Eating out in Hong Kong for Japanese Osechi Ryori 御節料理 for 2014 New Year?

 On the 31st of Dec the Japanese culture follows the Western Caesar Calendar,  and usually go and devour some  年越しそば Year-Bridging, ToshiKoshi Soba on every New Years Eve.   Subsequently,  during the next few days of the New Years,   it is customary to consume a New Year’s 正月料理 - 御節弁当 Osechi Bento at home.   Each individual item in the Osechi Set symbolizes a different fortune and prosperity.     In Hong Kong this can also be experienced whether you prepare it yourself or as found at some Japanese-run restaurants.   Unfortunately,  two of my best finds locally are either closed or no longer doing it for 2014,  but hopefully we will be able to find a good replacement..

 

 

Previously the Best Osechi in Hong Kong.  
#1  Genki Ippai - 元気一杯 
(Shop E, 4/F, Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong)
Fortuitous enough previously to have chanced upon here by calling up my various trusted Japanese restaurants I regularly patron,  this amazingly beautiful and thoughtful  ‘Osechi Set’  was only around $500 and enough to feed 4 or more people.   Rather unfortunately,  they decided not to continue serving this in 2014.    We were so keen to return..

 

 

#2 - Our House Made Osechi Set for 2013 with another Blogger Friend who came back from Japan -
You can seek for all the separate ingredients from major Japanese Supermarkets to make this finally happen but if you count them all up,  there is a lot that we did buy and not all were utilized and it could have been much worse,  and then behind all of that there’s certain protocols and presentations you need to follow.   City Super naturally has the most complete Osechi New Year selections,  but I have seen partial selections appearing in SOGO, APITA,  JUSCO, etc.    We also had to buy our own layered Bento boxes.  *Elementary Cost per person is around $250,  not cheap,  but quite fun!  Tempted to do it again as I still have my lacquered bento boxes at home.

 

七味和食  Nanami Restaurant – $280  (Now Closed)
Unfortunately this was rather great value for money and would have been highly recommended yet the shop closed down already.   The Osechi Set here before costing only $280 was much better value than say Kowloon Nadaman’s 御節 Bento,  which was missing a few essential elements to be a full experience but charged upwards of $300 for less already.

 

 

Full Kaiseki and Osechi Course at Nadaman, 
HK Island Shangri-la –  @ $520
The Kowloon-side Nadaman as abovementioned,   offer their Set Bento during only the morning for $300+ but with not too much items.   No brainer to pick the Hong Kong Nadaman side instead with a full Kaiseki Course unless you’re in a real hurry..

 

Quite a few other shops will be offering New Year’s Japanese Osechi Ryori -
Places like Sushi Hiro 寿司広,  Wa San Mai 和三味, Sushi Toku 寿司徳,　Youka 八日,  plus both Nadaman branches above and a fair few others.   Not many will be great value for money,  like the above Genki Ippai edition we ate.    I still believe making your own Osechi Course is going to be more fun and authentic to the original Holiday spirit.  Make sure you down your meal with some Ama-Zuke  甘鮭 or 屠蘇 Toso wine to keep with this Spirit.

 

 

 

 

 

~~ Happy New Year 2014 ~~

Macallan Whisky Bar II - (Macau)

 This is my 2nd post on Macallan Whisky Bar inside Galaxy Hotel.  My Previous Review: Macallan Whisky Bar (I).   In-between I have been back myself a few times already as there really aren’t that many interesting alternatives when you stay overnight at Cotai Strip part of Macau,  on the other side of the main city.   It was previously my favorite bar in Macau on Cotai side as it feels so at home,  although now that I have discovered the astonishing space at  China Rouge 紅伶 downstairs within the same hotel,  I will have to make up my mind the next time I return to Galaxy Hotel.   Or visit both.

 

 

Entrance to Macallan Whisky Bar -
Every time I come,   it feels like I am re-discovering what’s awaiting for me inside.
May be the dark lighting and cozy setting helps in this regard,  as memories of here are never so clear after too many drinks.  

 

My always Underlying Habit to always Check out their Rare Whisky offerings on the shelves -

 

 

 

Magnificent Setting -
It’s like a warm room inside someone’s actual home in Scotland.
There is nothing like this on Hong Kong side at all…  Sean Connery should so invite me over. : P

 

 

 

Smoked Almonds and Cashews -
As expected.  Nothing more or nothing less..

 

 

Photo Taken From the Other Angle -
I think my Photography style has changed a bit since my last post,
after checking out my last review of here:   http://www.hkepicurus.com/2012/03/macallan-whisky-bar-macau-galaxy-hotel.html

 

Signature Old Fashioned Cocktail -
I usually drink straight Whisky here,  so I still received a surprise today upon learning that their Old Fashioned Whiskey cocktail is their Signature drink here.  Made from blended Bourbon whiskey,  it was quite strong and more on the sweeter side.    The citrus peels make it more refreshing.

 

 

 

 

Another Cocktail for my other friends -

 

 

“Exclusive” Single Malt Whisky flights from the Barrels -
From Scotland directly no less,  these are imported to Macallan Whisky Bar directly..
These guys must have hooked up some intimate connections with the Scottish side to make this happen.   I haven’t seen it on Hong Kong side at all.

 

 

Scotch Whisky Trail – $388
All poured from the above 5 different Scotch Whisky barrels.
They also have other Whisky flights available here,  but this appealed to us the most!   I want to do this once again and concentrate more on distinguishing between their taste differences.    Drop me a note if you are also keen to join me and find out..

 

 

 

 

Price: MOP or HKD $150 – $400  (Drinks this Round was by Invitation by Galaxy Hotel)
Ease of Access:   3/5  Take bus or taxi to Galaxy Casino Hotel from Ferry port
Rating:  ♕♕♕♕♕ 1/2 

Opening Hours:
Mon to Thurs 5:00pm - 1:00am
Fri to Sat 5:00pm – 2:00am
Sun  Closed

Address: 路氹城望德聖母灣大馬路澳門銀河, 銀河酒店2樓203 號
Shop 203,  2/F,  Galaxy Hotel,  Macau.
Ph:  (853) 8883 2221

Gosto Portuguese Food - (Macau)

 The Portuguese Chef who works at GOSTO obviously has a mission on his mind.   He has recently taken a bold move to over-haul the whole menu at this Portuguese restaurant inside Galaxy Hotel,  because he said they aren’t proper Portuguese Food to his liking but too localized as Macau-Portuguese food.   I totally understand his frustration,  imagine if you were in his position and wanting to make a statement.   Some of the fusion dishes are kept here to please normal customers,  but many newer dishes here are much more interesting and authentic Portuguese recipes or at least has kept the right Portuguese spirit.     The below is our Tasting Menu of the Christmas Menu preview:

 

 

Gosto -
There are so many Portuguese-styled restaurants in Macau.
Which are localized?   Which are authentic?   
I bet even the local Macanese can’t tell precisely because sometimes as it is borderline confusing.

 

 

A Portuguese Chicken

 

 

 

Bread Basket with Butter -
The Butter carries the Galaxy Hotel bell logo..

 

 

 

Pan Seared Scallop,  Sautéed Leek & Lemon Cream Soup, Lemon fruit, 
diced Red Onion and Clams Juice -
It looks simple but re-read the description again,  it definitely is thoughtfully planned and it was lovely as a starting soup.   ~  9/10
 

 

 

Slow-cooked Cod Fish Fillet with Cod Fish Tongue & Tomato Rice and Coriander -
The cod fish is sous-vide low temp cooked as per modern cuisines internationally,  it definitely kept the fatty silky texture well.   The highlight was going to be the Cod fish’s tongue,  which is incorporated into the rice which is subtly herbed and topped with tomato and onion salsa.   ~  8.5/10

 

 

 

Cod Fish Tongue -
There’s not much tongue in the dish,  but what’s there tasted like calamari pieces.
Quite limited in each cod fish and glad the Chef decided to serve it as a traditional Portuguese recipe.

 

 

 

Christmas Turkey Leg stuffed with Portuguese Blood Sausage, Mushrooms, Pine nuts,  with Roasted Potatoes and Sauteed Spinach -
The turkey leg is firstly wrapped in Bacon and in the middle filled with a powerful blood sausage filling.  Bold in concept and inspired by a Northern Portuguese dish, this was one of the most memorable turkeys I have had in Asia-Pacific region and you can also enjoy this during the Christmas Menu next week.   Highly recommended.   ~   10/10

 

Serradura Saw Dust Pudding – $38
The version here has Digestive biscuit crumbs,  Oreo cookie crumbs and also a Mango sauce.  So thoughtful and likeable.  Look at that low price too.   Not entirely sure it is purely Portuguese authentic but I should definitely ask the Chef again !  ~  9/10

Real Portuguese Tarts -  $12
I remembered to ask the Chef this time,  what he thinks of Macau’s Portuguese tarts -  his answer was expected.   He thinks most Macau tarts are British Egg-tarts based,   so in order to make his statement,  he wanted to make his Pastel de Nata as similar to the Lisboa’s Belem version as possible.   He even serves it with Cinnamon Powder,  although no Icing Sugar and to me not enough Burnt Layer.  It was slightly more sweeter and set custardy than the normal Macanese version.   Come here if you want a more closer to Portugal’s original Pastel de Nata version amongst other dishes.   You can so totally feel the fire in the Chef’s vision…  come help to fuel it and make the Portuguese movement last!

 

 

 

 

Price: $388 for Christmas Meal (Meal by Galaxy Hotel’s Invitation)
Food:  ♕♕♕♕ 1/2
Ease of Access:  4/5

Address: 路氹城「澳門銀河™」綜合渡假城購物大道東地下G21號舖
Galaxy Macau, Avenida de Cotai, Cotai City, Coloane-Taipa
Ph:  +853 8883 2221

Galaxy Hotel - (Macau)

 Having been Invited to stay over at Macau’s different hotels during a few times,  surprisingly this was the 1st time I was even in town and not working overseas as a slaved gorilla and able to arrange a time slot to arrive in as a guest.   All of my other Macau hotel posts were self paid trips myself.   I really enjoy coming over here as a temporary get-away from Hong Kong’s bustling life and it’s only 1 hour away.   In fact I already have my next Macau visit planned on Wednesday this week and I will only be staying over for 12 hours,  you can see I am infatuated with this ex-Portuguese ruled city.   Macau is so attractive with their food offerings from the really traditional to the newer styles,   and premium Hotel Dining is often offered at a large discount due to Casino subsidies.   I really do love coming to Macau!

 

 

Galaxy Hotel’s Diamond feature entrance -

 

 

 

 

Hotel Corridor -

Galaxy Hotel Complex -
It comprises of 3 different hotels -  namely Galaxy Hotel itself,  also Hotel Okura and Banyan Tree.
A new Ritz Carlton arm and another hotel will be forthcoming next year.

 

 

 

Quite Modern and Clean -
My first pre-requisite for any hotel visits basically.
Here it is definitely recommendable and it is quite a new hotel afterall. 

 

My Double Bed during Day Time -
Really clean and modern in design. 
I really liked here and personally I always like to stay behind for more than 1 night…
It takes time to become familiar with a place. 

 

Room View and another Shot of my Bed during the Night -

 

 

 

Bathroom -
Open,   but obviously you can block off the view with the inside Shades as it’s just next to the bed.

 

 

My Sofa and the Night View this time -
I liked the soft sofa.  The view was as expected,  it’s the imitation of Las Vegas on the other side of the world at Macau after all.

 

 

 

Fruits on the table -
Exotic and waking up rejuvenated. 
I love staying in hotels as I sleep much better and ready for adventures.   
If you search under my Hotels tab,  you can also find my other hotel stays.   This here at Galaxy Hotel is definitely recommendable and not expensive for a stay.

 

 

 

Price:  Roughly $1480 per night depending on Season  (This Stay was by Galaxy Hotel’s Invitation)
Hotel:  ♕♕♕♕ 1/2
Ease of Access:  4/5

Address:  路氹城澳門銀河™綜合渡假城
Galaxy Macau, Avenida de Cotai, Cotai City, Coloane-Taipa
Ph: +853 2888 0888
Fax: +853 8883 3988

 

 

 

Terrazza Italian Dining, Galaxy Hotel - (Macau)

 My 1st ever visit to Terrazza by Inviitation inside Galaxy Hotel,  despite having been to Macallan Bar next door.   I think most Macau hotels have too many options to choose from but they might not realize this,   but most customers actually don’t catch on with all the available options because we are all distracted by choices.    Many of us foodies visit Macau monthly but that doesn’t mean we can visit all of them!    Some friends on the table have already visited here before and gave it high praise for Modern Italian food.   

 

 

These Grissini are the ‘Best’ I have tried in Hong Kong and Macau region -
Light and crispy, fragrant. 
Prefer this over HK Grand Hyatt Grissini’s bready version,  which to me are not real grissini.

 

 

 

Bread Basket -
The flat Pane Carasau at the back were good.  The other bread rolls are of the softer type associated with HK/Macau Dining scene.   One of these had a lot of herbs.

 

 

 

Smoked Salmon Carpaccio,  Almond and Dill Pesto,  Pine Nuts, Arugula & Lemon Oil Foam -
The salmon was nice and thick,  I love sourness so wouldn’t mind the lemon foam to be even stronger but as it is,  it’s balanced.     ~  7/10

 

Tenuta Regaleali from Tasca d'Almerita -
Inzolia (73%),  Sauvignon Tasca (27%) Contea di Sclafani D.O.C.

 

 

 
Spaghetti Chitarra, Burrata cheese, Pine Nuts, Dill, Bottarga roes, Saffron - 
This looked rather pretty and ambitious in recipe.
I quite like this for it’s texture,  although ultimately it can be more filled with Saffron,  Bottarga roes and Burrata cheese flavours.   Getting there in concept!   ~  7/10

 

 

 

Sea Bass with Baked Eggplant, Porcini Mushroom, Clams and Artichokes -
The fish skin was rather crispy and the meat done alright.   I personally loved the clams and porcini strongness.   Light but executed well.   Some others think this was over-cooked but I was happy with my own plate enough.  ~  7.5/10

 

 

 

Risotto with Lemon,  Squid Ink, Pesto & Prawns -
This was my Favourite dish.   Modern Risotto deviating a bit from the general recipes,  they now tend to be more wavy and wet .   This was both refreshing and rich at the same time,  my absolute favorite dish to be a must order.    It was so right.    ~  9/10

 

 

 

Contadina – With Mozzarella,  Porcini,  Parmesan,  Sausage
Strong in flavour and baked until darkened.  This was definitely lovable.  Their other pizza we had wasn’t as good however.  Getting there.   ~  6.5/10

 

 

 

Lotus – Yoghurt and Yuzu Molecular Ball,  Chocolate Cake
A signature here.   I really liked this even if it is cliched as a concept.  At the end of the day I liked this yuzu and white chocolate influenced balance with the underlying darker chocolate base.  Very well done.  ~  10/10

 

 

 

Panettone Tiramisu with Coffee Ice Cream -
Looked pretty enough but it was more of a cake version. 
Much dryer than a real tiramisu experience…  Luckily we received this as the normal version below.  ~  5/10

 

 

 

Normal Tiramisu with Coffee Beans,   made in situ -
This was the version we all looked forward to as it seems to be a signature across their hotels.  This was really good actually and slightly molecular in method.   ~  8/10   

 

 

A good way to finish off the night at Galaxy Hotel -
Overall we were quite satisfied with most dishes.

 

 

Price:   Meal by Invitation by Galaxy Hotel
Food:  ♕♕♕♕ to ♕♕♕♕ 1/2

Ease of Access:  4/5
Address: 路氹城「澳門銀河™」綜合渡假城銀河酒店2樓201號舖
Shop 201, 2/F, Galaxy Hotel, Galaxy Macau™, COTAI, Coloane-Taipa
Ph:  8883 2221