Nom-y updates

For those wanting a change from the usual Tsingtao, Deerhorn has brought in some Nepalese brews. Buffalo Wilbur is hooked on the new lager (HK$30 a bottle).

While I have been going to Nitaya's Thai Kitchen almost daily. I'm glad to see that it is getting lots of regulars, both locals and expats.

Silvermine Hotel's new lease of life

I must admit I was pretty sceptical about the rebranding of Silvermine Beach Resort, especially since people who've stayed there tell me the rooms are just the same, just more expensive.

But they are trying. And I like the idea of refreshment kiosks. 

The kiosks are open only on weekends and are only about a month old so it's too early to gauge the response yet. But I think they'll do a roaring business during the upcoming dragonboat races.

I tried the lime slush for HK$10 and it really hit the spot on a hot day.

Even better, the hotel is also offering free space outdoors for people wanting to set up their own stalls... a great idea for summer.

Buffalo Wilbur and I are wondering what we can sell to take advantage of the free space. Any suggestions?

Comfort food

I realise I am always writing about the new eating places that I haven't posted any of my old favourites. There are some places we go to so frequently (ordering the same dishes all the time) that it didn't even cross my mind to blog about them.

How remiss of me. To make up for it, here are our regular haunts:

The China Bear (Tel: 2984 9720) along the waterfront, which has a casual feel and sweet waitresses like Evelyn, who greets me every morning when I'm on the way to the ferry. I always order the fish and chips (battered, not breaded) and it never disappoints.

Caffe Paradiso, also known as Tom's Cafe (Tel: 2984-0498), is always packed with harried mums dropping off their kids and grabbing a cuppa in the morning and languid freelancers getting a pick-me-up in the afternoon. Buffalo Wilbur says its serves the best and cheapest double espresso in Hong Kong.

Bombay Cafe (Tel: 2984-1847) is an Indian takeaway joint with a couple of small tables outside. If Tom's has the best coffee in Hong Kong, then Gordon's cooking is the best Indian food in the SAR. His lamb briyani and chicken tikka are so good we rarely order anything else.

And who doesn't know Bahce (Tel: 2984-0222), with its Turkish chef? Again, the food and service are consistently good. I always go for the hot mezze platter because those fried chillies are really to die for.