In Our Elements
Winnie Yeung and Johannes Pong visit our newest mega-mall to check out the newest dining scene. Pictures by Debby Hung.
There was never a reason to go to the Kowloon MTR station. Nestled among a bunch of ugly residential buildings, the surrounding area resembled a ghost town. So developers did what they do whenever there’s a wasted bit of real estate – they built a huge mall on it. Elements, which opened earlier this month, is filled with chic designer stores and 33 restaurants, many of which are worth the visit alone. Be afraid, IFC. Be very afraid.
At the Roof Garden
On the roof of Elements (3/F) is a garden, with an area that houses eight bars and restaurants. This alfresco dining area is the highlight of Elements.
El Pomposo
R009, 3/F, 2196-8123
The ninetysevengroup’s latest addition is a Spanish restaurant, decked out in colorful mosaic tiles.
The food: Try the fig carpaccio with Serrano ham, octopus with potato and paprika. Make sure you line your stomach - besides sangria, the manager recommended a huge range of Jerez, a traditional Southern European tipple, to pair with each dish.
Price: $-$$
Malouf’s
R008, 3/F, 2810-8585
Internationally renowned chef Greg Malouf and his excellent Mediterranean dishes at Olive in SoHo are so popular, so it's of little wonder that restaurant group Dining Concepts has opened a new restaurant here named after him. Born in Melbourne of Lebanese descent, Malouf is one of the top Lebanese chefs in the world. The first floor of the restaurant is for casual mezze - a selection of small dishes taken with drinks - while the upstairs is for fine dining.
The food: Exquisite mains include crispy honey and orange blossom pork hock with butternut pumpkin tagine, and clay pot roasted free-range chicken with couscous and Turkish sausage.
Price guide: $$-$$$