Janice Jann

It’s that time of the year when, as the weather gets colder, people begin to enviously click through Facebook pictures of friends on vacations and get that itch to lounge around somewhere on a relaxing sunny tropical island with an umbrella-framed fruity concoction at their fingertips. Without having to buy a plane ticket, those in need of a tropical island getaway can make their way over to Honi Honi Cocktail Lounge, where, after elevating themselves just three floors up in the unassuming Sompteuex Central in Wellington Street, they are whisked away to a breezier time and place. Here is where funky zigzag-shaped shelves holding glassware and liquor bottles line the bar wall and where dimly lit bulbs netted in twine sway from the ceiling. Here is where a semi-alfresco patio is swathed in bamboo fencing and wooden lawn furniture that looks like it came from Ikea on vacation (tip: definitely give the giant cushions a sit). Here is where there is – no joke – even a built-in shower hose to cool you down on a hot summer’s day in Hong Kong. French mixologist and lounge partner Max Traverse formerly manned the bar at Le Boudoir, another spot that strays from the usual ‘sleek and stylish’ suspects this city is known for, and the man has drafted an amazing brew of fruit-filled cocktails utilising his expansive rum collection. The Polynesian Sangria is a tame starter that comes off more like drinking grape juice as the freshly squeezed orange and Polynesian honey overpowers the Caberne

Neighbourhood spots hold a charm of their own. They may not be world renowned or boast Michelin-star winning chefs but they’re eateries that residents nearby frequent over and over again simply for its convenience and the thrill of being in the know on the local gems. And even in hip Sheung Wan, the newly opened, elegantly tucked-away Shelter Lounge is staking a claim to being one of area’s top neighbourhood food stops. For starters, it has conveniently long opening hours, catering to everyone’s needs. Early risers can get the day started the right way by feasting on Shelter’s brunch menu, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2.30pm. During weekdays, lunch sets start selling at 11am-2.30pm where, from $108-$148, you receive a daily soup or salad, main course and coffee or tea. After calls for tea time where guests can nosh on the sweet treats and fine coffee or tea and in the evening, you’re ushered to the second floor for a more romantic dining scene and a menu of tasty seasonal small plates to share with dinner mates. It’s really made for those who don’t want to leave the place – and once you’ve checked out Shelter Lounge’s mod 60s-meets-colonial farmhouse decor, you’re not going to want to. Those hoping for dinner can expect seasonal delicacies prepped in smaller sizes for sharing and sampling. We enjoy items like the juicy grilled hanger steak ($208) and the pork belly ($168), soaked in celery-root and pickled apple. The ingredients are high quality, with the stea

This new Spanish restaurant in Wan Chai has created one huge buzz over the past few weeks. And rightfully so. Its space is gargantuan and it’s been packed since day one (seriously difficult to reserve a spot at the mo). The instant success is, in part, down to its reputation. Its sister restaurant, Catalunya Singapore, has been open for less than a year and it’s already garnered plenty of love from the jet-setting fine dining crowd. The Hong Kong version has the culinary backings of group executive chef Alain Devahive Tolosa, who’s worked alongside the father of modern cuisine, elBulli’s Ferran Adrià, for more than a decade (Adrià himself popped over for the soft opening). Catalunya’s venue is also impressive – with a 5,000sq ft dining room and a 3,000sq ft bar area. Welcome to our city’s latest gastronomic haven. This place is a honeypot for the rich and famous – and it knows it. For one, it’s situated on the unobtrusive ground floor of Oi Kwan Road, where dental centres, flats, hospitals and public pools dwell. There are plenty of places for Beemers to park. Those who are extra cautious about paparazzi can enter through the secret (but not really) VIP back entrance where they can swiftly be ushered into the private dining room. Others who are eager to be gawked at, however, can get comfy at one of the dimly-lit dining rooms’ tables or lounge around the seductive bar near the front entrance. Designed by award-winning New York interior designers AvroKo, sitting inside Catalun