bc magazine

Ivy Opening Party – 9 October, 2015

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/20151009-Ivy-Opening-Party/52505468_6Qsjp7#!i=4418988285&k=2N4qfhV

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/20151009-Ivy-Opening-Party/52505468_6Qsjp7#!i=4419005867&k=nmSxcgc

Ivy celebrated it’s opening in IFC with a champagne party on 9 October, 2015.
Click on any photo to see the full gallery

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/20151009-Ivy-Opening-Party/52505468_6Qsjp7#!i=4418985108&k=Tq35xKK

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/20151009-Ivy-Opening-Party/52505468_6Qsjp7#!i=4418992945&k=7Dn4JMh

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/20151009-Ivy-Opening-Party/52505468_6Qsjp7#!i=4419006180&k=fSPpdhW

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/20151009-Ivy-Opening-Party/52505468_6Qsjp7#!i=4418973499&k=zkK6NDh

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/20151009-Ivy-Opening-Party/52505468_6Qsjp7#!i=4418996228&k=KSPk9gL

https://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/20151009-Ivy-Opening-Party/52505468_6Qsjp7#!i=4418995026&k=vwDnRfJ

Megabites: Gordon Ramsay’s London House

Newly opened in TST East is Gordon Ramsay’s London House. In the UK, London House is a fine dining restaurant. In Hong Kong it’s a pub, with a small simple menu comprising traditional English pub grub, of the type on offer before the term ‘gastro pub’ saw traditional English staples ‘re-invented’ (bastardised). To start there’s toad in the hole ($108), crispy whitebait ($108). Mains include cod and chips ($198), shepherds pie ($198), steak hash ($188), pork chops ($238). As for dessert there’s bread and butter pudding ($78) and trifle ($78) amongst others.

At a recent media tasting we were offered tasting samples of several dishes, the cod was firm and tasty but was in nugget form not as served to customers… The mash on the shepherds pie was more like a puree than mash, while the minced lamb filling was runny and lacked the rich thickness and flavour that a mince filling should have. The bangers and mash (puree) were ok, although the onions were still stringy and the gravy bland. As we were served tasting portions, regrettably we can’t comment on portion size.

If any restaurant wants to cook ‘staple’ dishes (of any cuisine) that everyone knows and probably makes at home – then there needs to be something ‘special’ about them or diners will be naturally underwhelmed. There’s no need to reinvent them, just make the good. At Gordon Ramsay’s London House you’re looking at $400+ per person for dinner without drinks, the staff are polite and the service efficient. There’s nothing much ‘wrong’ with the food (although, you could eat the same or better for half the price in many pubs across Hong Kong without Ramsay’s name) just nothing to say Yum… and make you want to return.

Gordon Ramsay London House
G5, Tsim Sha Tsui Centre, 66 Mody Road, TST East. tel: 3650 3333

Megabites: Port @ Knutsford Terrace

New on Knutsford Terrace is Port, the third bar from the owners of Zinc and Ra. Hong Kong has been one of the worlds busiest container ports for years but Port is the first bar bc can recall to use the shape and design of a container as it’s underlying theme and decor. The industrial container concept works well to create a unique design with a large outside seating area and a spacious interior.

There’s a small but interesting menu split into five sections – Apps, Soil, Sea, Land, Sweet Tooth – and full of interesting dishes we’ve not seen locally before. From the Apps selection bc sampled several very enjoyable plates the Blistered Shishito Peppers with Lime, Sea Salt ($55) were tasty and tangy and a perfect snack to drink with. The Boudin Arancini (Chorizo Rice Balls, $75) were large and filling and served with aioli sauce, slightly larger chunks of chorizo would improve this fine bar snack. The Chicharones ($98) served with plum and aioli sauce were large meaty and tasty if a little dry.

In the Soil section the Long Beans, Manchego Cheese, Lemon ($68) saw crisp long beans covered in cheese and lemon, simple fresh and crispy. From the Sea the Atlantic Cod Charred with Sweetcorn and Chorizo ($168) was a delicious blend of flavours and textures. Cod is such a delicious fish that we have to hope that stocks will continue to replenish. After so many interesting dishes the Bacon-Grind Sliders, Cheddar, onions and Comeback Sauce ($138) served with spicy fries seemed rather mundane but the sliders are large, with lots of freshly ground beef in the patty topped with good bacon (as a bacon lover a second rasher would have made the dish) and cheddar cheese.

An interesting and varied menu, generous well presented portions and reasonable prices ensure Port is definitely a place worthy of dropping anchor when your next in TST.
Port – 2 Knutsford Terrace, TST. Tel: 2146 2222
Zinc – 35 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong. Tel: 2868 3448
Ra – G/F Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, TST East. Tel: 27121 3600

Grand Opening @ Townhouse – 5 June 2015

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110055832&k=zKkXGrV

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110054614&k=88zQstn

Townhouse celebrated it’s opening with a party on the 5 June, 2015
Click on any image to see the full gallery of photos

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110029127&k=zvrDGRM

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110080574&k=qL7svmx

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110044021&k=VZxnXF9

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110084771&k=q9fK4hk

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110048137&k=pwRzbV8

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110050753&k=Mn5kWk3

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110049081&k=gKs7xzF

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110065415&k=XZf9W4L

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110030400&k=fVWPsx3

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Townhouse-Grand-Opening-5-June/49743094_Hmsb2L#!i=4110053831&k=LnQJXwT

Burger Joys – Opening Day

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Burger-Joys-Opening-Day/49743043_6TmWHS#!i=4110025563&k=G9K2KrR

Burger Joys – Opening Day, 5 June 2015
click on any image to see all the photos

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Burger-Joys-Opening-Day/49743043_6TmWHS#!i=4110028343&k=g5NcBbt

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Burger-Joys-Opening-Day/49743043_6TmWHS#!i=4111223344&k=kNqTZ53

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Burger-Joys-Opening-Day/49743043_6TmWHS#!i=4110032295&k=wShzdgh

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Burger-Joys-Opening-Day/49743043_6TmWHS#!i=4110030793&k=SSbNHsQ

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Burger-Joys-Opening-Day/49743043_6TmWHS#!i=4110029624&k=5TZ6rHL

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Burger-Joys-Opening-Day/49743043_6TmWHS#!i=4110031485&k=vk2vnFF

Grand Opening @ Holy Crab – 13 February, 2015

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876035189&k=jPm2bjf

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876031872&k=jQbfkL3

Holy Crab celebrated it’s Grand Opening with a Mardi Gras style party on the 13th February, 2015.
Click on the photos to see more

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876055121&k=mtxsGnq

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876033656&k=q5KsGrh

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876038478&k=mbNdhj5

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876031411&k=HVP8fzR

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876049078&k=HKNQVnr

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876052347&k=gd9M9gM

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876042172&k=P4tpX2C

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876030161&k=tdRH8dB

http://bcmagazine.smugmug.com/Bcene-photos/2015/Grand-Opening-Holy-Crab/47480078_XSxJsS#!i=3876053593&k=nnXtmcR

Megabites: 8 November, 2014

Thanksgiving
A national holiday in the USA, Thanksgiving originated as a day of celebration of the previous years harvest. Local American stalwart Dan Ryan’s is offering a traditional 4 course menu for $398 + 10% featuring pumpkin soup, roast turkey with giblet gravy, candied yams, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie.
Dan Ryan’s Chicago Grill is located at Shop 28, LG2, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong (t: 2265 8811) and 112 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty (t: 2845 4600).

Isola Reopens
A newly renovated and slightly remodeled Isola re-opened in IFC recently. At first glance you might not notice many of the new features, but take a look at the most important part of the restaurant… There’s a brand new kitchen, designed with the input of two-star Michelin Chef Marco Sacco and built in Italy. Yes, Isola is the latest eatery to partner up with an overseas Michelin star chef to add ‘prestige’ to it’s name… While Marco Satto will ‘oversee’ the gradual revamping of Isola’s menu – so don’t expect to see any of famous dishes on the menu quite yet – the new chef on the ground is Omar Agostini. At the media introduction of Marco Satto’s appointment there was little to taste, so we’ll have to wait and see what impact Marco and Omar bring to Isola, and it’s prime location with wonderful views across the harbour.

Great Idea
As part of their Christmas promotion Great in the basement of Pacific Place will be holding a series of food tastings and demonstrations loosely entitled “Comfort Foods for the Holidays”. The series of tastings and hands on activities starts on the 21 November from 3pm with the goal of inspiring and entertaining while learning more about food and how to prepare, cook and enjoy it.

A full list of the classes and tasting is posted in the store where you can sign-up in advance for those that interest you most. The list includes: Dressing a Whole Turkey (Demo), Pumpkin soup (Demo/Food Tasting), Making A Ginger Bread House from Scratch (Hands on instructional Class), Old Fashioned Christmas Cookies (Hands on instructional Class), Roasting Poultry (Hands on instructional Class), Christmas Pudding (Demo/Food Tasting), Composing a Cheese platter (Hands on instructional Class), Cooking with Cheese (Demo/Food Tasting), How to Carve a Turkey (Demo/Food Tasting), Understanding Craft Beer Instruction (Tasting).

Cooking videos
The Sheraton in Macau is posting cooking videos on it’s facebook page showing viewers how to enjoy the specialty dishes from the Sheraton Macao Hotel’s restaurants at home. Tied in with this are a series of weekly competitions and give-aways – check out their facebook page for more details www.facebook.com/SheratonMacau

If you have any food news please send it to hkeditorial@bcmagazine.net

Gaucho Argentine Steakhouse

Gaucho Argentine steak restaurant recently opened in Hong Kong having been a staple of the London dining scene for many years. At the media preview Head of Grills Fernando Larroude talked us through the four cuts of Argentine Beef that provide the core of the restaurants menu rump, sirloin, rib-eye and fillet – your waiter will explain the cuts to you when you dine. The restaurant prides itself on the provenance of its grass-fed free-range beef, and from the small tasting samples, the beef was flavourful and tasty. One of the options on the menu is sampler featuring all four cuts – 1.2kg of beef, $998 – not often you can compare cuts.

As with most steak houses you can have your meat cut, prepared and cooked anyway you choose with steaks ranging in size from 225g to 2kg, prices vary accordingly. Sides are all extra. There’s an extensive range of starters, including delicious empanadas, and deserts picked from dishes that have proved popular in London and Dubai and for those who don’t like steak there are options including two vegetarian risottos.

The wine cellar is slightly unique in that it’s all Argentinean and currently offers a choice of over 100 wines, although this will eventually reach around 180. If you want to bring your own bottle, corkage is $300/bottle.

Lots of the more obvious things are not listed on the menu – a simple example is there’s no listing of every option of coffee. Ask your server for what you want/like, and with the heavy emphasis on friendly knowledgeable service it’s sad to see the ubiquitous 10% service charge already added.

Gaucho is open now for dinner: 6-11pm and lunch: noon-3pm.

Gaucho Hong Kong: 5/F, 31 Queens Road Central. Tel: 2386 8090 email: reservations@gauchorestaurants.com.hk