Food with Fire
It’s that time of the year again. Dorothy So and Jacky Lee pick the best new spots to watch the fireworks on this October 1.
Next Thursday is the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, and what better way to celebrate a communist anniversary than with a bunch of huge explosions? Of course we’re talking about fireworks. We’ve picked some of the best seats and feasts to enjoy while watching the magnificent “smoke flowers” over Victoria Harbor.
ToTT’s and Roof Terrace
Located on the top floor of The Excelsior Hotel, ToTT’s new modern roof terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Hong Kong cityscape. To celebrate National Day, they’ve put out two great promotional menus for you to enjoy while you “ooh” and “aah” over the fireworks. Starting at 6pm on October 1, a seafood platter featuring freshly shucked oysters, Alaskan crab legs, and other sumptuous seafood items will be available on the terrace and in the main dining room. The seafood package is priced at $1,168 and includes a bottle of Mumm Champagne. A semi-buffet will also be served in the indoor dining room from 6:30-10pm for $788, or $888 with a glass of bubbly. Top Floor, The Excelsior, 281 Gloucester Rd., Causeway Bay, 2837-6786.
Cuisine Cuisine
What better way to celebrate National Day than with the national cuisine? IFC’s popular Cantonese restaurant Cuisine Cuisine has one of the best fireworks-watching spots on Hong Kong side and the restaurant has a stellar line-up to go along with the equally stellar view. The special menu goes for $680 per person (minimum two-person order) and features delicacies such as braised whole abalone with premium oyster sauce, and wok-fried Angus beef cubes with black truffles. End the night with a selection of the restaurant’s delicious Chinese-style petit fours. And don’t forget to take advantage of Cuisine Cuisine’s fantastic wine list—after all, no celebration is complete without a couple of glasses. 3101, Podium Level 3, IFC Mall, Central, 2393-3933.
Le 188°
The spectacular 188-degree city view at this still-fairly-new Harbour Grand Hotel restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for the fireworks display. With its dimmed lighting and beautiful Swarovski chandeliers, Le 188° is one of the most romantic spots for dinner on October 1... all the more so with the aphrodisiac-laden seafood platter on the fantastic six-course menu from executive chef, Jeno Friedl. The $1,380 menu is worth the splurge, featuring indulgent dishes such as Alaskan giant scallop with black truffle foam, poached quail egg and crispy squid ink rice. And for a totally different fireworks-watching experience, grab a seat and unwind at Le 188° Lounge and Terrace. Wines, cocktails and canapés are available at this alfresco venue. On the big day, there will be a $588 minimum charge for terrace access from 7:30-9pm, and a $288 minimum after the fireworks display from 9pm until 1am. 41/F, Harbour Grand Hong Kong, 23 Oil St., North Point, 2121-2688.