THE JOURNAL

Kaum food at Potato Head. Photographs courtesy of Jia Group
From Thai cuisine to a Michelin-starred French restaurant – everywhere to eat in the city, courtesy of the MR PORTER Style Council.
If you go away for long enough, there comes a point in any trip where you experience cultural overload. So saturated are you by the admittedly amazing sights, smells and sounds of a certain city that you crave something else, something totally at odds with the situation you find yourself in. And, more often than not, this will come in the form of food. You haven’t necessarily tired of the local delicacies, markets and restaurants, but you just need a little break – perhaps some home comforts, or a different type of cuisine to take refuge in and cleanse the palate. With this in mind, our roundup of Style Council highlights this week focuses on how you can do just that in Hong Kong – a cultural melting pot where you can find just about anything to eat – from any corner of the globe.
CARBONE

Mario’s Meatballs at Carbone. Photographs courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants
Italy
Carbone started out life in Greenwich Village, New York – so you can be sure that the Hong Kong outpost understands the need of any would-be diner in search of carb-filled NYC/Italian fare. And it certainly delivers. Whether you’re after spicy rigatoni, lobster ravioli or a good old fashioned steak, head to 33 Wyndham St, Central to escape the hustle and bustle of the city (and the weird and wonderful food markets) for a few hours.
POTATO HEAD

Batagor at Potato Head. Photographs courtesy of Jia Group
Bali
If the skyscrapers of Hong Kong are bearing down a little too heavily, why not escape to the beaches of Bali for a moment? Short of booking a flight, head to this colourful venue in a quiet residential area in Sai Ying Pun instead where you’ll find margaritas with wonderfully inadvisable ingredients, and edible delights such as Balinese-spiced pork belly. Oh, and there’s an impressive vinyl collection, too. Authentic Hong Kong this ain’t. But fun – it certainly is.
BUENOS AIRES POLO CLUB

30oz T-bone steak at Buenos Aires Polo Club. Photographs courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants
Argentina
The polo-inspired uniforms and grand decor at this Argentinian club, inspired by the elite members-only clubs of the 1900s – and the “sport of kings” associated with them – might not be for everyone, but if you’re after a robust Malbec and a quality steak, then this is the place for you. Expect high-end Argentinian food off the grill – with prices to match.
MAK MAK

Green chicken curry at Mak Mak. Photographs courtesy of Jia Group
Thailand
If mall-shopping in The Landmark, Central gets a little much, duck into Mak Mak – the latest venture from restaurateur Ms Yenn Wong. However don’t expect an authentic Thai experience: if you find the secret door behind which the restaurant lies, you are greeted by a retro-inspired faux grocery shop front. But the dishes – inspired by the cuisine of central Thailand – pack a punch, and there’s nothing more satisfying than pad Thai (especially if you’re feeling a little fragile).
SERGE ET LE PHOQUE

Yellowtail and peach at Serge et le Phoque. Photographs courtesy of Serge et le Phoque
France
Hong Kong is one of the best places on the planet for food and this, a really very good modern French restaurant, is testament to that. Dishes such as frozen coconut ceviche and pigeon served with cockles and samphire has earnt it a Michelin star, and the sophisticated and minimalist interior is as pleasing as the food. Style Council member, editor, and Hong Kong resident Mr Sean Fitzpatrick is a particular fan, heralding the ever-changing menu.
WHAT TO WEAR
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