Hong Kong Catering Management, which has been operating since 1978, has added a Mediterranean eatery to its ethnically diverse range of restaurants, which encompass Spanish (Ole), Chinese (Eighteen Brook and Imperial Kitchen) and Korean (Go Gu Jang) cuisines. The group also plans to open Mexican and Swiss restaurants in the next few months.

With its rather unusual location in Metroplaza in Kwai Fong, New Territories, Asador Mediterranean Grill & Bar (top right) is an adventurous attempt at market diversification, says the group's director, Carmelo Lopez Moulet. 'Metroplaza has traffic. When my partner and I came here for the first time, I explained my concern at opening another fast-food outlet here. I want to give the people in the neighbourhood an opportunity to enjoy fine dining that's not expensive. But it's not easy. We are the pioneers and this is an experiment.'

The 4,800 sq ft main dining room has capacity for 120, with 40 more seats on the 1,000 sq ft alfresco patio. Terracotta floors, classical arches and an open grill add Mediterranean touches. Asador, which means 'roasting place' in Spanish, offers myriad grilled items as well as tapas, southern French and northern Italian dishes. Lopez plans to modify the menu as needed.