Urban Bakery Works, Shelter Italian Bar and Restaurant, Dumon Chocolatier and De Belgie
New…
Centralites working in that awkward stretch of QRC between CKC and LKF now have a new and affordable lunch option. Urban Bakery Works (Shop 322, 3/F, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Rd. Central) by Maxim’s Group is trying to fill the gap that the recently closed ThreeSixty left behind. With sleek interiors inspired by London’s Borough market, UBW is a casual dine-in space with counters dedicated to freshly baked croissants, duck confit sandwiches, sugar pea salads and a myriad of other lunch options. One of the walls is designed by Portuguese street artist Vhils—Google him. UBW is an extension of Urban Bakery at Jason’s Food & Living in Hysan Place, and takeaway is also available.
Shelter Italian Bar & Restaurant (7/F, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Rd., Causeway Bay, 2778-9398) is the Shelter Census Group’s latest venture. Not to be confused with the also-new Shelter Lounge in Sheung Wan (unrelated), or the Shelter Lounge at Henry House (owned by the group), Shelter Italian is a casual-chic venue that emphasizes organic ingredients and locally grown produce. Comes with an alfresco terrace, organic garden and deli.
Another Belgian treat: Dumon Chocolatier (Shop 101A2, 1/F, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Rd. Central, 2539-7838) is a little counter at The Galleria with shelves full of Belgian handmade chocolates. The products are flown straight from Belgium to the city every week. Give the signature “Walnoot” a go, made of dark chocolate, oozy caramel and a rich, thick butter cream.
De Belgie (21 Elgin St., Central, 2869-8388) in SoHo is a cozy, brick-lined establishment where Bourbon St. used to be. It’s dishing out Belgian dishes like beef and beer stew, moules frites, and brune (Belgian brown ale) beer soup to go along with more than 80 types of Belgian beers.
Handmade desserts and gelati are the specialties of 2/3 Dolci (2E Star St., Wan Chai, 3426-9883), opened by the owner of Agnes b. Delices. Pistachio-flavored cakes, strawberry tarts, panna cotta, and slow-churned gelato made with hazelnuts and handcrafted caramel are all on offer. Italian teas and coffees also available.
Blisshive Bakery Café (1 Lily St., Tai Hang, 2566-1023) is a new neighborhood hangout offering cakes, pastries and freshly baked breads in a casual black-white setting. Think Yardbird-like exteriors, and a local bakery vibe on the inside. The breads look vaguely Japanese-style, and the cakes are western (cheesecake, bread pudding, etc.). Blisshive also serves all-day meals—salads, soups and sandwiches.