I moved to Hong Kong last year to set up our first gallery space outside Belgium. My dining experiences developed around the city's art calendar. After exhibition openings at our gallery in Central, we regularly host dinner receptions at the China Club (13/F, Bank of China Building, 2A Des Voeux Road Central, tel: 2521 8888). The Chinese dishes are simple and fresh, and the service above average. The way it reflects the old days in Shanghai is extraordinary. Duddell's (third and fourth floors, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, tel: 2525 9191) is close to the gallery and perfect for a casual lunch or dinner and drinks. It serves Cantonese food and houses an eclectic collection of contemporary art. Curated artworks are always on display, and snacking on dim sum and cocktails on the terrace is relaxing. During the auction seasons, I head to Ye Shanghai (332 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9833) for dinner after sales and previews. The food is simple, authentic and tasty. I go for xiao long bao and soup. I often visit PMQ to check out pop-up exhibitions and installations in the courtyard. There are a handful of restaurants hidden in each compartment among small, up-and-coming designer stores and galleries. I frequent Aberdeen Street Social (35 Aberdeen Street, Central, tel: 2866 0300). The drinks are good, with whimsical names. When I'm craving Korean food, I usually stop by Jang (18/F, The L Place, 139 Queen's Road Central, tel: 2412 0002). It has a number of Korean liquors and dishes, and the kimchi dishes always remind me of home. Social Place (tel: 3568 9666), on the second floor of the same building, is fun for a social meal. The truffle shiitake buns and dan dan noodles are favourites. If you fancy an after-work drink with friends, I'd recommend The Globe (Garley Building, 45-53A Graham Street, Central, tel: 2543 1941). The pub offers the most extensive list of ales and beers that I've seen in Hong Kong. It has a vibrant feel, but sometimes it gets too crowded. After Art Basel Hong Kong, the art world's attention switches to Venice for the Biennale. If you visit Venice, Trattoria da Romano (Via San Martino Destro, 221, 30142 Burano, tel: +39 041 730030) is a must. It's a 90-minute trip from Venice, but the risotto there is the best and the seafood is wonderful. If you extend your trip to Antwerp, I'd recommend Sir Anthony Van Dijck (Oude Koornmarkt 16, 2000 Antwerpen, tel +32 3 231 61 70). It's in a medieval passage restored by Axel Vervoordt in the 1960s. It is a sanctuary for good food with an utmost fine yet earthy ambience. As told to Kylie Knott
