Thursday, November 5, 2009

Fashionable Aqua Restaurant Group Offers Seven Stylish Ways To Enjoy Christmas

(Hong Kong, November 5, 2009) – aqua restaurant group is combining Italian, Japanese and Chinese fare at its fashionable string of restaurants in Hong Kong this festive season to offer everything from a cosy and traditional dinner to an extravagant feast with views of the city.

Which one of its seven stylish outlets will you choose?

1. Can’t decide between Japanese or Italian? Then have both. At the super swanky penthouse address of One Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui aqua roma and aqua tokyo will serve a suitably decadent five-course ‘Taste of aqua Christmas’ every evening from 1st – 28th December priced at HK$898 per person combining the best of Japanese and Italian cuisines.

Christmas Eve will be celebrated with a six-course gastronomic feast priced at HK$1,088 where guests can also order Dom Perignon 1999 at an extra HK$340 a glass, or HK$1,800 a bottle, or Dom Rose at HK$3,600 a bottle.

2. A room with a view and a One Michelin Starred Menu? Hutong, the group’s acclaimed 'Raise the Red Lantern' style Chinese restaurant will present a gourmet seven-course Christmas Menu priced at HK$1088. Signature dishes will include “Kung Po Style” chili prawns & scallops and spotted grouper fillet fried tossed with crisp fermented bean. Available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

3. Last minute Christmas shopping with no time to go home and change for dinner? Shiro at Pacific Place Shopping Mall will be offering a Japanese seven-course menu on Christmas Eve and Day for last minute shoppers priced at HK$488 per person including a complimentary glass of Prosecco.

4. Over in Causeway Bay, Japanese genius, Chef Iwahashi will be preparing a five-course menu of signature dishes priced at HK$628 at WasabiSabi on both 24th and 25th December.

5-6. Yearning tradition and a romantic get together? Then tivo and vivo, aqua’s neighborhood hangouts will both be cooking up homestyle Christmas menus in a cosy atmosphere. tivo’s five-course Christmas Eve delight will be priced at HK$398 and vivo’s four-course Italian at HK$488 on both Christmas Eve and Day.

7. A Chinese feast for all the family? Then Yun Fu on Wyndham Street is your best bet. On Christmas Eve and Day Yun Fu will be serving a shared Chinese menu of dishes inspired by the Northern and Western reaches of Chinese with a complimentary glass of bubbly per person for HK$488.

Gastronomic Christmas & New Year's Eve Dinners for Connoisseurs at CÉPAGE

(Hong Kong, November 4, 2009) – A Gourmet Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve fit for royalty is promised at the raved about, opulent gastro-restaurant CÉPAGE in Wanchai's Starstreet.

Gastronomic menus created by Michelin restaurant veteran Chef Thomas Mayr showcase some of the world's most prestigious ingredients -- complemented by one of Hong Kong's most extravagant wine cellars.

The 5-course French-Mediterranean Christmas Eve dinner, priced at HK$1,480, starts with prized Balik smoked salmon and Osciétre caviar, followed by pan-seared Brittany scallop with Alaskan crab and baby spinach.

A delicious Consommé of double de ‘Chapon’ de Bresse, foie gras custard and Perigord black truffle introduces the main course of black trumpet-crusted venison. Delectable dessert follows featuring gingerbread mousse and vin brûlée sabayon, with petit four and coffee or tea to finish.

The extravagant 6-course New Year's Eve menu, priced at HK$1,888, starts with Alaskan crab and Osciétre caviar, with green apple and avocado.

Three gastronomic delights follow: champagne-lime risotto and Brittany scallop with lemon balm; turbot confit with Jerusalem artichoke, ‘Le Puy’ lentil and smoked eel foam; and CÉPAGE’s signature ‘Taiyouran’ organic egg confit with truffled oxtail gelée and Lomo Iberico.

The highlight of the dinner – the main course - is the delicious roasted D’Anjou pigeon breast and crispy fried leg stuffed with foie gras.

Dessert is equally as exquisite - warm Valrhona Araguani chocolate esprema with passionfruit ice cream, completed with petit four and a selection of coffees or teas.

Resident sommelier John Chan will be guiding guests through CÉPAGE's celebrated wine cellar for anything their heart desires.

CÉPAGE is named after the French wine terminology for a blend or variety of grapes and its stunning HK$20 million cellar is one of the finest in Asia, featuring 2,400 labels including some of the world's most revered vintages.

CÉPAGE's peerless wine credentials are underlined by its parent company, Les Amis Singapore, receiving Wine Spectator magazine’s prestigious Grand Award -- one of only three Asian recipients in the last decade.

Nestled between Wanchai and Central in the stylish Starstreet precinct, CÉPAGE is inspired by classic European architecture, styled after an 18th century French villa blending old world opulence with cutting edge design.

The gastronomic experience is completed with exceptional attention to service detail, complemented by special First Series glassware by Zwiesel 1872, ensuring a wine experience like no other.

Address: 23 Wing Fung Street
For reservations: (852) 2861 3130

Relais & Châteaux - Encouraging Business Results

(Hong Kong, November 4, 2009) Although fiscal 2008-2009 was a difficult period for Relais & Châteaux member properties due to the impact of the international crisis, the satisfying results recorded by central reservations during the summer season are encouraging for the forthcoming fiscal year.

A year of action: New communication and commercial strategy
The total revamping of the international Relais & Châteaux Guide, the consolidation of press relationships and a world-wide advertising campaign largely contributed towards raising awareness of the international Relais & Châteaux brand.
Moreover, the Association was able to enhance the competitiveness of its members through its decision in favour of the RedX distribution management system of SynXis which allowed it to markedly improve its performance over last year.

Reservations: increasing numbers
The new Relais & Châteaux central reservation system, which was launched in March, has generated a 24% higher result since its introduction. These positive developments were confirmed during the first quarter of fiscal 2009-2010 (July, August, September) with a consistent rise in the level of activity (+28%) attributable to the strong increase in bed nights (+39%), reservations (+35%) and the average length of stay (+3%).

Rewarded reactivity
After a period of very strong growth between 2004 and the first half year 2008, sales revenues fell by more than 11% in 2008-2009 in an environment marked by a major economic crisis. However, the reactivity and measures taken by Relais & Châteaux allowed it to check this decline.
"Given its proximity to the member properties, the Board of Directors of the Association was able to respond to the crisis: the development of our commercial and communication strategies combined with the exchange and sharing of ideas between our members have enabled us to grow stronger in this adverse climate. According to an internal survey, most of our members forecast positive or stable hotel business activities up to the end of this year", stresses Jaume Tàpies, International President of Relais & Châteaux.

New Call Centres
Relais & Châteaux has seen a huge growth in Asia over the last year, highlighted by the launch of their Chinese website in May, and the launch of the 2nd Edition of the Asia Pacific Guide. Most recently, Relais & Châteaux has added two new call centres to the region allowing access to reservations for Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. These new call centres are in addition to the existing ones in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Sydney. The new call centre details are as follows:

Thailand (or other countries): + 66 2258 5060

Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia (toll free): 1 800 733 2460


Website: www.relaischateaux.com or www.relaischateaux.cn

ABOUT RELAIS & CHÂTEAUX
Relais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 480 of the finest charming hotels and gourmet restaurants in 56 countries.

Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.

Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony, an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers all the stops on the finest route for discovering each special place and country.

The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD”.

France's Iconic Orange Liqueur Grand Marnier® and M Bar at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Present the 'Irresistible' Festive Season Cocktail Promotion

(Hong Kong, 4 November, 2009) -- France's iconic orange liqueur Grand Marnier® is partnering with M bar at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong launching the iconic range of “Irresistible” cocktails.

These glamorous cocktails have been created by Julien Defrance, Grand Marnier®'s Brand Ambassador in Hong Kong using new recipes that use Grand Marnier®’s latest limited edition 'Irresistible’, which is adorned in ‘playfully indulgent’ vivid red lacquer to celebrate the 2009 festive season. The series of sophisticated cocktails include “Irresistible” - Grand Marnier® Cordon Rouge with strawberry, apple and lemon juice – garnished with gooseberry dipped in red caramel, priced at HK$90 plus 10% service charge.

Throughout November, cocktail drinkers can take home a limited edition cocktail stirrer with purchases of two 'Irresistible’ cocktails at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong's stylish M Bar.

The liqueur has been revered by sophisticated epicureans for its incomparable smoothness since being invented in 1880 by Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle.

A huge international success, Grand Marnier® is served on the most refined tables and in the most fashionable bars in over 150 countries worldwide. It has been the leading French liqueur in export sales for over 25 years, and is the third highest selling liqueur brand worldwide.

The 2009 'Irresistible’ Grand Marnier® limited edition is available in Hong Kong in select high-end bars and specialty outlets, including Watson’s Wine Cellar and Oliver’s.

Though traditionally enjoyed neat or on ice, Grand Marnier®’s unique flavour also takes a wide range of flavourful cocktails and long drinks to new heights.

*SUGGESTED BEST SERVES

Irresistible
30ml Grand Marnier®
30ml Strawberry Juice
20ml Apple Juice
10ml Lemon juice
Garnish with Strawberry

Grand Cosmopolitan
45ml Belvedere
15ml Grand Marnier®
15ml Cranberry Juice
15ml Fresh Lime Juice
Garnish with Flamed Orange Twist

Grand Mimosa
20ml Grand Marnier®
40ml Orange Juice
Top up Champagne
No Garnish

Grand Mojito
45ml Grand Marnier®
Quarter of Orange cut into pieces for muddle
Mints
20ml Passion Fruit Juice
1 pack Raw Sugar
Garnish with Mint Sprig

* Prices of the above cocktails are HK$90 + 10% service charge.

About Grand Marnier®
In 1880, Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, the son-in-law of Eugène Lapostolle, son of the founder, created the famous Grand Marnier® liqueur, a blend of cognac and tropical oranges. Today, the company is run by 5th and 6th generation members of the Marnier Lapostolle family, including Jacques Marnier Lapostolle, the current Chief Executive Officer. With 90% of its production sold outside of France in over 150 countries, Grand Marnier® has been the leading French liqueur in export sales for over 25 years. According to the magazine “Impact”, Grand Marnier® is among the top 100 major international brands of premium spirits and is the third highest selling brand of liqueur worldwide (based on retail sales). A bottle of Grand Marnier® is sold every 2 seconds around the world.

About M Bar, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Perched on the 25th floor of the Mandarin Oriental with stunning views over the harbour and Hong Kong’s skyline, the stylish M bar is a buzzing epicentre of Hong Kong nightlife. With interiors of charcoal velvet and silver leaf, complemented by glass and lacquered walls, the focal point is a sensuous lotus bud-shaped bar. Enticing tapas are served alongside an array of champagnes, classic cocktails and M bar’s own tantalising creations. M bar is open from 11am-1am Mondays to Fridays, and from 5pm-1am on Saturdays. On Sundays and public holidays it opens from 5 pm-midnight.

Celebrate The Festive Season In Style at H one

(Hong Kong, 5 November 2009) - Hong Kong’s ‘ultimate dining experience' H one is serving up a gastronomic feast guaranteed to make this a festive season to remember.

What better way to start your festive season on Christmas Eve, December 24 in the company of that special someone or a group of friends or colleagues than by enjoying H one’s six-course tasting menu priced at HK$980 per person.

Commence your six-course tasting menu with Foie Gras Terrine with Granny Smith Apple, Red Onion Jam and Balsamic Reduction followed by Slow Cooked Italian Egg with Jerusalem Artichoke Nage, Black Truffle and Crispy Shallot. These tasty morsels are followed by Home Made Herbed Fettuccine with Wild Boar Ragout and Shaved Chestnuts, and Roasted John Dory with Italian Baby Clams and Wild Zucchini Stew. Mouthwatering main course options are Pan Fried Chapon Breast with Potimarron Squash Puree, Brussel Sprout Leaves and Truffle Jus or Trumpet Mushroom Crusted Lamb Loin with Aubergine, Chanterelle, Fava Beans and Rosemary Sauce.

This decadent six-course menu is completed with an indulgent dessert of Christmas Pudding, Mini White Chocolate Nougatine Mousse, Ginger Bread Short Cake and Maple Syrup Ice Cream adding spice to your Christmas spirit.

Celebrate Christmas Day on December 25 with a lunch buffet priced at HK$528 per person, or gather your friends and family to enjoy the dinner buffet priced at HK$680 per person. These feature a tasteful feast of traditional dishes designed to enhance your festive feeling.

In celebration of the festive season, H one has also tailor made exclusive Festive hampers containing the finest gourmet products, providing you with the perfect gift for friends and colleagues. All corporate orders over HK$10,000 receive a 5% discount and orders over HK$50,000 receive a 10% discount. Additionally, orders placed before November 30th will receive an early bird discount of 5%.

Appagamento hamper (Contentment) comprises Pear Balsamic Vinegar, Black Truffle with Cheese Fonaue, Aged Parma Ham, and a selection of Home Made goodies including Chocolate Truffles, Cookies and Christmas Stollen, amongst others and a bottle of Prosecco, Zeta di Zardetto 2007 priced at just HK$988. Add in an additional bottle of Wine - Pinot Noir, Cloudy Bay, New Zealand 2008, at a total retail price of HK$1,388.

Tentazione hamper (Temptation) encompasses Modena Aged Balsamic Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Pistacchio Torrone, Traditional Italian Pannettone, Black Truffle Paste, Home made Cantucci / Biscotti, Parmegiano, 24 Months Aged Parma Ham, Assorted Jam, Foie Gras Rougie,Home Made Christmas Cookies, Home Made Christmas Stollen, Home Made Chocolate Truffles, Christmas Gingerbread, Traditional Christmas Pudding, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, Cloudy Bay, New Zealand 2009 and a bottle of Billecard Salmon Brut NV Reserve, for a total retail price of HK$1,888.

Priced at HK$2,888, Inveigle hamper (Allure) additionally includes Mousse of Goose Liver with Truffle, Selection of mustards, Fig Balsamic Vinegar, a bottle of Louis Roederer Brut, NV and a bottle of Chianti Classico, Marcheese Antnori, Italy 2004.

For HK$3,888, Dilettevole hamper (Delectable) additionally contains Italian Truffle Oil, Osciètre Caviar, Chef’s Selection of Jams, Spanish Ham, Ronnefeldt Chamomile Tea, Dom Perignon 2002, Brunello di Montalcino, Banfi 2005 and Gavi, Pio Cesare, Italy 2007.

H one also offers two additional hampers for wine and cigar lovers priced at HK$5,888 and HK$8,888 featuring a decadent selection of items, these include, but are not limited to, Dom Perignon 2000, Krug NV, Hennessy X.O and 36 Months Aged “Joselito” Iberico Ham.

H one’s festive hampers are available for order from today until December 22. To place orders, please call (852) 2805- 0638, and orders must be placed three days in advance.

Welcome 2010 in casino-style, with a James Bond 007 themed party at H one, complete with a fabulous tasting menu priced at HK$1,688, featuring Hokkaido Sea Scallop Carpaccio and Herring Caviar; Home Made Mediterranean Scampi Ravioli, Fresh Parsley and Italian Baby Clam Jus and Seared Cod Fillet, Cuttlefish Confit, Piquillo Peppers and Sea Urchin Sauce amongst other mouthwatering delights.

*All above menu prices are subject to a 10% service charge

About H one

Boasting Hong Kong’s most dramatic harbour-side terrace, H one is part of a chic three-venue concept which also features New York-style lounge bar G Bar and The Box, featuring daily lunchtime buffets and available for private parties and corporate events.

The contemporary ifc mall flagship restaurant of JC Group focuses on fashionable international dining ranging from oysters, signature grills and rotisseries to authentic Italian and European cuisine.

The wine cellar is arguably the most superb of any privately owned restaurant group in the city.

For reservations, please call (852) 2805-0638.

H one is at Shop 4008, Podium Level 4, ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong.