Hong Kong has much to offer in September and October. Check out the Sandwich and Hotdog recommendations as well as the Wine and Dine Festival should you be visiting Hong Kong in October. Harbour City, Hong Kong’s largest mall, has always be in the forefront of interesting periodic promotions and this time, it is with those cute BE@RBRICKs.
Besides shopping and dining, there are some pretty interesting sporting events coming up including the Hong Kong Cyclothon, Formula E Race and Women’s Tennis Open. We also made some recommendations for great hotel deals. The TUVE boutique hotel celebrates its first anniversary, and we like how it looks. That will be one of the hotels we will be staying at the next time we visit Hong Kong.
It is a great time to head down to Hong Kong on its national carrier Cathay Pacific and Dragonair. From 15 September this year, both Cathay Pacific and Draongair will increase its checked in baggage allowance so you can shop more and bring home more stuff! An additional 10kg checked in baggage allowance will be given to all passengers regardless of class of travel. More details in our article.
Celebrate Mid Autumn Festival in Hong Kong
This year Mid Autumn Festival falls on 15 September and you can expect the grandest lantern display at Victoria Park from 6.30pm to 12midnight. There will also be kungfu demonstrations, folks music and crafts and the same fire dragon contraption used at the Tai Hang parade.
The Carnival themed ‘Glamorous Splendour’ at lakeside garden in Tin Shui Wai will feature stage performances and activities with colourful lantern butterflies, traditional Chinese dance, Nepalaese dance, a cappella, and Chinese instrument ensembles and percussion, diabolo juggling and crystal-ball magic show, oldies singing and more. Carnival night falls on 16 September 2016 from 7.30pm to 11pm. Youth Night falls on 17 September from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Visit the Lantern display from 14 to 18 September 2016 from 6.30pm to 11pm. So plan a visit to Tin Shui Park & Ginza Square.
Don’t forget to pick up some mooncakes such as as the Dalloyau’s limited edition ‘Paris Moon’ gift box an dDreamix’s ’15 Night’ limited gift set, or The Peninsula’s Mini Egg Custard Mooncakes with Durian, Intercontinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong’s Trio Whisky Chocolate mooncakes or Mira Dining’s Mini Rose Puree and Roselle Mooncake.
Style Up BE@RBRICK at Harbour City
Hong Kong’s largest ever Fashion-Art exhibition featuring Original 2000% BE@RBRICKS from 37 International Fashion Labels will be happening at Hong Kong’s largest mall, Harbour City from 19 September to 16 October 2016.
Get to see 37 versions of the 2000% original BE@RBRICK figures priced at HK$68,000 which will be available for global charity sale in October with net proceeds going towards the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation. Some of the participating fashion brands include Agnes B., Anteprima, Atsuro Tayama, Diane Von Furstenberg, Diesel, Kenzo, MCM, Tory Burch and Vivienne Westwood.
Limited edition collectibles such as exhibition booklets, posters, postcards and two iPhone cases will be available with net proceeds going towards the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation as well. Emporio Armani and Max Mara will also be presenting their limited-edition BE@RBRICK tote bag for redemption during the exhibition period.
Check out the BE@RBRICK 15th anniversary collectible exhibition at the Gallery by the Harbour (Shop 207 at Ocean Centre, Harbour City from 19 September to 16 October 2016.
Chestnut Weekend Afternoon Tea Buffet at add@Prince
add@Prince is offering a Chestnut-themed afternoon tea buffet from 3.15pm to 5.30pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays in September and October at the Prince Hotel which is connected to Harbour City. Enjoy chestnut teatime treats such as the purple sweet potato chestnut mousse cake; chestnut tart; chestnut crème brulee and chestnut panna cotta. Also enjoy the revolving line up of fresh waffles cooked right before your eyes and Swiss premium Mövenpick ice cream.
The afternoon tea buffet is priced at HK$258 for adult and HK$158 for child + 10% service charge.
add@Prince is located at Level 3, Prince Hotel, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Bacchantes Afternoon Tea at Café Gray Deluxe
Till 30 October, The Upper House is offering the “Bacchantes Afternoon Tea” at its Café Gray Deluxe inspired by LALIQUE 2017 Flacon Collection Crystal. The “Bacchantes” vase was designed in 1927 with a sculptural flacon crowned with a stopper in the shape of an inverted cupola.
The afternoon tea here contains several berries inspired by the LALIQUE Amethyst Eclat perfume’s decoration, which uses peony as the top note with a bright, sparkling and modern touch. Peony with a tender floral aroma is frequently used in a fine perfumery. Its fragrance brings the scent of roses with bright accents evoking dew of lily of the valley.
The scent “LALIQUE de LALIQUE” is a fruity aroma, with a note of jasmine, tart, musky blackberry, bright green blackcurrant leaf, suave and curvy-fleshed pear along with vanilla, musk and sandalwood.
Enjoy afternoon tea set here. It features the purple Black Berry-Yoghurt Macarons, Raspberry-Lemon Roll Cake and Caramel-Tonka Bean Gateaux. Enjoy savouries including the special Foie Gras Torchon, Baba Ganoush-filled Piquillo Pepper, Vitello Tonnato Wrap Roll, traditional Smoked Salmon Finger Sandwich and other items.
Priced at HK$290 per person and HK$530 for two, the Bacchantes Afternoon Tea is served daily from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Guests will receive a voucher that can be exchanged for a special LALIQUE Vial Experience Set with shopping privileges at LALIQUE Stores in Hong Kong.
Till 30 September, an exclusive LALIQUE Pop-up Store has been set up at Level six of the hotel where you get to check out classic crystal pieces and fragrance collections.
Call +85239681106 or email info@cafegrayhk.com for reservations.
The Best Sandwiches by Hong Kong’s Trendiest Restaurants and Delis
If you are a fan of sandwiches then you would want to try out these one-of-a-kind sandwiches for a limited time from 12 September to 10 October 2016.
Eight of Hong Kong’s top restaurants and delis competed for the title of the Ultimate Sandwich on 6 September with each showcasing their version of what they believe to be the perfect filling between two slices of bread. Second Draft’s Shanghai Dip came in first place followed by Bread and Beast’s HA-HA Piss Off! and Beef & Liberty’s The Gentleman’s Sandwich based on votes by some 30 members of the media at the media event.
- Bread & Beast‘s HA-HA Piss Off! – Tsing Tao tempura Mantis Shrimp, Ginger Salt, Sweet Shrimp Paste Mayo, Scallion and Chilli Slaw, Ciabatta (HK$128)
- Beef & Liberty‘s The Gentleman’s Sandwich – Cape Grim sirloin steak, sliced sourdough, English smoked cheddar, shallots, garlic, Dijon mustard, grain mustard, parsley, tarragon, sea salt, cracked black pepper (HK$118)
- Jinjuu‘s Bulgogi Roast Beef Sandwich – Sourdough or ciabatta, Bulgogi glazed roast beef, baby rocket, crispy shallots, homemade dill pickle, pickled jalapeños, fresh plum tomatoes, bulgogi marinade sauce (HK$190)
- KNEAD‘s Steak in Knead – Rib eye, chilli onion jam, roasted garlic aioli, chimichurri, sliced tomatoes and rocket (HK$78)
- Morty’s Ultimate Smoked Pastrami & Cheese – Rye Bread, Cheddar Cheese, 45 Days Cured Smoked Brisket, Smoked Bacon, House Thou-sand Island dressing and fried American egg (HK$118)
- Mrs. Pound‘s Beef Bourguignon –Beef Short Rib / Rib, bacon, bouquet garni, onions, olive oil, Burgundy wine, oyster sauce; Banh Mi – Chicken Liver Pate, baguette, pickled carrots, cucumber, chilli, cilantro (HK$120)
- Posto Pubblico‘s Straccetti di Manzo – OBE beef, Gorgonzola dolce, artichoke pesto, arugula, anchovy aioli, homemade sub (HK$119)
- Second Draft‘s Shanghai Dip – 24-hour braised pork leg, Stonecutter Scottish ale pork jus, cucumber pickles, Ciabatta (HK$98)
Participating restaurants will also be selling their sandwiches through the official delivery partner, Deliveroo, and the restaurant that sells the most sandwiches will win the coveted “Ultimate Sandwich Hong Kong” award.
Annual Pig Roast at Stone Nullah Tavern
Stone Nullah Tavern serves classic American food in a 70 seater Tavern. Located in the historical area of Queen’s Road East in Wan Chai adjacent to the landmark ‘Blue House’, this tavern boasts the most extensive, exclusive collection of American whiskey in Hong Kong.
Their third edition of its Annual Pig Roast returns 25 September 2016 paying a special homage to pig roasts around the world. This year’s focus is on sauces. Over 20 varieties of sauces inspired by flavours from around the world will be available from 1pm to 6pm.
Priced at HK$650 per person, eat all you can from a variety of roast pork as well as all the American fixin’s including Bacon and Scallion Potato Salad, Roasted Vegetables and Corn on the Cob. There is also free-flow of alcohol including Lynchburg Lemonades and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beers.
The sauces you can try include:
- Red Curry Barbecue Sauce (from Thailand)
- Jamaican Jerk (from Jamaica)
- Adobo Sauce (from Philippines)
- Nước chấm Sauce (from Vietnam)
- Budu Barbecue Sauce (from East Timor)
- Chili, Honey & Garlic Sauce (from Korea)
- Kansas City Barbecue Sauce
- White Barbecue Sauce
- Chili Vinegar Glaze
- Roasted Garlic & Plum Sauce
- Fennel Chili Mustard
- Classic Bourbon Barbecue Sauce
- Buffalo Barbecue Sauce
- Honey Barbecue Sauce
- Toasted Garlic and Black Pepper
- Chili jam
- Peach Mustard
- Soy & Chili Vinegar
- Chipotle BBQ
- Secret Dry Chili Rub
- Smoked Bacon Barbecue Sauce
- Caramelised Onion and Cognac Barbecue Sauce
- Mango & Chili Barbecue Sauce
Did we also mention that a Gourmet Hot Dog Series will be launched from 12 September 2016. The new menu will feature six gourmet hot dogs priced at HK$99 each that draw inspiration from the famously distinct flavour profiles of different regions throughout US. Executive Chef Vinny Lauria gives his personal beer pairing recommendations with the six new hot dogs:
- Walker Texas Ranger – Pig’s head chili, homemade queso, pickled jalepeños, sour cream and scallions. Best paired with Rogue Brutal IPA which has a big citrusy, hop flavour and aroma that pairs with with this dog.
- Souther Hospitality – Chicken fried hot dog, buffalo sauce, pickled celery, blue cheese dressing. Best paired with Young Master Classic Pale Ale’s sparky grapefruit nose and hoppy finish.
- Hillbilly In Heaven – Pulled BBQ pork ribs, slaw, fried onions. Best paired with Hop Mana IPA which bears a delicious floral and citrusy goodness.
- The Top Hat – French fries, cheese curd, caramelised onion gravy and fried egg. Best paired with North Coast Scrimshaw Pilsner.
- Classic 2.0 – Bacon wrapped and fried dog, homemade spicy ketchup, yellow mustard pickled relish and purple onions. Best paired with Brookly Lager’s elegant hops and dark, sweet finish.
Stone Nullah Tavern is located at G/F 69 Stone Nullah Lane, Wan Chai Hong Kong.
The Annual CCB (ASIA) Wine & Dine Festival
The eighth edition of the annual CCB (Asia) Wine & Dine Festival returns 27 to 30 October 2016. It will be held at Central Harbourfront event space from 27 to 30 October. The event last year gathered over 140,000 connoisseurs from around the world.
It will be the opening event for Hong Kong Great November Feast with a whole month of wine events, street carnivals and gastronomic indulgence. This will be the biggest event ever for the festival with over 420 wine and dine booths showcasing celebrated chefs, affineurs and wineries.
Highlights Include:
Country Pavilion featuring Spain Australia and Korea, France and other European regions, US, Georgia, Latin America and Japan
Street Eat – The Michelin Hong Kong Guide has included a street food section in its 2016 edition for the first time in its history to reflect the local passion for street food. Sample a variety of Hong Kong street food under one roof in this corner.
Hong Kong Bar is dedicated to the vibrant nightlife of Hong Kong blending the world of spirits with creativity and mixology. Mixologists featured include Paradis’s Alexandre Chatté, Maison Eight’s Salvatore Calabrese, Angel’s Share’s Toby Lo as well as others from Bao Bei, CĖ LA VI, Stockton VCNCY, Lily & Bloom, NEO Cocktail Club and Seafood Room.
Whiskey Corner lets you enjoy the special pairing of whiskey, chocolate and coffee.
Cheese Parade will feature a selection of cheeses from around the world.
The Tasting Room will feature world-renowned chefs and local culinary talent. A remodelled Grand Pavilion will feature premium wines and signature dishes from famous restaurants in Hong Kong.
Look out for the Star Food Booths which will be located in the remodelled Grand Pavilion. In this exclusive area, Grand Wine Pass Holders can sample sensational dishes from a collection of the trendiest restaurants in Hong Kong. Up-and-coming chefs will present their Asian-influenced dishes with innovative cooking styles and creative flair.
Featured chefs in the Grand Pavilion include Little Bao’s May Chow, The Ocean’s Agustin Balbi, Chez Ed’s Eddy Leung, Jinjuu’s Judy Joo amongst others.
The Wine and Dine Festival opening hours are from 7.30pm to 11.30pm on 27 October 2016 and from Noon to 11.30pm on 28 and 29 October 2016. On 30 October, the opening hours are from noon to 10pm.
Tickets are priced at HK$30 per adult, HK$15 for seniors aged 65 or above, children aged 3-12, full-time students and people with disabilities and free for children under 3.
Book your tickets here.
Hong Kong Cyclothon
Happening on 25 September 2016, the Hong Kong Cyclothon returns as the anchor event of this year’s Hong Kong Sports Month and will be the biggest of its kind. The Cyclothon features four races and five cycling activities including the International Cirterium where top cycling teams from around the world will be participating, the 50km Challenge Ride which is the first cycling activity in Hong Kong that features three tunnels and three bridges and the Community Ride which is up to 30km.
The race aims to entertain and gather cycling enthusiasts as well as to gear cycling towards a good cause. Part of the registration fees proceeds will be donated to charitable causes. Other categories in the line up include the Men’s Open, Women’s Open, the CEO Charity ride where company leaders will ride for a good cause, the invitational Celebrity Ride, and the Kids and Youth Rides open to six year old kids to 15 year old teens.
Formula E Championship
Hong Kong will host its first Formula E Championship on 9 October this year. The race will take place on the streets of the Central Harbourfront area. The inaugural Hong Kong ePrix will be part of the third season of the FIA Formula E Championship, the world’s first fully-electric racing series.
Season 3 of the FIA Formula E World Series features 10 teams of two drivers, including Team Jaguar Land Rover. Each driver uses two cars per race, with a car swap mid race. All the cars are built by Spark Racing Technologies specifically for Formula E.
The track is approximately 2km and will return between Lung Wo Road and the Star Ferry. Cars will travel at speeds of up to 225kph. The circuit runs clockwise and features a half-a-kilometre main straight between Turns 1 and 2, which are also the circuit’s best overtaking opportunities, plus a chicane.
The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong and Shama Central Hong Kong are offering Formula E championship related stay packages.
Mandarin Oriental Lap of Luxury Experience
Formula E fans can enjoy views of the races as well as luxurious amenities with the Lap of Luxury package from Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong. The hotel is positioned alongside the urban circuit at the Central Harbourfront. Priced at HK$16,888 + 10% service charge, the Lap of Luxury package for two comes with two nights stay in a Harbour View Room, two tickets for unlimited access to the eVillage and the races for 8 and 9 October, high speed internet access for up to six devices at the hotel, daily breakfast at Clipper Lounge or Café Casuette as well as late check out.
The Lap of Luxury room package is available from 7 to 11 October 2016 subject to availability. Call +85225220111 or visit www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong for reservations.
Shama Central Hong Kong – Formula E Championship Room Package
Shama Central Hong Kong is offering guests staying at its 70sqm one-bedroom apartment to 93sqm luxury one-bedroom apartment from 5 to 11 October 2016 a 20% discount for a minimum of two nights’ stay. Discounted daily rates start from HKD1,700 and HKD2,140 respectively. The package comes with a complimentary bottle of red wine and 105 off professional laundry and dry cleaning. Enjoy late check out till 6pm.
The Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open in October
The Hong Kong Tennis Open which is sanctioned by the Women’s Tennis Association will be held at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium from 8 to 16 October 2016. The International Series Event will be the first of its kind where the brightest stars in women’s tennis will be headed to Hong Kong for this showpiece event and to compete for the prize of US$250,000.
AccorHotels invites you to catch all the action. from 6 to 25 September 2016, the first 500 Le Club AccorHotels members to book two consecutive nights stay within the period of 9 to 13 October with AccorHotels in Hong Kong will get one complimentary ticket for the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2016. AccorHotels properties in Hong Kong include The Park Lane Hong Kong a Pullman Hotel, Novotel Hong Kong Century, ibis Hong Kong Central and Sheung Wan, ibis Hong Kong North Point, Novotel Hong Kong Nathan Road Kowloon and Novotel Hong Kong Citygate. Click HERE to book.
Cathay Pacific Holidays is offering flights and hotel packages. You can also purchase tournament tickets for 11 to 16 October as an add-on item when you book flight + hotel packages from www.cathaypacific.com.
More information about the schedule and tickets are available here.
Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Executive Vice President Worldhotels Asia Pacific
Lan Kwai Fong hotel celebrates its 10th anniversary this year by inviting talented street muralist Philippe Baudelocque. Phillippe brought his avant-garde artistry to many areas of the hotel. Frenchman Philipe is famous for his large scale street paintings that fuse animal drawings with starry and geometric patterns, resulting in masterpieces that resemble constellations straight out of the night sky and cosmic map.
Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong provides an eclectic twist to traditional Chinese décor. Iconic red Chinese lanterns illuminate certain corners of the hotel. Intricate jade turtles hold telephone cables in the rooms. Enjoy the juxtaposition of contemporary furnishings with Asia design elements.
“The Sheung Wan district was not exactly “hip” when the hotel first opened here 10 years ago – with butchers, carpenters and wet markets running amok,” says Rebecca Kwan, General Manager of Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong. “Fast forward a decade and the district is now a haven for hipsters with the stalls now replaced by art galleries, fashion stores like Goods of Desire and cafés fit for the hippest of hipsters. Not to mention the up and coming PMQ (formerly known as the Police Married Quarters) which recently witnessed a complete facelift and is now revitalised as a creative hub for local design talents.”
“Hitting the decade old milestone is a testament to Lan Kwai Fong Hotel’s success and longevity in the industry, and its popularity amongst both the local and international market,” says Roland Jegge, Worldhotels Executive Vice President Asia Pacific. “Worldhotels is proud to be a part of their legacy and cannot wait to witness the hotel’s upcoming plans for the next 10 years.”
The boutique hotel’s accolades include TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence in 2016, World Travel Awards Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel in 2009 and Hong Kong’s Leading Boutique Hotel in 2013, 2012 and 2008 as well as China Hotel Starlight Award’s Best Boutique Hotel of China in 2008. It is a member of Worldhotels group of independent hotels around the world. Worldhotels has 450 hotels in 250 destinations and 65 countries globally including hotels under development and in integration.
Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong is located at 3 Kau U Fong, Central, Hong Kong.
TUVE Boutique Hotel Celebrates First Anniversary
TUVE boutique hotel in Hong Kong’s Tin Hau district celebrates its first year anniversary with two exclusive stay packages from 1 September to 30 November 2016. Enjoy complimentary dining and private walking tours in the two TUVE anniversary packages. TUVE stimulates creativity with its innovative design that balances the raw purity of materials such as marble, wood grain and brass against the unexpected beauty of oxidised metal and concrete in its 66-room property.
TUVE Deluxe Anniversary Package
Stay in TUVE’s Deluxe room with complimentary lunch set for two in the SILVER ROOM contemporary Italian restaurant. TUVE will also organise a complimentary curated walking tour of the neighbourhood. Enjoy guaranteed 2pm late check out so that you can make the most out of your stay. Take full advantage of a free mini bar with gourmet snacks and local specialities such as dripping coffee from CUPPA and Chubby Charlie Tea.
Priced at HK$1,800 + 10% service charge
TUVE Premier Anniversary Package
Enjoy the benefits of the TUVE Deluxe Anniversary Package with an upgrade to a spacious Premier room. You also enjoy two complimentary drinks a SILVER ROOM, a complimentary bottle of wine for the room and airport pick up or drop off service.
Priced at HK$2,800 + 10% service charge
TUVE has been recognised for over 30 awards including TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2016, 2015 Global Excellence Awards by IIDA, and 2015 FX Interior Design Awards, despite only being open for one-year.
TUVE is located at 16 Tsing Fung Street in Hong Kong.
