I’m about to board a helicopter bound for fabulous Macau. But I’ve been busy this week cruising the mean streets - let’s see what’s cookin’.

Japanese Please

I love noshing on Nipponese cuisine, whether it’s beer-fed beef or jet-fresh sushi. There are few things I won’t eat, and the best thing about Japanese food is that you’re pretty much safe  ordering any kind of chef’s menu. Such is the case at the gorgeous new Inagiku at the Four Seasons hotel, the only standalone restaurant allowed to operate in its exceedingly high standard environs. So far, all of its restaurants we’ve reviewed have nabbed deserved excellent ratings and after a tour and meal there is little doubt this new addition will be the new talk of the town. Call 2805-0788.

A Penchant for Pizza

Gone is the huge grill at Goccia and in its place a brand-new pizza oven pumping out more than a dozen classic pies from the homeland courtesy of Michelin-star chef Francesco Brocca. He makes it with the traditional Northern Italy thin crust and jet-fresh imported ingredients, not that nonsense you get at pizza chain restaurants around town. In fact, I might just head over there for lunch, back in a hour... Goccia is at 71 Wyndham St., Central, 2167-8181.

Peel Street Beat and Southern Heat

Have I gone mad or is there a burgeoning scene happening in the Peel Street area in pseudo-SoHo? A new bar called Peel has opened at G/F, 21 Elgin St., 2810-0766, courtesy of the good folks at Igors group, and a free drink is yours by saying ‘Pickled pelican picked a pearl at Peel” five times in five seconds. Meanwhile one of our favorite digs has upgraded its look with a more “Mexican” bent: Marlin’s on D’Aguilar street is now doused in tequila. And since we’re on the subject, try the Southern menu focus all month with a special three-course set dinner created by visiting chef Jay McCarthy for $320 at Wildfire outlets, The Boathouse and Stormies Crabshack, or sample a range of groovy new a la carte items with a southern theme.

Beer and Nordic Cheer

I won’t pretend to understand Scandinavian cuisine other than to tell you some of the most delicious things to appear on a plate or in a glass call this mysterious, icy tundra home. Such as? How about the original Carlsberg beer called Jacobsen on feature all month with a special menu at FINDS (2/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham St., Lan Kwai Fong, 2522-9318). Dark lager, ale and blonde beers pair up with yummy dishes from award-winning chef Jakko all winter.

Outrageous Burgers

Not only does McSorley’s Ale House claim it makes “The Best Burgers In SoHo,” but they’ve upped the ante with a burger of the month featuring flavors from around the world. All this month the south rises again with a “New Orleans” cajun chicken burger with blue cheese for just $98 in celebration of Mardi Gras. 55 Elgin St., SoHo, 2522-2646. 

Take That

Why have we waited so long for this idea? Red Bar & Restaurant are now doing healthy takeaway lunches in a set box. Vegetarians and meat lovers are equally suited with pizza, pasta, seafood, chicken and chili paired with fresh fruit. 4/F, Two IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central,  8129-8882.

Saturday Night’s Not Just For Fighting

Kind of a take on that old Elton John song, OK? Anywho, there’s a new deal - new chef Marco Torre and new menu at Grissini at the Grand Hyatt I checked out last week and it’s awesome, friends. On Saturday evenings between 5:30pm-7pm you get a special set menu for $400 (three courses) or $480 (four courses). The weird part? You’ve gotta bounce by 7pm or the bats come out, “Untouchables” style. OK, maybe not, but you’re supposed to be dined and done by 7pm. 2/F, Grand Hyatt, 1 Harbour Rd., 2584-7933.

Cooking 101

If you’re keen to learn how to make healthy, nutritious and delicious food in your own kitchen learn from Life’s executive chef each Thu from 7:45pm. It’s $300 a shot or $250 if you commit to three classes in advance. Take note: it’s not at Life Café, it’s at Life Organic Wholefoods at 20A Aberdeen St., SoHo,
lilian@lifeorganicwholefoods.com.hk. Speaking of cooking, I’m hungry! What’s up for lunch gang? I’ve got some serious grumblies going on!