| May 17, 2012
Whenever I crave anything sweet, I usually don’t think about how many calories I’ll be ingesting or how fatty the thing’ll be (which might explain why I’ve tested on the high side for the “bad” LDL cholesterol in my most recent check-up, but I digress…). So yes, it’s a comfort to know that there are health-conscious desserts establishments like Red Mango (71 Wellington St., Central, 2907-1199, www.redmango.com.hk), who’ve already done the screening for us before selling us their oh-so-yummy frozen yogurt. Red Mango is a Korea-originated health-focused froyo chain that now has over 230 stores across the world (with many in the States and a whole bunch in Southeast Asia)—one of the newest being right here on Wellington Street. The brand claims they started the whole healthy froyo craze in the States when they opened their first store in Los Angeles in 2007, and I can see why they were among the successful pioneers. The smooth and creamy yet wonderfully light yogurt base is made a gazillion times more wonderful by the variety of fresh toppings that you can sprinkle over it. When I dropped by last week, I bought an original-flavored cup topped with s’more bits, these explosive tapioca pearl-like things and some strawberries. I loved the slightly but not overly acidic tinge from the yogurt that balanced all the sweet stuff out. It helped to know that the yogurt was all-natural, low-fat and gluten-free, I guess, although my guilt switch is pretty much turned off permanently these days. Another thing I loved about Red Mango is the fact that you can choose an unlimited amount of toppings, so long as they don’t topple over the cup—none of that pay-by-weight stuff that can really jack up the price. Red Mango also stocks sandwiches and savory goods, but the turkey and mushroom sandwich I had was a bit industrial, as in it felt mass-produced and didn’t contain as much TLC and character as the froyo offerings. The yogurt is definitely the star of the show here!
On top of the usual weekly races, there’s a new reason to visit the Happy Valley Racecourse every Wednesday night. The Gallery (3/F, Public Stand, Happy Valley Racecourse, 2 Sports Rd., Happy Valley) is now open to all race-goers who want a bit of good food to accompany their betting. The food here is mainly western, with everything from Mediterranean tapas to beef Wellington to Moroccan lamb-shank and roasted spring chicken. The coolest thing about The Gallery, though, doesn’t have anything to do with food: the restaurant also offers diners free use of their iPads (100 in total) during the meal, all of which come with racing simulation apps—happy news if you’re that serious a better.
Fans of Linguini Fini and Posto Pubblico, please hold onto your seats, because IHM Group has a cool new project up their sleeves. Pizzeria Pubblico (G/F, Tsun Wing Lane, Central, info@pizzeriapubblico.com) is set to open in June, serving up hearty American-style pizza in a cheerful 35-seater. Slices begin at $25, with meaty ingredients like pepperoni and homemade sausages taking center stage for toppings. There’ll be fresh daily homemade breads too, but that’s only to be expected at any IHM establishment. The veal meatball subs are supposed to be another highlight alongside the pizzas. Oooh, I smell future competition with the newly relocated Paisano’s (23 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2544-4445), but that could only be a good thing for all us diners.
Email me at awong@asia-city.com.hk or follow me on Twitter: @adele_hklife.
