The phrase ‘omakase’ literally translates from Japanese as “I’ll leave it to you” or “I trust you.” In the context of fine dining, this means customers have complete confidence in the chef to serve up his selection of artfully crafted dishes. Over the years, famed Japanese chefs have also established their names in Singapore. Here are our picks of the best Japanese omakase restaurants in Singapore to try.

This request typically consists of dishes that showcase the best of seasonal Japanese produce as well as the chef’s deep knowledge of ingredients and technical cooking abilities. All you need to do is inform the restaurant staff of any dietary restrictions and preferences, before relaxing in your seat and waiting for your food to be served to you over the counter. This style of Japanese dining allows diners to experience uncommon seasonal Japanese ingredients that showcase them at their best. Chefs often source their selection from the market on the same day of the dining service.

The omakase dishes typically include an assortment of sashimi, sushi, cooked dishes and seasonal vegetables. Common examples range from otoro (fatty tuna belly) to shimaaji (striped horse mackerel) and uni. Diners are usually seated at a table facing the chef, so they can get a full view of the preparation process, as well as savour their food the moment it’s ready.

These days, omakase menus are not restricted to focusing solely on sushi. Establishments are highlighting specific aspects of Japanese cuisine – like Teppanyaki at Kagayaki by Ishigaki Yoshida and premium Japanese Wagyu at Fat Cow.

What’s intriguing about omakase, is its element of surprise. One never knows what exactly to expect, because the dishes vary according to the seasons and availability of ingredients. If you’re craving a taste of adventure, here are 11 of the best Japanese omakase restaurants in Singapore to try.

(Hero and feature image credit: Sushi Jiro)

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After a meat-and-sugar-heavy Christmas (not to mention all the sparkles), January might be a good time for a leaner, lighter and more nutritious detox. Here are five restaurants offering options a little less weighty.

Sushi Fujimoto

Substitute red meat with omega-3-rich sushi and sashimi this month at Sushi Fujimoto, where the seasonal omakase menu, available at lunch and dinner, takes you through everything from ankimo (monkfish liver), shirako (cod milt) and female snow crab to nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), tuna cheek and yellowtail, all prepared by chef-owner Kenichi Fujimoto, whose resumé boasts establishments including Sushi Saito and Sushi Kanesaka.

Plaisance by Mauro Colagreco

If you prefer your fish a little less raw, Plaisance by Mauro Colagreco might just be what you need. The new three-storey restaurant on Duddell Street offers lunch and dinner menus spotlighting the best of the ocean, including a barbecued kinmedai fillet, monkfish with a homemade seafood miso paste and, of course, the Argentine chef’s signature beetroot and caviar.

Mora

That tofu’s long been a staple of Asian cuisine is no surprise, given the nutritional benefits of soy. To enjoy the ingredient at its best, head to Vicky Lau’s Michelin green-star restaurant Mora, which serves dishes such as thousand-layer tofu with roasted maitake, udon noodle with soymilk lobster bouillon and chrysanthemum tofu in supreme broth.

Arcane

Going vegetarian doesn’t mean foregoing rich flavours. At Arcane, Shane Osborn’s vegetarian tasting menu will have you questioning why you ever need to eat meat again, with a spread featuring carrot tartare with cashew butter, Crapaudine beetroot with pistachio, sautéed potato gnocchi with shiitake and sautéed porcini with parmesan crust and caramelised onion.

The Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic

Forty-Five is complete at last, with possibly last year’s most anticipated opening: The Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic. Sure, there’s Wagyu striploin on the menu, but with Yunnan peas with caviar, blue lobster from Brittany and the famed wild seabass with Petrossian Daurenki caviar in champagne sauce – a dish that’s stayed on Pic family menus since 1971 – you can ignore that for once.

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Taking first place in Flor de Caña’s Sustainable Cocktail Challenge in Hong Kong and Macau, Penicillin head mixologist Morris Chang tells us why sustainability doesn’t have to limit creativity.

As the concepts of farm-to-table or farm-to-bar become more popular than ever, you might be feeling inspired to lead a greener and more sustainable life in 2024, but for Penicillin’s head mixologist Morris Chang, the philosophy isn’t just a New Year’s resolution.

Leading Hong Kong’s first closed-loop, sustainable bar is clearly a testament to his dedication to the cause itself, but it wasn’t something he thought much about until arriving at the Hollywood Road establishment. After working in several well-respected bars in Taiwan, he decided move to Hong Kong in 2021, craving a change of scenery.

“It’s quite important to emerge oneself in a different culture, because it teaches you to think outside the box,” Chang says. “And Hong Kong had already established itself as one of the top cities for cocktails, so moving here was almost a no-brainer.”

Under the direction of co-founders Agung and Laura Probowo and Roman and Katy Ghale, Chang familiarised himself with what creating cocktails sustainably meant, and just two years later, he’s now mastered the art. His latest achievement came in the Flor de Caña Sustainable Cocktail Challenge, in which his Vice Versa elixir won the Hong Kong and Macau region competition.

“I wanted to put my cocktail skills to the test,” Chang explains. “Having worked at a bar that focuses so strongly on sustainability, I wanted to see whether my ideas made sense or not, not just to myself but to others in the industry.

“Vice Versa is a tribute to Flor de Caña’s distillery and my approach towards sustainable cocktails, which focus on compatibility and feasibility. The cocktail is inspired by the Miami Vice, a beach cocktail from the ’80s combining piña colada and fruit daiquiri – two classic rum cocktails in one glass, contemporary and classic co-existing. My variation includes a 100-percent recycled liqueur and foam with leftover pulps of scallions, galangal, passionfruit, calamansi, pineapple and Hong Kong’s signature pastry, the pineapple bun. All these ingredients were collected from nearby restaurants and bars, sourced from leftovers and food that was going to waste.”

With Hong Kong and Macau conquered, Chang set off to Vietnam in November, where the next level of the Sustainable Cocktail Challenge took place. Competing at the Asian regional stage, his interactions with top bartenders and mixologists from around the continent widened his perspective and deepened his knowledge, and he now hopes to translate these fresh ideas to fit our city’s vibrant and dynamic F&B scene.

“Being an island with such a great variety of bars and restaurants, Hong Kong relies heavily on importing ingredients, unlike other large cities with indigenous produce,” Chang explains. “Despite our lack of farms, there are other opportunities to showcase creativity when it comes to sustainable practices and techniques. One of the reasons for collecting food waste from our neighbourhood to concoct Vice Versa was to highlight how leftover ingredients can be repurposed with a second – yet flavourful – life. The key to a more sustainable food and drink scene, I’d say, is to focus on working with what we already have.”

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After spending decades leading some of the best hotel bars in the world, Lorenzo Antinori took a leap of faith last year and left what he calls “the corporate world”. The Prestige 40 Under 40 honouree explains why 2023 was the perfect time to open Bar Leone.

2023 marked a new beginning for many of us. As we left the pandemic behind, we formed new lifestyles, routines and relationships. For veteran bartender Lorenzo Antinori, his beginning was the departure from the hotel industry after a lengthy career leading its bars to work on his very own passion project, Bar Leone.

Tucked behind PMQ on Bridges Street, the unpretentious establishment is the Italian mixologist’s ode to his Roman heritage, a love letter to the loud, friendly and jubilant neighbourhood watering holes of his home city. After being greeted by a subtle rustic entrance, patrons step through the door into a warm, cosy, yet – despite most of us not being Italian – somewhat familiar setting of off-white walls, wooden panelling and furniture, leather-upholstered booths and framed vintage posters, artworks and photographs from his father’s own collection.

But despite the evident passion when he speaks of Bar Leone and how much of himself he has poured into the concept, the idea to open the venue wasn’t a dream he’d had in mind for years. In fact, as a young man he studied law in Rome, though never finished the programme.

“I went to law school because I was really into sports, and I thought that would allow me to become a sports agent for football players,” Antinori tells me against a backdrop of framed AS Roma and Italian team jerseys. “In a very materialistic way, I also thought about the amount of money I’d make as a lawyer, so I decided to go to law school. But as it turned out, I hated it.”

Like many other university students, he took a part-time job in a bar to earn a little pocket money, little knowing the decision would change his life forever. “I worked in a bar just to pay my bills,” he explains. “It was a part-time job, but eventually I got hooked up and it became my profession, very randomly. There was this old barman – a real nonno – who used to come to our bar every day around 3pm. We used to chat and he’d tell me stories from his days of being a barman in the ’40s and ’50s. I was fascinated by all these tales. He’d always order a Perfect Manhattan and I’d make it for him, and slowly I realised I actually really enjoyed the process. Eventually a part-time job became a seasonal job, and then I moved to London.”

There, he joined The American Bar at the Savoy Hotel, working as a barback while serving guests such as David Beckham, Al Pacino and Nicolas Cage. “After the first six months there, I knew I wanted to be a bartender, which is crazy,” Antinori admits. “Who even aspires to be a bartender? What kind of job is that? But to be honest, I never really thought too much about it. I just lived it, day by day. I was young, naïve, and thought: ‘I’m just going to do it.’”

With five years of experience at the grand hotel under his belt, he moved on to work with London’s king of cocktails Ryan Chetiyawardana, also known as Mr Lyan, before being brought over to South Korea and then Hong Kong by the Four Seasons hotel group. His mission at the Four Seasons Hong Kong? Argo, a bar his own mother named that eventually placed third in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2022 under Antinori’s leadership.

Despite his success at Argo and the safety net afforded by working for a large hotel group, Antinori knew he was destined for something even greater – something he could really call his own.

“Working at a large hotel group allowed me to travel the world, to move to Korea and Hong Kong, and of course it was safe – and they paid me well,” he admits. “I learned lot there, but it was very corporate, so I didn’t have that much freedom. During Covid, I understood that I needed a little change in my life, and I’ve always had this idea of doing something on my own.

“But the real conversation about Bar Leone came when I met my business partner. Before that, it was all fantasies. Then I met him, and it gave me the confidence to pursue it. I was never scared from then on – I was so ready. Of course, now I’m scared every time we open the door for business, but when I made that decision to start Bar Leone, I wasn’t scared. I knew it was the right thing to do for me.”

Originally to be called Bar Bambino, a few rounds of brainstorming with his business partner led to the name it has now. Although his companion played an unquestionably large role in its creation, Antinori also acknowledges his hotel experience and gives credit where it’s due.

“I wouldn’t have been able to open Bar Leone without my experience at Argo, because working on that bar gave me a 360-degree understanding of what’s needed to open and run a successful bar,” he reflects. “I think it gave me a sense of discipline and it made me understand that achieving something takes many steps to get there, and you need to make sure every step is done well. Working at hotels prepared me for Bar Leone by showing me how to execute those small steps well and not just obsess over the big picture, which I often tend to do as a creative person.”

Perhaps it’s this wealth of experience and depth of knowledge that kept his business partner confident in both Antinori and the concept, even though the bartender himself questioned its viability during the height of the pandemic. Fortunately, they found the Bridges Street location and signed the lease just as the restrictions lifted, and Bar Leone was given the opportunity to flourish.

And flourish it did. Although the bar prides itself on keeping things classic – its motto, “cocktail popolari”, means “cocktails for the people” in Italian – you’ll also find innovative spins of these mixology staples. The signature negroni, for example, comes in three variations: classic, coffee and yuzu. The smoked olives have attracted so many patrons that people are requesting that the bar snack is sold in jars they can take home. The menu also changes seasonally to keep the experience refreshing. But between all these highlights, the bar’s philosophy stands strong.

“Bar Leone is different because it doesn’t have a technical concept behind it,” Antinori says, referencing a quote of Arrigo Cipriani, the owner of Harry’s Bar in Venice: “Simplicity, when it’s done with a lot of detail, is an extraordinary thing.”

“It’s not a bar that specialises in a specific spirit or a bar that re-creates any themed experience,” Antinori continues. “It’s very organic, very authentic. I also believe it brings a simplicity and approachability that we don’t often see here in Hong Kong’s bar scene. When you sit down, I don’t need to guide you through an abstract or intricate menu. I don’t need to teach you anything. The drinks will be good, the food will be good and the vibe will be good. That’s what a bar experience is supposed to be.”

Although Bar Leone was ineligible for Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2023, as it opened after the voting period, it’s surely headed for a position on this year’s list, a prediction backed up by the full-houses even on weeknights, the exceptional reviews from patrons and critics, and most of all, Antinori’s love and passion for his brainchild.

“That’s the beauty of being the owner: you can do whatever you want,” he tells me with a grin. “Bar Leone is an extension of myself. In the room, there are so many things I love: movies, pop culture and football. I translated this tongue-in-cheek way of life I believe in into this bar. I’ll play the UEFA Champions League theme song right after “Hallelujah”, and I’m not even religious. I just find it funny to mix these two things that are sacred to Italians in very different ways. That is the story I want Bar Leone to tell.”

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Tired of your old haunts? Already over Dry January? Kick off 2024 at some of Hong Kong’s most exciting new bars. To get you started, Prestige samples their signature cocktails.

LA SUITE AT LA SUITE

Just before the festive season, chef Olivier Elzer opened his newest venture, La Suite, a speakeasy nestled within his popular restaurant, Clarence. Hidden behind opulent curtains high above the heart of Central, La Suite is a cocktail bar with a small outdoor lounge that serves a menu of cocktails meticulously reimagined by famed French bar maestro Max Traverse, to a backdrop of the Hong Kong skyline. The bar’s signature cocktail, La Suite, is a refreshing blend of Ketel One Vodka, crisp apple juice and a mix of raspberry and blackberry purées, enriched with crème de cassis, a dash of lemon juice and a vanilla whipped-cream topping. C’est magnifique!
25/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central

MELODY’S SALTED CARAMEL ESPRESSO MARTINI

Melody: House of Food & Music is a new neighbourhood bar comprising five rooms themed like those in a typical home: a kitchen, dining room, music room, bar lounge and garden room (fear not, bathrooms are an unofficial sixth). Helmed by bar manager Kaan Gilmour from London, the venue serves a variety of signature drinks that promise to be unexpected and unusual, offering an opportunity for the bar team to flex their talents and creativity. One such drink is the – wait for it – salted caramel espresso martini. Yes, expresso martinis just got better, if that was possible. The vodka, kahlua, salted caramel and espresso combination is a sweet twist on a much-loved classic.
G/F, 100 Third Street, Sai Ying Pun

LOCKDOWN’S LEFT BANK

Indonesian duo Agung Prabowo and Laura Prabowo, renowned veterans on the Hong Kong bar scene, recently opened their latest venture, Lockdown. Paying tribute to the infamous Covid era, the bar offers an intimate setting with a maximum capacity of just 30 guests. Although seating is limited the drinks are not, with 25 concoctions divided into three categories: experimental, vintage and remastered classics. The signature Left Bank is a menu highlight, not only for your taste buds but also your Instagram feed. With ingredients like St Germain elderflower, fennel pollen, absinthe, port and white citrus, it’s as photogenic as it’s delicious.
27 Hollywood Road, Central

BARCODE’S CORNSTAR MARTINI

After a brief absence from the Hong Kong bar scene, Barcode is back in a new and bigger venue on Central’s Cochrane Street. While the location has changed, the team’s ability to come up with new and unusual concoctions hasn’t. Enter the Cornstar Martini, a sweet and tangy sip of childhood bliss. Infused with a mix of vodka, passion fruit, vanilla and lemon, layered in marshmallow and topped with baby corn, it’s a bizarre but tasty blend of grown-up indulgence and childhood nostalgia.
45 Cochrane Street, Central

TAKUMI MIXOLOGY SALON’S ZEN

Takumi – the Japanese word means “artisan” – is the brainchild of Pong Group’s chief bartender Rayven Leung, the rising-star mixologist behind the likes of Carlyle & Co and Mizunara: The Library. At his new Japanese-themed establishment, expect fully personalised, bespoke cocktails, but for those less inclined towards customisation, the signature cocktail Zen takes inspiration from the serenity of zendō (Japanese meditation halls). If you’re looking for some peace and quiet after a busy day, the mix of Takumi sandalwood vodka, blended house vermouth, blended scotch and hojicha is bound to take the edge off.
3/F, Cubus, 1 Hoi Ping Road, Causeway Bay

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You may think you have a sweet tooth, but would you trade your diamonds for a piece of cake? It’s an age-old tradition to end your meals for the day on a sweet note. Desserts are a gastronomic delight that celebrates flavours, serving as a source of well-being with self-care staples encompassing all, from the rich, dark allure of chocolate to the nutritious creamy richness of pumpkin. In this sweet journey, we go on a trip to discover the most expensive desserts in the world.

Indulgence reaches new heights when sweet treats are adorned with edible gold and diamonds. These decadent delicacies, made from the finest ingredients, tempt individuals with a taste for lavishness to temporarily lay aside dietary restrictions and revel in the sheer luxury offered by each sumptuous bite. What comes after the most lavish dining experiences in the world? Why, the most expensive desserts that are the crowning jewels of culinary luxury, of course.

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Take a look at the most expensive desserts in the world

24-carat popsicle

Price: USD 1,000

Cool down in style with this 24-carat popsicle from the Marquis Los Cabos resort in Mexico. Considering that it’s made with gold flakes and one of the most expensive tequilas ever, Tequilas Premium Clase Azul Ultra, this popsicle is a pocket-friendly deal. If you’re not in the mood for a popsicle, give the tequila shot a try for USD 500.

Golden Opulence Sundae

Price: USD 1,000

New York is home to many posh fine-dining restaurants. But, Serendity 3 is the only restaurant to be featured in the most expensive dessert list twice. In honour of the establishment’s 50th anniversary, the restaurant revealed a masterpiece dessert that costs an eye-watering USD 1,000. Despite its steep price tag, the restaurant receives about one order each month from wealthy customers who want to savour its rich flavours.

Diners who wish to enjoy this lavish treat must provide the restaurant with 48 hours of prior notice. This allows the restaurant to gather the diverse ingredients from throughout the world, including Grand Passion Caviar, chocolate truffles, and Tahitian vanilla bean ice cream with 23-carat edible gold leaf. The dessert is then finished with gold flakes and gilded sugar. One significant bonus is that customers can take home a souvenir from their spectacular dessert experience: the USD 350 Baccarat Harcourt crystal glass that the ice cream is served in.

The Golden Phoenix Cupcake

Price: USD 1,000

Bloomsbury’s bakery in Dubai Mall serves a four-figure cupcake made with high-end ingredients such as Ugandan vanilla beans, Italian chocolate, and gold-dipped strawberries. The frosting is coated with edible gold, and the experience is enhanced with a golden spoon. The hefty price tag pays for the 23-carat edible gold sheets in the dessert, which are yours to eat; sadly, the golden spoon will remain at the bakery once you are finished.

The Bear Extraordinaire at Baccarat Hotel New York

Price: USD 1,500

The Baccarat Hotel in New York City is where the “Bear Extraordinaire” is served; priced at USD 1,500, it is one of the most expensive ice cream sundaes in the United States. The base is coated with a hand-painted white chocolate shell with coloured cocoa butter, and it is served with vanilla ice cream prepared using imported Madagascar vanilla beans. The sundae is topped with three grams of black truffle crumble, dark Manjari chocolate from Madagascar, Valrhona Gold cocoa nibs, hibiscus champagne sauce, lemon meringue, fondant butterflies, and angel hair sugar strands. Edible gold and silver leaves are then used to adorn the dish, adding to the luxury.

Krispy Kreme’s Luxe Doughnut

Price: USD 1,685

Known throughout the world for its delicious doughnuts, Krispy Kreme took creativity to new heights in 2014 when it introduced a luxe doughnut worth USD 1,685, making it the “most expensive” doughnut in the world. This decadent treat, created to benefit The Children’s Trust, is covered with 24-carat gold leaf and has a gilded white chocolate lotus encrusted with edible diamonds. The filling, which is made of Dom Perignon champagne jelly, is an absolute show-stopper. The doughnut was served with a fancy cocktail that included raspberry and passion fruit syrup, Courvoisier Cognac, and Dom Perignon 2002.

Byakuya ice cream

Price: USD 6,600 per serving

Cellato, a well-known high-end ice cream manufacturer, recently made news for producing the world’s most expensive ice cream, an accomplishment officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records. This sumptuous frozen pleasure, which is known as “Byakuya,” is a unique blend of white truffles imported from Alba, Italy, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and sake lees, a byproduct of sake manufacturing. A single 130 mL (4.4 ounce) serving of Byakuya costs an astounding JPY 873,400 (USD 6,696). Notably, white truffles alone can fetch up to USD 15,200 per kilogram, adding to the excessive price of this frozen delicacy. The ice cream comes drizzled in white truffle oil, and is served with a special handmade metal spoon crafted out of the same materials as seen in some of Kyoto’s temples and shrines.

Crystal Macaroons

Price: USD 9,703

Introducing the world’s most expensive macaron: the Crystal Macaron from St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, priced at USD 9,703 as a nod to the hotel’s address — 9703 Collins Avenue. Made with white tea and edible gold leaf, each serve of the macaron includes an overnight stay in a luxury Sky Palace Suite that can accommodate up to eight people. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the services of a complimentary butler, and the joy of basking in the pinnacle of luxury.

The Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence

Price: USD 14,500

In Galle, Sri Lanka, the Fortress Resort and Spa serves one of the world’s most expensive desserts, the Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence, priced at USD 14,500. This ode to stilt fishing was created on special request and features a chocolate fisherman atop an Italian cassata flavoured with Baileys Irish Cream. The showpiece is an 80-carat aquamarine stone on a chocolate stilt, accompanied by a mango and pomegranate compote and a Champagne sabayon sauce garnished with gold leaf. This one-of-a-kind dish requires 48 hours’ notice in advance and is served with bespoke handcrafted glass cutlery designed by Glass Studio for The Fortress. Guests can savour this sumptuous treat in Wine3, the resort’s glass wine cave featuring over 2,000 vintages.

Frrrozen Haute Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae

Price: USD 25,000

The expensive dessert comes with 5 grams of 23-carat edible gold and is topped with a USD 250 La Madeline au Truffle. Adorned with lavish accessories including a golden spoon and an 18-carat gold bracelet encrusted with 1-carat of white diamonds, the ice cream is presented in a goblet covered in edible gold. If you have your heart set on engaging this opulent experience, secure early reservations to allow the restaurant to methodically source truffles from France, cocoas from across the world, and gold from Switzerland. Bearing a staggering USD 25,000 price tag, this Serendipity 3 sundae surpasses its own Golden Opulence Sundae, claiming the top spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Golden Cannoli

Price: USD 26,000

Restaurateur and Chef Jasper Mirabile Jr. has created the world’s most luxurious and premium cannoli, valued at a staggering USD 26,010. This delectable dessert is made with a rich dark chocolate base and filled with whipped ricotta cheese, candied lemon, chocolate, and lemon peel, all wrapped in opulent gold leaf. It’s made to the specifications of an age-old recipe, courtesy of Chef Jasper’s great-grandmother’s recipe, dating back to the 9th century when the Arabs occupied Sicily.

The Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel Faberge Chocolate Pudding

Price: USD 34,500

This lavish dessert was created by culinary master Chef Marc Guibert at Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel in Windermere, Cumbria, aiming to set the world record for the most expensive chocolate pudding. Chef Guibert’s creation, which is embellished as a Fabergé egg replica with a few luxurious decorations, is a monument to his culinary expertise. This regal dessert is a symphony of flavours, comprising four of Belgium’s most beautiful chocolates laced with orange, whisky, and peach hints. The luxurious combination is boosted further with champagne caviar, edible 24-carat gold flakes, and the centrepiece — a two-carat diamond.

The Absurdity Sundae

Price: USD 60,000

You may have heard that the perfect ambience can heighten the culinary experience. This delight, which costs a whopping USD 60,000, not only tantalises the taste buds, but also transports you to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in first-class comfort. A chef awaits at the mountain’s summit, ready to construct your sundae utilising glacial ice taken directly from the spectacular peak. The result is a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or any other flavour you want, created with an exclusive touch of glacial freshness. While the Three Twin’s sundae itself, a delightful banana split, costs a relatively modest USD 3,333.33 to put together, it’s the extras that elevate this experience. The bananas and syrups used in putting together this sweet masterpiece are made from rare wines, adding elegance to the dish. Furthermore, diners are served with an 1850s-era spoon, which adds a historical touch to each mouthful. For those ready to splurge on an outstanding gastronomic excursion, the opportunity to bring a companion along for an additional USD 25,000 is also available for turning this indulgence into a shared adventure.

Diamond Fruitcake

Price: USD 1.72 million

If you can’t choose between cake or carats, how about a cake of carats? Christmas is incomplete without a delicious fruitcake on your dining table. Taking the splendour of the holiday spirit to greater heights, the Takashimaya Department Store in Tokyo made a cake worth USD 1.72 million. Showcased for promotional purposes only, it sat in display at their store premises, featuring 223 diamonds that make up a total weight of 170 carats, thus contributing to its hefty price tag. The cake took almost six months to design and a whole month to prepare. Though the cake itself was edible, the diamonds weren’t. And thus, it became the grandest display fruitcake to ever exist.

Strawberries Arnaud

Price: USD 9.85 million

With a long history dating back to the 18th century, Strawberries Arnaud can be traced back to the creative minds of Pierre Arnaud and his wife, Jeanne, who lived on an island in the French city of Paris. This timeless dish, however, took on a luxury and ultra-expensive twist just a few years ago in the heart of New Orleans, at Arnaud’s Restaurant.

While their typical strawberry dessert, which is a lovely treat in its own right, costs roughly USD 9, Arnaud’s Restaurant chose to take the dessert experience to great new heights for those seeking an ‘I do‘. The special dessert sports a base of classic vanilla ice cream, surrounded by juicy strawberries and topped with billowy whipped cream. It is accompanied by 24-carat gold flake toppings, rich chocolate sauce, and a variety of expensive champagnes and liquors that enhance the flavours of the dish. But, it is the 10.06-carat diamond ring that comes with the beautiful confection that is unquestionably the pièce de résistance. In addition to the diamond engagement ring, the golden spoon is also the talking point of the desirable dish.

Runaway Cake by Debbie Wingham

Price: USD 75 million (Approx.)

Many ultra-expensive wedding cakes tend to cross the seven-figure mark. But there’s one birthday cum engagement cake that takes the crown as the most expensive cake, and thus dessert in the world. Priced at a staggering USD 75 million, the Runaway Cake, which was handcrafted by British designer Debbie Wingham, weighed over a staggering 450 kg (the same as a grizzly bear) comprising 120 kg of fondant and 60 kg of sculpting chocolate.

A wealthy Arab client who wished to remain anonymous due to an NDA ordered this 6-foot-long cake for his daughter’s birthday cum engagement party. Debbie replicated the atmosphere of a high-end fashion show on the cake, with a front row packed with people toting dazzling handbags, sunglasses, and the latest cellphones and tablets. Debbie’s gowns graced the runway, while a committed photographer, caught in fondant form, crouched at the front, clicking away at the ladies. Wingham handcrafted all the figures herself, dedicating 1,100 hours of labour to the creation of this masterpiece. Moreover, 4,000 diamonds of different shapes and colours were also used to add glitter to the Runaway Cake.

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(Main image: Lalique; featured image: Alistair Ferrier/PA/Dailymail UK)

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Forty-Five is now complete with The Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, whose acclaimed chef shares with Prestige the journey that brought her from southeast France to Hong Kong.

Six months after Forty-Five opened at the top of Gloucester Tower in Central, the art-meets-gastronomy space’s complement of dining concepts has been completed with the arrival of The Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic.

With a family heritage and personal pedigree like Pic’s, it’s hardly surprising the restaurant’s opening was among last year’s most anticipated culinary events in this city. If leading her family’s three-Michelin-star Maison Pic in Valence weren’t enough, her talent, skill and mastery in the kitchen have earned her more such accolades than any other female chef in the world. Following in both her grandfather and her father’s footsteps, Pic has managed to keep the family name synonymous with gastronomic perfection, but the journey she took to achieve that was far more difficult than you might imagine.

In her early years, a kitchen wasn’t something she’d ever considered entering, much less helming. “I’ve been fortunate that my parents had always let me gain my own experiences and never imposed any pressure regarding my career choices,” Pic reflects, as she takes a short break during her recent visit to Hong Kong for the restaurant’s opening. “When I was young, I didn’t envision myself with a culinary career. I wanted to be a designer and work in the luxury industry.”

That initial dream took her to Japan and the US, where she worked with Cartier and Moët & Chandon before eventually discovering her passion for cooking. And though she then set her sights on returning to the family business, the process also proved more difficult than she’d wished.

“Since I gained the insight that the kitchen was a part of me and my DNA, I realised my destiny was to learn alongside my father to develop and prolong our brand, which is also my family name. Both my father and my grandfather’s cuisines were revolutionary in their flavour combinations and aesthetics, and they’re true inspirations for me,” she says. “Unfortunately, my father passed away only a few months after my return, so I had to create my own path.”

In 1995, when Pic took over Maison Pic, the restaurant lost its third Michelin star. It took 12 years of innovation and hard work for her to regain it, when she also became only the fourth woman chef ever to achieve that grail.

“When I took over Maison Pic in 1995, it was a real challenge to create my own experience and allow the restaurant to endure through tough times,” Pic admits. “Winning back the third Michelin star for our restaurant in 2007 was a tribute to the memory of my father and I was truly delighted to be the third generation of chefs in my family to have achieved it. But rather than it being the destination, I took it as a new beginning. It meant I could continue to tread my own path, and gave me a renewed sense of freedom.

“As a self-made woman, it was a double reward, because it required a lot of conviction, perseverance, and faith to make a name in a decidedly male-dominated field,” Pic adds. “Perhaps because of this difference in gender, I felt a certain freedom and boldness to create my own style, and I hope I can inspire other women to follow their convictions and encourage them to embrace their own personalities and cuisines.”

Naturally, when the time came for the luxury crystal house Baccarat to open The Cristal Room in Hong Kong, Pic was the first choice to lead it. “I’ve loved and admired Anne-Sophie Pic for a very long time and it’s a great honour to partner with her,” says the brand’s CEO Maggie Henriquez. “She shares Baccarat’s passion, boldness and virtuosity. Her refined palate, impeccable balance and striking flavour combinations will undoubtedly delight our guests. As the world’s most Michelin-starred female chef, she’s the ideal partner to create a one-of-a-kind journey of French art de vivre.”

With this new collaboration, the two women hope to celebrate not only French culture but also the two brands’ love for – and connection with – Asia. While you’ll find family staples such as seabass with caviar, a dish that’s featured on the Pic menu for more than five decades, the restaurant also offers refreshing new plates that include Chinese pea from Hunan served with geranium rosat leaves, sake lees, tsukudani and gyokuro, and Petrossian Baika caviar, and Les Berlingots ASP with sobacha pasta filled with Brie de Meaux AOP and mushroom consommé infused with Tonka bean.

“Asia has always been a great source of inspiration for me,” says Pic. “I’ve always loved its diverse and dynamic array of flavours, herbs and spices, many of which continue to accompany me today. I reappropriate and interpret them using French cuisine codes to showcase my vision of Asia. As a chef, my main goal is to evoke emotion, to generate envy and curiosity and in some cases to leave a lasting impression.

“I had the opportunity to explore Hong Kong during my studies when I was younger, and I’m delighted to open a new restaurant here. It’s an opportunity to continue my exploration of the Asian continent, which holds a special place in my heart. Through The Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, I aim to imprint my personal style on Hong Kong’s culinary scene and share my interpretation
of Asian aromas and flavours with guests.”

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In the weeks following the unending buffet of holiday indulgences, it can seem daunting to start a whole new way of life. Far from being a hassle, eating well and nourishing your body can be pleasurable and easy. Get into the swing of eating better to kickstart 2024 the right way! The next time you find yourself in Malaysia’s Klang Valley, why not replace one of your many char koay teows with a delicious delivery from one of these healthy eating restaurants in KL and Selangor?

Let’s talk about healthy food. Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying one simple fact — getting your five a day is essential for optimum health. Once, the average lay person may have met the notion of ‘healthy eating’ with a non-too-discreet grimace; however, the contemporary healthy diet features an assortment of delicious dishes that feed the soul just as they nourish the body.

Indeed, any non-believer would do well to open a book depicting healthy, easy home-cooked meals. Nigella Lawson’s Simply Nigella (2015) and Cook, Eat, Repeat (2020), Jamie Oliver’s Everyday Super Food (2015) and Super Food Family Classics (2016), Cynthia Shanmugalingam’s Rambutan: Recipes from Sri Lanka (2022), and Alissa Timoshkina’s Salt & Time (2019) make great cases for the cause, as do various TikTok creators who show us that eating well is far from unattainable.

Ultimately, embarking on the journey to healthier eating isn’t just cultivating a taste for crisp lettuce, steamed quinoa, grilled proteins, and soy products. It’s the ultimate behavioral overhaul that includes a new way of life. And if that seems daunting to begin with, why not outsource the cooking?

If you’re planning to adopt healthier eating habits as part of your 2024 resolutions but don’t know how to cook, worry not. Healthy meals are abundant in these Klang Valley restaurants, which offer up some of the best options whether you’re ordering in a delivery for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Read on for the ultimate yum list!

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We’ve all been there before. Faced with a plethora of choices for your next meal and you just can’t decide where to go and what to eat. To make it easier for you this month, we’ve rounded up the best dishes we’ve tried, from bold Thai curries to decadent grilled meats and a special wine pairing menu.

Thai Curry Lobster at Mue Mue

A revolutionary Thai restaurant and cocktail bar, Mue Mue, now holds court on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, taking gastronomy and mixology to new heights. Headed by Chef Saito Chau, Mue Mue masterfully blends Chinese influences with traditional Thai flavours, promising an unparalleled dining experience featuring seasonal ingredients exclusive to the Land of Smiles. The name “Mue Mue” comes from the Thai word for “Hand,” symbolizing the dedication and sincerity poured into every dish, as well as the gracious “Wai” gesture of respect in Thai culture. One cannot help but be drawn to the glorious aroma of Mue Mue’s famed Thai Curry Lobster with Rice Cake. Infused with a plethora of fragrant southern spices like lemongrass, ginger, and curry, this dish boasts succulent Australian lobster that is braised to perfection. As if that weren’t enough, it is then smothered in a luscious egg sauce that adds a velvety creaminess to every delectable bite. Truly a masterpiece on the palate. – Gennady Oreshkin

Mue Mue, Shop 302, 3/F, Mira Place 1, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tasting Menu at Terroirs by LQV

From now until the end of the month, the Lyndhurst Terrace wine bar and restaurant Terroirs by LQV is offering a special tasting menu with wine pairings that’ll transport you to France, taking you on a journey through some of the country’s most scenic and culturally rich regions. Start with a mise en bouche in the form of delightful Époisse cheese gougères paired with a glass of Champagne, followed by a homemade pâté en croûte and salad complemented by a surprise wine and vintage. The main that follows is a cosy beef bourguignon alongside a glass of Givry Les Dracy Domaine Sarrazin 2021 before a fourth course of Crottin de Chavignol and Saint Nectaire cheeses with Menetou-Salon Les Bornés Domaine Pellé 2022. Finally, conclude your meal on a sweet note as you indulge in their caramelized pear with cinnamon and chestnut dessert, accented by the exotic Jurançon Doux Château Lafitte 2019. – Jeff Yeung

Terroirs by LQV, 3/F, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central

Chef’s Selection at 298 Nikuya Room

Hong Kong’s obsession with Japan has not faltered one bit – not even with the rise of K-pop – all you need as proof is the hoard of Hong Kongers who have flocked to Japan this past holiday season, and the number of familiar faces you’ve seen traipsing the streets of Tokyo and the slopes of Niseko. For us unfortunate souls who aren’t in Japan but are hankering after an authentic bite – in my case, a delicious bite of grilled yakiniku – head to 298 Nikuya Room in Central for the finest selection of A5 Wagyu beef in town. The restaurant imports whole cattle from Kagoshima, which makes it possible for them to serve all kinds of beautifully marbled and rare cuts that we don’t often see outside of Japan. Hand-selected and expertly cut by 298’s Japanese chef, these are melt-in-your-mouth umami bombs that honestly need very little else to make them shine. To wash it all down, order one of their many highball selections. Finish off with the refreshing and chewy signature 298 Cold Noodles. – Stephanie Ip

298 Nikuya Room, 2/F, Pearl Oriental House, 60 Stanley Street, Central

Jiangsu Deluxe Seafood Salad (Lo Hei) at The Jiangsu Club

The Jiangsu Club, which opened in September 2022, offers one of the most authentic and traditional flavours of the Jiangsu region. This year, they’re celebrating the Year of The Dragon with an eight-person festive set menu, and we were one of the first to sample it. The standout dish of the evening was the Jiangsu Deluxe Seafood Salad, also known as Lo Hei. Its opulent presentation of salmon, shellfish, and assorted vegetables is artfully arranged on a large platter but the fun starts when we gather around the table with our chopsticks and starting tossing, to bring prosperity, wellness, and blessings to all the individuals at the table. The salad tasted superb, and the texture was delightfully crunchy, thanks to the addition of crackers. The vegetables were crisp and fresh, perfectly complementing the selection of seafood and noodles. Lo Hei is a Chinese New Year festive food but imagine if we could have it all year round? I can’t imagine a more perfect summer dish. – Janice Leung

The Jiangsu Club, 2/F, Alliance Building, 130-136 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan

French-Canto Fare at 2Sup

Fans of early 2000’s French-Cantonese bistro Sup1 will delight in the reopening of 2Sup, renamed in a nod to its new location on 20 High Street, Sai Ying Pun. Originally in Central, restaurateur Vincent Wong and his partner C. Poon developed a cult following among Hong Kong society for their signature dishes such as duck confit rice casserole and morel mushroom cream toast. These beloved plates feature on the new menu alongside rich and hearty additions like goose liver crème brûlée and traditional French bouillabaisse. Akin to a chef’s table, this intimate 14-seat space is ideal for cosy dinners, date nights, or private events. A truly independent restaurant with superlative food, get here quick before everyone else does. – Madelaine Clark

2Sup, 20 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong

The post Where to Eat: Top Restaurants to Try This January appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The Michelin-starred Jay Fai restaurant is known for its crab omelettes, and the amount of wait for said crab omelettes. If the wait is too long or you simply cannot get a table, here are the restaurants near Jay Fai where you can try your luck.

Supinya ‘Jay Fai’ Junsuta has achieved celebrity status within the dining industry. She has been the chef of the small diner named after her for 40 years, and her talents are now recognised everywhere she goes — her restaurant is the only Michelin-starred street food restaurant in Thailand, and the only street food entry to appear on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

However, when you visit the icon behind the wok, you’ll find that the queue can be a little overwhelming. Here are some places you can visit instead, or just while your friend waits in Jay Fai’s line for you.

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Pad Thai Thipsamai

Three shophouses away

When it comes to getting a good pad thai, Thipsamai’s recipe doesn’t disappoint. They have been cooking up a storm since 1939 on a boat along the canal, and have been mentioned by major news outlets around the world as they write about the now-famous dish, from TIME to the BBC. Make sure you order the pad thai sen-chan with prawns wrapped in egg.

You can find more information at Thipsamai Restaurant.

Taisoon Bar

Across the street

To many, Taisoon isn’t just a bar, but a community space. Step in for the photogenic interior and wide array of craft beers on tap, stay for warm hospitality, and, well, the wide array of craft beers on tap. Sit and soak in the Chinese interior with hanging lanterns and neon signs as you take a sip of the guava stout.

You can find more information at Taisoon.

Wu’s Yong Tau Foo

50 metres away

Yen Ta Fo, also called “pink noodle soup,” is brewed with a special red-coloured sauce made from fermented red bean curds and birdseye chilli. Wu’s has been perfecting their recipe for generations, and it’s perfect to have with their all-you-can-drink lotus root juice. Many people also go for their amazing stir-fried noodle options.

You can find more information at Wu’s Yong Tau Foo.

Joke Pratupee

100 metres away

Just around the corner is a little stall with a handful of seats by the pavement, and standing behind it is a very accommodating auntie asking you for your preferences. That’s how you know you’re getting a good meal. Joke Pratupee makes one of the best joks around and with more than reasonable prices, too. Have it with chrysanthemum tea and you’re in heaven.

You can find more information at Joke Pratupee.

Saisai

130 metres away

Saisai’s mission is all about celebrating local Thai ingredients in one of the forms that let them shine the most: with shaved ice. These elevated shaved ice selections include a lot of refreshing ingredients and inventive combinations you’ll find yourself coming back for. Highlights include the palm sugar and caramelised soybean combo, as well as the yoghurt, cream, and persimmons.

You can find more information at Saisai.

Kope Hya Tai Kee

300 metres away

Kope Hya Tai Kee is a place of history. First opened in 1952, their menu is filled with over 200 dishes that the members of Hya Tai Kee family found, enjoyed, and perfected. As such, the menu is made up of pieces of memories, something each Thai person can resonate from their time growing up. While there’s too many to recommend, their pan-fried egg is forever a classic, as well as their classic coffee selections.

You can find more information at Kope Hya Tai Kee.

Mont Nomsod

500 metres away

Since 1964, our homegirl Mont has been serving nomsod (fresh milk) for patrons in the old town area. Coupled with their wide array of toast and custard combinations, it’s a great dessert destination and a nice place to sit and escape all the hot and dry weather in Bangkok. A simple toast with butter and sugar is also a lovely choice for those who don’t want any mess.

You can find more information at Mont Nomsod.

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Bangkok

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Of the nearly 39,000 bottles rated by the JamesSuckling.com tasting team in the past year, there could only be one No 1, but what an incredible bottle it is, writes James Suckling, as he picks the top wines of 2023.

We’re celebrating this year’s JamesSuckling.com Top 100 Wines of the Year with a bottle of champagne. It’s not just an incredible bottle of champagne, it’s the best wine we rated this year out of the almost 39,000 reviewed by me and my team of seven tasters/editors. It’s the largest number of wines we’ve ever reviewed in a year, beating last year’s record of about 32,000.

A significant amount of wines were rated in our office in Hong Kong, but most were taste on the road during visits to countries and regions around the world, from France, Spain and Italy to the United States, Australia and New Zealand, not to mention Argentina and Chile. We lost count of how many miles we racked up on flights or the literally hundreds of vineyards and winemakers we visited. It was hard work but we all loved it – learning, discovering and tasting.

However, it was a July tasting in Champagne of the newest release of Laurent-Perrier’s Champagne Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée N26 that inspired us the most in 2023. It’s a sensational bottle that shows incredible texture, depth and complexity. Its great structure will keep it fresh and vivid for a very long time, yet it’s equally energetic and intense, highlighting its beauty now. Champagne producers have always said their bottles are first great wines and then great champagnes, and this is certainly the case with the Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée N26.

It also highlights how Champagne may be one of the most exciting regions in France and Europe at the moment. Climate change may have benefited the region, with champagnes in the most vintages now being richer and drier with slightly more alcohol – about 12 percent on average. It’s also increased the production of table wines in the area, with pinot noirs and chardonnays now comparing with the best of Burgundy.

Meanwhile, what makes the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée N26 so magical is its exceptional blend of vintages, three beautiful years with the uniquely powerful 2008 vintage giving it the edge. It’s a perfectly harmonised blend of 65 percent 2012, 25 percent 2008 and 10 percent 2007. The 2012 gives the Grand Siècle Cuvée N26 its balance and form, with subtle and bright fruit, while the 2008 gives it a vertical depth and focused energy with a subtle phenolic tension that frames the wine gorgeously. Finally, the touch of 2007 delivers more liveliness and vivacity.

The only drawback with the Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée N26 is its price: about US$235 a bottle. Granted, that isn’t outrageously expensive from a prestige cuvée or any other world-class wine, considering its phenomenal quality and the exorbitant prices for wines from regions such as Burgundy and Napa Valley. But I must admit I was slightly surprised by the price of nearly all our top-rated wines in 2023. A hundred dollars doesn’t go very fast these days to buy the best wines in the world. The average price per bottle of our Top 100 is about $140; I didn’t consider any wine for our Top 100 costing more than $400 a bottle.

The best value in the Top 100 list seems to originate from Austria, Germany and New Zealand. The top wines of South America used to represent value, but they’ve doubled in price in recent years. Spain and Italy have also become expensive. Two categories for relative values to consider are pinot noir and chardonnay from California. There were two bottles from the former category on our list and three from the latter.

I tried to include as many of the 50 or so 100-point wines we rated this year, as long as they were available on the market and not profoundly expensive. Our list included 17 wines with 100-point ratings. The least expensive of these is about $100 – El Enemigo Cabernet Franc Gualtallary Gran Enemigo Single Vineyard 2019. It could have been our Wine of the Year, but the production was slightly less than 5,000 bottles and it’s already very difficult to find. So, it’s No 2. The Moric Blaufränkisch Burgenland Lutzmannsburg Alte Reben 2021, at No 8, is slightly lower priced and the wine has essentially put the underrated grape of blaufrankisch under the global spotlight for wine lovers.

You probably already know the names of the other wines in our Top 10 of the Top 100, since they’ve been part of this list over the years. However, a newcomer is a single-vineyard Brunello from Casanova di Neri, the 2019 Giovanni Neri. There are a number of 2019 Brunellos on our list, and the wines will be available on the market in January.

Please remember that the selection for wines in our Top 100 list is based on ratings, price and availability in the global marketplace. Wines should have a minimum production of about 500 cases of 12 bottles with a few exceptions. We also factored in what we call the “Oh, wow!” element, or the intangible attractiveness of wine. It’s those bottles we fall in love with and want to drink.

France was the biggest source of wines for our Top 100 list, accounting for 33. Bordeaux took the lion’s share. Its vintage released on this market this year was the fantastic 2020, the latest in a great trilogy that included 2019 and 2018. The 2020 might be the best of the three. Most of the coveted names, such as first growths and trophy wines from the Right Bank, were left out of the list because of their extremely high prices and our limit of $400. Some 2020 Bordeaux sell for as much as $6,250 a bottle, such as Petrus.

Italy followed with 17 wines. Again, don’t miss the few 2019 Brunellos on the list because they’ll be released in Early January 2024. It’s a beautiful and refined vintage after the slightly meagre 2018 and the overly ripe 2017. Some structured and balanced 2019 Barolos are also listed. However, the star is the late-released Damilano Barolo Cannubi Reserve 1752 2016, which was wine of the year for the Top 100 list for Italy’s largest newspaper, the Courier della Sera. A great wine from a great vintage, it costs $350 a bottle.

Chile and Spain had eight wines each, with Argentina, Austria and Germany close behind with seven each. The top wines of Spain seem to be getting more and more expensive and I hope they’ve reached the limit, but they’re compelling wines for their provenance and extremely high quality. By comparison, the best of Chile are relative bargains. Austria and Germany make some of the world’s most affordable great wines with single-vineyard designations.

The United States has six wines in the Top 100. Unfortunately, you won’t find any Napa Valley reds on this year’s list as many producers didn’t bottle wines because of the 2020 fire, and those in the valley that did make outstanding wines in 2020 were too expensive for this list. But there are two beautiful Napa chardonnays, plus a chardonnay from California’s Central Coast that might surprise you, as well as two gorgeous Sonoma Coast pinot noirs.

New Zealand has three wines this year in our Top 100, and not just pinot noir and chardonnay. Te Mata’s Coleraine Bordeaux blend is a long-established star wine from the island nation, and the 2021 is one of the best ever. Australia fell short this year with only one wine, though it’s from one of the best vine-growing families in Oz, the Middletons of Mount Mary. We were happy to see Hungary, Portugal and China with one wine each. The latter is a country on the move in the world of wine.

We are excited about our Top 100 Wines of the Year from JamesSuckling.com. We hope you find it compelling enough to buy a few bottles on the list and try them yourself.

Here are five outstanding wines to consider.

Five bottles scoring 100 points.

1. LAURENT-PERRIER CHAMPAGNE GRAND SIÈCLE GRANDE CUVÉE N26

100 POINTS

This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savoury and vibrant. It’s full of energy. Spectacular.

2. EL ENEMIGO CABERNET FRANC GUALTALLARY GRAN ENEMIGO SINGLE VINEYARD 2019

100 POINTS

A complex, restrained and deliciously austere cabernet franc with damp earth, oyster shells, blueberries, thyme, rosemary and mushrooms. Super serious and chalky on the palate with lots of dissolved, minerally textured tannins. Very long and uncompromising!

3. SEÑA VALLE DE ACONCAGUA 2021

100 POINTS

An extremely pure and elegant vintage for Seña. This is really fresh, nimble and floral on the nose with subtle cherries, plums, redcurrants and wild lavender. More red fruit here with lots of layers and just a touch of sweet spice. Very discreet and subtle, with the elegance, freshness and poise you’d expect from 2021.

4. CHÂTEAU FIGEAC ST-EMILION 2020

100 POINTS

A mesmerising nose here, with flowers such as violets and red roses, then it shows cherries and currants with some mineral and black truffles. Full-bodied yet so refined and harmonised with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Magnificent.

5. DR BÜRKLIN-WOLF RISELING PFALZ PECHSTEIN GC 2022

100 POINTS

It’s hard to understand how the hot and dry 2022 growing season could have yielded a dry riesling with this level of mind-bending concentration and wet stone minerality. This astonishing wine conclusively proves that riesling can not only cope with climate change, but it can also shine in this challenging new context.

The post Here are the Top Wines of 2023, According to James Suckling appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Rain at the wrong time in 2022 was just one challenge for makers of Austrian wine, who are increasingly affected by climatic instability, writes Stuart Piggott of JamesSuckling.com.

Standing on a terrace high above the Danube at sundown while surveying the natural beauty of this remarkable Austrian wine valley, with its steep terraced vineyards, it was hard avoiding the question, “Is there some trouble in this paradise?”

When I was there in early September 2022, the nervousness of winemakers in the Danube area about the approaching harvest was palpable. And not without good reason. In the new climatic situation in Austria, there are rarely years too cool to ripen the grapes properly, but there are frequently years with extreme weather that challenge wine producers to get clean and fully ripe grapes into the press. The 2022 growing season was seriously challenging in exactly this respect.

It says something about how serious this situation was that the star wines of my recent extensive tastings with my colleague Claire Nesbitt – mostly on location in Austria – were two late-released wines from the 2021 vintage. The FX Pichler Grüner Veltliner Wachau Unendlich 2021 has enormous concentration and richness, but also a staggering freshness and a chalky minerality unique in the region. And if that’s two expansive for your taste, there’s the no less astonishing FX Pichler Riesling Wachau Unendlich 2021, which is so dark and fundamental but has a mind-blowing acidity that feels like it propels you out of the solar system at warp speed. Unendlich means “limitless” in German, and that aptly describes the finish of both wines.

Lucas Pichler of FX Pichler is actually one of the exceptions to the rule that 2021 is clearly superior to 2022, because he succeeded in producing a string of sensational dry white grüner veltliners and rieslings in 2022 that come close to matching or equal the directly comparable wines from the 2021 vintage. 2021 was a vintage that gave wines with wonderful ripeness and excellent balance, rather like 2019.

The problems in 2022 began quite late in the season. Toni Bodenstein of the Prager estate, also in the Wachau, explained exactly what happened. “In late August of 2022, about 80mm of rain fell – twice the amount of August 2021 – and the vines started growing again.” Usually at this point in the season the vines shift from growing to ripening the grapes, but in Austria in 2022 that shift was significantly delayed, pushing back the ripening process.

When those rains fell it was still quite warm, so fungal disease started to spread according to the ancient formula: moisture plus warmth equals fungi. Experience says that this process is anything but homogeneous, and well-managed vineyards will suffer far less than poorly managed ones. 2022 in Austria is a good example of that.

The Prager team’s reaction was to sit out the bad weather. “Many winegrowers harvested in September, but when we did a test picking on October 3 and tasted the must, the tannins were too dominant,” Bodenstein said. “So we waited another week.”

The Prager wines from 2022 prove that this high-risk strategy was the right call, and that there’s no substitute for excellent vineyard management and ripe fruit. The finest example of this was the Prager Riesling Wachau Klaus Smaragd 2022, which is full-bodied and deep, yet so cool and delicate with layers of honeysuckle, apricots, lemon and grapefruit married to thyme and crushed rock.

Rudi Pichler of the eponymous Wachau winery aptly described the distinctive personality of the 2022 vintage dry whites: “In 2022 it was possible to achieve excellent quality, but with fresher acidity and less alcohol than in 2021.”

His wines are excellent examples of this, with alcohol levels anywhere from 0.5 percent to almost one percent below those of the generous 2021 vintage wines. His sensational Rudi Pichler Riesling Wachau Ried Achleithen Smaragd 2022 pulls you into a tunnel of intense wet stone minerality with no exit and no turning back, yet it’s so silky at the finish.

So much for the positive side of 2022. Quantities were much lower for the year, though. This was also because up to a third of the grapes had to be removed due to rot. It is a nice idea that Austria’s signature grape, grüner veltliner, which is planted in more than a third of the nation’s vineyards, would cope with the wet conditions best, but this wasn’t the case.

“For me there’s no question that riesling coped better than grüner veltliner – that’s the way the grapes looked,” said Emmerich Knoll Sr, who runs his eponymous winery in the Wachau.

And that’s the way the Knoll family’s wines taste. As impressive as their best grüner veltliners are, none of them can match the Emmerich Knoll Riesling Wachau Vinothekabfüllung Smaragd 2022, with its stunning nose of King Alfonso Mango, pineapple and apricot, plus the electric energy that drives it across the palate. We think grüner started falling behind riesling during the dry and hot weather of the early summer. 

As for reds, we haven’t tasted many 2022 vintage wines yet, because most are still maturing in cask. However, we did taste a good number of the 2021s and found plenty of exciting wines that indicate this is as impressive a vintage for reds in Austria as it is for dry whites. None was more spectacular than the Moric Blaufränkisch Burgenland Lutzmannsburg Alte Reben 2021, with its generous floral complexity, staggering depth of finest berry fruits and spectacular spectrum of spicy aromas. It’s enormously concentrated and precise on the perfectly proportioned medium-bodied palate.

“2021 was a wonderful vintage for the blaufränkisch grape, particularly for the old vines,” Roland Velich of Moric said. “We got the balance that we look for.”

Some of the late-released reds from the difficult 2020 vintage really surprised us with their restrained ripeness and fine tannins. The best of them are great examples of how the top reds from the bläufrankisch grape are moving in an ever more elegant and cool direction. None does this better than the Dorli Muhr Blaufränkisch Carnuntum Ried Spitzerberg-Obere Spitzer EL 2020, which is simultaneously bright yet has enormous shadowy depths. 

It’s now normal for the top producers of the Steiermark, often referred to in English as Styria, to release their single-vineyard wines at least two years after the harvest, so 2021 is the current vintage for the majority of these. We love the way the best of them marry aromatic vitality with mineral drive. None more so than the Wohlmuth Sauvignon Blanc Südsteiermark Ried Edelschuh GSTK 2021, with its fabulous aromas of honeysuckle, chamomile, peach and orange curd. This is so creamy and caressing on the full-bodied palate with lingering floral-tea character.

Almost as amazing was the Tement Sauvignon Blanc Südsteiermark Ried Zieregg Kapelle GSTK 2020 and its notes of grapefruit, pineapple, nutmeg, thyme, sage and salted butter. The fruit and minerals on the full-bodied, delicately creamy palate are counterpointed by smoke and burnt sage undertones. 2021 is clearly a great vintage for the region, but so – exceptionally for Austria – is 2020.

International demand for Austria’s dry whites and finest reds remains healthy, and there is no question they’re widely recognised as unique European classics. In spite of the problems associated with the 2022 vintage, the best Austrian wines that just came on to the market or will be released shortly confirm this high status. 

Here are five outstanding Austrian wines to consider.

Five bottles scoring 99 points or more.

FX PICHLER GRÜNER VELTLINER WACHAU UNENDLICH 2021
100 POINTS

Welcome to the tropics with all these wonderfully aromatic fruits and flowers. Enormous concentration and richness, but also a staggering freshness that electrifies this full-bodied grüner veltliner.

FX PICHLER RIESLING WACHAU UNENDLICH 2021
100 POINTS

This beams you to dark side of the moon where you are surrounded by the milky way and nearby stars. In spite of the gigantic concentration of fresh pineapple and pink grapefruit, this is a dark and fundamental wine. Very full-bodied for riesling.

FX PICHLER RIESLING WACHAU RIED KELLERBERG 2022
99 POINTS

This dry riesling has gigantic concentration, but also gigantic elegance and finesse. Still a little shy on the nose, but this has been made to age for decades. But the most extraordinary thing about the wine is the mind-blowing stony intensity at the extremely focused and salty finish.

FRANZ HIRTZBERGER RIESLING WACHAU RIED SINGERRIEDEL SMARAGD 2022
99 POINTS

This astonishing dry riesling has an extraordinarily complex nose that’s brimming with spice, mandarin orange, mango and persimmon. Still very tightly wound on the medium-bodied palate with a whiplash acidity that could wake the dead.

HIRSCH RIESLING KAMPTAL HEILIGENSTEIN-ROTFELS EL 2022
99 POINTS

An extraordinary dry riesling in which peach, floral honey and crushed stone minerality are exactly matched. Overwhelming concentration and brilliance, the wine is as crystalline as any white wine can be.

(Header image: Wachau Valley in Austria (Photo: Getty Images))

The post Austrian Wine: Redemption in a Rough Year appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

When the house of Krug brought the 171st edition of its Grande Cuvée champagne to Hong Kong, Prestige was there to sample it.

When Joseph Krug created his Grande Cuvée in 1843, he did it with the dream of bottling the finest champagne he could offer every single year, no matter what the weather might bring. And generations since then, the Krug family has kept the vision.

2023 marks the release of the 171st edition Grande Cuvée, a champagne that sings the potential of the 2015 vintage, the youngest wine in a blend that’s composed of 131 wines from 12 years dating back to 2000. The composition of the 171st Edition is 45 percent pinot noir, 37 percent chardonnay and 18 percent pinot meunier, with the reserve wines that make up 42 percent of the blend giving Krug its signature complexity, power and body. The wine is fruity yet moreish, with notes of red fruits and citrus and toasted brioche that come through on the finish. 

An already delicious wine with great potential for ageing, the 171st edition is made even better by the house’s unique pairings. Forget comté and even caviar and fresh oysters (although also delicious); this latest Grande Cuvée comes with a specially composed piece of music, a collaboration the house affectionately calls Krug Echoes, based on the belief that sound has a profound influence over the perception of taste.

Krug’s musical roots run deep. A family of musicians and music lovers, in 1920 Joseph Krug II inaugurated the first music room at the family home in Reims, where many a bottle of Grande Cuvée has doubtless been popped open and enjoyed ever since.

Fortunately we don’t have to journey to Reims to experience the magic of champagne and music. For the Hong Kong launch of the 171st Edition as well as the Krug Rosé 27th Edition, Olivier Krug, sixth generation of the Krug family and the Director of the House personally came over for the launch of the Krug Studio here, sitting down with us to discover the new champagnes with a special composition.

Krug has done musical pairings in the past, but this is the first time the house has made a piece of collaborative music. Says Olivier Krug, “It’s similar to the way we make wines because we’re pulling at different players but it was a challenge in the beginning.”

The artists had come together at Reims during the summer for a preview of the champagne, and Julie Cavil, Krug’s Cellar Master, had asked them to express their thoughts through their instruments.

“What’s interesting is that usually, while they love champagne, they’re not used to these testings so they’ll sometimes underline very specific facets,” recalls Olivier Krug. After Julie had asked everyone to play something, Rone disappeared for a bit. And that evening, he came back just before dinner and said he had something for us. He had listened to everyone and based on what people had said, he had arranged some music.”

The whole process of creating the piece of music still took several months, with the artists taking full control of how they wanted the composition to sound. “It’s a real joint composition,” says Olivier Krug as we quiet down for our first listen, and our first taste.

We sit while immersed in delightful music specially written and performed by an artist collective including Japanese violinist Emiri Miyamoto and singer Kazu Makino, British drummer Moses Boyd, American harpist Mary Lattimore and French composer and electronic-music artist Erwan Castex (or Rone), who composed the final piece. Titled “Joseph’s Theme: Dream Variation”, it’s exactly that – mellow, poetic, groovy beats counterbalanced by Kazu’s lilting vocals.

Dreamy music to accompany an even dreamier wine. 

(Header image: Rone with Krug Grande Cuvée 171st edition and the Krug Rosé 27th Edition)

The post Striking a Chord: Krug’s Musical Pairing for its 171st Grande Cuvée appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Tis’ the season to indulge! From fancy feasts and family time to refreshing beverages that will slake your thirst, it’s most certainly a time for celebration. Get ahead in party planning with some non alcoholic drinks this holiday season and try your hand at these fantastic recipes for the best Christmas mocktails in town. From fizzy to fruit and beyond, these seasonal sips will turn gatherings at your house into the event of the season.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill and excitement of hosting your very own grown-up Christmas party. From preparing the perfect feast to wow your guests to setting up a secret Santa gift exchange, there’s an inimitable quality to be enjoyed at such celebrations — one of liveliness, friendship, and the spirit of togetherness. To toast to another happy year ahead, you need drinks — and eschewing spirits to include children, it can be wise to go with non alcoholic drinks that everybody can enjoy.

Shop Here

Bridgerton Beverage Mix Blood Orange Blossom Fizz

Approx. HKD 171.59

Bridgerton Beverage Mix Elderflower Flavored Lemonade

Approx. HKD 171.59

Williams-Sonoma Bridgerton Lavender Honey

Approx. HKD 179.41

Thankfully, when it comes to beverages, prepping in advance is quite easily done. Simply make sure you have an ample supply of ice, fizzy mixers, garnish, and flavour enhancers, which can be anything from fruit jams and puree to storebought syrups. Fresh fruit also makes for an amazing Christmas mocktail, and you’re best off purchasing an assortment of berries and citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes — particularly as these are best and most flavourful in the winter months. And, if you know there’ll be Bridgerton fans in attendance, impress them with these fantastic selections from Williams-Sonoma’s brand new Bridgerton selection.

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Bar essentials to make the best Christmas mocktails

When it comes to serving the perfect Christmas mocktail, drinkware and other bar essentials should never be forgotten. Serve your fizzy Christmas mocktails in Williams-Sonoma’s Victoria Cut Champagne Flute Glasses or LSA International’s Dusk champagne flutes, both of which are available in sweet pink hues for a hint of Barbiecore glam. Up the ante on the glamorous vibes with Versace’s Medusa Lumière Haze Red Wine Goblets — which look every bit as beautiful when used to serve vibrant and fruity non alcoholic Christmas drinks. We also love Tiffany & Co.’s Tiffany Twist coupe glasses, which will easily imbue your table with quiet luxury.

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Williams-Sonoma Victoria Cut Champagne Flute Glasses (Set of 4)

Approx HKD 624.99

Versace Medusa Lumière Haze Red Wine Goblet

HKD 2,960

LSA International Dusk Champagne Flute Pink/Grey (Set of 2)

HKD 790

Easy as they are to make on the spot, Christmas mocktails can also be made in advance, allowing you plenty of time to putter about with your other party preparations. Just as the best hotels offer refreshing drinks on arrival, so too can you, upon welcoming your friends and family to your casa. Greeted by drinks at the ready in jugs and carafes of choice, your guests will certainly appreciate your thoughtfulness, allowing your party to kick off to a festive, delicious start.

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Klimchi Hobnail Jug (Underlay Azura)

Approx. HKD 1,199.36

Tiffany Twist Decanter in glass

Approx. HKD 5,471.68

Tiffany Twist Coupe in glass

Approx. HKD 1,367.92

If you’re feeling a little showy, enthral your guests by making your Christmas mocktails to order. For this, you’ll need the ultimate show of expertise: bar essentials in the form of shakers, muddlers, and stirrers alike.

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Royal Selangor Hexagon Muddler

HKD 650

S’well Elements Shaker Set

HKD 311.90

Swarovski Jungle Beats Cocktail Stirrers Andoki (Set of 4)

HKD 690

How to make a simple syrup

While it’s relatively easy to buy a simple syrup solution at the grocer’s, it’s always best when made at home for your Christmas mocktails, where you can impart all the different flavours you would like. The resultant syrup is great for all kinds of drinks — cocktails to non alcoholic Christmas drinks alike. Because a simple syrup is essentially sugar and water, it’s relatively low cost and will last you a good, long time if stored properly — up to a month in the refrigerator. As a rule, you should use equal parts water and sugar, with the 1:1 ratio ensuring your syrup is of the right consistency and sweetness.

Bring your sugar and water to a gentle boil over medium heat; do not stir, as this will cause the syrup to crystallise. After simmering for five minutes, allow it to cool completely, then store in a glass bottle, where it will be ready for use in all the best Christmas mocktails.

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Recipes for the best non alcoholic drinks to enjoy this Christmas

Nigella Lawson’s Pussyfoot

Ingredients:
3 cups pink grapefruit juice
3 cups orange juice
2 Tbsp grenadine syrup
2 Tbsp lime juice

Method: Combine equal parts pink grapefruit and orange juice. Add a dash of grenadine syrup and lime juice to taste. Top with ice.

Watermelon Lime Mocktail

Ingredients:
1 cup watermelon, cubed
2 limes, sliced
4 Tbsp sugar
4 cups sparkling soda or water
Few sprigs of mint

To decorate the rim of the glass: Combine 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp lime zest, and 1/4 tsp salt. Lightly wet the rim of the glass, then dip it into the mixture. For an added kick, add 1/8 tsp chilli powder to this mix.

Method: Blend watermelon to a smoothie consistency. In individual glasses, combine sliced limes with sugar and mint. Muddle to release the flavours. Add ice, and then pour over blended watermelon juice. Top off each glass with sparkling soda or water.

Gordon Ramsay’s Starfruit Punch

Ingredients:
250 ml passion fruit juice
750 ml pineapple juice
750 ml lychee juice
Few sprigs of mint
1 sliced star fruit
1 thinly-sliced lime
500 ml soda water

Method: Combine all ingredients in a large jug and chill under ready to serve. Just before serving, top with ice cubes and 500 ml of fizzy soda water.

Jamie Oliver’s Cherry Iced Tea Mocktail

Ingredients:
2 oranges
2 English Breakfast tea bags
2 Tbsp caster sugar
500 g cherries, washed and pitted
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

Method: In a heatproof jug, combine the zest of an orange, one tablespoon of the sugar, and the tea bags. Pour in 600 ml of boiling water and allow to steep for five minutes. Remove the teabags, then add in 500 ml room temperature water and allow to cool before refrigerating for at least an hour.

Prepare the cherry syrup: Cook the cherries down for ten minutes over medium heat with the juice of the peeled orange and the remaining sugar. Squish the fruit with a wooden spoon to create a syrupy texture. Strain and discard the pulp, reserving the syrup.

To prepare the mocktail, combine the chilled tea, cherry syrup, apple cider vinegar, and sweeten with a little honey or simple syrup if desired. Serve over ice, garnished with the remaining sliced orange.

Nigella Lawson’s Elderflower and Passionfruit Cooler

Ingredients:
Elderflower cordial
Soda water
3-4 passion fruit
Few sprigs of mint

Method: Combine one third elderflower cordial with two thirds soda water in a large pitcher. Add the pulp and seeds of the passionfruit, as well as the mint. Serve over ice.

Seedlip Cosmopolitan

Ingredients:
4 Tbsp Seedlip Grove 42
2 Tbsp cranberry juice
1 Tbsp lime juice
1 Tbsp simple syrup
Orange peel for garnish

Method: Combine Seedlip Grove, cranberry juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake to chill and combine, then strain into a coupe glass and garnish with orange peel.

Jamie Oliver’s English Garden Mocktail

Ingredients:
2 oranges, 1 juiced and 1 sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1/4 cucumber, sliced
A handful of strawberries, sliced
4 sprigs of mint, sliced
1 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
600 ml lemonade
300 ml sparkling water

Method: Combine the orange juice, all the sliced fruit, mint, and vinegars in a large jug. Top up with lemonade and sparkling water, and allow to infuse for five minutes. Serve over ice.

Strawberry lychee mocktail

Ingredients:
750 ml sparkling grape juice
2/3 cups ripe strawberries, diced
2/3 cups lychees, diced
Few sprigs mint leaves, torn

Method: Divide the diced fruit between your glasses with the mint and muddle to release some of the flavours. Top with ice and sparkling grape juice, and serve garnished with extra mint.

Apple and Cranberry Spritzer

Ingredients:
500 ml apple juice
500 ml cranberry juice
100 ml sprite
Few sprigs rosemary
Fresh cranberries

Method: Combine apple juice, cranberry juice, and sprite. Serve over ice, garnished with rosemary and cranberries.

Ina Garten’s Pomegranate Spritzer

Ingredients:
2 cups chilled sparkling water
2 Tbsp grenadine syrup
2 Tbsp lime juice
Fresh pomegranate seeds
Lime slices

Method: Combine sparkling water, pomegranate juice, and lime juice with ice. Stir for 30 seconds to chill the drink. Strain to remove the ice, then serve garnished with pomegranate seeds and lime slices.

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(Main and featured image: Gaby Yerden/Unsplash)

The post 10 Best Christmas Mocktails To Help You Pack A Punch This Holiday Season, Plus Servingware appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Looking to shed off some extra pounds after all the delicious Christmas and year-end feasts and desserts? You’ve come to the right place. These bedtime night drinks to burn fat are perfect to let your system do its magic while you’re sleeping peacefully at night.

But you need to remember that losing weight is not an overnight miracle, nor are there any shortcuts to it. It takes a combination of proper diet, physical exercises, discipline and consistency to reach your target weight. However, these bedtime drinks will pace up the fat burning process by enhancing the body’s metabolism and boosting digestion. No matter what your goal weight is, the first step to it is a better digestive system. So, here are the best and most effective bedtime drinks to burn fat at night.

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Bedtime night drinks to burn fat while you’re sleeping

Chamomile tea

This soothing tea is majorly used around the world in cases of stress and to calm down your nerves. But this also makes an amazing bedtime drink to burn fat. Loaded with calcium, potassium and flavonoids, chamomile tea drains out the toxins and excess water from the body, thus reducing bloating to a great extent. As a result, you wake up feeling refreshed, with an empty stomach. Just brew yourself a cup and avoid adding any sweetener to it for best results.

Soaked fenugreek water

Consuming fenugreek or methi generates heat in the body and helps in burning fat at night while you’re sleeping. It also works as a good antacid, so that amps up your digestion post dinner. Just boil some water and add a handful of crushed fenugreek seeds to it. Let the fenugreek sit in the boiled water for about five minutes before straining it in a cup. Make sure you have it while it’s still warm, at least half an hour before bed.

Celery juice

It might not sound the most appetising, but the fat-burning properties this drink has will amaze you. Low in calories, this bedtime drink to burn fat is loaded with important nutrients like potassium and vitamin C. This drink also helps in reducing water retention, so you make up feeling less bloated and to see a few pounds less than what it was the night before.

Cucumber and parsley juice

This green juice is one of the best night drinks to burn fat out there. With high water and fibre content and almost no calories, this drink reduces water retention and targets the fat accumulated in the body while you are sleeping. Add some grated ginger and lemon juice to it for some added flavour and make this a regular part of your diet.

Ginger tea

A proven fat burner, ginger tea is the foolproof way to get your body working at burning accumulated fat while you’re sleeping. You can even have this first thing in the morning, but this works famously well as a bedtime drink to burn fats as well. Just grate some ginger in boiling water and let it steep for about 20 minutes. Remember to consume this drink hot. Add some drops of lemon juice as well, for added Vitamin C and detoxifying properties.

Grape juice

High in antioxidants, fibre, potassium, and vitamin C, this is one of the tastiest bedtime drinks to burn fat. According to an International Journal of Obesity study conducted in 2015, it was found that grapes contain resveratrol, which is an antioxidant that converts calorie-storing white fat into calorie-burning brown fat. While fruit juices are not recommended before bed if you’re trying to lose weight, a glass of pure grape juice could do wonders at night.

(Hero and featured image credit: Manki Kim/Unsplash)

The post 6 Best Bedtime Drinks That’ll Burn Fat While You’re Sleeping appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Island Shangri-La is one of Hong Kong’s most idyllic hotels, and things are about to get even more exciting during the festive season. The decadent Admiralty home away from home is inviting guests and their families to embark on a mesmerising journey this Christmas, complete with a charming Mr. Nutcracker and his jubilant penguin entourage. From the captivating Christmas Tree Lighting, Christmas Market and scrumptious dining adventures, to revitalising staycations and wellness experiences, Island Shangri-La’s festive line-up is designed for the whole family to enjoy.

Make sure you greet Santa himself in the immersive Santa’s House, a beautifully decorated house in the centre of the hotel, piled over gift boxes and candy canes. Kids can meet Saint Nick in person and tell him their Christmas wishes, and maybe the wish can be granted! It’s a magical wonderland brought to life, where children’s dreams come true and holiday cheer spreads all around. Meeting Santa in this enchanting setting is sure to create lasting memories and get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Topping the list of magical activities for everyone who loves Christmas is the Enchanting Christmas Market. Guests can discover a brand new collection of festive advent calendars sure to delight calendar collectors and families alike. A premium LED light-up option with daily festive surprises forms the backdrop for you to discover all kinds of surprises and enjoy the theme of gifts until Christmas Day!  Handcrafted chocolates depicts adorable penguins other festive icons are also part of the enchanting experience to savour. Young and old are sure to be elated by the piñatas that blend in as Christmas ornaments in this Christmas wonderland.

For an experience to be remembered, a Christmas workshop is open to all the kids and families. DIY kits allow families to bond over building gingerbread houses and chocolate Christmas trees together – promising sweet fun for all. Don’t forget to scan the chocolate bars hidden within for the chance to find a golden ticket, redeemable for a mystery prize – the perfect incentive for being good leading up to the big day!

Culinary celebrations abound in magical style as well. Afternoon Tea services in the elegant Lobby Lounge is presented as “The Shangri-La Wonderliner” journey with Christmas crackers and tiered platters of festive fare. cafe TOO spreads an impressive feast fit for the season atop its buffet complete with roast turkey, snow crab clusters and an array of delectable desserts topped with a visit from Santa himself. Michelin-starred Restaurant Petrus and the stylish Lobster Bar and Grill offer special festive menus and brunches ideal for celebrating the season with loved ones. No visit would be complete without stopping by the Lobster Bar to toast the holidays with steaming mulled wine or whimsical cocktails – the perfect cap to complete your enchanted experience.

For dads and moms who’re ready for bit of self-care this holiday, YUN WELLNESS has prepared special holiday offerings that you can’t miss. The ultimate comfort and warmth radiates through their “Festive Embrace Warming Ritual” carried out by Tata Harper body peel and a massage with cinnamon, clove-infused oils. To ensure every soul will have a longer relaxation in this holistic sanctuary, the “Mid-Week Winter Indulgence” extends any 60-minute massage booked from Tuesday to Thursday. The “Festive Embrace Warming Ritual” is priced at HK$2,800 per session, while the “Mid-Week Winter Indulgence” is available at HK$1,650 per session. Both offers are available until December 28.

The “Christmas Wonderland Escape” staycation package presented by Island Shangri-La to families that are dreaming of a Christmas getaway in the lap of luxury. Waking up to enjoy a daily breakfast for two adults and a child, benefit from HK$1,000 worth of hotel credits, adding on a magical Immersive Santa’s House Experience and delight in a takeaway festive afternoon tea. A series of kids workshops are there for children to learn and enjoy the Christmas spirit by creating their first Nutcracker and building their own “Shangri-La Airship”, Christmas Pretzel Wreath, and more Christmas delights. All starting at HK$5,300 until December 26.

A wellness-themed festive retreat is for dads and moms who’re ready for bit of self-care this holiday then the “Blissful Holiday Wellness Getaway” package is perfect. Indulge in a truly revitalising staycation where you can take pleasure in wellness-themed welcome amenities, a daily breakfast for two adults and a child, two 60-minute treatments at YUN WELLNESS, and two complimentary Body Composition Analysis and Wellness Consultations. This package, offering a holistic holiday experience, starts at HK$6,800 and is available until December 28.

In keeping with the theme of giving, gift your loved ones with Island Shangri-La’s exclusive Heep Hong Charity Hamper, thoughtfully curated with festive favourites such as Christmas Cookies, Homemade Christmas Stollen, Panettone, Traditional Jam, Chinese Tea, Organic Balsamic Vinegar, Luxury Hot Chocolate, and the celebratory Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Every purchase of this limited-edition hamper supports Heep Hong Society, an organisation deeply committed to nurturing and empowering children with special educational needs in Hong Kong. Your choice to indulge is not only a treat to the recipient to have a merry Christmas but also a beacon of hope and assistance to those in need. The charity hamper is priced at HK$2,488.

Here’s a detailed pricing for the festive immersive dining experience at Island Shangri-La:

cafe TOO is set to dazzle with its festive buffet. Highlights range from succulent Roasted Turkey to luxurious Boston Lobster and Snow Crab Clusters, culminating in a selection of festive desserts. Santa Claus himself will be making special appearances during the dinner session on Christmas Eve and both lunch and dinner buffets on Christmas Day to celebrate the festival with children together!

The Christmas Day Lunch Buffet starts at HK$1,018 for adults and HK$728 for children, while the Christmas Day Dinner Buffet is priced at HK$1,318 for adults and HK$918 for children.

Lobster Bar and Grill’s festive offerings with a 3-course Christmas Brunch at HK$988 for adults and HK$588 for children. Add-on options like a two-hour free-flow are available to elevate the dining experience. Their Christmas set dinner, tantalises with options like Scallop Tartare with Mandarins and Fennel, King Crab Tart with Caviar, and a delectableBeef Wellington. The 4-course set dinner for adults is priced at HK$1,488 per person while the 6-course set dinner for adults is priced at HK$1,688 per person. A 3-course set dinner for children is also available, at HK$588 per person.

Restaurant Petrus offers Christmas Day Set Lunch and Dinner at HK$1,488 and HK$2,388 per person, respectively. The New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, featuring a 6-course spectacle, including the renowned Brandt Beef Calotte and Brittany Lobster, at HK$2,888 per person.

This holiday season, Island Shangri-La is not only offering an unforgettable festive experience but also a chance to give back and spread love. For more information, please visit Island Shangri-La’s website.

The post Island Shangri-La Redefines the Christmas Season With Its Merry “Enchanted Wonders” appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Before arriving in Hong Kong to Chom Chom, your favourite late-night corner stoop in SoHo, American-born chef Logan Hester had called Vietnam home, where he was head chef at Peter Franklin’s Anan Saigon for many years deepening his love and his knowledge of Vietnamese cuisine. And one thing he knows really well is coffee – or as the Vietnamese know it – CaPhe.

Forget your ‘regular’ coffee order when you come to Vietnam… you are entering the land of phin drippers, powerfully dark Robusta, and specialty blends that are turning heads globally. From roadside plastic stools to contemporary cafés, the culture of CaPhe is steeped in history. Fresh milk wasn’t readily available when the French first introduced coffee to Vietnam in the 19th century so condensed milk was used instead. But the strong bitterness of Robusta (much bolder than your typical arabica beans) mixed with the sweet sticky milk soon became a staple of life across Vietnamese society. This is the coffee I would start almost every day with when I was cooking in Vietnam, accompanied by the slightly alkaline green tea – Tra Da.

For almost five years, I received my daily caffeine fix from Co Hien. Co Hien has been selling coffee on Ton That Dam in Saigon for close to 15 years. Her brew is by far my favourite cup of CaPhe Sua Da (coffee with sweetened condensed milk over ice) in D1… it still makes me cry a little when thinking about the chocolate and hazelnut notes of her beyond silky coffee, and the subtle notes of pandan and lemongrass in her tra da. Coming as a set today, your morning fix will set you back 15,000vnd (about 5 HKD).

I got more than coffee from Co Hien… every morning she would teach me new Vietnamese words to mull over the day; so before I lose you with too many unfamiliar terms, here is a quick cheat sheet to save for the next time you find yourself in Vietnam.

First the basics – Vietnamese words to know when ordering coffee:

Cà Phê – Coffee
Cà Phê Sữa – (sweetened condensed) Milk Coffee
Cà Phê Đen – Black Coffee
Cà Phê Sữa Tươi – Coffee with Fresh Milk
Bạc Xỉu – Coffee with fresh milk and Sweetened Condensed Milk
Cà Phê Muối – a less sweet Bạc Xỉu with a pinch of salt
Đá – Iced, found at the end of some drinks like Cà Phê SữaĐá

And now, the fine grind:

Cà Phê den – Black coffee, usually with a touch of sugar to balance it out… never get it sugar-free! When I took my team to Vietnam, I had to step in when I heard them order “black, no sugar” and help them before being permanently turned off from Vietnamese coffee. If you are a fan of beautiful pour-overs and excellent espresso, Vietnam has some world-class specialty coffee producers!

Cà Phê Sữa– Coffee with sweetened condensed milk – the classic! You can find this all over Vietnam, but especially in the south. For my favourite, swing past the front of AnAnSaigon and tell Co Hien I say hi!

​Phin – a perforated metal cup that holds ground coffee and slowly drips into your cup, hence the nickname “Vietnamese Dripper.” If you are in Saigon and keen on a class, La Caph offers a hands-on experience with all the tips and tricks of making phin-nomenal Vietnamese coffees at home! (Note: be sure to come un-caffeinated.)

​Bạc Xỉu – similar to Cà Phê Sữa, this drink is stretched with a healthy helping of fresh milk. The result is a coffee that will perfectly fit an iced macchiato lover.

​Cà Phê Trung – while egg coffee may sound intimidating, once you taste it, you will realise it is pure genius. When faced with severe food scarcity in the aftermath of WWII and the ongoing French-Indochina War, a barista at the Metropole Hotel in Hanoi named Giang devised an ingenious way to seriously stretch his reserves of sweetened condensed milk. By furiously beating egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk until light and foamy then spooning the mixture over rich phin coffee, he created a drink that has more in common with Tiramisu than a latte, but LORD is it good. You can still have the original Café Giang in the old quarter of Hanoi or if you are in Saigon, I can confirm that a cup of eggy goodness from Little Hanoi is A+!

​Cà Phê Muối – there is more than one way to balance the intensity of Vietnamese coffee. Coming from Hue in central Vietnam, “Salt Coffee” is seriously underrated. With less SCM than Bạc Xỉu and a healthy pinch of salt, this is unbelievably tasty! For a salty sip with a superb sunset view, head to Người Tám Chuyện House in D1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Cà Phê Cốt Dừa – coconut coffee, in all of its many forms, was by far my team’s favourite treat while exploring Vietnam. From iced slushies to foamy lattes, the silky texture and nutty aroma of coconut pair perfectly with phin coffee! Check out Cộng for not just delicious coconut vibes, but also some of the best Instagram-worthy spots you can ask for. (and PS: keep an eye out for something crazy good coming to a certain SoHo Stoop soon 😉)

Armed with your new terminology, you can now try out some of the places linked. Or better yet, go on your own adventure next time you find yourself in Vietnam and come back and tell me all about it. You’ll find me, as always, at Chom Chom.

Explore chef’s favourite fine-dining Vietnam restaurants here.

The post CaPhe Culture: Getting Vietnamese Coffee with Chom Chom Chef Logan Hester appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

While single malts and vintage wines are often the drink of choice at luxurious restaurants and bars, some of the most expensive vodka brands have been carving out a niche for themselves. Known for their use of the finest ingredients and an extravagant distillation process, the vodka created by these renowned brands exudes exceptional refinement and smoothness with each pour, reflecting their masterful craftsmanship.

An expensive vodka with exquisite-tasting notes is typically served in a cold glass with just a couple of ice cubes to accentuate the flavours. Such top-shelf premium labels have high price tags for their exclusivity and a very refined and traditional way of making the drink. However, for those new to this segment, the colourless and odourless vodka is commonly mixed with cranberry juice and tomato juice and is available in a variety of flavourings.

Some of these costly vodka brands have also released limited-edition offerings, creating standout pieces. The bottles may come studded with precious stones or accompanied by diamonds and a golden dog tag, while the spirit may be infused with gold leaf flakes. The niche realm of premium vodka has big players catering to the discerning likings of takers.

From Belvedere Vodka to Russo Baltique Vodka, top-tiered brands are not only experimenting but are also setting the bar high with their lavish spirits.

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These are some of the most expensive vodka brands in the world

Royal Dragon

Price: USD 5.5 million

This Hong Kong-based brand gives luxury drinking a precious touch. Its most high-end offering, Eye of The Dragon, is not only a regal pour but is a superior expression of traditional recipe, craftsmanship and innovation.

The unique bottle, containing vodka infused with 23k edible gold leaves, is coated with 18-carat gold and sealed with a GIA-certified 50-carat round intense yellow diamond, worth USD 4.6 million, according to a 2018 Prestige Online article. Carrying six litres of premium Russian alcohol and featuring a dazzling dragon motif, the bottle boasts an additional 15,000 diamonds that weigh a total of 620 carats, states the publication.

The brand’s Royal Dragon Superior vodka is another scintillating bottle. Made from the choicest winter rye, with traditional distillation through a century-old copper pot and a charcoal chamber, followed by a five-time filtration process, the superior liquor is smooth, pure and luxe. The hand-blown bottle with a dragon motif inside is also a stellar piece covered in 23-carat gold leaves.

Leon Verres Billionaire Vodka

Price: USD 3.75 million

In 2015, the brand, owned by luxury designer Leon Verres, unveiled the world’s most expensive vodka — the Billionaire Vodka. This gourmet drink comes in deep black faux fur with a fitting fur hood. It is studded with almost 2,000 diamonds set in gold.

The Billionaire Vodka bottle holds 18 litres of premium alcohol made by using a historic recipe from the Russian Tzar’s times. This method involves filtering natural spring water through the ice, birch charcoal and crushed diamonds, resulting in a triple distillation process.

This costly brand is also a well-known name in the league of luxury couture dresses, shoes, cards and drinks.

Russo-Baltique vodka

Price: USD 1.3 million

One of the most expensive vodka brands in the world, Russo-Baltique vodka made headlines in 2018 after the diamond-encrusted bottle of its costliest vodka was stolen from a bar in Denmark and later found empty at a construction site. According to Luxe Digital, the bottle was made to commemorate the car brand Russo Balt’s 100th anniversary. Made of bulletproof glass, it is encased in a vintage flask made from the radiator guards from vintage Russo-Baltique automobiles.

The bottle is particularly recognisable as it featured in the third season of House of Cards (2013-2018).

But, this is not the only highlight of this top-notch brand. In 2011, Russo-Baltique vodka released ten bottles of authentic-tasting alcohol in gold casing, reportedly priced at USD 740,000. The flask mimics the radiator of a vintage car, while the top is studded with a regal Eagle motif. Those who bought it were also given a Dartz Prombron Iron Diamond SUV.

Diva premium vodka

Price: USD 1 million

Staying true to its name, this expensive vodka brand makes bottles that are stylish and elegant. Featuring a gem-encrusted bracelet in its middle, each Diva premium vodka bottle also carries a stunning hand-filled wand with Swarovski crystals, which can be removed as a keepsake or for gifting purposes. The bottles are available in three iterations — blue, green and pink— made from sapphires, emeralds and peridots.

Reportedly priced at about USD 1 million, the super-premium vodka brand, quite a celebrity favourite, makes its spirits “from premium English Grain Vodka and seven times filtered to give a smooth and pure taste,” says the Diva website.

Kors Vodka

Price: USD 24,500

One of the most expensive vodka brands in the world, Kors Vodka uses a century-old recipe of Tsar Nicholas II (former emperor of Russia) to create the Kors Vodka 24k, George V Edition, according to the brand’s website. To create the best and most authentic vodka, the Tsar used solid gold pipes to distil and semi-precious stones as filters.  Till now, only 250 bottles have been produced.

Today, the brand has four bottles, each with its own distinct price tag, all carrying the same legacy forward and can be customised with gold flakes. This opulent drink comes in a handmade crystal bottle container nestled in a polished walnut case.

Absolut

Price: USD 10,000

Absolut vodka needs no introduction as one of the most sought-after vodka brands in the world. With bottles ranging in various price pockets, it caters to the tastes of every epicurean enthusiast.

According to reports, in 2011, Swedish designers Magnus Skogsberg and Mimmi Smart joined hands to create the special edition Absolut Black Pinstripe Crystal. Tagged at about USD 10,000, only 10 such lavish bottles were produced, which were hand-blown and hand-cut, as well as engraved using high-quality crystal. Reports also state these black ones were presented in handmade treasure chests, wrapped in pinstripe fabric and accompanied by two matching crystal tumblers. Another 700 non-black iterations were also made, which were tagged at about USD 1,500.

According to Luxe Digital, the Swedish brand has a global appeal for its flavour profiles and smooth vodka experiences. The alcohol is produced from local wheat in the town of Åhus in Sweden and is smooth enough to drink neat or used in cocktails to enhance the sweeter notes.

Belvedere Vodka

Price: USD 7,240

One of the most loved and popular vodka brands in the world, Belvedere Vodka is made by Master Rye Distillers using a 600-year-old vodka-making tradition. The extensive making process uses Polish rye and purified water, says Parade. Luxe Digital mentions, “It’s distilled using a four-column still process and local, Polish water before being charcoal filtered and bottled.”

In 2011, at the Cannes Film Festival, the LVMH-owned label unveiled a bear-shaped bottle, reportedly priced at USD 7,240. The elegant, translucent plexiglass bottle was the result of a collaboration between the vodka brand and DJ Jean-Roch.

Approved by James Bond, Kris Jenner and Kathy Hilton, Belvedere vodka is best drunk on the rocks, which enhances the flavours of vanilla, white pepper and spices, or even clotted cream.

OVAL Vodka

Price: USD 6,922

Oval Vodka sits in the upper echelons of expensive vodkas, and its limited-edition OVAL Swarovski Crystal is a scene-stealer. According to a 2008 report, the bottle is studded with 7,000 crystals and was released for some of the most high-end nightclubs in London.

While the dazzling bottle is what captures attention, the vodka inside is also scintillating. Made from 100 per cent pure wheat and bottled using a patented process, the drink has a smooth texture and light taste.

Beluga

Price: USD 6,600

The expensive Russian vodka brand Beluga is the result of a pristine environment and natural conditions at the Mariinsk Distillery in Siberia, which was reportedly first established in 1900.

The gourmet drinks are produced from 100 percent wheat grain, followed by quartz sand filtration and a 30-day resting period, ensuring top-quality vodka. According to Luxe Digital, the brand adds honey, milk thistle and oats after distillation to impart new flavours before final packaging.

In 2017, Beluga teamed up with luxe crystal house Lalique to create a limited-edition decanter inspired by the motifs of the female, flora and fauna. According to Forbes, only 1,000 decanters were made available, of which one was unveiled in 2016 and sold for charity to raise funds for the Naked Heart Foundation. Each bottle was made in a workshop in France and polished to perfection by a master polisher.

(Hero and featured image credit: Alvis Taurēns/Unsplash)

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-Which are the most expensive vodka brands?
Some of the most expensive vodka brands include Royal Dragon vodka, Leon Verres, and Russo-Balrique, among others

-Which is the most expensive vodka?
Priced at USD 5.5 million, the Eye of the Dragon vodka by Royal Dragon is the most expensive vodka in the world. It is closely followed by the Billionaire Vodka, priced at USD 3.75 million.

-What are the top 5 brands of vodka?
Tito’s Handmade, Grey Goose, Beluga, Absolut and Ketel One are some of the top vodka brands which are extremely popular.

-Which alcohol is very costly?
High-end wines, whisky, scotch and vodka are some of the most expensive alcohols.

The post 9 Most Expensive Vodka Brands to Add to Your Party Bar Today appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Limited to just 775 units across the globe, LOUIS XIII Cognac has unveiled its highly anticipated Rare Cask 42.1, a result of ten years of devotion all bottled in unique black crystal decanters by Baccarat.

After the highly coveted release of two Rare Casks – Rare Cask 43.8 in 2004 and Rare Cask 42.6 in 2009 – LOUIS XIII Cognac has finally unveiled its third masterpiece: the Rare Cask 42.1. The tierçon was discovered by the brand’s fifth-generation Cellar Master Baptiste Loiseau more than 10 years ago, but the right moment to bottle its contents came only a decade later, after the culmination of his memories, emotions and instincts brought him to this verdict.

“The initial preparation came from Pierrette Trichet, the Cellar Master who passed down to me the knowledge and savoir-faire she in turn had received,” says Loiseau. “Then comes a profound knowledge of all the finest eaux-de-vie we hold in our cellars to recreate this complexity. It’s a mixture of science, of course, but also intuition, you have to let yourself go and let LOUIS XIII lead the way.”

Described as inexplicable, unpredictable, unknown and unfamiliar, the Rare Cask 42.1 carries a uniquely exceptional aromatic profile that no other LOUIS XIII Cognac release has ever encountered before. To capture this remarkable tipple, the French maison paired up with compatriot Baccarat to create 775 unique decanters carrying jewel-like black finish, requiring more than 50 precise steps to produce by 20 master craftsmen.

The neck of the decanters is dressed in gold and rhodium, with finely engraved quadrilobed patterns on the ring referencing France’s emblematic fleur de lys. Each bottle is also accompanied by crystal glasses ornated with black quatrefoils as well as a polished serving pipette adorned with a black medallion.

“While the singularity of a Rare Cask rests on a miracle given by nature, the know-how that is necessary to its creation was born from a transmission of an art, from generation to generation, where each cellar master perpetuates the gestures of his predecessors,” says Loiseau. “To discover Rare Cask 42.1, I listened to my instincts and favoured emotion to science. I called upon my memories.”

To celebrate its launch, just like the ones in Guilin Caves, China for Rare Cask 43.8 and Udaipur, India for Rare Cask 42.6, LOUIS XIII hosted an exclusive event in Venice, Italy, with a theme of ‘Care For Wonders,’ inviting its most prestigious guests to attend. For those unable to visit Venice, only a very limited number of decanters of the Rare Cask 42.1 are allocated for Hong Kong and Macau, so act fast if you want a chance to experience this exquisite elixir.

“When you taste LOUIS XIII, the imagination is let loose to explore its rich territories,” says Loiseau. “There is no set way to experience it. It’s sharing the moment that matters most, and letting the words and feelings flow.”

To learn more about LOUIS XIII Cognac’s Rare Cask 42.1, please contact: 9100 5727

The post LOUIS XIII Cognac Unveils Its Rare Cask 42.1 Limited to 775 Unique Decanters appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

One of the world’s most popular winter dessert drinks has several iterations across cultures. From being served with fried dough to fused with zingy spices – cocoa can cater to a craving in many delicious ways. In light of an exceptionally cold Christmas in Europe and the US this year, as well as the rainy season in Singapore, we look at some of the best hot chocolate recipes to cosy up with this winter.

If there’s one ingredient that enjoys near-fervent admiration across borders, it’s chocolate. From being the star of dessert menus to holding the position of a pantry staple in kitchens – the ingredient fits right into every season, occasion, and culinary creation. That said, its most favoured form arrives in a cuppa – topped with marshmallows, whipped cream, and all things decadent. This dates back to 500 BC, when the Mayans fused ground cocoa seeds with water, cornmeal, and chilli peppers, before pouring it back and forth between a cup and pot to develop a thick foam.

Then accessible primarily to the wealthy, the concoction quickly found takers. Today, there’s a world of ingredients and flavour combinations to discover. While some incorporate eggs to make things more indulgent, others experiment with cheese for a savoury spin. Each elevates the otherwise classic cocoa-milk-sugar combination. If you’ve an experimental palate or are purely intrigued by the prospect of an unusual cuppa, give these hot chocolate recipes a go.

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10 best hot chocolate recipes from around the world to try:

Champurrado, Mexico

We’re kicking our list of best hot chocolate recipes off from where the beverage first began. The Mayans in Mexico first crafted a cup of hot cocoa. The modern-day beverage – a national sensation often served during the chilly holiday season – is made by heating milk with Mexican chocolate (or cocoa powder), cane sugar, cloves and cinnamon. It is then thickened with flour – maize and all purpose work well. You could also experiment with orange zest, nuts, or even rum. Smooth and creamy, it’s best served with churros, pan dulce, or tamales.

Chocolate Santafereño, Colombia

Adding an unusual savoury spin to this listing – Columbia likes its cup of hot chocolate with a cheesy flavour. A popular saying goes “Chocolate sin queso es como amor sin beso,” which roughly translates to “chocolate without cheese is like love without a kiss.” The recipe calls for Colombian chocolate, sugar, cinnamon, and soft farmer’s cheese. The cheese – like mozzarella, is added to the bottom of the cup, allowing it to melt into the cocoa concoction which can then be consumed all at once. At once savoury and sweet, the creaminess of this beverage and the perfect balance of flavours make it a popular addition to a traditional breakfast spread. It also doubles up as a bedtime snack.

Chocolate A La Taza, Spain

In Spain, hot chocolate – along with the usual tostada – is a breakfast staple, served with churros. In fact, this treat is a must-try when you’re visiting the country. Come Christmas, the churros are replaced with buñuelos (Spanish donuts). The consistency is thick, fudge-like and eaten with a spoon or used purely to dunk. This calls for cornstarch, which is then fused with whole milk, dark chocolate, cayenne pepper, and white sugar. Not too sweet, the mixture is thickened and cooled multiple times to achieve a rich consistency. Besides sweetbreads, this hot chocolate recipe also pairs best with fruits.

Wiener Schokolade, Austria

Vienna, the city most known for its cafes and patisseries has some of the world’s best hot chocolate. Indulgent and decadent, every sip is creamy and bursting with the intensity of chocolate. The secret ingredient? Egg yolk! The recipe involves 70 percent semisweet chocolate and 1 ¼ cups milk, which are combined on a low-medium flame for a few minutes. The egg yolk is tempered with a few tablespoons of this hot chocolate separately, before being poured into the main mixture, while being stirred continuously to prevent curdling. This is then topped with whipped cream. You could also experiment with ingredients like cinnamon, cayenne, and rum if you’re feeling fancy.

Cioccolata Calda, Italy

Italians take decadence seriously – especially when it comes to their hot chocolate. Nothing else could explain the divine thickness of the beverage, as it is served across cafes in the region. The ingredient behind this? Cornstarch. Others milk, sugar, salt, cocoa, and dark chocolate. Best enjoyed in small quantities, you could serve this with a biscotti to truly transport yourself to European lands. To really kick things up a notch, you could add chocolate shavings and whipped cream to the mix.

Le Chocolat Chaud, France

Like Italians, the French enjoy their hot chocolate rich and creamy. However, this doesn’t involve the use of cornstarch. The typical recipe instead calls for full cream milk which is then stirred with dark chocolate (70 percent cocoa), cinnamon bars, sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, and salt. Served for breakfast – buttery croissant anyone? – This cuppa is the answer to every sweet craving. You could serve your fudge-like creation with a generous dollop of whipped cream.

Warme Chocolademelk, Netherlands

The Dutch love for all things chocolate is no secret – Hagelslag anyone? In fact, when in the Netherlands, a cup of hot chocolate is as common a sight across cafes as coffee and tea, especially come winter and fall. The recipe calls for ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon of Dutch cocoa powder, ½ a vanilla bean, 1 ¼ cup of whole milk, and granulated sugar to taste. These are heated until combined and foamy. To add a boozy kick, a shot of brandy or rum is added, before being topped with whipped cream and ground cinnamon. You could experiment with a host of other toppings as well.

Tsokolate, Philippines

A former Spanish colony – Philippines is the only Asian country to feature in this list. Here, the cocoa concoction is served during breakfast, alongside traditional glutinous rice treats (kakanin) and bread rolls (pandesal). It’s also made during Christmas. The recipe calls for tablets of pure ground roasted cacao beans – called tablea. These are then combined with hot water, muscovado sugar, and milk (or cream) using a wooden utensil called batidor, which also gives it a certain froth. There are several renditions of this recipe, which include ingredients like peanut butter, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

Chocolate Caliente, Peru

Hot chocolate in Peru arrives with a side of panettone – a sweetbread with fruits, especially during the festive season. It also typically features chocolate syrup, which is then combined with spices like cinnamon, cloves, star anise, nutmeg as well as Peruvian cocoa, cornstarch, orange peel, and sugar. The mix isn’t too sweet and the consistency is perfect for dunking. Some recipes also add carob honey and Peruvian coffee for that extra kick. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid burning.

Cafe Mocha, USA

Although not the first beverage to spring to mind when you think of the term hot chocolate, a classic caffe mocha comes quite close. In fact, it’s often referred to as espresso-infused hot chocolate. Wildly popular across cafes in the US, the recipe draws from Arabica coffee grown in Mocha, Yemen. However, the combination of chocolate-coffee as it stands today, is a product of America and a variation of the caffe latte. You’ll need one cup of brewed coffee (espresso is ideal), four tablespoons of chocolate (white, dark, or milk), and ½ cup of cream or milk. Combine the ingredients, and voila!

How to make a classic hot chocolate with cocoa powder

A cup of standard hot chocolate would need you to grab full-fat milk, sugar, and cocoa powder at the grocery store. Vanilla extract if you’re feeling fancy. The ingredients are stirred in a pot on a low flame until well combined and thick and can be served hot or cold.

Which of these are you whipping up this winter?

(Hero and featured image credit: Hanna Balan/Unsplash)

The story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore

The post 10 Best Hot Chocolate Recipes to Cosy Up With This Winter appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Take the guesswork out of gift shopping with our list of the best Christmas gift ideas, perfect for all unique personalities on your nice list. From foodies to fashionistas, there’s a whole new world of gift ideas that will keep the fun, joy, and merriment going.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Come the end of November, stores and malls are instantly transformed into magical wonderlands that marry brilliantly-sparkling baubles, twinkling fairy lights, and an abundance of thistle. As Mae West once said, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”

And in the holly jolly season of Christmas, what else could be true?

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The best Christmas gift ideas for every personality on your nice list

For discerning gourmands and tipplers

As the saying goes, the way to a man’s (or woman’s) heart is through their stomach. Which is probably why food and drinks always make perfect gift ideas guaranteed to satisfy. In time for the Yuletide season, UK luxury department store Selfridges has introduced the The Christmas Celebration Hamper comprising two wicker baskets overflowing with 33 items such as nuts, cookies, chocolates, condiments, preserves, sweets, tea, coffee, and biscuits. Traditional staples of panettone, stollen, mincemeat (for your pies), hot chocolate and marzipan fruits are also included.

Not to be outdone, Harrods has unveiled The St James Christmas Hamper, which is well-stocked with British festive classics the likes of Christmas pudding, cake, panettone and mince pies. It also comes with jams and spreads such as spiced honey, chutney, brandy butter, port-infused cranberry sauce, and marmalade with whisky. For the little ones, there’s a variety of jellies, gummies, chocolates, and biscuits.

Also worth considering is Fortnum & Mason’s The Fortnum’s Christmas Collection Hamper filled with delightful treats. Highlights include biscuits presented in a tin that sings ‘Jingle Bells’, reindeer noses in the form of milk chocolate cereal balls, Peppermint Bark (white chocolate dusted with mint candy), Christmas spiced black tea, and blackberry and elderberry conserve — which we recommend slathering thickly on hot, buttery toast.

Shop here

Selfridges The Christmas Celebration Hamper

HKD 4,350

Harrods The St James Christmas Hamper

HKD 3,758

Fortnum & Mason The Fortnum’s Christmas Collection Hamper

Approx HKD 1,623.50

Make it a boozy Christmas for your loved ones with the indulgent Whisky Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram, which features 24 30ml drams of whisky concealed behind doors. Savour whiskies from a diversity of labels such as Balblair, Chivas Regal, Gulliver’s, Kyrö, Sheep Dip, Lagavulin, Talisker and Tobermory. The calendar comes in three colourways, but our pick is naturally the White Christmas, which depicts a beautiful, wintry landscape.

For gin aficionados, Drinks by the Dram has also rolled out a dedicated, juniper-centric Premium Gin Advent Calendar. Expect to sample 24 different types of gin from labels like Gin Ting, Hendrick’s, Hepple, Roku and Tanqueray. Get the calendar in the Art Deco colourway, which sets the drams against a vivid backdrop of blue, green and purple hues.

Travelling right before Christmas Day and fretting about how and when to do your gift shopping? The newly launched Macallan Colour Collection is a travel retail exclusive range of five aged statement whiskies available at selected stores in airports around the world. The whiskies feature natural golden-brown hues derived from their maturation in sherry oak casks, and come in packaging and boxes designed in collaboration with famed graphic designer David Carson. Standouts include the 21 Years Old — carrying notes of candied ginger and orange dark chocolate — and the 30 Years Old, which has tropical fruity notes with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. The Macallan Colour Collection is available at the arrivals hall of Hong Kong International Airport and various other locations globally.

Shop here

Whisky Advent Calendar

Approx HKD 1,032.45

Premium Gin Advent Calendar

Approx HKD 884.88

The Macallan Colour Collection

From HKD 625

Planning to keep the vino flowing throughout Christmas? Wine lovers will need a Coravin wine preservation system, which is equipped with a needle that gently passes through cork so one can pour out the wine inside without actually opening it. The device fills the empty space in the bottle with argon gas to keep the remaining wine fresh so its taste and quality aren’t compromised, and reseals the cork upon the Coravin’s removal. If you’re shopping for an oenophile, the Timeless Six+ Burgundy, which pairs the product’s all-black hue with a striking red shade on top, is a stylish choice. It comes with a Timeless aerator, three Coravin pure argon capsules, six Timeless standard screw caps (for your screw top bottles), one Timeless carry case, one needle clearing tool, and one bottle sleeve.

A spectacular feast deserves equally incredible tableware. We’re particularly enamoured with the 17-piece blue and green glass dinner set by Completedworks, which is exclusively available on Net-a-Porter. It comprises four wine glasses, four tumblers, four dinner plates, two side plates, a salad bowl, a jug, and a tapered candlestick all crafted in recycled glass. The wine glasses are works of art with their delicate, swirling stemmed bases, while the glass jug is an eye-catching feature with its whimsical, sculptural lines. Dainty, beautiful and sustainable, the whole set is bound to be a conversation-starter.

For something a little breezier and über Instagrammable, go for the Anya Hindmarch Eyes leather-trimmed straw picnic set, which features a basket bag packed with plates, cutlery and cups for four people. It’s adorned with brown leather details along its straps, edges and sides, and boasts two spacious compartments. Embroidered on its front is the brand’s iconic eyes motif.

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Coravin Timeless Six+ Burgundy

HKD 3,430

Completedworks 17-Piece Blue and Green Glass Dinner Set

HKD 29,445

Anya Hindmarch Eyes Leather-Trimmed Straw Picnic Set

HKD 11,295

For the urban dreamer who lives life to the fullest

This Christmas, treat your loved ones to the luxury of smelling fabulous by giving them the ultimate scent experience. Step away from typical perfumes and pamper their senses with CELINE’s magnificent ‘CÉLESTE’ bath and body line, combined with the fascinating ‘ILLUMINATIONS’ candle.

The ‘CÉLESTE’ bath and body collection is a beautiful collection that contains cologne splashes, scented body oil, and bath milk. Explore the brand’s recently developed solid soaps, which capture the same enticing Eau De Cologne smell, ensuring a comprehensive and deep sensory experience.

In keeping with the luxury theme, gift your loved ones the enticing ‘ILLUMINATIONS’ candle, a new addition to CELINE’s candle line. That brings the brand’s unique scent options up to total of 7, making it the ideal present for individuals who love the art of fine fragrance.

If you believe in imbuing your gifts with personal thoughts, these are your options. This amazing wristband effortlessly combines aged wood with stainless steel links to create a magnificent accessory perfect for those with an eye for the extraordinary. Embrace the craftsmanship that comes from the heart of whisky culture with this timepiece, which features a classic black dial face decorated with a cork-shaped oak crown. This clock strikes a delicate balance between minimalist beauty and rustic appeal, making it the ideal gift for spirit fans who value craftsmanship as well as style.

Capture the essence of your special relationship with a unique holiday gift. Let Claudia Moldovan turn your favourite song into a magnificent wooden masterpiece. These one-of-a-kind wall sculptures are made to reflect the chosen tune’s soundwaves. Choose a clip, the chorus, or the complete song to transform it into a beautiful work of art that is sure to spark conversation.

Bridge the gap and illuminate the lives of those you miss dearly with this special Friendship Lamp. Whether they’re across town or across the world, this new design maintains the heartwarming functionality: touch your lamp, and theirs emits the same glow, sending a silent “thinking of you.” If you’re buying these for a group of friends, add a personal touch by assigning colours, so each person can enjoy their own special hue. Light up the holiday season and connect with those who hold a special place in your heart.

Shop here

Whiskey Barrel Watch

HKD 2,088

Custom Song Wall Art

HKD 1,493.00 – 6,618.00

Long Distance Friendship Lamp – Wood

HKD 1,670

Help your loved ones to resist the harsh winter elements with Augustinus Bader’s ‘The Winter Radiance System.’ Each product protects while promoting skin rejuvenation and is powered by the brand’s revolutionary Trigger Factor Complex technology. The ‘Cream Cleansing Gel’ eliminates pollutants and conditions the skin, preparing it for additional treatment. Follow up with the award-winning ‘The Rich Cream’, a daily moisturiser that nourishes while slowing water loss to keep your skin youthful and healthy.

With MZ Skin’s ‘LED 2.0 LightMAX Supercharged’ mask, you can embrace the year’s biggest skincare trend. This non-invasive at-home therapy promotes general skin renewal, similar to Dr. Maryam Zamani’s in-clinic procedures. Give this advanced LED mask to a loved one as a gift to help them maintain a glowing and revitalised complexion.

Consider the House of Dior’s magnificent Advent Calendar for a fantastic holiday experience. The gorgeous advent calendar opens up to reveal stunning adornments by artist Pietro Ruffo, and is designed to replicate the iconic boutique at 30 Avenue Montaigne. An exquisite representation of the Tuileries Garden with its beautiful wrought iron work, octagonal basin, and statues, this advent calendar serves as a backdrop for 24 miniature treasures. The calendar features fragrances, skincare, makeup, and lifestyle essentials, making it the ideal gift for any beauty fan. It even transforms into a reusable storage case after the holiday season, adding a touch of elegance to everyday life.

Shop here

Augustinus Bader Winter Radiance System

HKD 1,695

MZ Skin LED Mask

HKD 9,000

Dior Le 30 Montaigne Advent Calendar

HKD 5300

For adventure-seekers and travel-buffs

There’s one in every family and group of friends – the frequent flier whose life just seems to be an endless revolving door of glittering sandy beaches and exotic faraway places. These sorts never seem to tire and are blessed with an abundance of energy that they use to chase the next big thrill. To them, life is an adventure, and the world is an oyster just waiting to be explored. And, if you’re lucky enough to be the travel buff in your circle, send this gift guide out to make sure you get exactly what you want under the Christmas tree.

Adventure seekers are always on the go! There’s no time for meandering about the airport; they’re the first to clear security and customs, the first in line at duty free, and somehow always arrive at their gate with plenty of time to spare before boarding. Every airport speed walker needs easy access to their documents, money, and items at any given time. For that, we love Bellroy’s eco-tanned leather travel folio, which stores up to two passports, eight cards, and paper currencies of all sizes. It even zips up, keeping one’s documents safely tucked away to be conveniently retrieved at a moment’s notice.

Every adventure seeker wants to make the most of their time abroad, and that means there’s zero time to make up for jetlag. That means it is absolutely imperative they sleep through their flight. What better way to ensure that proper shut-eye than with Versace’s Crete de Fleur sleep mask, which is both effective as well as stylish?

Chasing down one’s next big adventure is a Herculean feat worthy of The Amazing Race. For those who waste no time getting in and out of the plane, a larger piece of luggage means lost minutes, which could be better spent hailing down a cab to start seeing the sights. If you know someone who travels light, Rimowa’s Signature Nylon flap backpack makes a great in-flight companion; it even conveniently attaches onto the handles of hard suitcases to make transportation an absolute breeze.

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Versace Crete De Fleur Sleep Mask

HKD 2,100

Rimowa Signature – Nylon Flap Backpack

HKD 11,300

Bellroy Travel Folio

HKD 1,290

For every adventurer who zips through the airport at the speed of light with minimal luggage in tow, there’s a planner who comes prepared for all situations. Without a doubt, these folks have distilled their departure-to-plane-to-arrival experience into a well-rehearsed performance. They are the kings and queens of thinking ahead, with lists upon lists of places to visit and items they’ll need both in-flight and upon arrival at their destination. They’re also wonderful travel buddies, particularly if you enjoy the experience, but none of the planning that goes with it.

Help your planner friends out by giving them the wherewithal to travel with everything they’ll need. The Celine travel spray case in smooth calfskin provides protection for delicate bottles, keeping them safe from the trials and tribulations of being on the move.

If your planner friend is a stickler for organisation, the Hermes Travelsilk PM travel cube provides a structured space for the careful storage of clothes. Adorned with a Mors Ajoure motif, it is available in four alluring colours, including a wine-red shade that’s perfect for the holiday season.

Do your planner friends have travel anxiety? The Samsonite x Maison Kitsuné sling bag is a stylish and convenient way to help them keep everything they need close on hand. Adorned with the Japanese label’s iconic fox emblem in a ‘camo’ pattern, the bag provides convenient storage within its organised and spacious interiors, with detachable and adjustable shoulder straps for optimum carrying comfort.

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Celine Travel Spray Case In Smooth Calfskin

HKD 2,950

Hermes Travelsilk PM Travel Cube

HKD 4,200

MK x Samsonite Sling Bag

HKD 1,720

There’s something incredibly romantic about traveling ala Audrey Hepburn on Roman Holiday. Give your loved ones the ultimate gift of style with these fantastic luxury picks – the perfect accessories to evoke quiet luxury on chic holidays abroad.

For those who want to travel in style, there’s Tumi’s International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry On, now available in festive red to truly bring home the spirit of Christmas. Equipped with a built-in USB port, an integrated TSA lock, retractable top and side handles, a zipper expansion, and more, it’s got everything one could possibly need for traveling in ease and comfort. The kicker — plenty of storage space to keep you in festive ‘fits from Christmas to New Year’s Eve.

Nothing beats a leather duffel bag for a weekend getaway, and Gucci’s Savoy large duffel bag provides in, quite literally, a big way. Crafted of beige and ebony GG Supreme canvas incorporating a distinct pattern and Double G hardware, the design marries both form and function. A green and red web provides tasteful recall to the holiday season — with style.

Shopping for someone who wants to make a splash? Louis Vuitton’s Keepall Bandoulière 50 marries the design house’s new Epi XL grained leather with a vibrant-red colourway, making it an instant eye-catcher of noteworthy maximalism.

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Tumi 19 Degree International Expandable 4 Wheeled Carry On

HKD 6,700

Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 50

HKD 33,500

Gucci Savoy Large Duffel Bag

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For those who eat, breathe, and sleep fashion

What is Christmas if not the most socially acceptable excuse to dress up in fabulous clothing? With most big brands dropping their festive collections, the option to pick the perfect piece — for yourself or the discerning connoisseurs in your life — seems to be growing with each merry second! There are no fashion rights or wrongs during the holiday season; only an endless array of sparkly dresses, exquisite bags, glittery heels, and bedazzled watches.

Constructing the perfect party fit often starts with finding the right dress. Standing out in a sea of reds and greens requires bold colours and even bolder designs, which is why India-based couturier Kangana Trehan’s offerings are a cut above the rest. Our pick includes this black slip dress, which is encrusted with Swarovski crystals with slits high enough to give just the right amount of leg. If going dark isn’t your vibe, orange can be your new black with this mini dress from The Real B. Tease out your inner sexy goddess with this embellished number, which features a plunging neck, barely-there back, and a flare that’s fit for a queen.

For shoes that are sure to seal any deal, Jimmy Choos are your best friend. Part of the brand’s festive drop, these emerald satin pumps with Swarovski crystals are sparkly enough to keep all eyes transfixed in your direction.

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Kavya Trehan Black Strappy Embellished Dress

MYR 3,875

The Real B ‘Midnight in Summer’ Mini Dress

MYR 1,826

Jimmy Choo ‘Saeda 100’

MY 8,545

Pair any outfit with Bottega Veneta’s silver Sardine bag, and you’ve got yourself a look that’s going to be etched in your memory for several Christmases to come. If you’re looking for something a little less metallic, Coach is always here to serve up some hot girl handbags with their Barbie pink Tabby box bag.

When it comes to picking the right accessories to match your festive mood, no jewellery brand comes close to Tiffany & Co’s. A timeless addition to any jewellery collection, their small Wrap Necklace in yellow gold is here to impress and dazzle. Meant to embody the spirit of the women of New York City, this layered piece is your passport to global style — because why settle for sidewalks when you can own the runway?

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Bottega Veneta Sardine Bag

MYR 16,002

Tiffany HardWear Small Wrap Necklace

MYR 117,663

Coach Tabby Box Bag

SGD 665

In a world where time is money, a brand-new watch is an expression of love. Those looking to gift a timepiece for the first time can look to a Michael Kors number, which will certainly do the trick. The brand’s 38mm Runway watch features a silver brushed dial, chronograph movement, and a stainless steel pavé bracelet that’s worthy of stealing every limelight. The luminescence of the watch is meant to add that extra sprinkle of love this festive season.

The second watch on our list of recommendations is a stunner from Emporio Armani. This 42mm watch features a black sunray dial and comes with automatic movement and a lust-worthy stainless steel bracelet. Imagine whipping out this baby on Christmas Eve and undoubtedly becoming your loved ones’ favourite gifter of all time. Pretty sweet!

But for the watch connoisseurs who love their bold designs, Diesel’s 44mm Vert watch is the way to go. Featuring a black sunray dial, three-hand date movement, and a black textured leather strap, this accessory is more an architectural marvel than your conventional horology piece. Chunky enough to make a statement, yet subtle enough to seamlessly style with every outfit, the timepiece is worth every penny of that investment for anyone on your gifting list.

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Michael Kors Runway Pavé Silver-Tone Watch

MYR 3,669

Emporio Armani Automatic Stainless Steel Watch

MYR 1,860

Diesel Vert watch

MYR 1,875

For the technology savant

Know a tech lover or two? This holiday season, dive into the world of gadgets as the go-to choice for amazing Christmas presents. From cutting-edge gaming chairs that take gaming to a whole new level of comfort to the latest LED face masks, there’s a treasure trove of innovative and exciting options available. Whether your loved ones are gaming enthusiasts, tech aficionados, or skincare enthusiasts, there’s a gadget waiting to bring joy and excitement to everyone on your list.

On the lookout for that perfect Christmas gift? Enter the Leica Q3 camera, a compact powerhouse that guarantees stunning photos and videos in any light. Its easy-to-use features and seamless connections make creating captivating content a breeze for everyone. Plus, it effortlessly fits into your daily creative routine, blending style with the latest tech. Boost your workflow with lightning-fast transfer speeds, and keep it charged hassle-free with the sleek Charging Pad and handgrip. It’s the perfect combo for top-notch functionality and style.

Introduced last year, this remarkable system fuses the finest aspects of paper and digital interfaces. It’s not just a gadget; it’s an ingenious tool, an ideal Christmas gift for your loved ones in 2023. Seamlessly transition between handwritten notes and digital text; this gadget allows you to effortlessly send emails or share concepts directly from paper. The added feature of syncing audio with your notes enriches meetings and evokes cherished memories. With instant paper-to-digital backup and universal access to Smart Notebooks from any device, it serves as the ultimate organiser for your ideas. Whether connected or offline, the Smart Moleskine ensures your notes remain secure and easily searchable, ensuring your thoughts stay impeccably organised.

Introducing the Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair — the ultimate throne for every gaming aficionado out there. Combining Herman Miller’s expertise in ergonomic design with Logitech G’s gaming prowess, this chair is a game-changer in comfort and performance. With unparalleled support and comfort tailored for long gaming sessions, it’s your ticket to leveling up in style and comfort. Built with precision and durability, it’s not just a chair; it’s an experience, keeping you fully immersed in your game while ensuring you can play comfortably for hours on end. Christmas is a great time to say goodbye to those uncomfortable sessions and welcome a new era of gaming indulgence.

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Herman Miller x Logitech G Embody Gaming Chair

MYR 12,419

Leica Q3 Black

MYR 29,570

Moleskine Smart Writing Set Smart Notebook & New Smart Pen

MYR 1,319

Looking for an extraordinary audio experience wrapped up in a gift? Balmuda’s innovative speaker might surprise you, coming from a home appliance company! Inspired by Gen Terao’s music background in a Japanese rock band, this speaker aims to mirror the live music experience. Unlike typical portable speakers, Balmuda’s design creates a three-dimensional sound, ensuring consistent quality from any direction. With a “vocally-driven” focus and minimal distortion, it flawlessly delivers the vibe of a live concert. Simply connect via Bluetooth or AUX input and immerse yourself in pure auditory delight.

Immerse yourself in a tale of luxury and innovation with Louis Vuitton’s Horizon Light Up Earphones — an exquisite addition to the Maison’s line of connected treasures. Inspired by the graceful curves of the Tambour watch, these earphones embody the perfect fusion of craftsmanship, elegance, and technological prowess. Crafted from lightweight aluminum and adorned with polished sapphire glass, they showcase the iconic Monogram flower, exuding a blend of opulence and sophistication. The charging case, a mesmerising masterpiece, comes alive with LEDs, creating a captivating visual symphony of vibrant colors that elegantly display the battery levels. A gift that encapsulates Louis Vuitton’s artistry and excellence, it is ideal for those seeking luxury and exceptional audio performance this holiday season.

Get ready to unwrap the future of health tracking with the Oura Ring Generation 3! This clever little ring packs a punch with its 15 advanced sensors and updated tech, keeping tabs on your sleep, daily activity, and even your body’s signals day and night. Whether you fancy the classic Heritage or the chic Horizon design, this ring is not just a gadget — it’s a style statement that’s all about your well-being. Just make sure the sensors are snug against the palm side of your finger for the best data. Plus, it holds onto all the awesome features of its predecessor, Gen 2, like monitoring your nighttime resting heart rate, skin temperature, and more. It’s the perfect gift for the health-conscious folks looking to elevate their wellness game this holiday season!

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BALMUDA The Speaker

MYR 1,879

Louis Vuitton Horizon Light Up Earphones in Black

MYR 7,550

Oura Heritage Ring in Gold

Approx. MYR 2,094

Discover the ultimate self-care treat this Christmas with the TheraFace Mask — a cutting-edge LED skincare solution that’s as effective as it is relaxing! This FDA-cleared mask combines Red, Red + Infrared, and Blue light therapy with tension-relieving vibrations for a spa-like experience at home. Clinical studies have sung its praises, showing firmer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin in just 8 weeks. Say goodbye to fine lines and dark spots — it’s proven to tackle them all. Plus, its hands-free design lets you multitask while enjoying your treatment, and the removable eye shields add a practical touch. It’s the perfect gift for anyone looking to rejuvenate their skin and indulge in some well-deserved me-time this holiday season.

Looking for a top-notch and super swanky Christmas gift? Meet the Courant Catch:3, a smart wireless charger that blends together tech and luxury to add touch of style to your charging game. With up to 10W of wireless charging and a hassle-free alignment, this charger keeps your space tidy and your phone juiced up. Crafted from top-tier Italian leather with top environmental ratings and high-grade aluminium alloy, it’s the ideal addition to any home. Perfect for entryways or bedside tables, it’s a sleek and practical present anyone would love.

This holiday season, gift the ultimate cocktail experience with the Bartesian cocktail maker. Transform any home into a cocktail lounge with this one-touch wonder. Just load your favorite spirits and water, and let the Bartesian capsules do the rest; they’re packed with top-quality ingredients for the perfect pour every single time. Whether you prefer mocktails or strong drinks, you’ll be able customise the strength to your liking and enjoy bar-quality cocktails in the comfort of your home. Give the gift of mixology mastery this Christmas with Bartesian. Cheers to festive celebrations!

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TheraFace Mask

Approx. MYR 2,794

Courant CATCH:3 Classics Single-Device Charging Tray in Cortado

Approx. MYR 816

Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine

MYR 1,389.44

(Main and featured image: Laura James/Pexels)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What are the rules of Christmas gift giving?

All Christmas gifts should come from the heart. As a general rule of thumb, the best gifts are either useful, edible, or provide immeasurable beauty to your recipient’s life. If you’re buying gifts for a secret santa event, it’s good practice to set a budget so all participants know to stay within the same range.

– What is the etiquette for Christmas gifts?

Christmas gifts should come from the heart and should never be selected simply for its price tag. Remember that it is the thought that truly counts! A personalised gift goes a very long way.

– What is the most popular Christmas gift?

One of the most popular Christmas gifts, store cash vouchers and gift cards are a great way to show your appreciation and love for someone you care about.

– What are the rules on gifting?

While there are no hard or fast rules surrounding gifting, it’s generally understood that personalised gifts are a good idea. It’s the thought that counts, so don’t stress yourself out on the price tag; pick a gift you can afford, and that you know the recipient will like. Both money and gift cards are good ideas, as many people can actually prefer the wherewithal to buy something they would personally like. If you’re looking to support local businesses, check out some smaller boutique gift stores for handmade gifts. And most importantly, give from the heart.

– Where do most people buy Christmas gifts?

In our digital age of convenience and doorstep deliveries, online shopping has become the norm. Gift buying is no less personal whether you buy it in-store or online; the important thing to remember is to do your research, find a gift the recipient will love, and figure out a way to get your hands on it. Some gifts may only be available in-store, but doing prior research will greatly cut down on the time you’ll have to spend on your feet amidst the last-minute Christmas shopping crowd.

– What are the manners for gift receiving?

Receive a gift the way you would like your gifts to be received. Remember to thank the gifter for their thoughtfulness. If you especially love their present (or them), take special care of your gift, use it well, and return the favour with a gift you know they’ll love.

The post Season’s Giftings: 45 Best Christmas Gift Ideas For Every Unique Personality On Your Nice List appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

New York served as the backdrop to the recent launch of Armand de Brignac’s ultra-prestigious new champagne cuvée, Blanc de Noirs Assemblage Number Four.
Prestige jets in for a first taste.

In a world where quiet luxury seems to have taken hold, an Armand de Brignac champagne occupies the opposite end of the continuum with its loud, fully gold-plated bottle and French pewter Ace of Spades label that gave the wine its nickname. For many in the know, it’s Jay-Z’s champagne: the hip-hop mogul has been involved with the brand since 2006, when he bought a 50 percent stake and rapped about it in his single “Show Me What You Got”. The first-ever bottles appeared in his music video, flashy in gold and pewter, which instantly brought the Ace of Spades brand to the world’s attention. In 2014 he upped his stake to 100 percent before LVMH came along two years ago and took 50 percent.

Given its connections with hip-hop it’s not so surprising that, rather than arriving in the Champagne region for the launch of the brand’s newest assemblage, I find myself perched on the highest floor of New York’s Central Park Tower overlooking the sunset, the vast park and the Hudson River glinting to the side, as I take my first sip of the flagship Armand de Brignac Brut Gold. Crisp and vivacious, the wine is fruit-forward and has a lot of citrus on the nose – we’re off to a perfect start. Armand de Brignac champagnes are produced by the esteemed Cattier family, now run by Alexandre Cattier, with an extremely small team on their family estate in Chigny-les-Roses, using only the oldest traditions of champagne blending: only the top lots and only the first press – a true labour of love. 

Later in the evening, over a tasting menu of delicious scallops and short ribs, we get to the main event, the launch of the Blanc de Noirs Assemblage Number Four. In a room full of wine critics and experts, the new cuvée is garnering lots of excitement – it’s the first time Armand de Brignac is releasing a wine after seven years of lees ageing, as well as the first time grapes from Ville-sur-Arce in the Aube region are used. Champagnes typically age on the lees from 12 to 36 months, but seven years is rare. We clink our glasses. A blend of three vintages from 2013 to 2015, the wine is a rich and intense expression of pinot noir. There’s something deliciously toasty about the wine, almost like freshly baked sourdough. On the nose, there’s a lot of bright red fruit – strawberries and cherries – before the notes of plums and meaty figs come through in the mid palate. The finish, with hints of honey, is excellent.

Only 7,328 bottles of Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs Assemblage Number Four are available worldwide, and each bottle is numbered in addition to having its disgorgement date – April 20, 2023 – etched into the hand-finished French pewter label, a sign of its ultra-exclusivity and rarity.

We also taste other cuvées in the Armand de Brignac portfolio. Although I’m by no means a wine connoisseur, I’m starting to enjoy bantering back and forth about what I’m tasting and what it means. We move on to the Blanc de Blancs, which is 100 percent chardonnay with excellent minerality, where we get hints of white florals, green apples and a dash of ginger. When we get to the Demi-Sec, I’m told this is quite a gourmet’s wine. We have it paired with a panna cotta and grilled pineapple dessert, but even though it’s a sweetish wine, it’s still beautifully balanced, and around the room, guests started discussing other dishes they’d imagine having this with – anything from decadent foie gras to pungent Sichuanese.

The exclusive occasion also marks the launch of La Collection, an 820-piece limited-edition boxed set of Armand de Brignac’s six cuvées, including the Gold Brut, Golf, Rose, Demi-Sec, Blanc de Blanc and Blanc de Noirs, presented in a uniquely numbered lacquer gift box.

Armand de Brignac is a luxurious wine, fit for kings, and with a price to match. It’s a 21st-century wine with a truly modern story behind the bottle, but beyond the buzz and notoriety, if you will, is a truly unique and rare champagne with a whole lot of character, tradition and exclusivity.

Behind the shiny bottle, the wine shines. 

The post Playing the Ace: Armand de Brignac Blanc de Noirs Assemblage Number 4 appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Fed up with turkey? For a refreshing spin on the traditional Christmas spread, here are five novel alternatives you don’t need to travel the world to enjoy.

Cornerstone

In Cornerstone’s four-course Christmas menu, a poached half yellow chicken replaces the conventional festive fowl as a lighter and more delightful alternative. The menu also comes with oyster mousse and gougère, Japanese egg custard with Oscietra caviar, beetroot salad and eggplant katsu, rounding off the meal with a spiced chocolate cake.

Forbidden Duck

For a novel twist, why not substitute the turkey with a duck or goose? Head to Demon Chef Alvin Leung’s Forbidden Duck, whose famed Peking fowl is glazed with a secret mixture before being hung to dry for 24 hours. The duck is then roasted for 45 minutes, starting on a low heat that gradually increases, which results in a perfect combination of flavour and texture.

Nobu

After a three-year hiatus, Nobu has returned at the newly opened Regent Hong Kong. In this Japanese restaurant with a Peruvian twist, you’ll enjoy an eight-course Christmas dinner that includes its signature sashimi selection, Chilean sea bass with dashi ponzu and grilled wagyu striploin – and all against the dazzling backdrop of Victoria Harbour.

Chaat

If it must be turkey, then why not try it at Rosewood Hong Kong’s one-Michelin-star Chaat? Here, the team has prepared a Christmas Eve dinner menu that includes a fragrant Awadhi turkey korma along with other dishes such as Parsi prawn pav, tandoori wagyu beef cheek and black truffle biryani.

Dim Sum Library

Dim sum’s often off the radar when it comes to planning a Christmas meal, but this year Dim Sum Library is offering a special take on the festive bird with its turkey siu mai, complemented with dash of cranberry that really drives the season home.

The post Flipping the Bird: Alternative Festive Menus to Give Your Christmas a Refreshing Spin appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

This year, celebrate the festive season at the newly reopened Regent Hong Kong, where extravagant gastronomic experiences are complemented by dazzling city panoramas. 

The festive season has arrived, and with Christmas just around the corner, the reimagined Regent Hong Kong is one of the city’s prime locations in which to celebrate the triumphs of 2023. And whether or not you’re treating yourself to a luxurious staycation at the recently re-opened property, there are plenty of exceptional dining choices to experience. 

This year, the spotlight falls on The Lobby Lounge, where panoramic views of a glittering Hong Kong Island skyline across Victoria Harbour are the backdrop as you enjoy the Festive Afternoon Tea set from December 16 to January 6. During the December 23-25 Christmas weekend, there’s a Christmas Afternoon Tea set jointly created by executive pastry chef Andy Yeung and The Lobby Lounge head chef Rajiv Chowdhoory, which features creative holiday delights such as cod fish rillettes paired with seaweed and miso, and Madagascar vanilla mousse with kalamansi jelly and yoghurt sponge. Afternoon bites aside, on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, The Lobby Lounge also offers a four-course dinner menu, with a six-course spread on New Year’s Eve to help you welcome 2024. 

At The Steak House, another celebrated establishment, head chef Amine Errkhis is taking its exquisite beef and seafood offerings up a further notch with a vibrant Christmas Brunch on December 24, 25 and 31 and a five-course Christmas dinner menu on December 24-25, all of which can be enhanced with a bespoke selection of magnum bottles and wines by the glass. On New Year’s Eve, count down at the restaurant with a six-course dinner menu, followed by a selection of exotic whiskies and spirits from the bar trolley.

If you’re looking for something a little more unconventional to celebrate the festive season, Regent Hong Kong’s two-Michelin- star Cantonese restaurant Lai Ching Heen is presenting a sumptuous eight-course menu on December 24-26 and another eight-course menu on New Year’s Eve, both expertly designed by executive chef Lau Yiu Fai and head chef Cheng Man Sang. For an even wider selection of cuisines and delicacies, there’s also Harbourside, the hotel’s buffet restaurant considered among the best in the city. 

Discerning gastronomes can celebrate Christmas at Nobu Hong Kong, as renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa has reopened the Hong Kong outpost of his globally acclaimed Japanese restaurant with Peruvian influences after a three-year hiatus. On Christmas Eve and Day, enjoy a festive eight-course omakase dinner menu, while another specially designed omakase dinner menu is served on New Year’s Eve followed by a countdown experience in front of the city skyline.

Finally, after a satisfying meal at any of the establishments above, don’t forget to end your evening with celebratory drinks at Qura Bar, Regent Hong Kong’s new destination bar, which opens this month. The glamorous venue with hypnotic harbourviews offers a collection of rare spirits, wines and cigars along with appetising bites. Here on New Year’s Eve, you can also countdown to 2024 in style with live music and Victoria Harbour as the mesmerising backdrop. 

Bookings are now open through Regent’s website: https://hongkong.regenthotels.com 

The post Regent Hong Kong’s Staycation Guide for a Gastronomic Christmas and New Year’s Eve appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

At this time of excess, Gabrielle Kirstein of Feeding Hong Kong and Black Sheep’s Syed Asim Hussain remind us of those struggling to put a meal on the table.

It’s Christmas once again, the time when tables are laden with festive delicacies and glasses are constantly topped up. But while we enjoy such indulgence and excess, there are those – and many more than you might imagine – who aren’t as privileged and who struggle even to get two hot meals a day. Which is why I’m talking to Feeding Hong Kong founder and Prestige Women of Power honouree Gabrielle Kirstein, and Black Sheep co-founder and Prestige 40 Under 40 honouree Syed Asim Hussain, about food waste and food insecurity.

When dining out, we’ve probably all been guilty of over-ordering, simply because we want a taste of everything on the menu. Such behaviour, however, has led to a dire situation that we usually choose not to think about.

“Every day, 3,400 tonnes of food waste go to landfills, which is equivalent to 8 million meals in a city of 7.5 million people,” says Kirstein. If those numbers surprise you, there’s another side to the story, because at the same time as food is going to waste, a huge number of people aren’t able to feed themselves sufficiently.

“Government figures indicate that 1.4 million people live in poverty and struggle to manage three meals a day,” she adds. “Income inequality is now the widest it’s been in decades. The poor are poorer than ever before, while costs continue to rise. So what do we do? We’ve got good food going into the bin, and we have underprivileged people who need food. The question is: how do we connect them?”

For Kirstein, the answer was to create her own charitable organisation, Feeding Hong Kong, which is dedicated to bringing wasted food – or what she calls surplus food – to those in need and sustaining them with free meals. Although she has a team of volunteers and donors to help with her mission, it takes a lot more involvement from the food industry to really make a difference, and that’s where Hussain and his Black Sheep team group comes in.

The two first met during the pandemic, when business was tough for everyone in the hospitality industry. As restaurant hours were restricted, Hussain was inspired by an article on how the elderly in this city were being forgotten, so he began dedicating the free time he and his team suddenly found themselves with to deliver food to them. The two groups worked together for months, bringing hot meals prepared by Black Sheep to the underprivileged, with Hussain driving the company’s delivery truck and handing out meals himself.

“This city was built by these elderly people,” Hussain says. “The Lion Rock attitude we talk about, that can-do mentality? That’s them. They built Hong Kong. And now it’s our turn to thank them.

“In reality, the collaboration and the fact we could do meaningful work during the pandemic saved Black Sheep. We were on the edge at the time, but work like this kept us going. Just being able to connect ourselves to something larger, like the work Feeding Hong Kong was doing, kept us alive. We thought we were doing something altruistic for the community, but in hindsight we were really doing it for ourselves.”

With the pandemic now behind us, Black Sheep’s Family Fund trust has chosen Feeding Hong Kong as its first charity partner, with Hussain committing a substantial sum to the cause. “There’s a list of programmes we’re working on between this year and next,” he explains. “We’ve committed $3 million to this partnership, but we hope to exceed that commitment in years to come. We have events planned, and we’re hoping to do something every quarter. This will begin with the Bread Run, which takes place next month.”

But despite his own interest in Black Sheep and its involvement with Feeding Hong Kong, Hussain understands the gravity of the situation, and hopes more industry leaders will also step up to alleviate food waste in this way.

“I’m very simplistic, so I think it isn’t difficult,” he says. “It’s about awareness and understanding there’s a problem. People just aren’t aware of food waste and how many people are food insecure. There’s so much excess in this city that we often forget there’s an underbelly to it, where people are in need and suffering. I don’t think guilt is the right word, but we’ve been very successful here at Black Sheep for so many years and there’s a responsibility on people like us to help Gabrielle and Feeding Hong Kong, to be a small part of the solution.

“Hong Kong has always been built by the private sector – all the progress, ingenuity and innovation – and we’re the young new private sector, so we have that responsibility,” Hussain adds. “We have a little bit more freedom than the government, so we need to drive this change and lead the way. Be bold and don’t be afraid.”

“We’re going into Christmas, and times of festivals and celebrations do lead to extra food waste,” Kirstein says. “I hope everyone can take a moment to think about how much they’re buying from supermarkets, how much we’re ordering at restaurants and how we deal with leftovers. Also think about how we can support those in need. We talk about the three Fs: food, friends and funds. There are points in the city where you can drop off food for those in need, you can volunteer with us and, of course, you can directly donate money to Feeding Hong Kong. It only costs $10 a meal.”

“Just get involved,” Hussain says. “If Feeding Hong Kong isn’t what you’re passionate about or you don’t want to get involved with Black Sheep, just find something you’d like to contribute to. There’s a responsibility on all of us. We’re going into the New Year, so think about giving back to the community. If you believe in a cause, you’ll find something. Even if it’s not something you previously considered, do it for yourself. I did – and it saved us.”

The post Food Tidings: Feeding Hong Kong’s Gabrielle Kirstein and Black Sheep’s Syed Asim Hussain Shed Light on Food Waste and Donation appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Celebrate the season at Piedmontese restaurant Castellana and Mediterranean restaurant Perla, whose Christmas menus give a festive flavour to Italian cuisine. 

There’s something truly special about spending the most wonderful time of the year in Italy, but if you’re unable to travel this December, fret not, as Perla and Castellana are offering festive menus that give you a genuine flavour of Christmas in il bel paese. 

“This day of the year is eagerly anticipated by all of us,” says Perla head chef Fabiano Palombini, who’s menu spans a luxurious selection of caviar, lobster, Alaskan king crab, wild pink seabream, pigeon, A5 Wagyu and Italy’s favourite festive delight, the panettone. 

“I’ve created a menu that evokes the nostalgic Christmas ambience of my hometown,” Palombini explains. “It’s my wish to share those feelings with my guests and bring a piece of that experience to them. Among the highlights of the menu is the panettone, that quintessentially Italian Christmas cake, which pairs perfectly with a warm zabaione made with sparkling wine, making it the ideal finale to a festive meal.” 

A northern counterpart to Perla’s southern Italian cuisine, Castellana hopes to share an authentic Piedmontese Christmas with the gastronomes of Hong Kong. “In Piedmontese culture, Christmas meals are a testament to familial love and togetherness,” says head chef Romeo Morelli. “These meals consist of traditional meat dishes and a variety of pastas, along with heart-warming soups that provide comfort during the winter months.” 

To capture this essence, Morelli’s menu brings out everything from sea urchin and oysters with ricotta foam, river prawns with foie gras and Piedmontese minestrone to the chef’s signature saffron risotto, a homemade ravioli with Alba white truffle, whole Piedmontese trout and Fassona veal tenderloin. 

“This year’s menu aims to capture the essence of the sincere flavours of Piedmontese Christmas meals, with a personal touch of using my favourite ingredients,” Morelli says. “I offer guests my memories of Piedmontese Christmas cuisine, including Ricotta cheese foam served with sea urchin, oysters, plankton and Alba white truffle, minestrone soup served as a clear vegetable broth and homemade ravioli stuffed with seasonal vegetables, as well as homemade Panzerotti ravioli that’s filled with DOP Castelmagno cheese and topped with shavings of luscious Alba white truffle – as this year’s yield is amazing.”

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The holidays at The Peninsula Hong Kong were always extravagant events, steeped in grandeur and opulence. This year, the hotel’s festivities include commemorating the 70th anniversary of the renowned Michelin-starred French restaurant Gaddi’s, a whimsical ride on the Peninsula Express inspired by the beloved Christmas fairy tale, a charitable Teas of Hope campaign with Make-A-Wish-Foundation, and an array of exquisite delicacies and experiences.

As much as the Peninsula is a landmark, which has defined Hong Kong’s skyline for decades, so is Gaddi’s a mark of culinary excellence. In recent decades, Gaddi’s has only achieved new heights – including Michelin-star accolades for the past four consecutive years. Over the years, Gaddi’s continued to reach new heights, garnering prestigious accolades such as Michelin stars for four consecutive years. For the special 70th anniversary Gala Dinner, Executive Sous Chef Albin Gobil and his team of talented chefs meticulously crafted a 7-course menu that pays tribute to the restaurant’s rich history.

And the feast promises to rival the Romanov Tercentenary in its grandeur. A selection of sumptuous dishes, like Kaviari Daurikus Caviar with Tsar Nikolai Balik Salmon and Potato Blinis, Double-boiled Aubrac Oxtail Consommé in Crust with Bone Marrow and Black Périgord Truffle, Dover Sole Filet à la Dieppoise with Bouchot Mussels, Prawns, and Celeriac, Rhug Estate Roe Deer Saddle with Caramelised Shallots and a heap more will be paired with exquisite wines and champagnes, including Domaine Remoissenet Père & Fils Vosne-Romanée 1953 – in commemoration of the year that Gaddi’s first opened.

To honour the restaurant’s aesthetic tradition, the Gala Dinner will be graced with a stunning live music performance by pianist and recording artist Carol Yu. Accompanied by the illustrious Steinway grand piano from Hong Kong’s prestigious Tom Lee Music, Ms. Yu will transport guests back in time to 1953, when both the restaurant and music store were founded. As keepsakes of this extraordinary evening, attendees will receive three treasures: a rare vinyl record of The Keymen’s legendary 1966 album, Live at Gaddi’s; an embroidered menu harkening back to days of old; and a delectable mini cake adorned with Gaddi’s logo, ready to be savoured at home.

The gastronomic feast at Gaddi’s is but one part of Peninsula’s extravagant festive programme. Celebrating the Grand Dame’s enduring 95 years of service to Hong Kong, the hotel opened its doors to a splendid holiday season on November 23rd. A heart-warming Festive Concert marked the beginning – a charming tale of a young boy’s voyage aboard The Peninsula Express in search of the true meaning of Christmas, told through delightful melodies, harmonious songs, and lively dance performances. This year’s story was aptly titled “An Enchanting Journey Continues – Aboard The Peninsula Express”, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

And, of course, there are more surprises that Peninsula has prepared for the holiday season. The venerated Felix restaurant, located on the 28th floor, welcomes guests with a creative cocktail menu, while Michelin-starred Spring Moon’s culinary wizards dazzle with seasonal Cantonese concoctions. And what better way to spend a chilly afternoon than to enjoy a sumptuous fondue at the chalet-style Swiss restaurant Chesa?

Once again, the Grande Dame is set to dazzle whoever is fortunate enough to find themselves in her lofty halls with a cornucopia of festive experiences.

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By celebrating the culinary journey of its chef and co-founder, Agustin Balbi, Andō restaurant in Central has held a Michelin star for three years. But his sights are now set higher than ever.

Opening a fine-dining restaurant at the height of the pandemic must seem like an insurmountable challenge, but to not only thrive but earn a Michelin star just six months later – and to retain that accolade for three consecutive years – are achievements few can boast of. Yet that’s exactly what Andō’s co-founder, executive chef and Prestige 40 Under 40 honouree Agustin Balbi has accomplished.

“I opened the restaurant in July 2020, and it was very tough, because we didn’t know what to expect,” reflects Balbi. “But I was determined to make it work and I had the mental fortitude to do it, because of my previous training in Japan. Every day was a struggle there, so I thought to myself: ‘It can’t be more difficult than that.’”

With one Michelin star in his pocket for from 2020 to 2023, it seems natural that Balbi would want even more – but for him it’s not so much about the number of stars but the quality of his food and the mastery of his art.

“Of course, I think about the second or third star, and any chef at this level who tells you they don’t think about it isn’t being honest,” he admits. “But whether your target is three stars or whatever else, the ultimate goal for any chef really is to elevate their craft and develop their skills to a level that can be considered artistry. I always have this pressure, but it’s what I like, because it pushes you to the next level. I think it’s a very beautiful platform for you to keep improving.”

Given Balbi’s upbringing, cultural heritage and culinary journey, it’s clear to see why the chef prioritises perfecting his craft over simply accumulating more stars and awards. Born to an Argentinian family of Spanish and Italian heritage, food was something deeply embedded in his make up, and the person most responsible for his relationship to the culinary arts was his grandmother.

“I’ve been very lucky to have a great grandmother who cooks amazing food, he says. “It was basically her job: every day she’d wake up and ask me what I’d like to eat, and then she’d spend the entire day preparing the meals. I realise it’s something very special, because not every child has this sort of privilege. I think the way she used food was the way she translated care and love to me.
It sounds like a cliché, but for me it’s very real.”

Nonetheless, Balbi tells me it didn’t really inspire him to become a chef. In fact, it was almost by chance that he became what he is today. It was one summer, when every other kid and their family left town for the beach, that Balbi was stuck at home because of his father’s work obligations. Tired of him wasting his time, his mother suggested he went to work at the restaurant across the street, which was where he discovered his love for gastronomy. From there, he went on to study at culinary school in Argentina, then worked multiple establishments in the US before moving to Japan, a country he’d never planned to go to, but which shaped him beyond his own imagination.

“Because most people in Argentina are either Italian or Spanish or a mix of both, every single chef wanted to go to Spain or Italy or France,” Balbi explains. “But that was the easy way out to me, and I didn’t want that. So I took a very different, out-of-the-box route. I really wanted to learn how to cook seafood, because in Argentina we have no seafood industry at all. All we eat is beef. We only eat fish at Easter. They don’t know how to cook seafood properly, so I decided the two best places to learn this were Spain or Japan. The former wasn’t an option for me personally, so I chose the latter.”

As he’d been in the industry since he was 14, it wasn’t as he was a wide-eyed ingenue when he set off for Asia, but his experiences after landing in Japan were like nothing he’d expected.

“The country has changed me in so many ways,” he says. “The most obvious was the culture shock: I was literally from the opposite side of the world. The distance in kilometres reflected the distance in culture. I spoke zero Japanese, and not many people speak English there, so that made life very difficult. But soon I realised that I’d committed, so now I was there I had to work. That need of survival makes you learn things very quickly.”

He tells me of his inability to defend himself in the kitchen when something went wrong, because Japanese was foreign to him, so instead he’d strive to make as few mistakes as possible, focusing intensely on perfect execution. “In that kind of environment, everything was crazy. The first year I was there, I wanted to cry every day. But looking back, it was a complicated but very rewarding time. You either break or you become strong. I chose the latter, because otherwise you couldn’t make it, and that wasn’t something I’d accept.”

After years of long days and little time off, the Argentine chef decided he’d learned what he’d arrived in Japan to learn, and that it was time to move on. This time, he decided Hong Kong was where his destiny lay. Arriving in 2016, he joined Hideaki Matsuo’s team at Haku – and still looks back on his time there fondly. But by 2020, after almost two decades in other people’s kitchens, Balbi decided it was time to follow his own path. The result was Andō.

“I just felt I was ready to do my own thing,” he says. “Yes, at Haku I had a lot of freedom and I can’t deny I could do a lot of the things I wanted, but it was still inside of a frame. It wouldn’t make sense to stray too far from Haku’s concept, but that gradually made me frustrated. So I started to develop my own cooking and my own style, which eventually led to Andō.”

At the helm of his own Wellington Street restaurant, Balbi now celebrates what he deems most important: his own cultural journey. Combining the Spanish cuisine of his grandmother and the Japanese gastronomy he so painstakingly mastered, he offers a true reflection of his own experiences through menus that change regularly.

“It’s about the seasons and respecting what’s available,” he explains of his philosophy. “I believe being a chef is just being a bridge between our patrons and what nature has to offer. If you want to know the difference between Western and Asian cooking, I see it through their fountains. In the western world, you’ll see these ornate fountains with angels spurting water from the bottom up, and it’s very unnatural, but it’s made to show the skills of the artist. ‘Look, I’m the artist, look what I can do.’

“But in the east, you see more natural elements like wood and stone, and the water comes from top to bottom. It’s not about what the artist can do or their ego, but how beautiful nature is. It’s about making it look as close as possible to reality and simply admiring that. Cooking is the same, and the latter approach is what we use here.”

Given his fondness for Japan’s cuisine, it might seem surprising that Balbi, whose wife is Japanese, decided to move here, even if he did feel he’d learned all he could there. But for the first Argentine in Asia to receive a Michelin star, Hong Kong is the Mecca of gastronomy.

“To be honest, Hong Kong is the best place to be if you want to be a chef,” he says. “When the pandemic hit, we could do lunch from 12 to 6pm, but I thought to myself: ‘Who’d come eat lunch at 4pm? We’d only have business from 12 to 3pm, and we’d have no dinner service, so we’d have no money. It will be a disaster.’ But then we started seeing 4pm bookings. Fully booked. It wasn’t just Andō – other restaurants were seeing the same thing. People would come dressed well and buy bottles of wine and really enjoy themselves. And after 6pm people would hire you for catering at their homes because they were having dinner with their friends.

“In Europe or the US everything shut down – and even in good times, if you’re a foodie or gourmand you might go out for dinner two to three times a week. But here, it goes from Monday to Monday. Every day, people go out to eat. I always joke with my friends: in Argentina, our national sport is football. And in Hong Kong, the national sport is eating.”

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“Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you.” Taylor Swift has a serious love affair with New York City, as evident in her song lyrics. On October 27, 2023, she released her re-recorded album, 1989 (Taylor’s version), and it’s looking like Miss Taylor Swift has brought that entire era back to life with many high-profile visits to top NYC restaurants. Read on for a list of her favourites.

Taylor is our newest billionaire in town, and she’s been living it up in New York City. She’s been seen out and about with her high-profile girlfriends and on dates with her new beau, American Footballer Travis Kelce. And, like the rest of us, she has to eat, right? Look through Taylor Swift’s recent paparazzi pictures and you’ll see that many of them are taken outside of NYC restaurants.

So, if you want to sing, write, or perform like Swift, we can’t help you; but if you want to eat like Swift when you’re in the city, you’re in for a treat. But here’s the catch — the Taylor Swift Effect has taken over these eateries, with Swifties from near and far flocking to these restaurants in hopes of tasting the same food, and maybe catching a glimpse of “Miss Americana” herself.

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Taylor Swift-approved restaurants in NYC

Via Carota

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Remember when Taylor Swift and Sophie Turner were first spotted together shortly after Joe and Sophie’s divorce became public? They met at Via Carota, an excellent Tuscan-inspired restaurant operated by Jody Williams and Rita Sodi in the West Village. Swift appears to be a big fan since she’s been spotted there several times. Her first public images after her breakup with Joe Alwyn were also snapped just in front of Via Carota. But it’s not just Swift — you’ll find regulars like Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jennifer Lawrence, and Andy Cohen hanging out there.

Via Carota was once famous for being walk-in only, with lines stretching for more than two hours. However, they’ve now opened up several tables available for reservations, even issuing a cookbook last year. If you’re planning to try your luck by walking in, be prepared to wait — but trust us, it’s worth it. The menu changes seasonally, so you can’t go wrong with anything — but, what are their most famous dishes? The cacio e pepe, with the green salad.

Address: 51 Grove Street, New York City

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Temple Bar

 

 

 

 

 

 

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After the highly papped dinner of Swift and Turner at Via Carota, they reportedly went to the Temple Bar, which reopened in 2021, for a few drinks. The dark ambience of this moody martini bar, complete with its checkered floor and disco ball, is perfect for a low-key hangout. Reports suggest that the duo savoured some martinis and treated themselves to Temple Bar’s famous caviar bumps, all while soaking in the Art Deco vibes. Don’t miss out on pairing your drink with their steak cubes and grilled cheese while you are in there.

Address: 332 Lafayette Street, New York, NY 10012

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BondST

Taylor Swift had a star-studded hangout with her squad in November, including Selena Gomez, Sophie Turner, Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, and the new member to the crew, Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The paparazzi had a field day photographing the group in front of BondST, one of the busiest restaurants in town. This place is huge, taking up an entire brownstone in the NoHo neighbourhood.

BondST is famous for its sushi parlour, having gained renown for its Japanese-inspired meals with a contemporary touch. If you like sushi, you’re in for a treat. But it’s not just about the sushi; there are other treats as well. Menu favourites like the crispy rice, big-eye tuna tarts, and Wagyu skirt steak are all options worth trying.

Address:
6 Bond Street, NYC 10012
20 Hudson Yards, NYC 10001

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Zero Bond

Zero Bond, the exclusive NoHo member club run by Scott Sartiano, is Taylor Swift’s go-to spot in NYC. With celeb regulars like Tom Brady and Kim Kardashian, it’s got an Omakase room, a full-service restaurant, and a fancy wine-and-whiskey cellar. The privacy game is strong here, thanks to a strict no-photo policy. Swift has been spotted leaving after a Chiefs’ win with Travis Kelce, and has visited this place numerous times with her pals Blake Lively, Ed Sheeran, and others. The exclusive members list includes many athletes, business people, and creatives.

Address: 0 Bond St, New York, NY 10012

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Emilio’s Ballato

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Taylor Swift was spotted heading into Emilio’s Ballato, a vintage Italian gem downtown, with Sophie Turner, Blake Lively, and Brittany Mohanes in October. According to media reports, Swift has visited this place more than once in recent months.

The owner’s son, Emilio Vitolo Jr., is widely regarded as one of New York City’s top hosts. The walk-in restaurant is also no stranger to celebrities and high-profile guests. Start with a glass of their house red or white wine. And whatever you do, don’t skip the focaccia – as Emilio’s specialty, it’s the real deal. Follow up the appetiser with red sauce chicken Parmesan or, if you’re feeling particularly daring, the tripe. The linguine with white clam sauce is a must-order main dish. If you’re dining with friends, the fennel sausage with broccoli rabe or the veal Milanese are always wonderful choices. Bon appetit!

Address: 55 E Houston St, New York, NY 10012

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Nobu Fifty Seven

Remember the first pictures of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce that surfaced when they were going to the SNL after party? These pictures, showing the couple holding hands, sent the internet into a frenzy. But, before their now-iconic cameo during the SNL episode, the couple dined together at Nobu Fifty Seven. This hotspot occupies a massive 4,300-square-foot facility, equipped with many private rooms for added privacy. With their legendary black miso cod, hamachi with Jalapeño, and, of course, sushi on the menu, Nobu Fifty Seven is undoubtedly one of those places that “never goes out of style.”

Address: 40 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019

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The Waverly Inn

Here’s another NYC restaurant frequented by our beloved Miss Americana, Taylor Swift. She and Travis Kelce were recently snapped on a high-profile date night at this popular West Village treasure housed in a modest brownstone on Bank Street. Inside, the decor is warm and sombre, with Ed Sorrel murals. Notably, it is also the place said by Donald Trump to be serving “the worst food in the city”.

Step outside and you’ll be transported into a beautiful garden with ivy-covered walls. As the temperature drops for the winter season, their famous chicken pot pie makes a wonderful balm for the soul. Small appetisers such as burrata, beetroot salad, cheese platters, oysters, and pate are all also available on the menu alongside Amish chicken, Scottish salmon, duck two ways, and a cheddar burger with fries as main courses.

Address: 16 Bank Street, New York, New York 10014

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Minetta Tavern

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dressed in a cosy Gucci jumper, Taylor Swift recently graced the tables of popular Greenwich Village hangout Minetta Tavern, accompanied by her singer-songwriter pal Phoebe Bridgers. The evening’s gastronomic trip, meticulously documented on Instagram by Minetta Tavern’s restaurateur Keith McNally, says that she opted for baked oysters, scallops, Dover sole, and lobster vol au vents. According to the Instagram post, she enjoyed her meal and she’ll probably come back some other time. If Swift decides to return, the legendary burger at Minetta Tavern, widely regarded as one of Manhattan’s greatest, may be a tempting option to consider.

Address: 113 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

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Fouquet’s New York

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Swift has also recently dined at Fouquet’s New York with Sophie Turner and Haim Sisters. The family of hoteliers also runs Paris’ renowned Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s. This Martin Brudnizki-built treasure houses two separate dining establishments: Par Ici Café, which specialises in vegan and plant-based cooking, and Brasserie Fouquet’s, a classic Parisian restaurant created by Pierre Gagnaire. Though there’s no news which one she visited, steak tartare, escargot, sole meunière, and onion soup here is delicious. The hotel also has a lobby and a rooftop bar.

Address: 456 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

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Mulberry Bar

Swift and Turner, the new member of the BFF club, planned a girls’ night out at the newly opened Mulberry Bar. Since its star-studded launch, which included Camila Mendes, Sebastian Stan, Margot Robbie, Taika Waititi, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo DiCaprio, this location has been the talk of the town. Taylor Swift’s presence just adds to the excitement.

Mulberry Bar, decorated with Emelie Törling murals, and Jean Cocteau-esque figures, has become a favourite hangout for Jason Mamoa, Christian Siriano, Janet Jackson, Alicia Silverstone, and Beck.

Address: 240 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012

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Freemans

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Swift managed to sneak in a lovely dinner in New York City with singer Gracie Abrams (one of the openers for her US leg of the Eras tour) after her shows in Argentina, where Travis Kelce accompanied her. The eatery is nestled away along a graffiti-covered lane off the Bowery on the Lower East Side. Since its inception in 2004, Freemans has been a popular dining destination, famous for its seasonal American cuisine such as whole grilled brook trout and roasted delicata squash with pumpkin seed salsa verde.

Address: Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002

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Il Buco Alimentari

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Taylor Swift met up with Zoë Kravitz and Laura Dern at Il Buco Alimentari a few months ago. The place is home to an all-day cafe, market, and dining room, with cuisine centred on house-cured meats and freshly baked bread. Moreover, it offers a variety of eating experiences, including snacks, panini, whole fish, and other main courses with an Italian flair. Imported Italian pantry products adorn the walls. Guests dining in can enjoy the restaurant’s pizzas, salads, and different kinds of pasta.

Address: 53 Great Jones St, New York, NY 10012

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La Lanterna di Vittorio

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Taylor Swift and her buddy Todrick Hall stopped by this beautiful cafe in Greenwich Village for an Italian feast. According to a restaurant representative, the singer ordered two personal-size gourmet thin-crust pizzas: the Margherita and the Rosetta De Lyo, which included Gorgonzola and salami. They also requested two double French martinis to wash their food down, and finished their meal with the cafe’s delicious tiramisu with vanilla gelato. After the meal, the friends descended into the restaurant’s downstairs jazz bar and supper club, Bar Next Door.

Address: 129 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012

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Locanda Verde

Swift, who reportedly owns multiple residences in Tribeca, is a frequent visitor to chef Andrew Carmellini’s famous Italian restaurant, Locanda Verde. Reportedly, Swift came to dine at the restaurant with Lily Aldridge. Co-owned by Robert De Niro, the NYC restaurant has drawn a star-studded clientele that includes Harry Styles, Drew Barrymore, and of course Taylor Swift herself.

Address: 377 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10013

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Bubby’s

Bubby’s, owned by Ron Silver, serves hearty fare including pancakes, pies, biscuits, and typical American comfort foods. Located in Swift’s Tribeca neighbourhood and noted for its excellent pies, the diner was eemed the ideal setting for Swift and Lena Dunham’s friend date. 

Address: 120 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013

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(Main and featured image: Gotham/GC Images)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– What restaurant did Taylor Swift go to in NYC?

Taylor Swift recently went to Via Carota, Temple Bar, BondST, Zero Bond, Nobu and many other restaurants in NYC.

– Where do celebrities dine in NYC?

Carbone, Nobu Downtown, Balthazar, The Polo Bar, L’Artusi, Catch NYC, and The Grill, are some of the celebrity frequented restaurants in NYC.

The post Eat through New York City restaurants like Taylor Swift appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.