Le Pain Quotidien Opens in Wan Chai
Wan Chai’s dining scene just got a little healthier – and we couldn’t be more excited. Belgian bakery cafe Le Pain Quotidien – which has 235 branches worldwide – is opening up its first Asian outlet in Wan Chai. Committed to simple food that’s organic, sourced sustainably and done really well, you’ll find organic breads, pastries, eggs, steel-cut oats (pictured), whole wheat sourdough tartines (open-faced sandwiches) and great coffee. The brand leans heavily on plant-based ingredients, and so has plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans that are labeled as such on the menu: standout dishes include the six-vegetable quiche and quinoa taboule salad. Takeout and catering is also available, making it a handy option for Wan Chai’s office crowd.
Shop G41, The Avenue, Lee Tung Avenue, Wan Chai, 2520-1801, www.lepainquotidien.com.hk.
Stevia-Based Cola Now Available in Hong Kong
We could all do with cutting back on sugar, but with 33 grams of the white stuff in a can of fizz, it’s all too easy to undo all our good habits with drinks and mixers. Enter Green Cola, a stevia-based soft drink that offers an authentic cola flavour but without the health drawbacks of the sugary original. Stevia is a plant-based low-GI natural sweetener with zero calories and carbs that’s growing in popularity as an alternative to aspartame or other no-sugar sweeteners. In addition to the benefits for weight-watchers, it’s also a great option for anyone who needs to manage their blood sugar.
Available at F&B outlets citywide, including Il Bel Paese, NOM and Isono. Also abailable to buy online
at HKTV Mall, to name a few, with more outlets to come. Learn more at www.greencola.com.hk.
Hot Blended Drinks on the Menu at Zumufi
Sheung Wan smoothie joint Zumufi is well known for its superfood-packed smoothies, but we’re excited to learn that they’ve expanded their menu to feature healthy meal options such as paninis, salads, soups and “heartwarmers” – hot wellness drinks tailored for the Hong Kong market. We’re most excited to try the Goguma Latte – a blend of purple sweet potato, walnut, almond milk and cinnamon, with a dash of maple syrup; and the Hot Choco, a thick, healthy blend of banana, cashew, cacao powder, almond milk, coconut water, chia seeds, nibs, oats, coconut palm nectar and pink Himalayan salt. We’re also excited about the prices: all the hot drinks come in at less than $40, paninis are $29 and a 16-ounce Zumufi+ is $58. Finally, a healthy lunch option in Sheung Wan that doesn’t cost a bomb!
Shop D, G/F, Willy Commercial Building, 28-36 Wing Kut St., Sheung Wan, 2949-9829, facebook.com/zumufi.
CHEAT DAY
Mercedes-Me Launches a New Brunch Menu
At first glance, a Mercedes-Benz concept restaurant doesn’t seem like a likely spot for quality fine dining, but Mercedes Me, in partnership with the Maximal Concepts restaurant group, has been scooping up acclaim from critics and clients alike. It’s just rolled out a multi-course Sunday semi-buffet brunch of fusion Japanese-Peruvian-Spanish dishes that look well worth loosening your belt buckle for. It starts with a welcome oyster, followed by unlimited visits to six buffet stations – salad, pastries and cold cuts – plus interactive stations with eggs, a raw bar of sustainable seafood, and cheese. Eight mains are served to the table, tasting-style, with bikini sandwiches, tiger prawns, wagyu skirt to name just a few, before a selection of dessert arrives: don’t miss the Catalan cream foam with vanilla ice cream, orange and honeycomb (pictured). The meal is $490; upgrade to a drinks package at $280 (Perrier Jouet champagne, beer, bloody marys and wine).
Shop C & D, G/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central, 2895-7398, www.mercedes-benz.com/en/mercedes-me.