Favourite Hong Kong restaurants of Vivian Chau, hotel manager
Chau knows where to find "the best toro set in town' and "the best trimmed sirloin steak". She's also a big fan of Bangkok's dining scene.
For a quick lunch around Causeway Bay, I like to visit (11 Caroline Hill Road, tel: 2881 5598). Try the set lunch for only HK$100. You won't be disappointed with the quality and creativity of dishes such as linguini with clams, goji berry and fermented bean curd.
I also like (33 Haven Street, Causeway Bay, tel: 2577 7822). The Thai green curry chicken rice is delicious.
(1 Caroline Hill Road, Causeway Bay, tel: 3462 2728) is an awesome omakase outlet that's a hidden gem. It only accommodates about 10 people. I always order the 12-piece sushi lunch set. You will be very satisfied by the quality and personal touches. It has the best toro set in town.
I also love Spanish food and wine, and (Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, tel: 2866 7900) offers some of the best in town. Its signature dishes of suckling pig and the bikini — a cheese and black truffle sandwich — are delicious. Don't forget to try their cocktails and the best pick of red wine by their sommelier. I love to spend my Friday nights there at the bar with nice music, refreshing drinks and good people.
(Garden East, 222 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, tel: 2891 9080) serves the best trimmed sirloin steak, which comes with a secret recipe sauce. I also can't resist their home-made fries.
Many Italian restaurants have opened recently. On the Kowloon side, I'd recommend (shop 402, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2785 9600) which serves traditional Italian home-style cuisine. Try the seafood salad and home-made ravioli filled with pecorino cheese.
Outside Hong Kong, Bangkok is my favourite city for dining. There are many options, from food trucks, dessert bars, steak houses, night markets and food lofts to rooftop Michelin-star restaurants. (999/9, Rama I Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 10330) is a new landmark for wining and dining in the city, with impressive restaurants, bistros and hideouts. Its futuristic design features an innovative rooftop that provides a breezy, sheltered outdoor dining area, and there are interesting art installations dotted around the two-storey complex.
(Central Embassy, 5/F, 1031 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330, tel: +66 91 771 1143) serves a top-quality pork chop, and the banana biscotti is also delicious. I really like the decor, too.
(68/1 Soi Langsuan Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330, tel: +66 2 652 1700) has the best Indian cuisine I have ever eaten. Don't miss the truffle ice cream and the signature cocktails.
