{Tea diaries}

Here's an entry from the previous food blog that HKFoodie and I started... glimpsed through it and seems most of the suggestions remain appropriate for this summer. Take advantage of the fantabulous weather that has re-emerged recently!

@ the beach... in HK August 23, 2004

With summer flying by and gloom weather abound... here's a selection of restaurant/ food suggestions for when your stomach starts grumbling while lazing around various beaches in HK...

@ Shek-O - Black Sheep People say this hideaway restaurant is great for romantic dates or trysts... I enjoyed the hearty portions from the eclectic menu... food is good, but not mind-blowing... (July 2005 update: Black Sheep's closing down is definitely a loss for the area, given it is one of the very few Western resturants around Shek O and Big Wave Bay. Have heard, however, that a cool outdoor cafe has opened in Big Wave Bay~ haven't had a chance to check it out yet...)

Quite a few open-air Thai and Vietnamese restaurants around also that I have tried... just go in any one of those... quality from average to good

@ Repulse Bay & South Bay - The dependable & reasonably priced South-East Asian fare and excellent service and relaxed atmosphere makes Spices a trusted Repulse Bay haunt.

Could also consider Victoria City for dependable dim sum... but would skip Y-on the bay myself (didn't enjoy the buffet deal at all)... see Verandah in another entry, and somehow I always favor the McD's here...

@ Sai Kung - Of the gazillion seafood restaurants, quite a few are owned by common owners... Tung Kee and Chuen Kee are the two that I frequent, but frankly, don't see much of a difference, recommended for big group gatherings... adore the huge pepper salt scampi!

In one of the sidestreets (sorry can't be more specific) is a great Chechemin store that can more than satisfy your hunger after one of your wakeboarding outings... it's so popular that it owns the store opposite too...

@ Stanley - Lucy's ~ Winner of many Dish Awards, this cosy small restarant is hidden amongst Stanley's shopping area... fresh ingredients and simple cooking make reservations a must for most weekends...

Was pleasantly surprised by the interesting menu and good food at the mega The Boathouse... we tried the summer seafood menu (HK$500 for 2, or HK$200 per head for 4 or above), which could satisfy 3 easily... the mixed platter format for all courses (apart from the soup) makes it great for sharing... I head for King Ludwig for its German fare too...

Feel free to offer your suggestions for my next sunbathing trip (my "darker => slimmer" theory will likely remain untested this summer)...