BINGE Hong Kong - Mothers' Day a.k.a Family Day

Its turning out to be a full-fledged family affair with the kids, in laws, grandparents all neatly squeezed into the trusty Toyota Alphard MPV, Hong Kong’s choice vehicle for ferrying large extended families. If you are looking for dining options to enjoy as a group then consider Thai at Ayuthaiya, Indian at Gaylord or a Michelin star style Buffet spread at The Parlour. Thai and Indian, too spicy, you say? Well it IS Mum's Day... save the bland for Children's Day!

The Aqua Group’s latest venture is a Thai restaurant called Ayuthaiya, located on Hollywood Road in the heart of Soho. Family squabbles, quibbles and irritations come to rest as you enter this sultry, contemporary and stylish venue and immerse yourself its Buddhist temple zen. The menu focuses on light, modern cuisine based on authentic Thai cooking with all the pastes and sauces freshly measured, hand-mortared and minted in their own kitchen. Try the Por Pia Goong Sod, river prawn and asparagus roll with tamarind syrup (HK$48), Homok Talay, seafood steamed in banana leaves with red curry and Thai herbs (HK$85) and Salmon Miang Khem, salmon confit, peanuts, toasted coconut and shrimp sauce in betel leaves (HK$38). Thai desserts are the best and must tries are the Khao Niew Mamuang, sweet sticky rice with thick coconut milk and fresh mango (HK$48), Bua Loy Nam Khing, rice dumplings in sweet ginger and red sugar (HK$38), the Coconut and Pandanus ice-cream (HK$38) and the Black sticky rice and coconut ice cream (HK$38). Ayuthaiya is at 35 Hollywood Road, Central. There is seating for 50 so make that reservation early. Call (852) 3105 5055. See www.aqua.com.hk

Head with the gang to The Parlour at Hullett House where a Weekend Champagne Brunch awaits. What’s there not to like? Free-flow Veuve Clicquot, an outstanding spread of indulgent treats created by celebrated One Michelin star Executive Chef Philippe Orrico served in either the dramatic surrounds of the Dragon Bar, the evocative Chinoiserie lounges of the East and West rooms, or outside on the colonial-style terrace. Enjoy an impressive cornucopia of appetizers, cold cuts and à la carte mains with ex Dorchester (London) Hotel’s Pastry Chef Alexis Watrin creating a veritable feast of assorted and delicious desserts. Brunch is served every Saturday and Sunday between 12 noon and 2.30pm at HK$528 (adults) and HK$368 for children under 12. Free for children under 3 years. The Parlour is at Hullet House, 2A Canton Road Tsim Sha Tsui. For reservations, call: +852 39880101. See: http://www.hulletthouse.com/#/theparlour/concept

If part of the reward ritual for Mothers Day is having the kid’s entertained then head to The Peak where if the view won’t entertain then a Semi-Buffet Meal at Bubba Gump’s will. For starters there are Onion Rings, Hush Pups, Chilled Shrimp cocktails, Suateed Cajun Shrimp, Yin Yang Salad, Traditional Stuffed Eggs. Main courses include a newly introduced Shrimp Rigatoni with fresh spinach in sun dried tomato pesto cream sauce, topped with parmesan, Lt. Dan’s Drunken Shrimp and Andouille Sausage with mashed potatoes and bourbon sauce, Char-grilled Shrimp and Veggie Skewers served with jasmine rice and lemon garlic cream sauce. The dessert buffet includes ‘Bubba’s Favorite’ key Lime Pie, Cinnamon and Currant Bread Pudding with bourbon vanilla sauce, and Chocolate Mousse cups. Unlimited soda and ice tea seal the deal. Kids can choose their own main course from Linguini with Tomato Sauce, Chicken Strips, Burger or Hot Dog, all served in a ‘Jenny Boat’ with fries and a slice of orange. The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. in Hong Kong is at Shop 304 and 305, Level 3, The Peak Tower, 12B Peak Road. Reservations at +852 2849 2867/2849 6650. See: http://www.bubbagump.com/locations/hong_kong.html

Get the gang to Gaylord’s! I must say that the name intrigued me. No guessing why. Never heard of it? Tsk tsk, its been around since the 70s and they have a special All-You-Can Eat Weekend Buffet from 12pm to 3pm on Saturdays and Sundays, starting 15 May. So yes, whilst this menu starts a week after the actual Mothers Day (8 and 9 May) at least you are almost guaranteed a seat rather than jostle with the world on the actual weekend. Try dishes that are more commonly served at home and along the street corners in India, rather than the usual restaurant fare. Chef S. Mohan Raj goes all out to impress and you can try South Indian Dosa, a crispy golden-brown crepe, eaten plain, or with a tomato based and potato masala filling served with coconut chutney and sambar, a tangy and spicy lentil curry. I personally like Appam, a soft steamed rce flour pancake served with a mouth watering vegetable stew, also on the menu. You can share classics like the Chicken Chettinaad and Fish Malabari. Dahi Vada, Saunth Papdi Chaat and Paani or Dahi Poori. For dessert, Rawa Kesari Halwa and Rasmalai will calm down the fiery flavours along with freshly cut Alphonso mangoes, subject to availability. HK$120 for adults and HK$78 for kids. Dishes change week to week. Gaylord Indian Restaurant is at 1/F Ashley Centre, 23-25 Ashley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Reservations at: (852) 2376 1001. See: www.chiram.com.hk

- Elaine