Your correspondent is writing this the morning after one of the best seafood dinners she’s ever eaten in Hong Kong. It wasn’t in a harbourside shack in Sai Kung but Alain Ducasse’s Hong Kong outpost of Rech – pronounced ‘resh’, and therefore of absolutely no relation to Bar Vom in Sheung Wan – at the InterContinental in Tsim Sha Tsui. Gorgeous views, fresher-than-fresh seafood and attentive service make this a new go-to spot for views over Victoria Harbour.
Continuing the fish theme, UMI is a traditional omakase joint on Hollywood Road. With just 10 seats set along a counter made from a single piece of Japanese hinoki wood, the restaurant does tasting menus that run to 17 (17!) courses. There’s a huge centrepiece even more impressive than the food – but it’s so secret I got told off for Instagramming it, so you’ll have to visit to see for yourself.
There’s certainly no Insta-ban at our neighbourly super-sushi spot, Shiro (try saying that after a few Echizen Bouyu Junmaishu sakes). The Crystal Sushi platter has a special glistening jelly layer that’s both camera friendly and – as jelly layers go – incredibly tasty.
May Chow of Little Bao fame – who’s probably won more awards than she’s had bao – has just opened Happy Paradise, a neon-soaked neo-Cantonese restaurant that’s become an instant hit.
Or nudge the class level up a notch at the Michelin-soaked Mandarin Grill + Bar, which recently welcomed new chef Patrick Leano from London’s acclaimed Arbutus. His motto is ‘less is more’, which we mostly disagree with when it comes to food – but we can report that his first translation of the Grill’s classic dishes is nothing short of excellent.
Also this month is a special Michelin Guide Dining Series dinner featuring French chef Laurent Peugeot and Singaporean chef Haikal Johari on 10 June at Petrus.
If you’re not into food, it’s the start of junk season. We’ll be island hopping aboard Aqua Luna’s new boat, Dai Cheung Po (aka big brother of the company’s first boat) and channelling a bit of Ming dynasty luxe.
Further afield
8-26 Jun: ArtisTree opening programme
19-23 Jul: Phuket Raceweek
This major Asian regatta usually sees more than 40 yachts in competition, with sailors facing challenging monsoon winds by day and partying into the night. phuketraceweek.com
28 Jul-1 Aug: Ani-com & Games
28 Jul-3 Sep: George Town Festival
Performing arts productions, including theatre, music and dance, bring even more culture to the historical, colourful streets of George Town.
30 Jul: Suzuka 8 Hours
One of the biggest motorsport events in Japan, this endurance motorcycle race has teams of two or more riders alternating to complete its eight-hour duration. suzukacircuit.jp
17-21 Aug: Food Expo
29 Aug-3 Sep: Chuncheon Makkuksu & Dakgalbi Festival
Head to the laid-back, outdoorsy capital of Gangwon province, just east of Seoul, for its regional buckwheat noodles and spicy chicken ribs at this celebration. visitkorea.or.kr
