bc magazine

Last Minute Christmas

traditional-roast-turkey-dinner

It’s late December, where has the year gone? The seasonal music and decorations that have been up for months have inured you to Christmas, yet suddenly it’s here and you’ve got nothing prepared… bc’s here to help with it’s ‘instant’ traditional Roast Turkey Christmas meal – no cooking involved, although you will need to warm some dishes up to fully enjoy them.

Starter
Smoked salmon + Rainbow Salad
Smoked salmon: IKEA offers packs of frozen smoked salmon (Lax Kallrökt) $66 for 200g.
Rainbow Salad: black chickpeas, carrots, peas, corn, potatoes, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, parsley from Maya Takeaway, $88.

Main
Roast Turkey, roast potatoes, parsnips, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce.
Roast Turkey: Great Food Hall in Pacifc Place have around 12 cooked US Roast Turkey per day $120/kg (4-6kg). Buy at the cooked food counter including Christmas Day. They also offer cooked roast beef, lamb and gammon if you prefer something other than turkey.
Roast potatoes: Great – $18/100g (cooked); M&S – $45/300g (need cooking)
Parsnips: M&S – $50/300g (need cooking)
Brussels sprouts: Great – $18/100g
Red cabbage braised with Bramley apples: $45/300g Marks & Spencer
Turkey gravy: $69/540g Marks & Spencer
Cranberry sauce: $59/300g Marks & Spencer
Stuffing: sage and onion/ cranberry & orange stuffing from M&S
Bacon wrapped sausages: sadly we couldn’t find this staple side dish in a cooked version.

For vegetarians: mediterranean vegetable stew / chickpea patty simmered in tomato sauce both $88 from Maya.

Dessert
Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter
Christmas pudding: Great: several choices, M&S: $379/907g
Brandy Butter: $59/195g M&S or you can make it yourself it’s just butter beaten with sugar and brandy, or pick up a can of classic Bird’s custard and add a dash of brandy/ rum for a good alternative.

Cheese
Great’s cheese room is one of the unsung wonders of Hong Kong, the choice is varied, delicious and if you’re used to US and European cheese prices, expensive – but it’s Christmas so indulge.
A cheaper alternative is www.cheesebytom.com: cheddar 250g/$35, Brie 250g/$50 and other cheeses. Deliveries to Central and Lantau.

Christmas Cake + Mince Pies
Finding a good tasty Christmas cake is hard, especially one with marzipan and Royal icing
Christmas Cake: Great and M&S have several choices at different prices from $89 up – including the Hand Decorated Bauble Bar Cake (left) with marzipan and royal icing at $379. Most are more like fruit cakes than Christmas cake which is a shame as the two are subtly different in taste.
Mince Pies: Again Great and M&S have several choices, but none have a taste that leap out and say buy me!

Store Details + Contacts:
Great Basement Pacific Place, Admiralty Tel: 2918 9986 www.greatfoodhall.com
IKEA Causeway Bay, Shatin, Kowloon Bay www.ikea.com.hk
Marks & Spencer various stores www.marksandspencer.com
Maya Takeaway 173 Des Voeux Road, Central. Tel: 2111 4553 www.mayacafehk.com

Edit: 24 Dec – Added Christmas cake photo and updated text

Megabites: Kashiwaya, AnOther Place by David Myers, Le Canelé d’Or, Anchor’s Seafood & Beer House

Kashiwaya
It’s Osaka counterpart is known for high quality kaiseki, Kashiwaya the newest Japanese restaurant to open in Central is looking to create an “only-in-Japan” dining experience. The cypress wood interior of the 30 seat restaurant is a mix of Japanese high culture and tradition with sliding doors, shoji paper screens and a Japanese style waiting room.

Owner and head chef Hideaki Matsuo menu uses seasonal ingredients for freshness and to create the perfect balance between taste and presentation, through the sophisticated culinary art of kaiseki, that will please your eyes and palate. One of the special dishes unique to Hong Kong is Ise ebi, a Japanese spiny lobster.

“My philosophy is to provide the best quality of food and service to my customers as if it is a once in a lifetime chance for me to serve them.” said Matsuo.
Kashiwaya : 8/F, 18 On Lan Street, Central Tel: 2520 5218 [email protected]

AnOther Place by David Myers
Located in Tin Hau, AnOther Place by David Myers is latest in the string of openings where a Chef’s name is attached to an outlet he won’t be in the kitchen of, to inflate the prices and give diners a name to when to ‘impress’ friends with. Overlooking Victoria Harbour AnOther Place is designed to evoke the romance of a 1920s speakeasy, quite what the ‘romance’ of prohibition was why when it serves French Asian fusion cuisine are two questions you can ask yourself in Tin Hau. Menus start with a 4-course menu at HK$680, a 6-course menu is HK$880, and a gourmand-friendly 8-course menu costs HK$1,280. One of the house specialities is Peppered Kagoshima wagyu strip loin, parsnip and shiso salad, jus corse which is beautifully displayed but portion sized for a size 0 model. Currently AnOther Place doesn’t have a liquor licence so it’s BYOB with no corkage. Oh and it’s only open in the evening.
AnOther Place by David Myers: 5/F, Block C, Sea View Estate, 2 – 8 Watson Road, Tin Hau. Tel: 2979 0064 www.anotherplace.com.hk

Le Canelé d’Or
Looking for something other than macaroons to give as gifts this Christmas and New Year or just looking a sweet little thing to nibble on. How about some hand made canalés? Canalés are small French pastries with a dark thick caramelized crust that hides a soft custardy interior and are absolutely delicious. Locally they’re made fresh daily by Le Canelé d’Or and delivered direct to you. Made from egg, sugar, milk and flour and traditionally flavored with rum and vanilla, the custard batter is baked baked in small individual copper molds – canalés are best eaten fresh.
www.lecaneledor.com.hk

Anchor’s Seafood & Beer House
The Anchor’s Seafood & Beer House opens today on the Tsuen Wan waterfront. The 116-seat eatery features an indoor restaurant and bar area, as well as outdoor seating on a terrace overlooking the South China Sea. Located in the Bay Bridge Hotel the restaurant offers daily buffet breakfast & dinner and a semi-buffet lunch, in addition to an extensive a la carte menu. There’s also a brunch buffet menu ($398) available on weekends.
Anchor’s Seafood & Beer House: 123 Castle Peak Road, Yau Kom Tau, Tsuen Wan. Tel: 2945 1138 www.baybridgehongkong.com

Tai Kwun Announces First Batch of Outlets for the Central Police Station

Meaning Big Station, Tai Kwun (大館) was the colloquial name used by police officers and the public alike to refer to the former Central Police Headquarters and the law enforcement complex. The name has been adopted as a reminder of the historical importance of the compound by The Jockey Club CPS Limited the not-for-profit operator set up by The HK Jockey Club Charities Trust to operate the centre for heritage and art at the ‘revitalised’ Central Police Station compound.

“Tai Kwun aims to transform the once closed compound into a centre for heritage and art for all to enjoy, and a key aspect of openness is to bring in operators offering diverse services at a broad price range to cater for the different needs of the visitors,” said Euan Upston, Director of CPS as he announced the first group of companies allocated space.

“To support the integration of heritage, art and leisure elements, these outlets will be located at various parts of the site, providing service points for the visitors along heritage interpretation routes and between art and culture venues in the compound,” Mr. Upston said.

Lifestyle Investments has been appointed to provide integrated cultural and leisure services at the Central Magistracy building under the name “The Magistracy”. It will supposedly include a combination of art galleries and art workshops with free entry, alongside food and beverage outlets, lifestyle components and retail shops across 2,100 square metres of space.

A court room and the connecting holding cells in the building, with a combined area of approximately 200 square metres, will be used by the Tai Kwun heritage programme team for heritage interpretation programmes.

David Sarner, the CEO of Lifestyle Investments said, “We are honoured and excited to have the unique opportunity of participating in revitalising such an important symbol of Hong Kong history and contributing to the development of contemporary art and conservation of heritage in Hong Kong. Not only is the iconic Neo-Classical building a symbol of Hong Kong judicial history, but it is also physically configured in such a way that allows an opportunity to activate the magnificent maze of court rooms, magistrates’ chambers and holding cells into a dynamic and vibrant integrated outlet, a destination within a destination.”.

Hong Chi Association, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing services to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, will operate a food and beverage social enterprise called FT2, which stands for “farm to table”. The outlet will serve fresh farm food and provide a platform to show the artistic talents of the people with intellectual disabilities.

The outlet is on the ground floor of D Hall of Victoria Prison, the oldest dateable building in the compound. The space will be adjacent to six prison cells preserved for heritage interpretation and exhibitions, and will have open access to the adjoining Prison Yard.

“In line with our vision, FT2 will provide eight employment and training opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities,” Aldan Kwok, General Secretary of Hong Chi Association said.

Menya Musashi has been appointed to operate an approximately a noodle shop on the ground floor of the Superintendent’s House and C Hall, two connected prison buildings bordering the police complex and the Central Magistracy. “With minimalist decoration compatible with the environment, we shall offer affordable, value for money food and drinks for visitors looking for a short break during their exploration of various parts of the site,” Frederick Che, Marketing Director of Menya Musashi said.

Selection of operators for another approximately 11 food and beverage outlets will be announced in 2016.

Flavours of Europe: Poland – 3 December, 2015

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Flavours of Europe: Poland – 3 December, 2015
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Operation Santa Claus + US Meat Export Federation: Eat and Donate

Christmas and the festive period are about celebrating and sharing, now with Operation Santa Claus (OSC) and the US Meat Export Federation it’s easy and free to combine the two. Simply choose one of the promotional dishes at a participating restaurant and 15% of the cost of the dish is donated directly to Operation Santa Claus to help someone less fortunate than you enjoy the holiday period. There is no charge or cost to you, simply enjoy your meal featuring quality US beef or pork.

The restaurant groups participating in this festive giving include the Aldente Group, Concept Creations, The King Parrot Group and the El Grande Group. There’s a wide choice of dishes and most menus run throughout December – although check each outlet for exact details. For more information on US meat see www.usmef.org.hk

The Aldente Group OSC Christmas menu features four dishes at it’s AlDente restaurants in Soho, TST, Wanchai and Harbour Road: U.S. Rib Eye steak (Char-grilled to your preference, accompanied with a giant king prawn, roasted veggies and fries. $188); Chicken Saltimbocca (US chicken breast with sautéed spinach, prosciutto, sage and cheese, mushroom sauce, mash and veggies. $149); Sirloin Steak (USDA certified Angus beef, char-grilled to your liking. Served on a bed of fire roasted veggies and fries with choice of mushroom or pepper sauce. $198) and Grilled Sea Bass (Chilean Sea Bass char-grilled, served with grilled veggies, mash with lemon capers butter sauce. $189).

At Tinello: Beef Tagliata (USDA certified Black Angus sirloin marinated with fresh rosemary and natural seasoning, served with radicchio, arugula, slow roasted tomatoes and shaved parmesan. $198); Pork Parmesan (Milanese style – US pork chop, breaded with herbs, parmesan, served with fine french beans, mash potatoes and tomato coulins. $168); Saltimbocca di Polo $159 and Grill Sea Bass $198. Angus offers US Sirloin Steak (wet aged minimum 4 weeks, $248); Grill Sea Bass ($198); US BBQ spare ribs (1/2 slab $148); Pork Loin (French cut – tender and juicy grilled U.S premium pork served with gratin potato, sautéed peach and sage. $178) and Grilled Sea Bass $198.

The El Grande Group outlets Inn Side Out, HK Brew House, Fatt’s Place, Slim’s, Hop House are offering US Pork Sliders – 4 pulled pork sliders and chips.

Concept Creations new outlet Frites Causeway Bay OSC menu features Frites Xmas Cordon Bleu Special: USDA pork loin pounded thin, herb breaded and filled with Virginia ham and cheese then pan fried and served with a salad and Frites souffle, $275. Frites Xmas Rossini Special: USDA Black Angus prime tenderloin, seared foie gras, truffle mash potato with Kriek beer jus and Amarena Fabbri Cherries, $525.

At these King Parrot Group outlets El Cid, Coast, Island Seafood, Mijas and Tong’s Road House Seafood and Grill a Christmas Operation Santa Claus Menu is available until the 6 December and 15% of all sales will be donated to support the 22 charities supported by OSC in 2015. At El Cid the menu includes US Beef and paprika soup baked with fillo pastry($50), US beef kebab ($100), Deep -fried sous vide US beef brisket ($80), grilled US prime ribeye steak with sea salt ($360) and US Beef Tenderloin with daily catch seafood ($450).

For more on this year’s Operation Santa Claus visit www.operationsantaclaus

20th Anniversary Great American BBQ @ Disneyland – 24 November, 2015

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Organised by the The Texas Beef Council, The US Meat Export Federation and the Agriculture Trade Office of the US Consulate General in Hong Kong the 20th Anniversary Great American BBQ took place on the 24 November on the lawn of Disneyland’s Hong Kong Hotel. BBQ maestro Timothy Broderick and Rudolf Muller’s Disney team organised a feast of Texas beef smoked, grilled, roasted… A great night enjoyed by all.
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Megabites: 24 November – Beefbar, Osteria Felice, California Tower

Osteria Felice
The latest restaurant to open in the space in Hutchison House that housed the Bull and Bear for so many years is Osteria Felice the new outlet from the Epicurean Group. Literally translated it means ‘happy tavern’ and that’s what the Italian themed outlet is looking to provide. There’s a small bar offering innovative cocktails and a create your own martini menu and a large raised dining area. The menu created by executive chef Brian Moore features a wide range of dishes from anti-pasti to pizza, pastas to gourmet slow cooked delights. Food that can be enjoyed at lunch, a relaxed casual dinner or ‘proper’ meal out.
Osteria Felice: G/F., Hutchison House, 10 Harcourt Road, Central Tel: 2516 6166 www.osteriafelice.com

Beefbar
Originating in Monte Carlo a decade ago, Beefbar opened on Ice House Street this month – the latest outlet from the Lai Sun Group. The opulent interior of marble and brass is surprisingly relaxed, service is attentive but unobtrusive. An A3 style menu features premium quality Australian, American and Japanese beef front and centre but also offers a lot more than just beef. There’s a broad range of seafood and meat tartare, fish, veal and chicken. As well as the Ala Carte menu there’s a range of city themed two or three course set lunches.
Beefbar: 2/F, Club Lusitano, 16 Ice House St, Central.Tel: 2110 8853, www.beefbar.hk

California Tower
California Tower in Lan Kwai Fong officially opens on the 30 November, with 8 restaurants and bars. As part of their opening celebrations some of the outlets are hosting a series of workshops and tastings.

Townhouse
Make Your Own ‘California Tower’ Cocktail workshop, where participants will be taught how to produce a ‘California Tower’ drink – created specially to mark the Grand Opening. There will be a minimum of 10 people per workshop and bookings must be made at least a week in advance.
Date: November 2015 to January 2016
Venue: 23/F, California Tower
Cost: HK$180 per person, including the ‘California Tower’ cocktail created by participant and a snack
Language: English
Booking: +852 2344 2366; [email protected]

Zentral
Nightclub Zentral is putting on a Mixology Cocktail Class, where bartenders will teach drinkers the craft of creating a cocktail.
Date: 27th November, 4th & 11th December 2015
Venue: 4-5/F, California Tower
Cost: HK$110 per person
Language: English
Booking: RSVP with [email protected] or walk-in

Fovea
Fovea is hosting two workshops to showcase both its Chinese culinary and cocktail-making credentials. At the restaurant side, the Recognising New Age Chinese Style Cuisine class will see Fovea’s executive chef introduce creative cooking methods used to prepare special Chinese-style snacks. On the club floor, the Fovea Special Cocktails class is conducted by Fovea’s resident bartender. Participants will learn an easy way to make cocktails.
Date: 28th November 2015.
Recognising New Age Chinese Style Cuisine: 2-3pm
Fovea Special Cocktails: 5-6pm
Address: 1-2/F, California Tower
Language: Cantonese and English
Booking: Ms Vanessa Tam, +852 2549 9166; Ms Isabel Chau, +852 9105 8172

Fish, Chips and Minis @ Chater Garden – 22 November, 2015

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Sunday afternoon in Central, instead of just the normal Sunday crowds of Filipinas enjoying their day off, the area around Chater Garden and Square is packed with families. The road is closed for a Mini display and there’s fish and chips from The Chippy and bottled beers and ciders to enjoy. A wonderful example of how vibrant the area could be…
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