More restaurants offer alfresco dining
Alfresco dining is gaining popularity among busy Hongkongers who want to unwind, writes Vicki Williams
The sweltering heat of summer is fading and, over the next three months, Hong Kong will experience some of the best weather for alfresco dining. While the city is often considered as lagging behind its Asian neighbours in terms of alfresco options, this is beginning to change with more restaurants opening that have outdoor dining areas.
These new establishments - and long-time favourites - can be found mainly in urban areas, with vistas of a Blade Runner cityscape rather than a picturesque paradise. Often these restaurants are not on the ground level nor obvious to passers-by, adding to the unique appeal of this city-style alfresco dining.
One of the newest is The Envoy, on the third floor of The Pottinger, a boutique hotel in Central. Its 1,500 sq ft terrace can seat 50 guests and has been designed to have a relaxed lounge ambience. "Being in The Pottinger, the whole setting has an elegant yet relaxed mood. The terrace is perfect for afternoon tea, innovative cocktails and snacks, as well as alfresco dining," says managing director Charlene Dawes.
The menu consists of international dishes that hint at fusion, such as the Caesar salad with crispy wonton, crispy French corn-fed chicken with lemongrass jus, grilled Iberico chop with Chinese sweet vinegar and ginger sauce, and the crowd-pleasing grilled prime rib-eye with a cep cream sauce.
In Causeway Bay, The Chop House - the latest opening from the Wooloomooloo Group - has an outdoor area that also measures 1,500 sq ft (and is also on the third floor), with full-menu dining for 80 people. "The terrace is definitely a popular option for dining, particularly the tables with our unique self-serve beer taps that allow guests to pour their own pint," says Kay Ip, director of sales and marketing for the restaurant group. Outdoor foodies enjoy pairing their drinks with international dishes such as mussels mariner, plus a range of burgers, steaks, ribs, grilled seafood and pasta. Ip says The Chop House is an inviting and relaxing destination "where guests can enjoy a good meal in a stress-free environment".