HOT NEWS

by Katie Forster

Lots has happened in the foodie world this week - new treats are springing up everywhere. Here are my top three:

OOLAA opens today on Bridges Street at the base of the swanky residential complex Centrestage. The space was formerly used as by Elemis as a day spa but the 6000 square foot space now describes itself as a restaurant, bar, lounge and coffee shop all in one… and don’t forget their terrace. Oolaa will be serving Western food, including pizzas from their wood fired pizza oven, with a little bit of Asian fare thrown in for good measure. Whilst this type of menu isn’t breaking any molds in Hong Kong, it seems that the guys behind the hugely successful Wagyu and Jaspas can do no wrong so we can expect Oolaa to be hugely popular. Being a resident of the area I for one am looking forward to a relaxed spot to enjoy my coffee and newspaper on a Sunday morning. The “fine wine corner” is also of interest although hold tight for their liquor license; it should be with them this weekend.
Check out their HUGE sample menu at http://www.casteloconcepts.com/assets/block/Oolaa%20Sample%20Menu.pdf and call 2803 2083 for reservations from this evening.

NUMBER 3 GIN has been launched in Hong Kong by Berry Bros. & Rudd this week. Named after their address in St James’, London, (where they have been based since 1698), their new London Dry Gin was created “to be the last word in gin for a Dry Martini”. Apparently at 46% ABV, Number 3 is the perfect strength for a gin martini. Well… if they’ve been booze experts for over 300 years I think we can assume they know what they’re talking about.

Let me explain a little about gin for those of you wondering what the hell London Dry is. There are several types of gin but the most common is certainly London Dry Gin, the content of which is predominantly the juniper berry from which gin also gets its name. London Dry Gin is generally distilled with two other accentuating fruits, usually citrus peels. A subtle blend of spices is also included. In keeping with the name Number 3 Gin features three fruits (juniper berries, sweet Spanish orange peel and grapefruit peel) and three spices (angelica root, Morroccan coriander seeds and cardamom pods). Doesn’t that sound divine? I think my love affair with Tanqueray 10 may be over. Expect to see Number 3 in all the city’s top bars as well as in prime position at the front of my liquor cabinet. Check out the Number 3 website (www.no3gin.com) or call Berry Bros. and Rudd for more info – 2110 1680

SUMAC, named after the Mediterranean herb, has opened in place of Mozart Stub’n. You can’t miss the pretty French window as you stroll down Glenealy and the interior is in keeping with the Provencal theme.
Sumac describes itself as a Lebanese restaurant that draws on wider Mediterranean influences and it is refreshing to see that, whilst traditional Lebanese mezze is featured on the menu, they have been a little more daring than most restaurants with this theme. For example, try the scallops with squid ink risotto and crispy onions. G/F, 8 Glenealy, Central. 2147 9191
 

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