FROZEN BLACK SESAME, CARROT-PINEAPPLE SORBET, COCONUT TAPIOCA
THE SHERRY MENU, SOURCED FROM THE EL BULLI CELLAR
SOME OF THE GREAT SHERRY THAT 22 SHIPS OFFERS
MEETING JASON ATHERTON AT 22 SHIPS
If you ever ask me what are my favourite HK restaurants 22 Ships will most definitely be at the top of that list. Since my first visit I have been obsessed with Jason Atherton's modern take on a tapas bar/restaurant, so you can imagine my excitement when I was given the opportunity to meet the man in person and test drive their new menu. I cannot fault any of the recipes we tried and highly recommend the baked bone marrow, spanish breakfast and tuna tataki. I also tried their extensive sherry menu on this visit and loved their delicious selection all sourced from the elBulli cellar. Don't be put off by the fact that you may have to wait for a table. Leave your number, grab a cocktail, and be prepared to try some of the best food in HK.
I definitely believe that daylight is not a reason to stop the party, and lets face it daytime drinking at the weekend can be very fun, so I was happy to hear that Socialito have started their "Disco Brunch," a monthly party for those of you who aren't ready to go home and sleep. Think delicious food from their kitchen, flowing champagne, and a tequila based bloody mary. I was surprised by the legitimate party mood and the venue is dark and hidden enough to make you forget it's only 3pm. The Conchinita Pibil Sopes, Wagyu Steak Hash, and Chilaquiles with Guajillo Sauce were all delicious and insanely perfect if you are a tiny bit or a lot bit hungover. They even have a special theme each time so keep your eyes out for the next invite and join the party.
WINNER OF THE DIAGEO WORLD CLASS BARTENDER OF THE YEAR HONG KONG 2013
RICKY LIAU'S COCKTAIL - DON THE BOOTLEGGER
RICKY LIAU'S COCKTAIL - THE LOCKER ROOM
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE OTHER AMAZING COCKTAILS THAT MADE IT TO THE FINAL BRYSON RIVERA'S THE MAN WITH THE IRON FIZZ
BRYSON RIVERA'S RON LE CAJA SWIZZEL
LOKENDRA GURUNG'S FLIGHT OF THE GOOSE
JOE VILLANUEVA'S SUN SIMIAO
JOE VILLANUEVA'S JALISCO'S ASIAN DELIGHT
BRUNO SANTOS'S BLENDED GOLD
WALLACE LAU'S JOY ABOVE THE CLOUDS
DAVE LAM'S H&K
JANSON CHAN'S THE SKY BURNS
JOHN NG'S BARONESS THATCHER AND CALIFORNIA DREAMER
ALEX NG'S PRIDE ABOVE THE CLOUDS
ALEX NG'S EVENING MAID
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO OF THE 10 FINALISTS PRESENTING THEIR COCKTAILS AND THE WINNER BEING ANNOUNCED
Ricky Liau of Wyndham the 4th
has been crowned Hong Kong’s best bartender at the
city’s WORLD CLASS final on World Cocktail Day. Judged by a panel of industry greats Mr Liau triumphed due to his impeccable technique, beautifully balanced drinks and ability to charm the consumer.
During the Hong Kong final, Ricky and his fellow competitors were tested
on their bartending knowledge, skill and showmanship behind the bar.
Liau,
set to leave an indelible mark in the world of fine drinking,
truly impressed judges with his signature cocktails “Don the Bootlegger” and “The Locker Room”.
“Winning Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Hong Kong best bartender is an incredible honour. The level of competition and cocktail mastery from my peers is second to none.
It’s inspiring to compete and learn alongside bartenders that are as
passionate about their craft as I am. In addition, it’s gratifying to
be recognized by the world’s most prestigious mixology competition, but
even more so to see the bartending industry
develop and receive the global recognition and respect it deserves.
This is the next step in the journey to becoming the greatest bartender
in the world and I can’t wait to represent Hong Kong at the Global
Final” said Liau.
Ricky
will go on to compete against the world’s best bartenders from over 50 countries at the WORLD CLASS Global Final 4th – 9th July. Held aboard boutique Azamara Club Cruise’s ship, Azamara Journey, the voyage begins in
the French Riviera and will include stopovers in some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic and chic destinations.
Liau will be vying for the coveted title of Diageo
Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year during a landmark week in the
mixology circuit where the latest fine drinking trends are unveiled.
Asia Pacific WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year 2012, Kae Yin,
noted: “My fellow judges and I were met with an
extremely high calibre of talent, all displaying an exceptional instinct
for bartending. However, a combination of Ricky’s style, skill,
charisma and extensive spirits knowledge made him the
clear winner. There is no doubt that Ricky will make a serious contender at the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS 2013 Global Final.”
If Liau is successful at the Global Final,
becoming the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year will set him
on a life changing journey.
Previous winners of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS
Bartender of the Year have become recognized industry names, travelling
the globe as a WORLD CLASS Ambassador, participating in international
high-profile events and gone on to receive numerous
accolades. Following his win in 2010, Erik Lorincz, personally worked
as a consultant and head bartender for Petra Ecclestone’s lavish
wedding, as a consultant on the casino scene for the latest James Bond
film Skyfall and worked with Cartier to create a signature
cocktail for a new product launch. 2012 winner Tim Philips has opened
his own bar, Bulletin Place, to critical acclaim and is currently
working with celebrated Australian chefs Colin Fassnidge, Wayd Bailey
and Eric Pernoud to create a six-course WORLD CLASS
cocktail and food pairing menu that will be served at the Noosa Food
and Wine Festival in May.
The inspired cocktails created during the Hong Kong
Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Final used the finest spirits from the Diageo
Reserve
luxury collection – KETEL ONE® vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ gin, DON
JULIO® tequila, ZACAPA® rum, JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended
Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky and
TALISKER SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKEY™.
Nestled in the restaurant abundant Knutsford Terrace, Spice acts as a great lively venue for catching up with friends over cocktails and food. I recommend their curries, fresh naan bread, and shrimp sashimi. Everything works in sharing portions so order lots and eat family style. Service was attentive and friendly, and there is even a live belly dance performance Thursday nights at 8:30. Bring a big group and dig in next time you are in the area.
