Blowing the cover on Hidden Kitchen

We first heard of this speakeasy-style kushiage/izakaya restaurant in Causeway Bay called Hidden Kitchen from a few chef friends of ours, who mentioned in separate conversations that this is their go-to place for a quick bite after work. Well, obviously they knew more than a thing or two with food so with such recommendations, a few weeks ago the CHF gang went to check out the place and we loved it. I thought that's probably the best late-night spot in this busy neighborhood (they opened til 4:30am)

Rare flight of vintage G.H. Mumm

Just a couple days before my "accidental" long vacation trip, I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon in TST at a champagne tasting of several rare vintages from the famous champagne house of G.H. Mumm, led by their cellar master Didier Mariotti, who was in town to promote the brand in this part of the world.

Bubbly Brunch at the highest bar

It seems like locals are obsessed with buffets, particularly the high-end ones offered by the top hotels around town. These days, almost every hotel at every corner in Hong Kong is offering some kind of Sunday brunch featuring unlimited wines or champagnes, and they were always fully-booked. And making the latest entry to this frenzy was the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong, who recently launched their new Sunday brunch at Ozone Bar, on 118th Floor above the ground on top of the ICC Building in West Kowloon, with none better than free-flow of vintage Dom Perignon.

Mai Po Tour and Gei Wai Shrimp Feast

It's probably the first time I set foot in the Mai Po Marshes since I was a kid, but last weekend we went on an evening tour of this protected nature reserve in the northwest tip of Hong Kong adjacent to the mainland China border, and in particular, to observe the traditional practice of harvesting Gei Wai shrimps there.

Beef Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce

Last weekend, I made a bunch of Chimichurri Sauce to go with the meatball skewers we prepared for a church reception. Afterwards, I decided to make an extra batch using leftover ingredients to for a makeshift steak dinner at home.

My favorite new kitchen toy plus waffle recipe

I can confidently declare the Waffle Maker is my favorite new kitchen toy of the year. Ever since we got it as part of the cooking workshop we attended at a kitchen studio a few months ago, we have been using it quite regularly, mostly for breakfast but I also found it useful for a quick lunch sandwich too (so far my favorite was pulled pork sandwich)