Mother's Day All-In One Guide: Restaurants, Gifts and Relaxation
May 12, 2017
The summer weather has officially descended upon Hong Kong, bringing with it junk boats, humidity and Mother’s Day. While one day is certainly not enough to celebrate the wonderful women— biological and otherwise— that support us, nurture us and guide us through this world, we’ll take any excuse to pull out all the stops for our moms! If you’re lucky enough to have one of these wonder’s in your life this year, don’t miss out on spoiling her rotten this Sunday. Here are our favourite spots and shops for this Sunday –book and buy before you miss out!
Dining:
Sky High Brunches: You can never go wrong with a Mother’s Day brunch: it’s classic, delicious, and usually boozy.
Ozone
If you want to give her a morning she’ll never forget, head to the highest bar in the world, Ozone, for their brand-new Dom Pérignon Ultimate Brunch. Chef Rafael Gil and his team prepare an astounding amount of food, ranging from sushi and raw bar favourites to grilled lamb and wagyu mini burgers. The true star though— besides the free-flow Dom Pérignon (2006 vintage, mind you)—is the Joselito Ham, celebrated as the best ham in the world. It’s definitely worth a second or a third trip to the carving station, if you can save room for the sky-high dessert tables! Finger’s crossed for a clear day so you can take in that stunning vista.
Ozone, Level 118, The Ritz-Carlton, Yau Ma Te, 2263 2270
www.ritzcarlton.com
Seafood Room
Ogle at Hong Kong rom the other side of the harbour at Seafood Room during their Impérial Champagne Brunch, on all weekend. In addition to their usual brunch offerings – a beautiful buffet counter laden with seafood, salad and charcuterie, and hot dishes like Pan-Fried Red Mullet with an aioli sauce— they are introducing a few special treats just for mom, like the stunning Mini Grilled Seafood Plate, and a beautiful cocktail. 26 storeys above Causeway Bay, you’ll get an unbeatable vantage point without crossing a bridge.
26/F, Tower 535, 535 Jaffe Road, Causeway Bay, 3708-9668
www.seafoodroom.com
Decadent Dinners: If you’ve got activities planned for the morning, a dinner with your number one is the perfect way to end the day.
Rech by Alain Ducasse
A favourite in the Legend office, Rech by Alain Ducasse is another option with stunning views of the harbour. The first international outpost of the revered Paris institution, Rech delivers more than just incredible seafood- it’s hospitality is second to none. Don’t leave without trying the pan-seared sole (filleted tableside) and ravioli. It’s also full of beautiful little touches mom will love, like hand-made tableware designed by Chef Ducasse himself, and nautical-inspired, Rauschenberg-esque window hangings. Ask for table 80 when you book, it’s the best seat in the house!
Rech by Alain Ducasse, G/F, The Intercontinental Hotel, 18 Salisbury Road, TST, 2313 2323
www.intercontinental.com
Già Trattoria
Bring the whole family along for a GMO-free and antibiotic-free Italian feast at chef Gianni Caprioli’s Già Trattoria. Regional dishes from around the country are prepared with the finest ingredients to give you that warm, homey feeling— it’s the next best thing after Mom’s own cooking of course. While many ingredients are imported (hello tomatoes with actual flavour, and Sicilian lemons), Caprioli works closely with local farms and wineries to ensure he delivers flavourful and sustainable dishes every evening. Their homemade pasta is the stuff every Italian grandmother dreams of, we especially love the simple Spaghetti al Pomodoro.
1/F, Fleet Arcade, Fenwick Pier, 1 Lung King Street, Wan Chai, 2511 8081
www.giatrattoriaitaliana.com
Tea for Two (or three, or four): Somewhere between a lunch, brunch and dessert cart –is afternoon tea, and these two ones are a light-hearted way to celebrate this Sunday.
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour
One for the whimsical mothers who love a good cocktail, Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour is the newest speakeasy to hit the city. Hidden inside the Landmark Atrium, it houses over 250 gins from around the world, making it the largest collection in the city. The Doctor is launching his new Mat Hatter Afternoon Tea party on Mother’s Day, and it looks like the perfect way to while away an afternoon. The savouries, like The Tick Tock Roll made with Boston lobster and Tweedle-Dee’s Treat, smoked salmon, dill and cream cheese on sourdough will obviously delight, but it’s really about the sweets here, like the Queen of Tarts macha tart and the Eat Me Tart, a decadent chocolate and raspberry tart with chocolate ganache, raspberry jam and chocolate biscuit.
Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour, B31A, First Basement Floor, Landmark Atrium, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, 2111 9449
www.landmark.hk
Café Épure
Celebrate all things feminine and fashionable at the new Blumarine x Dalloyau 40th Anniversary Afternoon Tea set, available only at Dalloyau and Café Épure. The set commemorates the new book narrating the life of Anna Molinari, the influential Blumarine designer. The delicate rose motif, present in everything from the seasonal fruit tart to the heart-shaped rosé macaron, is inspired by Molinari’s nickname as the ‘Queen of Roses’ and helps to seamlessly blend the connection between fashion and food. Book a table outside for a relaxing afternoon of delectable treats overlooking the harbour – and definitely order a bottle of bubbles to help celebrate. The stunning tome is available for guests to peruse while they enjoy their afternoon.
Café ÉPURE, Shop 403, Level 4, Ocean Centre, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3185 8331
www.epure.hk
DALLOYAU, Shop 3220, Level 3, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, 3185 8330
www.dalloyau.hk
Gifting: Always the trickiest part, it can be easy to become overloaded with choices. Here are a few of our favourites to give you that last-minute inspiration.
Jo Malone
While the British perfumer, Jo Malone, may be most famous for their prized scents, their candles are equally magnificent. We love the summery Lime Basil and Mandarin, that instantly brightens up the home. The candles burn for over 230 hours, so it’s a gift she’ll be able to treasure for months to come.
Jo Malone, SOGO Hong Kong, Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, 2833 4586
www.jomalone.com.hk
Bulgari
Bulgari is the pinnacle of luxury, elegance and timelessness. Meticulously crafted out of pink gold, mother of pearl and pave diamonds, their Parentesi bracelet brings a striking element that can be dressed down or up, making it a Hong Kong must-have.
Bulgari, Shop 325, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, 2918 1221
www.bulgari.com/en-hk
Goyard
The historic trunk and bag maker, Goyard, has embraced their traditional roots, forgoing online sales and press, to focus on their unparalleled craftsmanship. Available only at their small boutique stores, each piece is hand painted and assembled, and only gets better with age.
Goyard, Shop No. E10, G/F, The Peninsula Hong Kong, 22 Salisbury Road, 2722 0398
www.goyard.com
Pure
The best gift in the world is undoubtedly wellness. It’s time to look after mom’s health for a change, with a membership to Hong Kong’s premier luxury fitness group, Pure. Whether she’s an experienced yogi, or a want-to-be Ronda Rousey, there is a class for her that will keep her strong, healthy and confident for years to come. They have locations across the city making it easy to find a class and a schedule that suits her lifestyle.
Pure Fitness, 18/F California Tower, 32 D’Aguilar Street, 8200 0032
www.pure-fitness.com
W Hong Kong
The W Hong Kong isn’t just for lush stay-cations, you can book for the pampering of your, we mean mom’s* dreams. Their Mom + Me rock package is an entire afternoon of blissful relaxation, complete with an aroma body massage, anti-aging facial, firming collagen mask, Elemis body set for Mom and an upgrade to a Harborview BIP Spa suite. Don’t forget the swim suits, because you’ll also get access their 76th floor outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi – the highest in Hong Kong – for breathtaking views over the city.
Bliss Spa, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon Station, 3717 2990
www.w-hongkong.com/bliss-spa