Maritime history provides the design theme for a new Tsim Sha Tsui bar and restaurant which offers spectacular views of the harbour from the 30th floor of iSQUARE.
Opened by Elite Concepts, Nanhai No.1 is named after the first sunken vessel to be found and raised on the 'Marine Silk Road'. Prominent features include an open grill kitchen and the Eyebar rooftop deck, which is likely to be a popular meeting place for open-air cocktails.
The bar's name refers to the eye painted on the prow of old Chinese ships to protect sailors from evil, but those who wish to can enjoy a bird's eye view of the movements of vessels in the harbour below through a telescope.
The design is contemporary, but with plenty of references to maritime antiquity, including trading route maps tracing the voyages of the legendary Admiral Zheng He, a scale model of the original Nanhai No.1 ship, and examples of the products carried on trading voyages, including Longquan celadon porcelain.
The cuisine, prepared under the supervision of chef K.S. Suen, also reflects a 'Marine Silk Road' theme and focuses on fresh regional seafood, including premium lobster, crab and fish, prepared in the glass-enclosed show kitchen. Roasted, steamed, saut?ed, baked, stir-fried, pan-fried or grilled dishes are among the options.
Signature dishes include braised garoupa fin with bamboo shoots, simmered geoduck with consomm? and baked oyster in Sichuan spicy sauce.