The Mandarin Grill has a new chef de cuisine. Michael Donlevy worked most recently as executive sous chef at one of Marco Pierre White's establishments, the Michelin-starred Mirabelle restaurant in London. Donlevy's previous experience also includes a stint at another of White's restaurants, the Michelin three-starred Oak Room, also in London. Donlevy will create a new menu for the Grill, although the current list is probably one of the longest in Hong Kong. Let's hope he keeps the excellent steak tartare (the best I've tasted in Hong Kong) on the menu.
In the ongoing debate on whether moderate wine consumption is good for you, a report published in the American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition now says it's perhaps due to their overall lifestyle that wine drinkers are healthier than those who choose other alcoholic beverages. Researchers for the report conducted a study of more than 4,400 men and women in the United States. The wine drinkers in the group were reported to have healthier diets, consuming more fibre, less saturated fat, cholesterol and alcohol. The biggest difference researchers found between the groups was that wine drinkers were less likely to smoke. The debate continues . . .
I recently received a press release from the Novotel Century Hong Kong in Wan Chai that searches rather desperately for ways to promote lobster. In a release sent out for the lobster set dinner promotion at Pepino Italian restaurant, it states, 'lobster is low in calories and cholesterol'. On the list my doctor gave me when he diagnosed my high cholesterol, lobster was way up there on foods I should avoid. The press release goes on to say, 'Even if you are vegetarian, the lobster is a perfect and healthy substitute for vegetables.' I'm not sure my vegetarian friends would be convinced.
Those lucky souls who get to stay at home during Typhoon 8 have another reason to rejoice. Caledonia, the Scottish restaurant and bar in Hutchinson House in Central, will have a Typhoon Tea Party every time the signal is hoisted. That means free hot toddies (made from whisky, hot water, spices and honey) and $30 Long Island Iced Teas.
