MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Earlier this month, against a picturesque backdrop of city lights, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) brought together star chefs Vicky Cheng from Hong Kong and Margarita Forés from the Philippines for an unparalleled gastronomic experience entitled When Stars Align: A Four Hands Dinner and Culinary Showcase, at the Penthouse No. 66, Grand Hyatt Manila.

Local partners of the tourism board and content creators that frequent the world city were invited last August 7th to the intimate dinner to celebrate the close relationship between Hong Kong and the Philippines. The dinner featured a special menu that was collaborated on by the two chefs, highlighting the best of both cuisines through ingredients and techniques that are unique to Hong Kong and Filipino dishes.

Chef Vicky Cheng, celebrated for his innovative approach to contemporary Chinese-French cuisine at his Michelin-starred restaurant VEA, joined forces with Chef Margarita Forés, a culinary icon in the Philippines known for her mastery of Italian and Filipino dishes for the one-night-only event. Working together for the first time since 2017, the two crafted a menu that fused their distinct styles and culinary philosophies, representative of the rich culinary traditions of both Hong Kong and the Philippines.

“It’s truly an honor to be able to represent the Philippines and collaborate on a menu with my good friend, Vicky. Many know that Hong Kong is very close to my heart and is a city I frequent quite often – the culinary scene there is one-of-a-kind and a treat for foodies from all over the world,” shared Forés at the event.

Guests were also treated to a peek at all the action and got to witness firsthand the culinary artistry of the two-star chefs via Penthouse No. 66’s show kitchens – allowing for the ultimate showcase of their talents and prowess.

More than just a dinner, each course was carefully curated with ingredients flown in straight from Hong Kong and various regions in the Philippines. The resulting dishes therefore showcased a symphony of flavors guests are sure to remember and won’t get to experience anywhere else. “We wanted to collaborate on most of the dishes to bring out the best of both Hong Kong and Philippine flavors. From the first course up to the dessert, Chef Margarita and I used ingredients we sourced from each other, fusing the flavors from our homes,” shared Cheng.

The four-hands dinner also serves as a prelude to HKTB’s Wine & Dine Festival happening in October, an annual celebration of epicurean delights that positions Hong Kong as a premier capital for gastronomy in Asia. One of the most anticipated culinary events in the region, the Wine & Dine Festival attracts food and wine enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene and its reputation as a go-to dining destination.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to bring these two chefs together again to celebrate Hong Kong and the Philippines, we hope that this dinner will open more avenues for partnerships between our Filipino friends present today and HKTB.” shared Liew Chian Jia, Regional Director of Southeast Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board.

A special cocktail menu featuring Hong Kong flavors was also created in partnership with Grand Hyatt Manila for the event. The selection included cocktails titled Avenue of Stars, Yam Cha, and Hong Kong Blossom, reminiscent of iconic destinations and treats in Hong Kong.

To learn more about Hong Kong’s dynamic and unique culinary scene and the upcoming Wine & Dine Festival, visit discoverhongkong.com for more information and taste the magic yourself.

Hong Kong Accolades in Dining

• 79 restaurants in Hong Kong honored with Michelin stars in the 2024 edition of the global gastronomic guide. [Read More]
  
• 6 restaurants in Hong Kong are listed in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024. [Read More]
  
• 9 bars in Hong Kong listed in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. Hong Kong bars took the top spot for the fourth time. [Read More]

Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival (late Oct 2024) 

Held at Central Harbourfront in October every year, this alfresco festival is a must-visit for food and wine enthusiasts. It offers a taste of a variety of wine and spirits from around the globe, along with delectable local snacks and international dishes against the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline in Hong Kong. [Read More]

Taste Around Town (Nov 2024)

Following the “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival”, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) joins hands with restaurants and bars across the city to present the “Taste Around Town” promotions throughout the month of November, extending the great feast to the whole city.