The Foreign Invasion: Carbone, Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Vasco and Isono Come to Hong Kong

The days of FILTH (Failed In London, Try Hong Kong) are over. Nowadays, it’s more like WINTH (Worked In NY, Try HK). Or WILTH. Or WI…you get the idea. Cases in point:  

NYC’s Italian-American blockbuster, Carbone, has partnered up with local restaurateurs Black Sheep Restaurants to open a branch in the LKF Tower (9/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St., Central). Its successful formula of old-school classics (linguini vongole, lobster fra diavolo) in a retro-chic setting will imminently be tested on Hong Kong diners. Chef Mario Carbone, who’s one of three guys behind the Carbone group, first proved his worth working at several Mario Batali (Lupa) restaurants in NYC. And now he’s set to conquer Hong Kong, just like his former employer. Opening date is set for “summer”—plan on the first two weeks of August.  

 

It was just a matter of time before celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay made his way to the Fragrant Harbor. And of course, when he did, it had to be a Dining Concepts collaboration. Bread Street Kitchen & Bar (M/F, Hotel LKF, 33 Wyndham St., Central) will be located in the same complex as Carbone. BSK takes its cue from the all-day space of the same name near St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, serving breakfast as well as pretty much everything else (including Josper grill dishes). There’s also a second restaurant on the way, but that won’t be until the Central Police Station comes to completion.