz Black Angus Ribeye steak marinated in cold-pressed mustard oil and black peppercorns, cooked rare in the tandoor, and served with house-made kabocha chutney. The new menu also features Malai Tikka, showcasing three local yellow chicken marinated in soft cheese, yoghurt, and fenugreek, served with smoked corn raita and rum-infused chicken liver chutney. 

Vegetarian options include the Baingan Bharta, a combination of two types of eggplants, with one smoked and blended with onion, tomato, garlic, and coriander and the other stuffed with soft cheese and grilled in the tandoor. Meanwhile, the beloved Samosa Chaat has returned, featuring smashed samosas served with yoghurt, mint and tamarind chutneys and topped with crispy chickpea vermicelli and pomegranate seeds.

The new a la carte menu is available from May onwards. Bookings can be made at newpunjabclub.com.

New Punjab Club, 34 Wyndham St, Central, 2368 1223

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong launches highly anticipated GourMay

As part of the French May Arts Festival, Grand Hyatt Hong Kong offers various exceptional dining experiences, including a barbeque feast at The Grill, an authentic French buffet at Tiffin, and decadent pastries at Chocolatier.

At The Grill, savour delectable Côte d’Azurian dishes such as French duck confit, Atlantic lobsters, and Croque monsieur with the Côte d’Azur French Riviera Barbeque Buffet ($628 per adult, $314 per child), available evenings until June 30. 

Until June 16, The Tiffin offers a nightly French GourMay Dinner Buffet at Tiffin (from $818 per adult, $409 per child) with traditional French gourmet delicacies, including Raclette cheese, Crème brûlée foie gras, and Pot-au-Feu. 

Lastly, Executive Executive Sous Chef – Pastry Thomas Cabrit will also present an exquisite collection of French pastries throughout the month, including Vanilla Mille Feuille and Pistachio Paris Brest.

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, 2588 1234

Introducing Posso’s Duetto Dinners

Posso presents its unique Duetto Dinners, a series of collaborative dining experiences inspired by Italian Cicchetti traditions. Visionary Chef Max Wong leads these exclusive dinners and brings together esteemed culinary figures to create ten exquisite courses that blend Chinese and Italian culinary techniques. 

The inaugural session on May 14 and 15 features a collaboration between Chef Max Wong and celebrity Chef Rania Hatoum of RH Fine Dining and TARTE by RH. Priced at $950 per person, the evening begins with a trio of Chef Rania’s famous Tartes, each beautifully decorated with luxurious ingredients like Matsuba crab, caviar, and ikura. Both chefs will present their versions of Scallop en Croute. Handmade pasta, including Lobster Casarecce and fragrant Black Truffle Carbonara, will be the highlight, inspired by Posso’s Italian speciality. Alongside these dishes, guests can enjoy a selection of exquisite proteins, such as Poached Yellowtail and tender Beef Tenderloin. For an additional cost of $580, guests can indulge in Chef Rania’s signature Golden Bowl, featuring A4 Kagoshima wagyu, Hokkaido uni, Kaviari Ossetra caviar, and adorned with generous shavings of 18k gold flakes. To enhance the dining experience, guests can choose between the standard wine pairing for $450 or the premium wine pairing for $650.

Posso, G/F, 12 Kau U Fong, Sheung Wan, 9870 0898