TWG, a company that specialises in premium tea leaves which launched in Singapore in 2007, has opened its first Tea Salon and Boutique at IFC in Central. TWG Tea offers over 800 single estate, fine harvest teas and exclusive blends from all over the world including Iran, Turkey and Georgia.

The new TWG Tea Salon and Boutique here in Hong Kong seats only 50 people in a 1,800 sq. ft space and the colonial décor with rattan-backed black velvet chairs alludes to Singapore's glorious past as a trading post for teas and spices.

Guests will be able to sample a menu that not only serves tea as a beverage, but also uses it as an ingredient, resulting in creative dishes such as foie gras terrine with sakura tea jelly; quiche with greens tossed in green tea vinaigrette; Singapore Breakfast Tea ice cream; and tea-infused macarons.

Shop 1022-1023, IFC, 1 Harbour View Street, Central. Tel: +852 2796-2828.

Email Recipient's email address Your name Your email address Add a message (optional) Submit Share Digg reddit Google Bookmarks del.icio.us StumbleUpon Newsvine livejournal Mixx it!

After less than seven months of business, Margaret Xu's high-end  
cha chaan teng Cantopop collaboration with IHM shuts its doors. Opened by the restaurant group behind Posto Pubblico, Cantopop aimed to seek a new definition for  
cha chaan teng and shot to fame with its fresh, clean and organic products such as sous-vide char siu and homemade luncheon meat. However, just before the new year, the venue located at L Place in Sheung Wan underwent refurbishment and became The Bar of Linguini Fini, which soft launched on January 1. While Cantopop asserts on their Twitter page that it is only a relocation rather than a closing, their PR is unable to confirm either a date or a new location. Perhaps Hong Kong just wasn't ready for a high-end  
cha chang teng after all.

Email Recipient's email address Your name Your email address Add a message (optional) Submit Share Digg reddit Google Bookmarks del.icio.us StumbleUpon Newsvine livejournal Mixx it!

Jean-Paul Hévin, one of our favourite chocolatiers who with boutiques in IFC and Ocean Terminal, is opening a new Boutique et Bar à Chocolat on Lyndhurst Terrace in Central on January 12.

Watch our exclusive video of Jean-Paul Hévin teaching us how to make his signature hot chocolates here.

The new boutique seats 25 and is modelled after the flagship store on Paris' rue Saint-Honoré. Exclusive at the new store is Jean-Paul Hévin's signature tasting coffret box (HK$580) which offers five tasting tablets of chocolates from Venezuela, Madagascar, Peru and Colombia.

Also available on the menu are a whole plethora of chocolate goods including cakes, tarts, mousses, macarons, truffles, ganaches and caramels. There is also currently a set lunch menu in the works, which will be changed every two weeks.

13 Lyndhhurst Terrace, Central. Tel: +852 2851-0633.

Email Recipient's email address Your name Your email address Add a message (optional) Submit Share Digg reddit Google Bookmarks del.icio.us StumbleUpon Newsvine livejournal Mixx it!

We've always been big fans of Island Tang at The Galleria in Central, with its retro décor, delicate dim sum and fantastic chicken congee. Now those of us who work and live in Kowloon will be able to sample similar delights thanks to the opening of Kowloon Tang. Located on the rooftop of Elements shopping mall, the slightly cartoonish sign belies the classic signature David Tang décor inside. The menu is also similar, with the signature steamed shrimp dumplings and crispy chicken present and accounted for. Other highlights to look out for include Chef Zou's Dongguan dishes, including steamed duck egg batter with crab and minced pork; homemade soy sauce marinated goose; and pan-fried carp fish and preserved meat patties. If intending to try the Peking duck, make sure to place your order 24 hours in advance.

Shop R002-003, 3/F Elements, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon. Tel: +852 2811-9398.

Read more about Island Tang

Email Recipient's email address Your name Your email address Add a message (optional) Submit Share Digg reddit Google Bookmarks del.icio.us StumbleUpon Newsvine livejournal Mixx it!

2012 is not off to a great start for bar flies: first it was Yumla, then Racks and now Halo will be closing its doors on January 8. Opened by Buzz Concepts (the people behind Lily & Bloom, Volar and Fly), Halo was known for its sophisticated vibe, live music and delicious cocktails. Make sure you go down on January 7 for one last hurrah and order of truffle fries.

Email Recipient's email address Your name Your email address Add a message (optional) Submit Share Digg reddit Google Bookmarks del.icio.us StumbleUpon Newsvine livejournal Mixx it!