OPENINGS: German sausages galore at King Ludwig  

King Ludwig has a handful of branches across the city including the one in Stanley beach's Murray House. Now it's spreading into Wan Chai territory with a new outpost along Hopewell Centre. Spruced up like an old-school beer hall, they have outdoor wood tables that's perfect for families to tuck into German grub alfresco. German classics and comfort food are in abundance here: pork knuckles with a crackling skin, served with sauerkraut and potatoes (HK$145), and of course, plenty of sausages such as the national favourite, Bockwursts (HK$90).

G/Fl., Hopewell Centre, 183 Queens Road East, Wan Chai.  

OPENINGS: New pub Trafalgar in Wan Chai's extensive beer list impresses beer lovers

Taking over what used to be the Dirty Duck restaurant, Trafalgar strives to be more than just another pub in this drinking district by offering an impressive list of beers. There's also an outdoor terrace where you can nurse a pint or tuck into your Sunday roast as you look out onto the bustling scene below.

There are 50 bottled beers to choose from, plus 11 ales on tap (from HK$45). Draught beers include Belgium staples such as Hoegarden and Leffe Brune, and UK favourites such as Spit Fire or Magners Cider. Trafalger's extensive bottled beers selections will impress hardcore beer aficionados with plenty of boutique brews from the UK and Scotland, such as Yellowhammer and Whitstable Bay Organic ale, and a dark Thomas Hardy Vintage ale.

A pub isn't a pub unless there's hearty Anglo-comfort food to wash down your beer with. Naturally, they have it all here, mostly British classics such as wholesome steak and kidney pies (HK$85- as pictured above), fish n' chips (HK$120) and Toad in a Hole (HK$105). There's also a handful of American favourites such as American style burgers (from HK$65) including their house burger with chicken, cheese, beef and bacon.

5/F, 54-62 Lockhart Rd, The Broadway, Wan Chai, Tel: +852 2110-1513; www.trafalgar.com.hk.

 

 

OPENINGS: Le 188˚ at Harbour Grand Hotel at Fortress Hill

After a tour of the Grand Harbour Hotel in Fortress Hill, a new opened five-star accomodation with a waterfront location, we were  blown away by their European eatery Le 188˚. Situated on the 41st floor, Le 188˚ has an almost panoramic view of the city's iconic skyline (a 188 degree view to be exact—which explains the venue's name). Depending on where you're seated, you can gaze across Hong Kong Island West, Tsim Sha Tsui or all the way to Kowloon Bay.

Hungarian Chef Jeno Friedi tempers the menu of modern European food with the occasional Asian influence, such as roasted duck breast (HK$268), a slow-cooked Dover sole with seared baby abalone (HK380). You can bet that this atmospheric sky-high location is going to be popular with courting lovers.

23 Oil Street, Harbour Grand Hotel, Fortress Hill. Tel: +852 2121-2688.

 

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

 

 

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