It is the most expensive cup of coffee in town but as far as treats go, it is a cheap pick-me-up. The $68 cup of the moment is the rare Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, which is the Rolls-Royce of the coffee menu at new gourmet coffee shop, Kaldi's.
Located at the high-profile corner of D'Aguilar and Wellington Streets, Kaldi's admits the genuine Jamaican Blue Mountain, which carries a certification from the Jamaican government, is hard to come by because of high worldwide demand for the limited number of beans.
If Jamaican Blue Mountain is not available on a particular day, there is no shortage of high-quality choice on this menu, including Emerald Mountain ($50), Aged Sumatra Mandheling ($38), two trademark Singapore blends - Mocha Singa ($32) and Kopi Baba ($32) - and the Kaldi's signature Iced Mocha Vanilla ($38).
Owned by Singapore-based import-export company Hiang Kie, Kaldi's is part of a speciality chain preparing to serve Hong Kong with its largest range of coffees yet. Another two kiosks are scheduled to open at the new airport mid-1998.
Kaldi's, named after the legendary goat-herd who is said to have discovered coffee, also serves light salads and sandwiches as well as a selection of desserts. It is open from 10am to 10pm daily.
Vinegar as tipple Vinegar may not have been given its rightful dues in Hong Kong's drinking circles. They are not cheap, but aperitif vinegars look like a trend Cafe Deco is backing at its new store in the Peak Galleria.
