This is a hidden gem for Japanese foodies in the know. We went pretty late, and the camaraderie of the Japanese chef (who speaks fluent Cantonese) and the sushi counter boys was charming to behold. The menu is extensive. We ordered wafu-yukke (Japanese-style “Korean beef carpaccio”) which wasn’t beef at all, but chunky strips of raw tuna with thin slivers of cucumber coated with a sweet sauce. Together with toasted sesame seeds, the contrasting textures were utterly enjoyable.
This is a hidden gem for Japanese foodies in the know. We went pretty late, and the camaraderie of the Japanese chef (who speaks fluent Cantonese) and the sushi counter boys was charming to behold. The menu is extensive. We ordered wafu-yukke (Japanese-style “Korean beef carpaccio”) which wasn’t beef at all, but chunky strips of raw tuna with thin slivers of cucumber coated with a sweet sauce. Together with toasted sesame seeds, the contrasting textures were utterly enjoyable.
OK, so we’re a bit disappointed that Sijie’s new location feels more like a proper restaurant now than a no-frills private kitchen. The strong air-con blasting from up-top, forcing all of us to keep our jackets on during the meal, didn’t help either. But the quality of the dishes and the hospitality of the waitstaff haven’t changed since their good ol’ days on Lockhart Road, and that, at the end of the day, is what matters.
If you have all the time in the world, the Caffe Habitu group’s comfortable hipster hangout should be your go-to spot. Looking for a quick lunch spot, we chose the newish multi-leveled coffee haven because of their attractive patio seating area and tasty-looking lunch set (which included a choice of starters, mains and a cup of coffee either iced or hot). We were off to a bad start when the waiter who seated us left us without menus and then had us almost jumping out of our seats to flag him down so we could put in our order.
The Caffe Habitu group has built a multi-leveled fortress in Causeway Bay, beginning with The Coffee Academicson the ground floor. TCA is supposed to be a hipper, funkier version of the regular Caffe Habitu outlets, and it’s definitely a gorgeous set-up, especially at night when the lights are dim and people are chilling by the alfresco terrace. Ice-drip, Chemex, AeroPress and other fancy schmancy brewed coffees are all offered, and you can also get snacks and desserts such as handmade truffles to go along.
Fishermen One is hidden away in a commercial building on Yiu Wa Street, alongside a bunch of upper-floor restaurants behind Times Square. Don’t let the name fool you, as this quaint and neat little private kitchen serves authentic Cantonese food in a cozy space with three rooms that can seat about six to eight persons in each. You can also book these private rooms to host dinner parties for special occasions with a minimum charge of $2,500 per room.
Shoegirl offers a range of designs, from peep-toe heels to flats, but employees are also happy to copy any design you bring in or work with you to create something unique. There is a wide variety of leather and fabrics available, including their very popular satin. Shoes are ready in two to three weeks.
Having launched its bridal collection just last year, Shopgirl Boutique offers plenty of picks in bridal shoes with unique designs created by owner Jennifer Cheung. Besides readymade shoes, Shopgirl also make custom shoes with a long list of choices in colors and materials. Customers are welcome to bring in their own ideas and designs, and she’ll be more than happy to create your dream wedding shoes. Simple designs will take two to three weeks and cost from $880.
At DYOS, or Design Your Own Shoes, the name truly speaks for itself. With several different locations throughout Hong Kong, it offers brides the opportunity to create a unique pair of shoes to complement their wedding dress using a variety of materials and designs. While fashion-minded brides can opt to create their own heels, there is also a read-to-wear line, with prices starting at around $700.
We keep coming back even though we know that by the end of the meal we’ll be glistening with sweat, our mouths damaged beyond repair. Yu is an itsy bitsy sichuan specialty shop selling all sorts of variations of the same thing: spicy hot chili-oil-drenched everything. And we love it—although we suspect liberal MSG usage might be partially responsible for this. On this visit, we ordered a vegetable starter platter, a chili half chicken, a bowl of spicy dan dan noodles and another bowl of their classic mala mouth-numbing noodles.
The buzz: A Japanese-style watering hole where the alcohol is served with the élan of a tea ceremony by director and bartender Ichiro Hiidome.The décor: A classic, old-school long bar, just like one you’d see in a J-drama. Behind the organized gantry is a view of Happy Valley that’s rarely seen anywhere else, so definitely go for the comfortable counter seats. Besides, that’s where you can easily check out Hiidome-san’s spellbinding bartending, pure entertainment in itself.
A Japanese-style watering hole where the alcohol is served with the élan of a tea ceremony by director and bartender Ichiro Hiidome. The orthodox martini reigns here, chilled to minus 20 degrees. And they serve over 300 kinds of whiskey imported from Japan and London.
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