Hasta Luego, 1/5 Nuevo
Elite Concepts’ 1/5 Nuevo (9 Star St., Wan Chai, 2529-2300) is bidding farewell to Star Street after a solid seven-year run. The tapas joint was an early bird in the now super-trendy neighborhood, taking a prominent ground floor spot right in the middle of the action and luring diners with its semi-alfresco space. Guess we’ll have to make do with Quemo (5/F, QRE Plaza, 202 Queen’s Rd. East, Wan Chai, 2836-0699), the group’s other Spanish establishment, from now on.
Snazzy Stands
Tokyo and Kyoto ramen specialist Gogyo (Shop 3020, 3/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2385-1366) soft-opened in December, adding to the never-ending Japanese trend—but this time with a high-end spin that’s reminiscent of the now-defunct Mist on Sun Wui Road. The ramen broths at this fancy noodle bar are marked by a charred, bittersweet flavor that’s a result of roasting the various soup bases at a high heat, with copious amounts of oil. Expect to cough up from $128 to $158 per bowl—but you’ll get a free welcome drink to make up for the harsh prices.
Binge, Cringe, Repeat
Are you and your crew always fighting over the last hargow? Fight no more with the All You Can Eat dim sum special at Cuisine Cuisine at The Mira (3/F, The Mira, 118 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2315-5222). Available weekdays from 11:30am-2:30pm at $268 per head, the deal includes your pick of xiao long bao; crispy taro puffs stuffed with equal parts chicken and foie gras; curry chili squid and other classics with a twist— as much as you can handle.
