Binge - Meet Nobu Masahisa in HK 17 to 19 March!

Forget about flying to New York. A flight to Hong Kong booked for 17th through to 19th March will do nicely if you want to meet Nobu Matsuhisa and his friend, Chef Yasajima Sasajima, Japan's best known 'Italian' Chef owner and Chef at the Il Ghiottone in Kyoto and Tokyo. Together they will serve and Italian-inspired Japanese menu at NOBU InterContinental in Hong Kong.

We recommend the 8 course Omakase menu available from 17 to 31 March. For Italian and Japanese inspired fusion try the Light Smoked Lobster and Potato Potage, Battarga or dried fish roe withPotato Cappuccino and Green Sauce, Fresh Salmon Confit, Asparagus and Ikura or Salmon Roe Salad, Japanese Wagyu Beef Tagliata, Chinese Kale, Daikon Cake, Tapanade and for dessert Matcha Tiramisu and Kuromame Catalanai.

From Master Chef Nobu himself, try Kue or seasonal Japanese Garoupa Sashimi, Blood Orange Caviar, Sateamed Local Garoupa in a new style, Clear soup with Bamboo Shoots and Sakura Ebi Shinjyo or seasonal small shrimp from Japan cooked in cherry blossoms followed by an assortment of Sushi. For dessert, try the Peanut Crumble, Nobu Beer Ice Cream and Jasmine Peach Soup.

If its ala carte you prefer then there is Uni and Bamboo Shoot Spaghetti, flavoured with kinome as well as Crab and Yellowtail Leek Carbonara, Spinach and Pidan Spaghetti, Prosciutto and Parmigiano and Minced pork, brussel sprouts and white azuki bean risotto flavoured with fennel.  A sake-pairing option is also available at HK$1,688 per person + 10% service charge showcasing 4 different sakes. Please click here for the special Nobu & Friends: Omakase menu and a la carte menu. NOBU InterContinental Hong Kong is on the 2nd floor of the InterContinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Tel: (852) 2313-2323.

Whilst you are at the Intercontinental, you may like to sign up for the various cooking classes that cover from classic to specialty cooking techniques that they have. Each class includes lunch from the dishes in the class plus wine pairing and tasting and an apron and certificate:

Click here for profiles of the chefs. Classes are on Saturdays from 10:30am- 2:30pm  at HK$1,288 per person. 

Click here for the 2011 Cooking Class Schedule or call the Restaurant Reservations Hot Line at (852) 2313 2323.

- Elaine

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Breakaway - Marathon Stays and Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong

Even as I write, I know I have eaten too much and consumed waaay too many martinis and Champagne last night. CNY has this effect on you – obligatory binges that I am not complaining about, but which I will regret later when the fat sets in. I wish I had paid my dues earlier, and ran more, did more push ups, etc. I am still trying to bust my underarm hang. Sigh…but how to you go jogging while nursing a hangover?

I guess those who are planning to run the Hong Kong Marathon on 20 Feb have no such issues, fit as a fiddle and all ready to leap on the plane to fly there to run all 42.7 kilometres, if the smog doesn’t get to you first.

The Excelsior Hong Kong is offering a ‘Get Ready for the Marathon’ package between 18 and 28 February. For HK$1,600 per night, it gives you accommodation in a Superior Room, daily brekkie for two, complimentary InBody body composition analysis, HK$220 body treatment credit at the hotel’s fitness centre to relax and recuperate after the run, a training session at HK$400 per hour by the hotel’s personal trainers and 20% discount on F&B including room service. This deal requires a minimum two nights’ stay. It’s an old hotel, mind you, but it’s centrally located in Causeway Bay – lots of pre and post run shopping and eating – and if you get the larger rooms, you can get the great view of the harbour!

281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay

Call +852 2837 6840

e-mail at exhkg-reservations@mohg.com

or book online at www.mandarinoriental.com/excelsior

Still on Hong Kong, lots of people around the region potter over for the annual international Rugby Sevens each year. This time it falls on 24-28 March. Award winning boutique hotel The Fleming in Wanchai, is offering a special package from HK$2,280 a night to HK$3,680 for Executive rooms with fully-equipped kitchens, based on a three-night minimum stay.

Apart from smart digs, this gets you daily breakfast, complimentary cocktails every evening, 20% discount on room service and 50% discount on all drinks except wine at signature restaurant Cubix, where the 3-course set dinner is priced at just HK$150. There’s also complimentary broadband Internet access, local calls, and access to the California Fitness Centre located nearby. Why stay here? It’s a 5-10 minute taxi ride from the Hong Kong Stadium, and steps away from Lockhart Road where fans celebrate after games.

41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai

Tel: (852) 3607 2225

E-mail: rsvn@thefleming.com

www.thefleming.com.hk

- Ee Waun

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