Bracing autumn weather calls for warming comfort food, and there is no better place than Nadaman Japanese Restaurant at the Kowloon Shangri-La. From now until November 10, diners can enjoy a bracing Seafood Shabu-shabu dinner for two at special rates. The freshest abalone, oyster, crab, giant clam, sea bream, sweet shrimp, scallops, cuttlefish and octopus are on the menu, which includes appetisers, fresh vegetables, udon noodles, desserts and a complimentary bottle of hot sake. [Tsim Sha Tsui East. Call 2733 8751 for reservations] Award-winning Margaux will be featuring foie gras fresh from France until the end of the month. Chef Johnny Chan will work culinary wonders to delight the taste buds. Goose liver and apricot terrine, goose liver ravioli with black truffle and celeriac cream sauce, pan-fried goose liver medallions with acacia honey and pan-fried goose liver with caramelised mango are some of the delights. [Tsim Sha Tsui East. Call 2733 8750 for reservations] Think of the Mediterranean, and idyllic Ischia, island playground of the rich and infamous, springs to mind. Those of us who cannot find the time to travel there should head for Gaia where, until October 26, Chef Gino Razzano will be preparing a seafood feast to highlight Ischia's culinary delights. Chef Razzano is head chef at the five-star Parco Termale Hotel Castiglione in Ischia. Warm octopus and potato salad, seafood pasta wrapped and baked in parchment, roasted bell peppers and clams fettuccini pasta, risotto with caviare, smoked salmon and mozzarella will surely whet the appetite. Mains include monkfish fillet in an eggplant crust, calamari stuffed with olives, anchovies, capers and tomatoes and baked snapper. Specially selected fine Italian wines will complement the fine cuisine. [Sheung Wan. Call 2167 8200 for reservations] Diners with a craving for meat should consider the US prime angus beef on offer at the China Coast Wine Bar & Grill at the Royal Airport Hotel. Aged for 21 days to ensure the most tender of cuts, the beef - prime tenderloin, rib-eye, sirloin - is grilled to perfection and can be paired with fresh seafood. In the tradition of New York, and Chicago grill rooms, patrons are spoiled for choice. Dine on Crab Newburg, grilled Portobello mushrooms, Atlantic salmon carpaccio, cottage pie and chocolate cake, to name but a few choices. [Hong Kong International Airport. Call 2286 8888 for reservations] Throughout October, patrons at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile Delicatessan Corner can enjoy the atmosphere of an authentic Oktoberfest, famous for its traditional hearty German fare. Mouthwatering items include home-made cold cut platters, roasted pork knuckle from the spit with caraway and garlic, and roasted pork belly and loin, and succulent roast chicken. Of course, there is plenty of Warsteiner and Erdinger beer to go round! [Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2315 1020 for reservations] October is the month for connoisseurs of that delectable treat, foie gras. The Tai Pan Grill at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel will be holding a special promotion with an array of delights such as goose liver terrine with fresh mangoes and papaya and cream of cepes soup with goose liver and truffle. For mains, try lamb loin with goose liver and polenta. Come November, the Grill will feature oysters and champagne. [Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2113 3901 for reservations] Keep the chill away with a selection of seasonal game dishes throughout November at Marco Polo's Gripps American Bar and Restaurant. Made from ingredients fresh from Europe and prepared in traditional ways, treats of roast leg of venison with juniper berries, guinea fowl in red wine sauce or venison ragout will delight diners. [Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2113 3902 for reservations] Hankering for something spicy? Why not check out the Davao Fiesta at the Marco Polo Prince Hotel Spice Market until the end of November? Guest chefs from the hotel's Davao resort in the Philippines will be on hand to prepare specialities such as sauteed prawns in crab and spicy coconut sauce, baked bay scallops with toasted garlic herb crust and durian fritters. [Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2113 6046 for reservations] Tastes of Penang are highlighted in November at the Marco Polo Gateway Coffee Mill. Diners can tuck into fish with sambal belecan, chicken curry with lemon leaf and beef rendang before cooling off with an ice kuchang, banana and jackfruit fritters or Malaysian fruits. (Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2113 7926 for reservations] Early birds looking for a repast before the busy day should head to Cascades at the Grand Hyatt. This alfresco poolside restaurant with a vista overlooking the harbour offers a variety of get-up-and-go breakfast choices to start the morning. Besides a traditional continental breakfast with freshly baked pastries, for heartier appetites there is the Start-up Breakfast with enough carbohydrates to get you through the day. [Wan Chai. Call 2584 7818 for reservations] Those with a passion for mushrooms should not miss chef Mario Caramella's freshly imported wild autumn mushrooms from Italy at Grissini's at the Grand Hyatt. Savour ovoli mushrooms, said by many to be the world's finest, with sturgeon carpaccio. Yellow peach salad dressed with a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette complements the delicate texture and flavour of the mushrooms. Call in advance because Chef Mario prepares only the best and freshest of mushrooms. Diners can also try a traditional Italian favourite, bollito misto, or boiled meats of different cuts. [Wan Chai. Call 2584 7818 for reservations] November is family fun month at San Marzano PizzaExpress. On November 24, diners are invited to a day of perfect pizzas, fun and festivities at its FunDay Sunday. Held on the last Sunday of each month, the family treat includes entertainment in the form of clowns, games, competitions and prizes designed by staff to delight the kids. Otherwise, kick back, relax and enjoy first-class authentic food in comfortable surroundings. [Central. Call 2850 7898 for reservations] When the weather turns cold, turn to Cafe at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for some sunshine on a plate. Cafe chefs have taken recipes from Flamingo, at the hotel's sister establishment in Macau. Signature dishes include African chicken, coconut and salted egg crabs and tamarind duck and clams with coriander. [Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2311 1234, ext 2862, for reservations] Nathans Restaurant and Bar will be highlighting Macanese specialities, such as prawn soup, grilled sardines with black olive rice and orange roulade for discerning diners. [Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2311 1234, ext 2308, for reservations] Diners will get more bang-for-the-buck at Hugo's at the Hyatt Regency in these cost-conscious times. Until next February, diners will be offered special set dinners that include delights such as goose liver terrine with Sauternes jelly; creamed cep mushroom soup with black truffle, prime rib of beef and Hugo's famous light-as-air souffle. [Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2311 1234, ext 2877, for reservations] Seeking authentic northern Italian cuisine? Then head for the Pizzeria at The Kowloon Hotel. Chef Rolando creates the stunning with the freshest ingredients. Selection is difficult with so much to choose from - osso bucco, rack of lamb with garlic, pizzeria carpaccio, sturgeon and chicken casserole with sea urchin and pumpkin spaetzli are some of the tempting offerings. Or try the terrine of wild duck and duck liver with wild mushrooms on a pear salsa with prosciutto before finishing with spiced pound cake with date ice-cream. [Tsim Sha Tsui. Call 2929 2888, ext 3322, for reservations] Let your taste buds tingle, and separate the men from the boys, with the Tabasco Seafood Dinner buffet at the Century Cafe, Novotel Century Hong Kong, until the end of the month. Diners can choose from an array of dishes, all flavoured with Tabasco, that are bound to turn up the heat. Whether original, green, garlic or Habanero, Tabasco flavours grilled prawns and cajun deep-fried soft shell crab. It also does double-duty with desserts such as caramelised banana with Tabasco and rum glaze, and raspberry and chocolate trifle. [Wan Chai. Call 2598 8888, ext 6350 for reservations] Imagine a tranquil garden with spectacular views of hills and water, in the heart of the city. Eden offers fresh, light and healthy cuisine, a sampling of which includes wild mushroom soup with porcini, seared salmon with black pepper and paprika, and stuffed king prawn in spring chicken rolls. Great dining in a relaxed setting. Having a birthday bash? Eden will throw in a fine bottle of wine to get everyone in a celebratory mood. Simon Tam will host a wine-tasting dinner on November 18. [Wan Chai. Call 2861 1666 for reservations] Sometimes one just cannot get away from the craving for a fat, juicy steak. W's Entrecote is the place to go for its no-nonsense, signature rib-eye steak cooked to your desire. Although recent menu changes have seen foie gras and bouillabaisse added to the list of dining choices, the staples remain fresh salads dressed with light vinaigrette, fresh bread and french fries to accompany a carnivore's dream. [Causeway Bay. Call 2506 0133 for reservations] Tucked away at the back of The Repulse Bay complex, on the island's south side, is Y by-the-bay. This relaxing Japanese restaurant has some great and welcome shabu shabu hot-pot deals, now that there's a chill in the air. For HK$99, patrons can tuck into all the US beef they can manage in an hour. Those less inclined will find a host of traditional Japanese dishes on an a la carte menu. Business has been brisk with this promotion, so make your reservations early. [Island South. Call 2812 2722 for reservations] Frequent fliers will be interested to know they can earn while they dine - five miles for every HK$8 - with Asia Miles. Participating restaurants include Alibi Bar and Brasserie, Cafe Deco, La Kasbah, Le Tire Bouchon, Madison's Restaurant & Bar, and restaurants in the Conrad Hong Kong, Excelsior, Grand Stanford Inter-Continental Hong Kong and Great Eagle Hotel. For a list of Asia Miles dining partners, go to www.asiamiles.com
