Leveraging on its global restaurant design footprints, Steve Leung Hospitality Ltd. (SLH), a brand of Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) presents two highly anticipated Japanese dining spaces integrating a contemporary design approach and ingenious insights into gastronomy to deliver exceptional dining experiences in Hong Kong – Akanoshou in the prime location of Causeway Bay and Shikigiku Japanese Restaurant – Café & Bar Area located inside ifc mall in Central. Each reflects a distinctive Japanese aesthetic derived from a seamless integration between nature and culture, the two new designs transform every corner of the restaurants into an absolute visual favour for tastemakers and reinforce the Group’s excellence in commercial space design.

Akanoshou 

Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Akanoshou (赤の匠) hints at its nature with its name – literally meaning “Master of Red” in Japanese, referencing the element of fire. The restaurant roots its design inspiration from the Japanese teppanyaki cooking style and the flaming heat that comes with this delectable grilled cuisine. The bold and energetic essence of signature Japanese teppanyaki cuisine is perfectly captured, resulting in a contemporary gastronomic space where guests can relax and indulge in a vibrant dining experience.

The refined interplay of contrasts between the simple, rustic vibe of the wooden floor and ceiling, and the powerful calligraphic brushstrokes of blazing fire resonating with the dancing flame on the teppan grill, painted on a silvery backdrop right behind the host counter. The bespoke artwork is designed by the award-winning Ruth Chao Studio, infusing an artistic flair into the space.

Entering the main dining area, the layered ceiling enriched by the exquisite lighting designed by internationally acclaimed lighting designer Tino Kwan, accentuates the restaurant’s 3.5m high ceiling, infusing a feeling of radiant luminosity that permeates the airy space. The spatial layout is cleverly arranged to fully maximize the space capacity and to offer patrons diverse dining experiences, encompassing 5 teppanyaki areas (4 private rooms and 1 common area), a sushi bar, à la carte and bar zones, and a balcony. The thoughtful spatial arrangement ensures a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to cater to different scenarios, whether it be for patrons’ personal dining needs or social gatherings.

The journey continues with a sushi bar, where patrons are encouraged to unwind in a sophisticated ambience embracing sheer design aesthetics married with clean lines and neat simplicity. Hanging from the ceiling, bronze metal meshes crafted into elaborated wavy patterns gently infuse luminous accents within the space, whilst offering guests discreet privacy.

The interior design of Akanoshou artfully captures the dynamic essence of a teppanyaki restaurant. The carefully crafted space is highly flexible, seamlessly combining elegance with a warm atmosphere, enabling guests to relax and unwind while indulging in an exceptional dining experience.

Shikigiku Japanese Restaurant (ifc mall) – Café & Bar Area

The design renovation of the café and bar area at Shikigiku Japanese Restaurant is located on the 4^th floor of the ifc mall in the buzzing neighbourhood of Central, Hong Kong. The overall setting is defined by a highly versatile design which allows guests to embark on striking contrasting experiences: in the daytime, patrons are encouraged to savour the most delicious pastries and desserts; at night-time, the coffee shop turns into a seductive bar, where visitors can gather over tantalising drinks. The design draws inspiration from “Furoshiki” – traditional Japanese wrapping cloths used to wrap or transport goods. Embracing a wide array of multiple patterns, the space reimagines ancient Japanese traditions with a contemporary flair, whilst investigating Japanese aesthetics through the modern lens.

A long corridor defines sharply the spatial layout, with a neat division of the counter bar on the left separated by the cozy seating area on the right.  A warm and natural palette of wooden tones permeates the space; Aegean blue accents – subtly referencing the Furoshiki-themed design, and vibrant accents of Orange Marmalade – hinting at cakes and desserts cheerfully displayed, add a pleasantly unexpected visual contrast within the setting. Beautiful Japanese tiles in Aegean blue placed right on the front of the counter bar enhance the true Japanese spirit of the ambience; behind the bar, as another tribute to past, present, and future Japanese charm, an eye-catching feature wall is made with signature tiles in three-dimensional stone pattern with wood elements and metal details, further enriched by the stylistic ceiling which fill the space with a sense of thoughtfully tailor-made design.

To highlight the practical versatility of the environment – which delivers two completely different dining experiences at day and night times, part of the counter bar can be easily transformed into a multifunctional countertop. During the day, exquisite savouries and pastries are arranged in a proud showcase; at nightfall, the display cabinet can be hidden and combined as part of the counter bar. Echoing the design inspiration, the same idea of multifaceted flexibility has also been cleverly applied to the wine cabinet next to the feature wall: equipped with practical folding doors wrapped in patterned Furoshiki fabrics, it can serve different dining purposes customized for day and night times.

As a last touch of comfort and sophistication, the space features furniture pieces carefully selected from Okha and Stellar Works collections, which are beautifully paired with bespoke tables and seating arrangements to deliver a unique and diversified dining experience.

The post Innovative Japanese Dining Concepts in the Heart of Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

’Tis the season for foraging in the forests of Europe for truffles, but aficionados of the precious tuber in Southeast Asia need look no further than Da Vittorio Saigon, located on the ground floor of the Reverie Saigon Hotel in the heart of the Vietnamese city.

Executive Chef Matteo Fontana has recently added to the award-winning restaurant’s gastronomic specialties with a new “White Truffle Experience” menu, tempting diners with entrees such as New Zealand Lamb Tartare in Cognac with Puff Pastry; Wagyu Beef Rossini with Foie Gras; and Handmade Tagliolini Pasta, all accompanied by the finest white truffles sourced from Alba in northern Italy. A wine-pairing option is also available.

“White truffles are a precious delicacy that appeal to a certain discerning palate,” said Fontana. “Until now they are seldom seen on menus in Southeast Asia. Their flavor is rich and unforgettable, but must be delicately prepared with the right dishes.”

The family-run Da Vittorio group, with eight Michelin stars to its name globally, originated in the town of Brusaporto, just a two-hour drive from the vineyards and wild truffle forests of Alba.

Da Vittorio restaurant in Brusaporto was recently lauded as the No 10 restaurant in the world, according to French culinary site La Liste. Da Vittorio Saigon, which opened in June, was also ranked in La Liste’s top 1,000 Best Restaurants in The World with an outstanding score of 91%.

The five-star Reverie Saigon is home to a number of acclaimed culinary outlets, notably The Royal Pavilion (celebrated for its Chinese dim sum), Café Cardinal (one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive all-day dining venues, with French influences), The Long @ Times Square (a casual sidewalk-style trattoria) and The Reverie Boutique (sweets, treats, coffee and more).

For more information or reservations at Da Vittorio Saigon, call +84(0) 28 3823 6688 or email DaVittorio@thereveriesaigon.com

About The Reverie Saigon

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Reverie Saigon offers a truly astonishing hotel experience – showcasing extravagant, unapologetic European opulence in a storied Asian setting. The dazzling hotel features 286 rooms and suites alongside 89 residential-style suites, all of which are among the largest in the city and feature incomparable views of the Saigon River and the city skyline.

Renowned Italian brands furnished the rooms and suites and set the ambiance with exquisite and, in some cases, one-of-a-kind pieces. The property features five distinctive food and beverage outlets, a 1,200-square-metre spa & fitness centre, an expansive outdoor swimming pool and a range of versatile function spaces. In addition, guests have a fleet of over a dozen luxury automobiles at their disposal as well as exclusive access to the hotel’s very own yacht.

The Reverie Saigon is located in the 164-metre-tall Times Square Building, a mixed-use development that includes eight storeys of premium office space and the showrooms of some of the same high-end Italian furniture brands whose pieces are featured throughout the hotel.

The post Restaurant in Vietnam Unveils White Truffle Menu appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

In October 2022, world-renowned, award-winning Michelin-starred chef Tom Aikens, will open The Jade Room + Garden Terrace at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon. Recently celebrated in Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List and Travel + Leisure’s It List – highlighting the best new hotels in the world for 2021 – this new offering for The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon is a testament to the innovative, world-renowned dining experiences the EDITION brand is known for.

The location

Set on the 31st floor adjacent to the lobby, The Jade Room + Garden Terrace is the hotel’s signature restaurant, offering fresh and innovative food to be appreciated by locals and travelers alike. Celebrating the versatility and expressiveness ingrained in Japanese culture and cuisine, Tom Aikens’ menu pushes these boundaries further to deliver a fusion of contemporary Japanese and Western influenced dishes prepared using diverse yet refined cooking techniques, all enjoyed against an astonishing backdrop of the Tokyo Tower and city skyline.

“I am thrilled to be opening my first venture in Japan this October, a country whose cuisine and traditions I greatly admire. I have designed two different menus for the indoor Jade Room and outdoor Garden Terrace that center on seasonality, inspired by mother nature. The result is an experimental fusion of Japanese and Western dishes that I can’t wait to share with the city.” – Chef Tom Aikens

Jade Room

Seated within the serene surroundings of the restaurant, guests can enjoy dishes created by Tom Aikens – both a la carte and as part of a 4 or 6-course tasting menu – with seasonally changing plates including:

Squid consommé, yuzu, chicken, confit lemon – Fire roasted charred celeriac carpaccio, truffle – Mackerel, dashi, sesame, daikon, furikake – Piglet belly, squid, pineapple, and vanilla

The restaurant offers an exciting menu of cocktails and wines that champions new tastes and unexpected flavors. The seasonal cocktail menu focuses on collaborations with local botanical distilleries, to create bottled cocktails unique to The Jade Room + Garden Terrace.

Jade Room + Garden Terrace interior

Upon entering The Jade Room + Garden Terrace, guests will be welcomed through an entrance graced with photography by Masao Yamamoto and met with a lively and atmospheric space. The venue features flooring and walls of rich walnut paneling, circular banquettes, elegant counter seating with jewel green stools and custom commissioned paintings by artist John Jackson. The space is finished with six distinguished bamboo oak trees and 200 potted plants, transporting diners into an enchanted garden within the metropolis of the Toranomon district.

The Jade Room also features two private dining rooms, seating 8 and 14 respectively, where guests can enjoy tailored and carefully curated menus for their taste and predilection. Each room enveloped in hand crafted Japanese Washi paper, the rooms give a foremost panoramic view of the city center through layers of shimmering sheer drapery and the lush greenery of the exterior terrace.

Garden Terrace

Just a step out of The Jade Room, is Garden Terrace, sitting 460ft above ground overlooking the city.  Open throughout the summer season, Garden Terrace has seasonally changing greenery, creating a serene and inviting space where guests are sheltered from the busy pace of city life. Garden Terrace offers a menu of cocktails, alongside sharing small plates that include:

Lobster roll, sudachi spiced mayo, nori, fried cabbage – House made ricotta, pickled beets, schezwan cucumber – Scallops marinated with passionfruit and vanilla – Hand-chopped beef tartare, maple egg yolk, onion crumble

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon represents a very delicate balancing act between the refined, elegant, simple, and pure approach of Japan’s culture, style, and traditions and EDITION’s passion, emotion, sophistication, perpetual subversion of the status quo, and desire to break the rules to create something entirely new and that has never been seen before.

With the subversion of styles, this synergy of elegance and simplicity is present throughout the restaurant and bars at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, and amplified by the experiences created by Tom Aikens for The Jade Room + Garden Terrace. Tom’s menus are led first and foremost by produce and provenance, driven by seasonality and diversity, with a considered coalescence of international expressions.

The post TOM AIKENS TO UNVEIL NEW RESTAURANTS IN TOKYO appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Casa Manini interior

Stop here, they argued: this is a real Italian guy, and the restaurant he runs with his local wife is so good and nice, and they cook real Italian food, and it’s inexpensive. I could’t say no in the end, and so I agreed to meet Jeff near Kensington Park, where Casa Manini is located. 

Upon entering the quaint little shop, I was taken aback by the friendly atmosphere, the stylish deco and the welcoming ambience. Lemon trees lined in pots  near the door and window were also a great detail, as well as the new Vespa model, religiously red, showing off in the window.

Fulvio Manini and his red Vespa, the Italian icon

Also, it was packed with locals on a Thursday afternoon, which speaks for itself. Colourful walls and fancy table decorations rendered the place an amazing little cove where to spend a pleasant hour or two in good company. The menu showed the usual suspects of Italian classic cuisine: pastas, pizzas, salads and secondi (mains), not many but well described. My friend Jeff summoned chef Fulvio from the kitchen, who came out to greet me in Italian language; he shared with me that last year, at age 54, he bravely decided to leave BVLGARI after 24 years, to live his dream of owning his restaurant and fulfilling  his passion as a Chef. Kudos to him!! Splendid and artistic Fiona, his wife, complemented the picture with her charm and with great recommendations on what was their specialities. 

Home made lasagna the mamma way

Being Italian, I would not resist judging an Italian restaurant by their pizzas and their lasagna, and since Fiona said the lasagna ragù was made by Fulvio according to an old mamma recipe, I went for it. Lasagna, pizza and a salad was our choice for the evening, all sprinkled by an amazing Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOC. 

Pizza capricciosa

So now I guess you are all waiting to hear my honest opinion, right? And here it comes: the mozzarella in the salad was so creamy it melted in the mouth; the pizza was thin and crunchy and with tasty ingredients; and the lasagna, creamy and rich with beef and pork Bolognese sauce, I have no words to describe it: it tasted like my granny from Emilia used to make. Fiona was right to call it their forte! The warm service complemented the whole experience.

Hailing from North Italy, Fulvio Manini passion for food comes from an old family legacy: Founded in the early 1900s by Chef and owner Fulvio Manini’s paternal grandparents Francesco and Lucia Manini, the family-owned Ristorante Manini was located in the enchanting medieval town of Bergamo located in the Lombardy region, north of Italy, in an area known for its unpretentious, wholesome foods amidst a heritage richly steeped in art and history.

Fuvio and Fiona in their kitchen

Casa Manini restaurant in Singapore brings you the North of Italy in a simple, yet charmingly eclectic, artistic and homely setting, conceptualised, designed, styled and curated by Fulvio’s Singaporean-Chinese wife Fiona, while the Chef himself conjures up beautiful portions of mouth-watering, homemade dishes served with the warm hospitality much associated with the Italians. 

My friends Jeff and Jacky were equally impressed by the meal, which we ended with a rich tiramisu and a panna cotta desserts.

Casa Manini is a charming 45-seater restaurant handing a true 5 star dining experience with reasonable and affordable prices that do not dent your wallet. Casa Manini appeals to diners of all ages, from families who enjoy wholesome, delicious pasta and meat dishes to the well-travelled gourmand looking for Italian comfort food and digitally, social-media savvy millennials who are always on the lookout for Instagram-able moments. Make sure you book them if you want to ensure a table, since they can get pretty busy during weekends and even week days! They also cater for events and special occasions.

Casa Manini, Kensington Park Rd, 14B, Singapore 557265, opposite Serangoon Gardens – For reservations call +6562811286 – https://casamanini.com 

The post Fancy Italian food Singapore? Try Casa Manini appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

Buddy’s Bistro Terrace interior

Buddys Bistro Terrace is a little, clean and well-decorated eating place with outdoor seating and indoor air-conditioned seating too fir the sizzling days, located right at the entrance of Nim City Daily in Chiang Mai.

I discovered it while browsing for food after checking out a selection of Thai and Japanese restaurants nearby. Buddy saw me walking past his bistro and asked me if I had any other food in mind other than Japanese (which I did by the way). He was so welcoming I had to stop.

Buddy, in his professional apron attire, was convivial and cordial and tried to personally understand what I was after. Once the choice was made and the food matter was out of the way and the order passed to the kitchen, he spoke a few words in Italian language and told me he was Australian, but of Lithuanian extraction.

Buddy’s Bistro Terrace menu

I then started slowly working my way through the menu, a thick folder with plenty of Western and Thai food, all looking yummy I must say. Yet, I had already gone for beef stroganoff and there was no room for changing my mind. I limited myself to browsing all the choices: chicken and potato curry, fish and chips, English pies, home-made burgers, you name it. The Thai menu was also extensive, with soups and currys and spicy salads…

A good selection of Asian beers was available so I ordered a Lao Beer. Then my beef stew arrived and the adventure began: the meat was well-cookerd and so tenter it melted in the mouth, the mashed potatoes were smooth and with fresh herbs, and the bread was crunchy and tasty. I found nothing to complaint about while I slowly ate this filling and earthy dish. Excellent.

Buddy’s Bistro Terrace’s beef stroganoff

I loved the eating experience and the chat with Buddy. The food and drinks are reasonably priced, and you can have your meal with a bottle of wine from next door Wine Connection, with no corkage charge being asked.

I was told Fridays and Saturdays nights are the busiest in the plaza, with the area buzzing with locals and expats, so there is plenty of action.

Buddys Bistro Terrace is located inside the Nim City Daily complex, 100 meters down from Rimping Supermarket, and has ample car parking outside. Give it a good try if you are in the area. You will not be disappointed.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/buddysterracebistro?fref=ts

The post Buddys Bistro Terrace appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

As the restaurant’s name says, Pai Jaidee Thai-German Restaurant serves Thai food and German food, with a focus on sausages and steaks, as well as a wide range of Thai favourites, besides a variety of rice dishes, different types of noodles, soups, vegetable dishes and Asian desserts. Coffee and fruit shakes are also great there. At Pai Jaidee they are very proud of the menu they created and that they master with perfection, for the joy of happy customers.

Pai Jaidee receives good feedback on the mixed German sausage plate, consisting of Bockwurst, Bratwurst & Thuringer sausages. This meal comes with the options of adding Sauerkraut Bread or french fries. Pai Jaidee is the only restaurant in Pai to offer traditional German pork Wiener Schnitzel. This meal comes with the options of adding sauerkraut, bread, light and tasty Leberkaese or french fries. Pai Jaidee meat comes from a reputable source, and the sausages from a German producer in Chiang Mai.

Pai Jaidee is also popular for the affordable pricing and the comfortable dining environment, as well as the location: in the heart of Pai, at the start of the Walking Street. They are quite popular with Chinese customers, as Pai Jaidee food is appealing and reasonably priced, and also because several reviews of Pai Jaidee Thai-German Restaurant appear in Chinese travel guides and maps of Pai.

Pai Jaidee Thai-German Restaurant has a long-term plan to grow all their vegetables fresh from their two organic gardens. At present their fruit orchid provides the restaurant with all the fruit they need for the special Pai Jaidee shakes, but they have just started out on another venture to set up and grow unique vegetables and fruits on their newly acquired plots of land: morning glory, lemon trees, lemongrass, papaya and fern.

Pai Jaidee is also the proud producer of a film/documentary about Pai, which is available to download for free from their website www.paijaidee.com in 4 languages.

The Pai Jaidee Thai German Restaurant is located on the corner of Walking Street and the Chiang Mai-Mae Hong Son Highway.

http://www.paijaidee.com

The post Pai Jaidee Thai-German Restaurant appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The restaurant entrance

It is during a drive on a moped amongst the internal streets of the village of Pai, northern Thailand, that in one of the side streets I come across Chew Xin Jai, a totally vegan restaurant.

It is drizzling down in this summer afternoon, and hunger is striking me, so I park the scooter, I get out of the raincoat, I take off my shoes, as required in the welcome sign, and I enter the restaurant – which more than a restaurant seems a mix between a dwelling and a temple. I approach the buffet counter, where I am welcomed by a row of inviting steel trays that hold a series of warm dishes having an excellent look.

The singing girls

Four girls sitting at the table next to the bar are singing a chant in Chinese language, in unison, reading the text in large notebooks opened on the desk of. One of them leaves the group to come and serve me, speaking in a broken Thai. She fills my dish with brown rice and I make my choice, pointing my finger to a pumpkin stew and to a green curry tofu and baby eggplants.

I sit down, I order ginger tea from a list of teas and natural smoothies, and I start eating, looking around me from time to time. The ambient is nothing but relaxed.

Kuan Yin teak statue

On the walls are several paintings that frame inscriptions in Chinese calligraphy; at the center of the place is a stone fountain that makes water circulates continuously, its sound is mixing with the chants of the four girls. A human sized statue in fine wood of the goddess Kuan Yin stands on a wood pedestal behind me. At its back, past a teak door in Chinese motifs, there is a room that houses a temple and an effigy of a Buddha that sports strong Chinese features.

Ginger tea

The girl brings me the tea and goes back to sit among her friends, contributing to the chant that continues unabated. I taste the food, spiced to perfection, and accompanied by the impressive sound of the water flowing from the fountain; in a picture hanging on the hight of the wall at the side, a group of colorful carps swim in a pond where large lotus flowers grow, and seem to be watching me.

I love this kind of situation, and I linger longer for no apparent reason after finishing the meal, just o appreciate this little corner of serenity in hyper tourist town of Pai.

THE RESTAURANT

Chew Xin Jai is a spacious, clean and charming restaurant that is well worth a visit. Plus, it seems to be the only 100% vegan restaurant in town.

Choice of food is either a quality buffet with lots of dishes complete with mock meat, as you would expect, or an extensive a-la-carte menu with plenty of choice.

Choices of buffet

The buffet is great, I advise to come early for maximum freshness of food. The buffet ends at 5pm (or when the food runs out), after which you are left with the dishes in the menu. Complimentary water is available, as well as a table with a number of bowls containing various condiments, all worth a try, though some pretty spicy.

Chew Xin Jai is pretty inexpensive and accepts cash only.

Chew Xin Jai sign

This restaurant is located in the road that runs between the post office and 7/11 street and the large Pai Police station building. If you grab a free Pai map from the bus station or other establishment, it is labeled as ‘pure vegetarian food’. They have a yellow sign reading ‘vegetarian’ on the corner of both sides of the street, pointing the direction of the restaurant, plus you cannot miss the Chinese temple-styled facade.

Chew Xin Jai

222 Moo 4, Wiang Tai, Pai

085 7173628 – 080 8604178

Open Monday to Sunday 8am to 7pm

For trips and things to do in Pai, read:

http://asianitinerary.com/pai-memorial-bridge/ 

http://asianitinerary.com/pai-is-a-small-town-of-mountains-and-rivers/

http://asianitinerary.com/geological-magic-at-pai-canyon/ 

http://asianitinerary.com/pai-jaidee-thai-german-restaurant/

http://asianitinerary.com/chew-xin-jai-vegan-restaurant-in-pai/

The post Chew Xin Jai – vegan restaurant in Pai appeared first on Asian Itinerary.

The Pub is an amazing place that offers just what you need to feel at home: great food, friendly staff with a smile, and an affable owner, a trendy atmosphere and some nice music. We are here today to talk about the food.

The Pub chef hails from Chiang Mai and has a background in big hotels’ kitchens for many years (and it shows!) before deciding to run and help his long time friend Khun Sae, The Pub owner. His menu comprises tasty Thai food and a wide range of refreshing drinks, including Chang draft and Leo draft, plus a range of signature cocktails, as well as the usual suspects. We went for a couple of starters, prawns tempura and chicken satay. Sure, you cannot go wrong with these two dishes, yet they were both a step above average: tasty, not oily and not too salty. Plus the sauces that came with them were exceptionally tasty (and some even spicy!). The mains were two fish: one steamed and the other filleted and stir fried with ginger and herbs. We loved them both, and ate a dish of steamed veggies with olive oil or ‘nam prik’ sauce to accompany them. The tables were good and the dining room spacious and comfortable.

So now you know: whether it’s for a quiet meal, Thai and fusion, chatting with friends with a drink or three, or perhaps you fancy some late music, head for The Pub. Enjoy the warm friendly atmosphere of this genuine Thai night place. Relax inside or seat in the spacious outdoor terrace, and enjoy your time chatting away or looking at your emails (yes, there is WiFi).

At The Pub they offer:

– Large selection of beers

– Draft beers: Leo and Chang

– Good range of wines, cocktails and spirits

– Single Malt Whiskey

– Mouthwatering western, fusion and Thai food

– Food served every day, lunchtime and evening

– Live music (low season sporadically or on request)

– Outside tables and chairs in the terrace

• Large, comfortable, covered Sala for smokers
• Easy accessible location
• Extensive car parking

Find The Pub in the middle of Klong Dao boulevard, right in the parking fronting the entrance of Southern Lanta Resort, behind the  Krung Thai Bank. For reservation or requests call Khun Sae on 080 0796900.

Check them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KohLantaThePub/info

The post The Pub appeared first on Asian Itinerary.