Songkran is Thailand's new year celebration, which runs from April 13-15. Visitors who have unknowingly visited Thailand during the years when Easter holidays coincides with Songkran may have had a rude awakening, as the throwing of water and drenching of passersby are the traditional ways to celebrate the festival. If you would like to celebrate without a thorough soaking, head to the Banyan Tree in Macau where the Thai restaurant Saffron has prepared a special Songkran menu, which will be available only from April 13-15. The menu consists of everyone's favourite Thai dishes including green papaya salad; spicy seafood salad; soft shell crab with tamarind; red duck curry; and for dessert, mango stick rice and coconut crème brûlée. To go with the food, Saffron also has one of the largest selections of Thai wines in Hong Kong and Macau. We would especially recommend the Monsoon Valley white shiraz to go with the spicier dishes.

G/F Banyan Tree Macau, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai. Tel: +853 8883-6061.

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Acclaimed chef Pierre Gagnaire will be returning to his renowned restaurant Pierre at Mandarin Oriental in Central, between April 24 and May 1, to launch a preview of his Le French GourMay menu. The residence will feature an eight-course tasting menu, using ingredients from Bordeaux, to showcase the creative talent and impeccable cooking skills of chef Gagnaire. Notable dishes include oyster broth with Graves white wine; Bazas beef with chopped cep mushrooms; and chartrons tart with Armagnac ice cream. The tasting menu is priced at HK$1,688, which is a preview of the five-course Le French GourMay menu that will be served throughout the month of May, at the price of HK$1,188.

For reservations, please call +852 2825-4001.

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In the city that never sleeps, Galaxy Macau has introduced a sexy new member to rev up the nightlife in Macau. China Rouge, a new club that blends elements of classic and modern chinoiserie is officially opening today. The Alan Chan-designed interior incorporates motifs of old Shanghai and exhibits artworks of many leading Chinese artists as well as his own artefacts. The private club will be serving an exceptional selection of champagnes and wines and innovative cocktails concocted with a nod to the classics. Guests can enjoy a range of Shanghai specialities to modern comfort food made by the club's own kitchen. China Rouge is a private members-only club and aims to provide a private venue for members to relax and be entertained.

Galaxy Macau, Cotai, Macau; Tel: +853 2888-0888.

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- New York Magazine looks at the cultural phenomenon of the young adult foodie. (NYMag)

- Frank Bruni, formerly the food editor of New York Times, has gout. (Independent)

- The Economist's lifestyle magazine investigates the mystery of bizarre restaurant names. (More Intelligent Life)

- Ex-mafia land are now producing award-winning wines. (Huffington Post)

- Greg Malouf (who helped create the menu at Olive here in HK) has moved to London's Petersham Nurseries after former chef Skye Gyngell quits after Michelin star. (The Australian)

- Ferran Adria launches La Bullipedia: the culinary version of Wikipedia. (Pursuitist)

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The Bar at Linguini Fini at L Place already serves some of the tastiest snacks in town such as deep-fried pork testa and pork brain and from April 2, customers can get their fill of the casual Italian restaurant's hearty and filling fare for breakfast. The new breakfast menu at Linguini Fini includes the Big Boy Breakfast which features homemade garlic and parsley pork sausages, charred semolina, eggs and pancetta; a double-stack breakfast sandwich with two fried eggs, provolone and homemade pancetta; eggs Benedict with homemade muffin, mortadella, poached eggs and 'nduja hollandaise.

For those who prefer a sweet start to the day, Linguini Fini's homemade pastries include bacon and cheddar scones, lemon and ricotta pound cake, sour cherry and cream cheese danishes, cranberry scones and cinnamon buns. To wash it all down, there is complimentary unlimited cups of La Colombe coffee, as well as fresh-squeezed juices.

Breakfast at Linguini Fini is served daily from 7am to 11am.

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