The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Felix Bar: A unique Hong Kong experience

Located on the top floor (the 28^th) of the swanky Peninsula Hotel and designed by noted architect Philippe Starck, the Felix Bar offers a panoramic view of Victoria Harbor, Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. However, it is the women and men’s restrooms with their spectacular views (the men’s restroom has a view of Kowloon while the women’s restroom has a view of the harbor) that are considered to be the Felix Bar’s best attraction!

Aside from the world famous restrooms, the Felix Bar’s menu includes a range of appetizers and main courses that emphasis seafood with notable dishes including Tuna Sashimi (Chorizo and Black Truffle), Boston Lobster (with Smoked Tomato, Gruyere and Tarragon), Tasmanian Salmon with Parsnip Gratin and Pancetta-wrapped Lamb. In addition, there is a complete range of wines, champagnes and cocktails available to choose from that may be paired with a late night and desert menu offering delicacies such as Oscietra Caviar with Traditional Condiments, Citrus Cheese Cake and Mango Rice Pudding Roll with Coconut Sorbet.

However, some patrons may find the Felix Bar to be pricey (expect to spend a minimal of HK$200 or US$25) and reviews of the cuisine and the service tend to be mixed. However, if you are looking for a truly unique Hong Kong experience (the men’s urinals!) and an absolutely breathtaking view of the city, then there are few places in the world that will match what the Felix Bar has to offer.

The Felix Bar is located on the top floor of The Peninsula Hong Kong on Salisbury Road (Phone: +85 2 2315 3188) and is open from 18:00 to 02:00. Attire is smart casual.

Shanghai’s Vino Venue: A unique wine tasting experience

If you are a business traveler or an expatriate in Shanghai who is also a wine lover, the Vino Venue offers a unique wine sampling experience. Unlike other wine bars or venues, Vino Venue takes a self service approach when it comes to wine sampling which it refers to as “wine by interaction.” Under this concept, patrons move from one metal wine dispenser station to another and have the option of choosing a half glass or a full glass from each after inserting a card into the dispenser. On offer are about 40 different wines ranging from reds to whites with prices for samples starting from 4 Yuan (50 cents) and after deciding on a sample, patrons can then move onto glasses with prices ranging from 80 Yuan (US$11.75) to 24 Yuan (US$11.75). At the end of the night, patrons then submit their cards to the cashier to discover just how much wine they have sampled.

Although sampling wine via a card operated dispenser for later payment may sound a tad bit tacky, the Vino Venue actually turns it into a fun and hip way to taste a variety of wines from around the world at your own leisurely pace. Moreover, the venue hosts wine and art related events that are geared towards expatriates and offers a number of wine related gift ideas.

The Vino Venue is located about 15 minutes by taxi from downtown Shanghai at 1970 Hongqiao Lu in the Hongqiao neighborhood. For more detailed directions, their website contains a simple map that includes Chinese characters or simply ring them at 21-6261-1995.

Just Grapes in Shanghai

Should you find yourself visiting or living in Shanghai and you wish to visit a simple wine shop or wine bar, look no further than Just Grapes. Although geared more towards upwardly mobile Chinese professionals who are beginning to discover wine, Just Grapes has all of its labels printed in both English and Chinese characters and these labels include what type of grape was used to make the wine and what the flavor is in basic and easily understandable terms. In other words, you will not be lost in translation should you only understand English or for that matter – if you are not a wine connoisseur. However, it should be noted that true wine connoisseurs may not be impressed with Just Grapes since again, it is geared towards consumers just discovering wine.

Nevertheless, Just Grapes offers more than 600 different wines from 14 countries and these wines may be paired with a variety of appetizers, pastas, sandwiches and deserts. In addition, a variety of promotions are on offer from afternoon tea (any dessert with coffee, tea or wine for 40 yuan or US$6) to happy hour (two glasses of wine for 50 yuan or US$7.30) while regular tasting events are also held.

Currently, Just Grapes has three locations (there are simple maps posted on the Just Grapes website to assist you in finding these locations) in Shanghai:

Just Grapes Dagu

大沽路462号近石门一路

462 Dagu Lu near ShiMenYi Lu

Phone: (86) 21-3311-3205  

Just Grapes Xingeng   

辛耕路77B号天钥桥路

77B XinGeng Lu near TianYaoQiao Lu

Phone: (86) 21-3368-6218

Just Grapes Anfu

安福路162号乌鲁木齐路

162 AnFu Lu near Urumuqi lu

Phone (86) 21-5404-6505       

In addition, it should be noted that all three locations also have wireless internet. 

A little bit of Napa in Shanghai

In the past, business travelers and expatriates who were wine lovers and based in China have had few venues to enjoy good wines while the traditional Baijiu spirit, which is sometimes mistakenly translated as white wine or wine, is actually 80 to 120 proof or about 40-60% alcohol by volume (ABV). However, as China changes, so does the wine scene and increasingly new wine bars and wine shops are appearing to cater to status conscious local Chinese and foreign expatriates alike.

One such venue to recently appear is the Napa Wine Bar & Kitchen/The Wine Residence located in a century-old Tudor mansion along a narrow alleyway amid pet shops and fruit stands. Wines at the Napa are stored in a former bomb shelter located under the mansion where members of the Wine Residence Club can store their wine collections in individual lockers. Above the wine cellar is a 40 seat wine bar area, a 60 seat dining room, an 8 seat private dining room and a 40 seat outdoor area – perfect for either a large party or for a more intimate gathering.

On offer is one of the most extensive wine lists in Mainland China featuring all major wine growing regions plus less known ones and patrons should expect to pay 50 Yuan or US$7 and up for wine by the glass. Also on offer is an a la carte menu and a tasting menu that offers everything from truffled mushroom risotto (138 Yuan or US$20) to pan seared sea bass (218 Yuan or US$32) to citrus cured salmon (95 Yuan or US$14). In addition, a party of 6 to 10 may enjoy a theme wine and matching food served in large sharing platters – perfect for a small informal gathering with other expatriates or business associates. 

Napa is located at 57 Jiangyin Lu (a downloadable map is available on their website) and reservations can be made by calling 6318-0057.

China’s Enoteca wine lounge & boutique

If you are in China looking for a wine bar with a reasonably priced wine list and a social atmosphere, Enoteca is a South American focused wine bar where you can mix with both expatriates and local Chinese professionals alike. On offer are an assortment of hand selected wines categorized  as Whites, Roses, Bubbles, Playful and Evocative Reds, Sensualist Reds, Hedonist Reds, Sweet Temptations and Garde. Expect to pay prices that range from 98 Rmb (US$14.35) for a bottle of Ampakama Chardonnay from Argentina to 1,800 Rmb (US$263.50) for a bottle of Champagne Dom Perignon 99 with most prices falling in the few hundred Rmb range. In addition, Enoteca’s wines are complimented with a full menu that includes Tapas, Sandwiches, Grilled Paninis, Salads, Soups and Desserts plus a set brunch menu (120 Rmb or US$17.5) and a set breakfast menu (75 Rmb or US$75).

Enoteca actually has three locations with two located in Shanghai and one located in Beijing:

安福路53-57号(近常熟路) 邮编：200031
53-57 Anfu RD. near Changshu RD. Shanghai 200031
Phone: 5404 0050

朝阳区光华路9A世贸天阶北街F1-M102
M102 Northern Tower, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Beijing
Phone: 010 6587 1578

太仓路58号(近济南路) 邮编：20040
58 Taicang Rd. near Xintiandi 20040 PRC
Phone: 5306 3400
enoteca.jose@gmail.com

On weekends, expect standing room only at the 53-57 Anfu Road location but a table can be reserved in an adjoining dining area.

Shanghai’s Globus Wine Cellar

Traditionally, business travelers and expatriates who were wine lovers and either visiting or based in Shanghai and for that matter, China in general, have had few venues to enjoy excellent wines. However, this is beginning to change and increasingly wine bars have started to appear in cosmopolitan cities like Shanghai to cater to status conscious local Chinese and foreign expatriates alike.

Among the new wine bar offerings is the Globus Wine Cellar. Founded in 2006 by a Russian financier and his wife who sought to create a venue for Shanghai wine lovers, Globus is a European focused wine bar that imports over 200 different wines from more than 30 top boutique wineries around the world - including ones in California, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. The owners choose to seek out wineries known for small production quantities of wines that have exceptional quality and a unique character. In fact, they personally visited many of these wineries to hand select the bottles on offer in their shop. In addition, Globus also offers wine education classes and ensures that all of their employees are trained experts on wines.

The Globus Wine Cellar is located at 376 Wukang Lu inside Ferguson Lane (phone: +86 21 6466 8969). In addition, Globus has also recently opened an offshoot shop called Globus Loft (phone: +86 21 5466 1575) at 283 Jianguo Xi Lu, Building 5 near Xiangyang Lu just south of the French Concession neighborhood and a third location (phone: +86 21 6501 5315) in the new 1933 art/restaurant complex at 10 Shajing Lu near the Jiulong Hotel.

Hence, there are now three fewer reasons for business travelers and expatriates in Shanghai to say that they have no place to enjoy excellent wines.

Bangkok’s Sirocco: Al fresco dining on top of the world

Located on the 63rd floor of The Dome at lebua, Sirocco is the world's highest al fresco restaurant offering breathtaking views of Bangkok and its Chao Phraya river. It is also reputed to be the most spacious open-air roof top restaurant in all of Asia.

Patrons at Sirocco will enjoy high quality Mediterranean style cuisine along with more exotic fare made from ingredients sourced from some of the world's best markets. Notable dishes on offer include Pan seared foie gras on pain brioche with rocket and balsamic poached sour cherries; pan roasted breast of duck on a polenta-mascarpone cake with a black pepper, andouille sausage and giblets sauce; and Sirocco black pepper crab with stir-fried Asian greens and fragrant rice. In addition, a world-class wine and champagne list plus a wide assortment of liqueurs and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

Sirocco is located in lebua at State Tower at 1055 Silom Road in Bangrak – the same location as the lebua Residences. It is also relative accessible for business travelers and expatriates conducting business from the various serviced offices on Silom Road or in Bangrak (such as # 1 Silom Road, Sathorn Thani 1 or United Center Building) or staying in serviced apartments (such as Unico Grande Silom, Siri Sathorn A Beaufort Serviced Residence and Centre Point Saladaeng Serviced Apartments) in the same area. Sirocco is open daily from 18:00 to 1:00 with the last order being taken at 23:30. Reservations (phone: +66 2624 9576) made days in advance are strongly recommended.

So whether you wish to savor the cuisine and sample the excellent wine and champagne list or just visit to enjoy the view, Sirocco is a must visit for any one contemplating a trip to Bangkok.

Irish Stew and Guinness at the Melbourne Airport

For business travelers and expatriates passing through Australia’s major airports, dining options tend to be fairly limited to fast food and relatively light fare. However, if you are passing through the Melbourne Airport and need a suitable venue for an informal business meal or drinks, look no further than the P.J. O'Brien's. As an Irish pub with other locations in Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns and Adelaide, P.J. O’Brien’s menu offers a traditional hearty Irish meal such as Irish Stew served with a pint of Guinness. In addition, an oyster bar, char grill and a selection of less filling meals are available plus a wide selection of beers on tap, liquors, spirits and wine.

P.J. O’Brien’s is located in the Virgin terminal next to the Hightide Café and near the Virgin Blue check-in desks on Level 1 of Terminal 3. It is open everyday from 8am for breakfast, lunch and dinner and bookings are recommended.

So should you find yourself in the Melbourne Airport craving more than just fast food or light fare, look no further than P.J. O’Brien’s.

A bit of London in the heart of Bangkok

For any British traveler or expatriate in Bangkok who misses that authentic London pub experience or who wants to show their non-British business associates what a real London pub is like, they need not go further than the Londoner Brew Pub on Sukhumvit Road. Voted the American Express Pub/Restaurant of the Year and already a winner of numerous other awards, you can be assured that the pub is authentic as it was set up by Englishman John Stamp, a longtime Bangkok resident who missed the authentic English pub experience.

Moreover, the Londoner has earned some fame for brewing Thailand's only pub-brewed English Bitter and Pilsner Lager and also offers a wide range of spirits and cocktails plus an assortment of red and white wines. For patrons seeking or missing that authentic British pub meal, the food menu features everything from traditional pub offerings to exotic local Thai specialties while Sundays are a special treat for the whole family when the Super Sunday Family Carvery Buffet is on offer. In addition, there are meeting rooms available, regular quiz nights, free underground parking for 4 hours, free wi-fi and a free Sunday Times direct from the UK.

The Londoner Brew Pub is located in the basement of 591 UBC II Building (Sukhumvit 33) on Sukhumvit Road and is very convenient to reach by any business traveler staying in serviced apartments in the Sukhumvit Road area. Hours of operation are from 11:00-1:00 daily with happy hours from 16:00–19:00 and 23:00–01:00 and the place is usually filled with British and other expats, locals and tourists alike.

Hence, any British business traveler or expatriate in Bangkok will surely feel at home at the Londoner where the cheerful Thai staff is the only reminder that you are NOT in London...

Balaclava: Where Suntec City goes after work

Located inside the Suntec City Convention Centre, Balaclava is a favorite upscale after work gathering place for the office workers of Suntec City. In fact, expect Balaclava to be packed on a Friday night with bankers, corporate high rollers and convention goers relaxing on its cushy armchairs or high stools.

For business travelers and expatriates conducting business in Suntec City or using serviced offices in Suntec Tower One, Suntec City Tower Two or Suntec Tower Three, Balaclava is a particularly convenient after work watering hole. The bar usually opens mid afternoon and stays open late (1 to 2 am) and due to its popularity, reservations are required (sometimes days in advance) in order to reserve a seating area on popular nights.

So if you want to socialize with Singapore’s business high flyers or just have a drink with your coworkers and new business acquaintances, Balaclava is the place to be.

Stargazing at Bangkok’s Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar

Located on the 61st floor roof of the Banyan Tree Hotel, the Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar is not for the acrophobic. As the highest al fresco bar in the Asia Pacific region, Vertigo offers stunning views of the entire city and the night’s sky (in fact, a telescope is provided for star-gazing and city viewing).

On offer is a wide selection of cocktails, champagne, wine by the glass and non alcoholic drinks. Menu items include a range of barbecued meats and seafood such as Grilled Scallops in a Shell with Toasted Hazelnut and Coriander Butter, Red Mullet en Papillote with Thyme and Grilled Oysters with Parmesan Cheese. In addition, a jazz band plays on most nights.

Reservations are usually required for the restaurant due to its popularity and the hours of operation for the bar are from 5pm to 1am (weather permitting). In addition, a smart/casual dress code is strictly adhered to (no torn jeans, shorts, sleeveless tops, or flip-flops). Moreover, and given its status as a novelty concept offering a unique experience, expect to pay prices that match its “out of this world” location.

Nevertheless, the Vertigo is the perfect place for expatriates to welcome out of town friends and business acquaintances to Bangkok with a few drinks or a meal. And for business travelers staying in the Bandara Suites (Silom) serviced apartments, Vertigo is particularly convenient to reach as its just a few minutes walk and an elevator wide away.

Wine and tapas at Singapore’s Changi Airport

Located on the 3rd level of the Departure/Transit Mall in Terminal 3 of Singapore’s Changi Airport, the iL Lido Wine and Tapas Lounge offers the unhurried business traveler or expatriate a place for a leisurely business meal or drink while watching the planes take-off.

In fact, iL Lido offers more than 50 high quality wines by the glass to choose from and a complete hot and cold tapas menu that includes specialty hams and cold cuts, cheese boards, and seafood tapas. And for business travelers seeking a full meal, iL Lido offers such delicacies as smoked salmon with cream cheese and red onion, Mediterranean vegetable stew, resaola with parmigiano shavings, manchego with Alpacarrones capers, and grilled artichoke hearts.

Hours of operation are from 6 am to 1 am daily and expect prices in the S$25 to S$35 per person range.

Hong Kong’s Isobar: The perfect place to unwind

Located on Level 4 on top of Hong Kong’s International Financial Center mall in Central and directly above the ISOLA bar + grill, the Isobar is the perfect place for less than formal business meetings or to unwind after a long day of business. This chic bar and lounge offers panoramic views of Victoria Harbor and Central from its floor to ceiling glass walls and outdoor terrace and was even voted the Best Bar of 2005 in Hong Kong's Tatler magazine.

Signature drinks include a range of alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages such as Dragon Ball and Bailey's Bliss, various Martini type cocktails such as Saketini & Berritini and long cocktails such as Illusion and Isobar Ice Tea. With the Isola Italian restaurant just below, bar snacks have a uniquely Italian twist and the stone-grilled pizzas are usually a favorite for the bar’s upscale clientele.

The Isobar opens at 3 pm and stays open until very late. So for business travelers or expatriates staying at serviced apartments located in Central such as the Four Seasons Place, Shama Central or The Putman, the Isobar’s location is the perfect place to spend the evening or a late night out with out the worries or hassles of a long trip home.