Inside scoop: Harlan Goldstein's auspicious "8"

LUCKY EIGHT
What does a Michelin star get you these days? Apparently the right to charge HK$88,000 for a night of wining and dining. Harlan Goldstein has decided to introduce the "8" dinner, in an audacious attempt to appeal to Chinese diners who see it as an auspicious number. To be fair to the enfant terrible of Hong Kong's restaurant scene, the price does cover an entire dinner for eight people, which includes eight gourmet courses each, paired with - what else - eight fine wines. The seasonal menu is expected to change regularly, and some of the culinary highlights include dishes featuring Iranian caviar, Brittany blue lobster carpaccio, 48-month aged Iberico 5J ham and 80-day aged Spanish wagyu. Numbering among the decadent sips are the Leoville Las Cases, Pauillac 1982, the Château Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac 1996 and a Château d'Yquen, "Y" 2004 to finish off.

TOAST TO EXTRAVAGANCE
Still feel like splurging? Consider CAMUS Cuvée 5.150. Coming out as a celebration of the 150th anniversary of CAMUS, the five minimum age-guaranteed blend of eaux-de-vie comes in a limited edition of 1,492 bottles at HK$52,000 each. The first 150 decanters are individually numbered 001/150/1492. An individually numbered 100ml ultimate sample, which may be engraved with the name of the owner if desired, contains the last sample taken by the cellar master just before the decanters were filled in the presence of a bailiff, which makes it a perfect collection piece. CAMUS will host an exclusive luncheon and a trade dinner on March 14.

LIFE’S A CRUISE
What is more luxurious than a super yacht? An 80 million euro (HK$827.88 million) one. CRN launched its flagship 129 "Chopi Chopi" in Italy in January. At a staggering 80 metres, it is the largest built by CRN so far. It took more than 660,000 hours to finish the pleasure vessel, constructed in Ancona and designed by two Italian architectural firms. The selling point? Immense spaciousness. Unique additions include the beach club, a collapsible door leading to the water surface which can be converted into a 100-square-metre swimming platform, an indoor fitness area and a spa with a sauna, Turkish bath and massage area. If you also happen to own a helicopter, there's a helicopter pad for you. The yacht is powered by two Caterpillar 3516B-C engines that push it to a cruising speed of 15 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots. The cruising range at a speed of 12 knots is 6,000 nautical miles.

COOL TIMEPIECE
The Girard-Perregaux Young Watchmakers' world tour showcases young talent in the world of horology. Debuted in New York City last year, the New Face of Tradition project went on to Paris, Beijing and Miami. Now it is going to be on display at the majestic Aletsch Glacier, in the Swiss Alps. Maybe assembling a tourbillon there does make it more exquisite and impressive. If you don't feel like embracing the ice and snow, log on to www.TheNewFaceofTradition.com and have a closer look at these young watchmakers and what makes them tick.

FANTASY ISLAND
If you have been thinking about a private island retreat in the Maldives, Coco Privé by Coco collection would be an ideal choice. Located in North Malé Atoll, Maldives, the Coco Privé Kuda Hithi island is available at US$8,000 to US$32,500 per night depending on the season, and can accommodate up to 12 guests. The 13,000-squaremetre tropical ground features accommodation comprising a two-level master residence and five luxurious villas, two of which have private pools and others, an infinity pool, for accompanying guests. Each space is designed and decorated with palettes of natural, earthy hues and tactile textures. Additional focal points include an entrance water feature with raised fire pit and a vast wine cellar offering an eclectic worldwide selection chosen by an on-site sommelier. Coco Privé's chef is also on hand to cook all your favourite dishes.

PERFECT TIMING
March is definitely the month for exhibitions. The Triennale Design Museum, in collaboration with the Italian Cultural Institute in Beijing, is presenting a new edition of the exhibition "O'Clock - Time Design, Design Time" - at the CAFA Art Museum in Beijing from March 7 to April 10. The show is organised in partnership with Officine Panerai. Compared to the Milan display, which featured eight timepieces by Panerai, the Beijing exhibition includes an expanded and updated selection of works. A wide-ranging display of original site-specific works, installations, design objects, works of art and videos by international artists and designers would cater to viewers' curiosity towards the passage of time, its evolution and decay. Sounds too abstract? Go check it out yourself.

NEW ARMANI CONCEPT
Fans of Giorgio Armani would be excited to learn about this: to celebrate the opening of its new branch in Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, the brand is moving the "Eccentrico Exhibition" from Milan to Hong Kong. The exhibition features a special selection of clothes, accessories and jewels from the brand. Giorgio Armani named it "Eccentrico" because he wanted people to start associating the brand with eccentricity. The exhibition runs from March 14 to 17, from 10am to 8.30pm, at Sky 100, Hong Kong Observation Deck, 100th floor, International Commerce Centre, Austin Road West.

EXCLUSIVE CLUB
"Why own just one luxurious second home … when you can own over 100?" This is what the Hideaways Club offers. Here's how it works: To join the club, you purchase a share in the property investment company at the entry cost of HK$1.6 million to HK$3.1million. Members then own a share of the whole portfolio of properties the company holds. The Hideaways Club, through its Concierge Service, organises bookings of the properties and takes care of the daily chores, all of which are covered by an annual cost contribution (ACC). Use of the club's properties is based on a points system depending on when members book their time, with a choice of peak or nonpeak. Members receive points through paying the ACC, which typically allows for four to eight weeks of holidays per year for a premium. Additional points can be purchased to ensure more frequent use. There are no fixed allocations and members can use any of the properties of their choice, in London, Kuala Lumpur, Switzerland or Phuket.