Chocolate-making class, Chinese-style afternoon tea, new Korean restaurant and craft beer pub

Did I say that things have finally slowed down a little for Christmas? Because I was lying. La Grande Bouffe (G/F, 66 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2324-1408) is the latest newcomer on Hollywood Road, serving casual, Le Creuset-packaged meals from different parts of France. The space is color-coordinated—with a different shade representing a different city/region.

Rockabilly (12 Lan Kwai Fong, Central) is Eclipse’s newest project, serving craft beers and sliders in a gastropub-type setting. Burgers stuffed with pepperoni, sauerkraut, grilled pineapples and other exotic ingredients will be offered alongside spiked slushies and lesser known brews.

Sanche (Shop C, 28-32 Gage St., Central, 2628-3248) is dishing out modern Korean on Wellington Street. “Sanche” means mountain-grown vegetables in Korean—so expect dishes made from local produce with a slightly healthier slant. Salads and traditional Korean specialties like tokbokki (spicy rice cakes) will be given slight re-interpretations.

Gourmet burgers might just be on the rise again. Beef & Liberty (23 Wing Fung St., Wan Chai, www.beef-liberty.com) will be taking up the space where Cépage used to be. They had a stall at Clockenflap but the burgers totally sold out by the second day—a sign of things to come? Watch this space for updates.
 

Local confection makers and social entrepreneurs The Chocolate Alchemists will be hosting a one-night-only raw chocolate lab this month, to teach you how to make your own alcohol-infused choco pieces paired with condiments of your choice.For instance, you can add Kahlua or a touch of Baileys to your creations, then mix with oreo pieces, granola, or peanut butter. The event will be held at Angel’s Share (2/F, Amber Lodge, 23 Hollywood Rd., Central) on December 18, from 8pm to late, and the chocolates will roughly set you back between $50 to $150. Since the awesome ladies behind the venture, Abbie and Mei Mei, are all about creating socially responsible enterprises, you’ll be sure to meet similarly minded individuals at this event. Also chocoholics. RSVP at [email protected].