La Rose Noire has given its Kowloon Bay outlet a facelift in preparation for a surge in interest.
'The area has become more sophisticated. More companies are moving out here,' managing director Alois Paier says. 'We thought we would upgrade a little.' The new decor features a warmer, old-European feel and an extended bar area. The menu has been upgraded and theme buffets, including Indian, Austrian and Italian, will be rotated weekly.
The group, which has restaurants at the Gateway Centre in Canton Road and Pacific Place, Admiralty, is also rethinking its sandwich policy.
'People don't mind paying $50 for a sandwich, but it has to be different,' Paier says.
With this in mind, his partner Gerard Dubois took time out during his trip to Germany for the Culinary Olympics to check out the latest trends on the Continent.
Fauchon's foray Fauchon has spread. The French pastry house, which opened in Exchange Square earlier this year, has taken over the space formerly occupied by Haagen Dazs. Besides an extra 25 seats, Fauchon will feature new food lines.
In what seems to be an acknowledgment of Italy's contribution to the food scene, they have added seven kinds of panini - hot Italian sandwiches - to the menu, along with an afternoon tea trolley and an ice-cream cart.