It's barbecue season. If you're looking for a new barbie, check out Devon International (3/F 147 Woo Sung Street, Jordan, tel: 7889-9055), which stocks gas and charcoal grills ($1,490-$3,100, with free cover and accessories). Try this Vietnamese marinade from Saigon restaurant's chef Tak. Mix 2 finely chopped stems of lemongrass, 2 tbsps of chopped spring onion, 75g fish sauce, 1 tsp cornfloor, 1/2 tsp sugar and 1/2 tsp pepper for each 600g of pork or chicken. For an alternative to baked potatoes or garlic bread, Tokio Joe recommends a Japanese potato salad.

Mix 300g of mashed potato with 2 tbsps of Japanese mayonnaise, a tsp of mustard and salt and serve on lettuce, cucumber and carrot slices that have been soaked in salt water for 30 minutes. Garnish with crab roe and a chopped boiled egg.

For a romantic atmosphere, try the barbecue buffet in The Garden at The Repulse Bay, where the chef will grill your choice of meat or seafood ($198 at weekends; $188 weekdays; $98 for children). Call 2812-2711. At $420 for adults and $310 for children, the Peninsula barbecue at the Sun Terrace, held every Friday and Saturday from 7 pm - 9 pm, offers meat, seafood, vegetables, desserts and salads, plus a stunning harbour view. Call 2366-6251.