BUBBLES are the weight-watcher's new enemy - even if they do come in diet drinks. Although doctors in the US will only go as far as to say bubbles cause bloating and distension, some diet and exercise gurus are starting to warn their clients off all carbonated drinks, including fizzy waters. Bubbles, they say, impair digestion and poorly digested food will be stored as fat. Pasta is another taboo item under the new thinking. According to the latest theories, pasta and other simple carbohydrates can encourage the production of body fats.
Sunday service SUNDAY nights have a new attraction since the jewellery box of the restaurant scene, Petticoat Lane, opened its doors on the traditional day of rest. The theme is Sultry Sundays, the action is as low-key as it comes, and the evening lasts from 5 pm to midnight. The only dish served is the $140 mixed platter, which includes goose liver pate, mixed leaves, Brie cheese, marinated tuna, ratatouille and lightly toasted bread. Petticoat Lane is at 2 Tun Wo Lane, just off Cochrane Street in Central. Tel: 2973-0642.
On the spin cycle A FRENCH restaurant in Hong Kong is dishing up a culinary Tour de France - in honour of one of the world's great sporting events. Chef Michael Rieg at the Omni Marco Polo's La Brasserie will follow the cyclists around the 3,500-kilometre route this month with a range of dishes which reflect the region's culinary quirks. The dishes will be changed daily to match each of the 23 stages, from the start at Sant-Brieuc, through, among others, Limoges and Bordeaux - and on to the finish at the Champs Elysees.
The promotion - and the race - ends on July 23. For reservations call 2737-7925.
Sushi on the run GENROKU Sushi has opened its 10th restaurant and added $13 sushi to Central's delivery service during the day. There are two pieces of sushi to each serving and delivery is provided for a minimum order of $100. The menu at the new Stanley Street venue verges on fast food and ranges from lean tuna sushi and California rolls to the $140 platter of mixed sashimi. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 2 am. Deliveries are from 11 am to 7.30 pm; lunch orders must be placed between 9 am to 11 am. The express delivery hotline is 2889-8889, fax: 2395-5335.
