HYGIENE went back to basics in this year's Urban Council Restaurant Hygiene Competition with the introduction of 'Clean Toilet Awards'. Though not the most glamorous contest, it was regarded by many who abide by the adage, 'Never judge a restaurant before visiting the toilet', as the most important. This is the philosophy of Eric Kwok, general manager at Shooters 52 in Causeway Bay. Though the American-style restaurant collected a runners-up award in the district's general hygiene competition, it triumphed in the toilet contest ahead of Koreana and Landau's. 'We are scrupulous about hygiene - and that includes the toilets,' Mr Kwok said. In the hotel competition, The Peninsula came out on top in Kowloon. Hong Kong's most talked-about toilet - the designer-inspired creation of Felix restaurant - is not only the most unusual hotel toilet but it is one of the cleanest. On Hong Kong island, the J. W. Marriott Hotel was judged ahead of Island Shangri-La and the Hotel Furama Kempinski. Among fast-food restaurants, McDonald's triumphed, with its toilets winning in Central, Southern, Western, Kowloon City, Mongkok and Shamshuipo. Wendy's won in Wan Chai, while Maxim's pipped McDonald's in Eastern and Kwun Tong (where it also won the general hygiene award). Knocking both the chains out of the running in Wong Tai Sin was Wonder Food Cafe, which also scooped both the general hygiene and toilet awards. Among the Chinese chains, Sichuan Garden's toilets were judged the cleanest in Central. So was the restaurant's overall level of hygiene. Its counterpart in Eastern and Kowloon City was Chiu Chow Garden. Hei Fung Terrace in Southern was also honoured with two awards.
