Taikoo This Month: January

Ask For Alonzo
A brand new Italian restaurant has opened in Quarry Bay. Ask for Alonzo is a modern trattoria offering comfort food inspired by the dishes of southern Italy, such as Tuscan meatballs, gnocchi caprese and vanilla panna cotta. Drop in for filling and reasonably priced pasta – perfect for the cooler winter months.

Nutsy
The popular Nutsy has recently reopened and has a trendy new home in creative co-working space Blueprint. This concept coffee bar was founded by two Australians on a mission to bring Aussie coffee culture to Hong Kong. Head to Dorset House to get your caffeine fix.

Maison Bluey
Cityplaza’s retail startup partnership programme Maker House is now home to Maison Bluey. This cute shop combines Bluey Maniac – a character imagined by artist Clementine Chan – and Tea Saloon by AnotherFineDay, a tea and delicacy gourmet brand. It’s a place to sit back, relax and enjoy limited-edition tea, coffee and small bites. At the weekend, you may even meet the artist and join a tea-tasting session.

% Arabica
The Quarry Bay residential building recently came to fame, known as Monster Mansion, is now home to uber-cool Japanese coffee store % Arabica. This beautifully designed space boasts fresh Arabica beans and lets customers experience a location rich with history. Come for the photo op and stay for the great coffee.

Image credit:Johnny Gin

Beyond Fashion
The exhibition bridges art, fashion and food for an immersive encounter with fashion photography. Making its premiere in Hong Kong, it showcases over 100 of the world’s most iconic fashion photos at ArtisTree, including works by renowned photographers such as Miles Aldridge, Nick Knight and Peter Lindbergh, as well as a new generation of talents. Foodies will surely clamber to join the immersive dining events hosted by Mike Bagale, the former executive chef of Chicago’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant Alinea, who will devise dishes based on the exhibition.

Image credit: Miles Aldridge, Home Works #3, 2008 © Miles Aldridge

Afternoon discounts at REPUBLIC
If you’re looking for an excuse to take a coffee break or are craving for something sweet in the mid-afternoon, head to REPUBLIC. Every day throughout January, this upbeat eatery is offering coffee and cakes for $15 each from 3:15pm to 4:15pm.