Time to wine and dine in hong kong

The second annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival got off to a rousing start on 28 October. For four straight days, a multitude of visitors thronged the outdoor culinary extravaganza at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, which featured 230 wine and food booths from over 15 countries. Under an ambient temperature of 17 degrees and accompanied by the evening breeze from the Victoria Harbour, the festival participants were clearly in the right mood for noshing.  Wine lovers were spotted making a beeline for the premium wines at the Grand Tasting Pavilion, which attracted so many visitors that a queue had to be formed outside for crowd control. Top jazz sensation Laura Fgyi flew in as part of the opening act and performed her famous hits with the Hong Kong Baptist University Symphony Orchestra while roving street performers and colourfully dressed stiltwalkers added conviviality to the festival.

Fret not if you missed these highlights. Here is a list of other events to look forward to for the rest of the month.

Soho Street Fair & Wine Walk
What: Soho, the city’s hippest party spot, will be transformed into a bustling marketplace with a slew of booths offering wines, food and handmade crafts. The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel will feature Venetian singers, magicians and jugglers from The Venetian Macao as entertainment. The highlight of the street fair will be the Zaia performers from Cirque du Soleil. Wine lovers should purchase a ticket (Hk140) that includes six coupons that allows you to sample six selected wines by the half glass from a selection from 40 restaurants and bars.
When: 19 November (opening ceremony at 6pm) 20-21 November 12pm-10pm
Contact: +852 2544 4401

Sai Kung Seafood Festival
What: Over the years, Sai Kung in the New Territories has not only established itself as a beach getaway for local daytrippers, it’s also reputed as a seafood dining destination. Participating restaurants such as Chuen Kee Seafood, Hung Kee Seafood, Loaf On, Okapi Café, Sai Hing Seafood, Sing Kee Seafood and Tung Kee Seafood will be offering a free seafood dish or glass of wine upon presentation of a coupon.
When: Till 30 November
Contact: Pick up complimentary coupons at any of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centres (Hong Kong International Airport, Tsim Sha Tsui and The Peak) or call + 852 2508 1234

A Taste of Vietnam Cooking Class in Stanley
What: Pick up a few savvy tips on Vietnamese cuisine from Ah Moh, masterchef of Saigon at Stanley. Participants will receive a set of recipes, a packet of rice paper and a Vietnamese drip coffee set including ground coffee and condensed milk. Class starts from 3-5pm. HK$358.
When: 24 November
Contact: Saigon at Stanley at +852 2899 0999

Wine Cellar Tour
What: Sign up for a free one-hour guided tour of an underground wine cellar constructed more than 70 years that used to be part of a former British military installation. It’s now a UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Site. There is an option to stay on for a three-course lunch (which includes a glass of sparkling wine) at HK$350.
When: Thursday and Saturday
Contact: +852 2580 6278 to sign up or log on to www.crownwinecellars.com for more information