Cova Caffe promises a slice of Italy
The atmosphere of Milan has moved into the swanky, new Lee Gardens' shopping plaza. Following the high-priced brands that have made the Causeway Bay centre the city's new place-to-be, the Italian Cova Caffe, which prides itself on its Milanese spirit, hopes to be a prime attraction for the fashion set and their shopping bags.
The 4,000-square-foot venue is Cova's seventh outlet in Hong Kong, and the chain's biggest venture yet. In contrast to the cosy coffee shop in Pacific Place, the new venture features a formal dining area, private function rooms, a casual section, a takeout counter and a pasticceria-confetteria boutique.
The menu, created by new executive chef Gianni Lacalendola, promises to be characteristic of the rich history of Cova, which can trace its ancestry back to a corner of Milan's famous Piazza Della Scala in 1817. Reservations on 2907-3399.
Spumante sparkle Bubbles may be rising soon in stylish glasses about town. And it won't necessarily be champagne that's causing the fizz. Ferrari, the alcohol, hopes to race to top spot on the drinks menu through a tie-up with Lan Kwai Fong deli, Vino and Olio.
The three types of spumante available in Hong Kong are Ferrari Maximum Brut, which is described as dry, elegant and harmonious with chardonnay-typical fruity notes; Ferrari Perle, which has a sensation of long softness with a slight fruity note of ripe apple; and Ferrari Rose, a spumante said to be 'restrained, without unevenness, clean and elegant'. Billed as the label which made spumante famous internationally, the Italian Ferrari is said to be acceptable in the highest champagne-drinking circles.
A taste of decadence Mark Saturday, November 29, down as a 'Day of Indulgence'. In one of the more novel food promotion concepts around, the Wine Institute of Hong Kong and the Mandarin Oriental Hotel have gathered together experts in all things from wine and cigars to oysters and abalone for a full day of decadence. Hong Kong's oyster queen, Kathy Kingston, will head up the Oyster tasting, which will be accompanied by Veuve Clicquot. The Wine Institute's Simon Tam will lead the wine and champagne sessions, while chefs from the hotel's Vong and Man Wah restaurants come out of the kitchens to share their knowledge of delicacies such as foie gras and abalone. In a nod to the current cigar craze, Pacific Cigar Co will lay on a 'tasting' of three Cuban cigars paired with a single malt whiskey. Call 2804-2293 for information.
Happy Birthday M Against the constantly changing restaurant scene, M at the Fringe celebrates its eighth birthday this month with the same decor, some of the same staff, and the same Mediterranean-style menu that has kept the Central venue jam-packed since 1989. And absolutely deservedly so. Happy Birthday!
