Nightclub owner Gilbert Yeung continues to expand in ramen territory with Miso Cool in Central, a trendy take on Japanese noodle joints

Well-known nightclub owner Gilbert Yeung (of Dragon-I) is staking his claim on ramen territory. Last year, his first Miso Cool in Quarry Bay became the hot spot for bargain Japanese noodles in a trendy and comforting setting. Now, a second branch arrives on Stanley Street, eager to do the same. It's usually uncool to state that you're cool, but Yeung's panache for slick styling and creating buzz has pulled off that trick down pat. The glitzy grand opening two weeks ago had socialites in flashy sunglasses, models, celebs and paparazzi to match. In short, it photographs more like a Dragon-I event than one for a noodle shop. And it must have been effective: On our recent visit, it was packed with hip 20-30-somethings.

Miso Cool's tasteful layout earns it a trendy cred. It's got a cheap yet chic feel, with minimalist wood seating accented with lime green graphics perfectly in sync with their lime green logo. The first thing you'll notice is the main wall out back that's elaborately decked out with images of American pop icons and references, and it's a tasteful selection: Mohammad Ali during his hey day, Steve McQueen, James Bond, Johnny Depp, plus film stills from classic cult films like Scarface and Pulp Fiction.

Food-wise, the ramen and bento boxes on the menu are all very affordable, priced from HK$40 to HK$70 per dish. There are dozens of pork-broth noodles, as well as bento boxes (grilled egg on rice) and nibbles like gyozo pork dumplings. Everything arrives quickly and in bespoke, Miso-Cool lime green logo-ed kitchenware, including our ramen in an eye-catching black earthenware bowl that looks like half a giant egg. Do check out the futuristic ‘jukebox' near the entrance - it's a massive ipod where patrons can manipulate the (giant) thumb table from the touch screen and pick tunes from an already installed selection. Since Miso Cool's belongs to the Dragon-I extended family, it's no surprise that the music selection here is pretty good.

1/F, Stanley 11 Building, 11 Stanley Street, Central. Tel:+852 2868-3738

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M At the Fringe to leave its historical location 

M at the Fringe, the city's beloved European restaurant housed inside the old, colonial building of The Fringe Club, just announced that they are on the move after some 20 years.

"The catalyst for the move is that The Fringe Club premises are scheduled to undergo lengthy and extensive renovation to comply with new government regulations regarding public buildings," reveals a statement from their website. The restaurant will vacate on December 31, 2009.

"Of course, the prospect of leaving our original Hong Kong home is sad for all of us, but we look at this as an opportunity - we're looking for another special Hong Kong location to take us into a new era, " reveals founder Michelle Gardnau.

Started in 1989, the Modern European restaurant has earned a loyal local following over the years, as well as a celebrity clientele that includes former governor Chris Patten and actors Chow Yun Fat and Pierce Brosnan.

Dine at M at the Fringe before the move at 1/Fl., South Block, No. 2, Lower Albert Road, Central. Tel : +852 2877-4000; www.m-atthefringe.com

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Paul Potts sings, also shows off sommelier side

After winning Britain’s Got Talent in 2007, this former phone salesman became an opera star. On 18 June, Paul Potts was spotted at the Mira Hotel in Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, belting out tenor classics to promote his latest CD  
Passione and, surprisingly, some wines. The opera with wine gig was a private event, although shoppers who spent more than HK$800 at Miramar Shopping Centre earned two complementary tickets to the show.

The 38-year-old sang only a handful of songs including tenor classic, Nessun Dorma, which won over thecrowd. Diehard fans lined up for the autograph signing post-performance, with many leaving with a few tears in their eyes. Potts also shared some tasting notes on the Old and New Worlds wines showcased that day, including those from the vineyards of iconic French actor Gerald Depardieu (Gerard Depardieu en Roussillon 2005 Cotes du Roussillon) and a lovely rose (Les Douves de La Tour Carnet2004). 

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ANNOUNCEMENT:

Thanks for the great response and congratulations to all our winners below!
Get ready to check into the captivating Hotel Jen or be enthralled by the warmth and activity at Jen Café and Sky Lounge.

Top Prize
1) Jack Lam

Second Prize
1) Frankie Ho

Three Consolation Prizes
1) Martin Kniss
2) Phoebe Lee
3) Brad Owen

Experience a new feeling of welcome like no other - Hotel Jen is energetically bound by a passionate desire to provide the ultimate experience for discerning guests. Be privy to all-day dining at Jen Cafe, restaurant and lounge serving a menu of international and Asian fare where skilled chefs create a consistently fresh and delicious array of popular dishes in a vibrant, theatrical atmosphere. Or relax and unwind at the Sky Lounge with its sweeping Harbour views located on the 28th floor of Hotel Jen.  

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Tuck in and toast up with Glenmorangie and T'ang Court. For this exclusive promotion, six types of Glenmorangie, from the standard single malts to 18- or 25-year-old bottles, are paired with T'ang Court's imperial-style Cantonese dishes. Many of the dishes feature seafood as the whisky's amber, warm character, often sweetened from the aging process, goes hand-in-hand with white meat combinations. Expect the likes of braised shark's fin soup with crabmeat paired with Glenmorangie's Quinta Ruban bottles (see picture) and chicken wings stuffed with bird's nest paired with a sweet and earthy 10-year-old single malt.

Diners also get a complimentary bottle of Glenmorangie's Orignal Single Malt to take home. Tip: don't drive home, take a cab!

Meals are priced at HK$1,480 per head and the promotion runs between 16 June to 15 August. For more information, contact The Langham Hotel at +852 2375-1133.

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