Due to current health concerns many Hong Kong restaurants have said goodbye to the traditional weekend brunch buffet and are instead offering made to order dishes that are brought to your table. Here are just a few to tempt you; after all, we all need something to look forward at the end of a long week home schooling the kids…
Honjo
During its two-hour brunch package, contemporary Japanese restaurant Honjo delivers all the food direct to your table. There are starters of edemama; Wagyu tataki (cooked in chorizo oil); fried chicken and a chilled spinach with sesame sauce, all to share. This is followed by a sashimi selection; the chef’s choice of maki and nigiri; and some freshly shucked Scottish oysters. By this point you may be starting to feel full but be sure to save space for the main course. Each diner gets to choose one of five options – baked chicken; flank steak; salmon teriyaki; tempura or cauliflower (the cauliflower with truffle, passion fruit caper sauce is delicious, even to someone who’s not keen on cauliflower!) For children, there is a different menu of main courses, but you may well find the kids fill themselves up on the fried chicken (ask if you want it less spicy) and sashimi. Plus, there’s dessert to save room for, although our children opted for a scoop of raspberry ice-cream rather than the special selection. The cost of brunch is $498 per adult. Children are $98, but for two paying adults, one child eats free. The attentive staff are very helpful and are more than happy to tailor dishes to suit the children’s tastes. A free-flow package is available at $198 per person and includes sake, wine, beer and a selection of cocktails.
La Rambla by Catalunya
Start your brunch at La Rambla with an array of tasty tapas bites delivered to your table. Catalan inspired main courses are made to order with grilled whole trout; traditional suckling pig; wagyu beef cheek; paella vegetariana; classic paella and squid ink paella to choose from. Those with a sweet tooth will love the ‘Xurros’ Dos Chocolat, but Crema Catalina and Helado Nitro Sundae are equally delish. The brunch costs$550 per person. There are two options for free flow – the “good open bar” costs $380 while the “great open bar” is $1,380 – but boasts the likes of Krug Grande Cuvee NV and Singleton 12 Years. Take in the stunning views across Victoria Harbour from either the outdoor terrace, or from the Barcelona inspired interior. Whichever setting you opt for, La Rambla makes the perfect place for a Sunday escape.
Felix
Looking to splurge? The Peninsula’s modern European restaurant with a view, Felix has elevated its Sunday Brunch to a new level with “The World on a Platter” dining concept. Diners are presented with a sumptuous range of Felix dishes served at their table. Served 11.30am-3.30pm on Sundays, the brunch costs $898 per adult and $638 per child. Children must be over three years of age to enjoy brunch.
The Optimist
The Optimist has replaced its open buffet with a freshly prepared appetiser platter consisting of tomato salad; cheese and cold cuts; chorizo; prawns and mushroom croquettes served directly to your table. Main course choices include pork ribs; eggplant; red snapper; Angus beef cheek; black rice with calamari and squid ink or chateaubriand. Wash it down with prosecco; wine; beer or Sangria as part of the free flow drinks package. And don’t forget the chef’s dessert platter as a final treat. $348 for brunch and $180 for the three hour free flow drinks package. The kids menu costs just $98.
Old Bailey
What could be more tempting than all you can eat xiaolongbao? For $480 per adult and $200 for children under 10 years, Old Bailey in Tai Kwun serves xiaolongbao (reimagined in three ways), exquisite Jiangnan dim-sum dishes and a variety of other dishes fresh to your table. For an additional $220 per person you can enjoy free-flow Perrier Jouët Grand Brut NV Champagne, Bloody Mary, Spritzes, red and white wines and soft beverages. Available Saturday, Sunday or public holidays. Book for four adults and you only pay for three (not applicable on the free flow package).
Spasso
Build your own brunch at Spasso. Either select a starter + soup + pasta + dessert for just $328, or you swap the pasta dish for a more substantial main course for the slightly higher price of $388; great value for a four course meal. Starter options include egg benedict with smoked salmon; caprese salad; garden salad; deep fried calamari or beef carpaccio. There a five pasta options to choice from or, if you’re swapping to the main course, choose between pan roasted salmon; beef tailgate or guinea fowl. Children can order from the kids menu. Free flow drink packages are $168 for sangria, wine prosecco or beer or $288 if you want to treat yourself to Verve Cliquot. Why not head to the terrace and unwind?
