Featuring: Clarence, Graceland, Grand Majestic Sichuan…

THE first few months of 2022 has started in much the same vein to how 2021 ended. Inbound travellers still have to quarantine at their own expense in a designated quarantine hotel, and as of late January, restaurants have to close at 6pm with takeaway or delivery the only options.
Fortunately, most venues have adapted to offer free flow ‘dunch’, starting mid-afternoon and ending at 6pm to make the most of the restrictions. And in a city which is known for its bottomless brunches, being able to eat and drink at 3pm like it’s 7pm certainly has its appeal.
When the Black Sheep Restaurant group do something, they certainly know how to do it well. Their new venture is a firehouse of Sichuan cuisine, situated in the upscale surrounds of The Landmark’s Alexandra House. Grand Majestic Sichuan has a ‘mid-century’ feel to it and the kitchen is presided over by Robert Wang, previously of Chilli Fagara with London-based writer and chef, Fuschia Dunlop as a consultant. Expect the usual fiery dishes such as wok-fried chicken with peanuts and red chilies, Pu’er tea-smoked duck with steamed buns and whole mud crab with fermented longhorn chilies.
Grand Majestic Sichuan, Shop 301, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong. Phone: 2151 1299.

One of Hong Kong’s favourite chefs, Olivier Elzer had launched his new restaurant Clarence in Central. Paying tribute to classic French recipes and produce, Elzer and his protégé Simon So are putting their own spin on contemporary French cuisine. The restaurant is divided into four areas. In the Main Dining Room, you can enjoy shared plates, speciality meats, and seasonal specials. Or, try the unique Yakifrenchy menu, which features yakitori-style skewers such as Challans Duck Confit, Frogs Legs Pastis, Snails Burgundy, and Ratatouille and Confit Potato Ratte. Last but not least, don’t miss out on the Sommelier Room and The Lounge, with fine wines, dedicated food pairing menus, and a premium selection of cigars for you to enjoy.
Clarence, 25/F, H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong. Phone: 3568 1397.
There’s little that compares to comfort food down in the American South – the fried chicken sandwich being a very fine example! Opened in the heart of Mong Kok, Graceland brings true Southern hospitality to the Kowloon neighbourhood with a table-load of hearty grub and very stiff beverages. Leading the kitchen is Tennessee-native Jake Johnson, who fused Native American, West African, and European culinary influences in hefty, sharing-style plates. When you do visit, press play on the city’s only vinyl jukebox for 200 throwback tracks, and pay special attention to the Chicken & Dumplings, which replicates the classic North Carolinian duo of thickened chicken soup and dough balls.
Graceland, Shop B, G/F, Lisa House, 12-14A Yim Po Fong Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong. Phone: 6112 9449.