Cover Photo: Courtesy of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants

New cafes, collaborations and cocktails to explore this week

With social distancing restrictions and the ban on nighttime dine-in services extended beyond the Chinese New Year holiday until at least 17 February 2021, the hospitality industry continues to find creative ways to thrive and survive these tough times. Indeed, life continues apace with new openings, launches and collaborations in the lead-up to the Year of the Ox.

New Hong Kong Cafes And Coffee Shops Of The Week

The city's seemingly exponential increase in caffeine suppliers proceeds unabated this week. Find the latest below:

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Brew Note Coffee Roaster (@brewnotecoffeeroaster)

Brew Note Coffee

North Point fixture Brew Note unveiled its new look, a sophisticated evolution of the original wood and concrete theme that draws heavily from Showa-era kissaten (coffee lounges) of mid-century Japan. In a conscious effort to avoid the spartan industrial aesthetic or hipster wooden look of many a modern Hong Kong cafe, the new Brew Note is already steeped in patina thanks to the main element of stained pine wood panelling that covers the facade and main bar, complemented by period-appropriate textured glass.

Brew Note Coffee, 19 Fort Street, North Point, Hong Kong


Mood Coffee

Just across the road from the Hong Kong Museum of History is Mood Coffee, a tiny coffee counter that serves the usual lineup of black and white coffee drinks and tea, though the Dalgona Coffee, harking back to the earlier days of the pandemic, can also be had. Fresh muffins in several flavours are also available to complement your drink order.

Mood Coffee, Shop E, G/F, South Sea Apartments, 81 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong


Esc

Much like its name suggests, Esc offers an escape from our current state of affairs for those near its Tin Hau location. The house blend, which combines beans from Ethiopia, Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia, is worth a try for its distinct character of heavy bodied chocolate notes with a woody aftertaste. Do note that the cafe doesn't currently serve food.

Esc, 7 Wing Hing Street, Tin Hau, Hong Kong

Jay Fai Announced As Winner Of Icon Award By Asia’s 50 Best

Awarded to industry figures who have "made an outstanding contribution to their community and the broader restaurant industry", Bangkok's inimitable queen of street food, Supinya "Jay Fai" Junsuta, is this year's winner of the Icon Award as announced by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. The award was confirmed ahead of the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants 2021 edition, which is due to take place virtually on 25 March. Jay Fai is instantly recognisable thanks to the ski goggles she dons while frying her chili-rich dishes over a roaring flame, an image which shot to global fame after her Raan Jay Fai restaurant become the only street food venue in Thailand to earn a Michelin star in 2018. She joins past awardees such as Japanese chefs Seiji Yamamoto and Yoshihiro Murata.

Castellana Introduces Two New Menus

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Castellana
Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Castellana

A big proponent of seasonal Piedmontese cuisine, Castellana is debuting its revamped 'Journey Around The World' signature degustation menu and 'Pausa Pranzo' lunch menu ahead of the long weekend. The former sources seasonal produce from Japan to New Zealand for a worldly succession of dishes, including an appetizer of celery root and Japanese sea urchin; a Piedmontese main course of oxtail carnaroli risotto; and a dessert of “Gianduja” chocolate mille-feuille. The four-course menu begins at HK$1,380, and the seven-course at HK$1,680. Meanwhile, the 'Pausa Pranzo' lunch menu offers a choice of three or five courses, with classics such as the Mergozzo trout “Orange Bar” and the carbonara "au Koque".

Castellana, 10/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Honbo And Kin's Kitchen Launch The Oxtail Sandwich

Chef Lau Chun of Kin's Kitchen has collaborated with Honbo for a theme-appropriate dish to welcome in the Year of the Ox. Packing braised oxtail slices, a sunny-side up golden yolk egg and white onions between a potato roll-sub, the Oxtail Sandwich is a moreish way to celebrate for those looking for alternatives to poon choi. The sandwich is available at all Honbo locations for HK$158.

Zuma Debuts The Nitro Espresso Martini

A modern classic undergoes a reinvention at Zuma as the Nitro Espresso Martini is added to the restaurant's brunch menu. Combining Mr. Black coffee liqueur, Ketel One vodka, banana and cocoa, the drink is launching on Valentine's Day, aided in part by Mr. Black brand ambassador Arlene Wong and drinks editor Holly Graham, who will be joining bar manager Lorenzo Coppola to shake up their own renditions of caffeinated cocktails throughout the afternoon.

Zuma, Level 6, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen's Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Chop Chop And Smoke & Barrel Collaborate On A Limited-Edition Claypot Rice

East meets west as Chinese siu mei restaurant Chop Chop links up with American barbeque joint Smoke & Barrel for the Chop Chop Smoke Smoke, a unique claypot rice dish that combines elements from both food cultures. Perfect for staving off the cold, 12-hour American brisket is paired with Jalapeño soy-glazed baby back ribs and layered atop fluffy, charcoal-cooked rice with a side of fermented pickles. The Chop Chop Smoke Smoke (HK$208) is available between February 15 and 28 at Chop Chop in Fortress Hill for dine-in, takeaway, or delivery via Oddle or Deliveroo.

Chop Chop, Shop 3, G/F, 18 Wang On Road, Fortress Hill, Hong Kong

N.I.P. Distilling Creates A New Chinese New Year Gin With T'ang Court

 
 
 
 
 
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Local gin distiller N.I.P. adds another special release to its lineup in a festive collaboration with the three-Michelin-starred T'ang Court at The Langham. Inspired by 2002 film Fat Choy Spirit, the "800M" special edition gin combines eight local botanicals—including mandarin, tie guan yin tea, lily, lotus seeds, black dates, ginger, gold flakes and juniper berries—and is limited to just 888 bottles. Pre-order yours today for HK$818 at the N.I.P. online store, or with T'ang Court's Chinese New Year poon choi online here.

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