Hi-Tech Drinking
Technology continues to change every aspect of our lives, and now even leisurely venues such as bars and drink establishments have been forced to up the game via digital gadgets and impressive equipment.
Leading the way is Amo Eno (3, Shop 3027, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2954-9922), an upscale and trendy wine bar with the technology to back it up. The centerpiece here is a massive long table with an interactive touchscreen (not unlike a giant iPad) that customers can use to help choose and learn about the wines that they like.
Taking advantage of the same concept by providing patrons with actual iPad drinks menus (read: massive databases and pairing suggestions) for an intimate, two-way experience, are Felix (28/F, The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, 2315-3188), Eivissa (77 Wyndham St., Central, 2520-5818) and Oyster & Wine Bar (18/F, Sheraton Hotel, 20 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2369-1111).
Newcomer Quinary (56-58 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2851-3223), doesn’t provide nifty digital handhelds for their customers per se, but they have invested in lots of impressive technological equipment to provide multi-sensory cocktails through molecular techniques. How do you think they can produce their wasabi vodka and grapefruit gin without a state-of-the-art centrifuge and rotary evaporator?
Aside from the bars themselves making wine and drinks a lot more accessible through technology, apps like Openbar and Wine2Go are making it fuss-free and convenient for people to find their nearest watering hole or wine shop. How much easier can this get?