Category: Western

Mandarin Grill, an all-time classic (9.0)

Nora

With both local and international F&B conglomerates blossoming and renowned chefs flocking to the city, it is becoming increasingly difficult to discern the excellent from the commercialized when selecting one's next dining destination. The ease with which companies are able to pay internet celebrities and "foodies" to write stuff online adds to the woes. While… Continue reading Mandarin Grill, an all-time classic (9.0)

Artsy Restaurant-Bar (7.8)

Nora

Lee Tung Avenue has become one of our favorite after dark hang-outs lately thanks to its ostensible likeness to our former home in London's Covent Garden (forgetting about the omnipresent national flags for now). As one strolls along the main pavement it's difficult to miss an artsy restaurant-bar as conspicuous as DJAPA, showcasing its colorful… Continue reading Artsy Restaurant-Bar (7.8)

Marliave: A Bostonian hangout with history (8.0)

Nora

It was a cool August evening and both the bar at Marliave and the dining room upstairs were all packed, with servers all walking in and out in a hurry. We just arrived in Boston earlier that evening from New York and I had Marliave marked down as a to-visit restaurant without booking ahead. We… Continue reading Marliave: A Bostonian hangout with history (8.0)

Mo Bros: Great Casual Italian-American (8.0)

Nora

Another of El Grande's restaurants, the brand which runs Grappa's, this time tugged quietly beneath Elgin Street. A stony stairway starting from street level leads you down to their open dining area and you are forced to make the decision between sitting in Hong Kong's warm and humid weather and the freezing indoor seating area.… Continue reading Mo Bros: Great Casual Italian-American (8.0)

Croissant-Doughnut, Double Evil (9.0)

Nora

The croissant-doughnut, originally Dominique Ansel's masterpiece, was all the hype a few years ago when some people were willing to pay up to $100 for the $5 pastry in New York, or stand in line for two hours. This Mandarin Oriental version apparently has its triply layered butter and dough sizzled in a hot oil… Continue reading Croissant-Doughnut, Double Evil (9.0)