New Year, New Foods
Dorothy So sinks her teeth into these up-and-coming restaurants for 2010.
This year should bring a whole lot of good times for any foodie, with a slew of new openings to satisfy any kind of craving. From elegant French dining to comfort-food burgers and fries, here’s a sneak peek of the year’s hottest places to eat your heart out.
Blast From The Past
Situated on Hanoi Road, the Hyatt Regency Tsim Sha Tsui is set to revive all the charm and hospitality of the old Tsim Sha Tsui Hyatt, which was in operation for 36 years before closing its doors in 2006. As an important part of this nostalgic revival, the hotel is bringing back all the iconic dining outlets of the original. Check out The Chinese Restaurant, helmed by the former TST Hyatt’s Chinese cuisine chef, Chef Lo, who dishes up authentic Cantonese fare in a restaurant space inspired by the teahouses of the 1920s. The Chinese Restaurant’s alfresco terrace will also be open later this month, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.
The unveiling of the reincarnated Hugo’s restaurant later this month will also be one of the most anticipated restaurant openings of 2010. Expect all the elegance of the 1960s with Christofle trolleys and tableside preparation. The European fine dining menu of the original will also be brought back, with beloved classics including lobster bisque, cherries jubilee and Hugo’s signature chocolate bonbons.18 Hanoi Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2311-1234.
Amused Buds
Wan Chai’s new French offering Amuse Bouche is all about quality dining. It is led by the experienced duo of Chef Ng and sommelier Kent, who both come from an impressive food and beverage background, which includes working at Island Shangri-La’s Michelin-starred Petrus restaurant. You’ll definitely be in good hands here—expect fresh, quality ingredients paired with skilled culinary preparation and an expert attention to detail. The restaurant offers various tasting menus (including an eight-course degustation menu), as well as à la carte options. Throw in a stunning 270-degree city view and say ‘allo ’allo! to one of the most exciting new restaurants of the year. 22/F, The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2891-3666.
Canto Come-back
This new restaurant comes with an awesome back-story. Co-owner Deng was a big-name local restaurateur in the early 90s before the 1997 economic collapse. After leaving the dining scene for a few years, he’s back with a vengeance with a new dining venture: The Chairman. Specializing in authentic Cantonese cuisine made with high quality ingredients and a whole lot of heart, the new restaurant has already been frequented by many high profile figures in the local dining industry. Not-to-be-missed dishes include the pork belly—which is first braised, then slow-roasted to a melt-in-the-mouth tenderness—and the signature “18 flavor” chicken made from locally-reared chicken absorbed in a wonderful medley of spices and herbs. 18 Kau U Fong, Central, 2555-2202.