Business travellers looking for refined surrounds high above Hong Kong need look no further than The Lounge, a chic new cocktail and whisky destination located at new culinary hotspot ZEST by Konishi.
The Lounge, ZEST by Konishi‘s second component after the opening of The Dining Room, has revealed itself as a chic and vertiginous cocktail divan perched high above Central Hong Kong.
ZEST by Konishi, the latest project by acclaimed Japanese chef Mitsuru Konishi and Hong Kong hospitality group Lai Sun Dining, has already been applauded as one of 2019’s most celebrated new restaurants, and the addition of The Lounge, adds a striking new element.
Situated high above On Lan Street, the new venue is the perfect space in which to break up the day, celebrate its end, or prepare for gastronomic indulgence downstairs. The Lounge forms guests’ first impressions of ZEST by Konishi as new arrivals emerge from the elevators on the 29th floor before descending internal stairs to The Dining Room. Serving up innovative bento box-style power lunches during the day and stylish concoctions at night, The Lounge has been positioned as a luxurious yet welcoming hideaway, dedicated to the finest craft spirits and delectable cocktails that inspire a sense of place.
A Hidden Salon
Framed by an elegant bar, cosy booths and banquette seating in turquoise and powder blue, and with a captivating terrace with cityscape views to one side, The Lounge is a space that seamlessly transitions through the day. The use of pale timber, mirrors, potted plants and vintage-esque lighting give The Lounge a contemporary yet residential feel that’s both intimate and welcoming. Catering to just 50 guests, including 16 on the terrace, the space is ideally suited for corporate entertaining, meeting breaks and intimate gatherings. The feel is that of a private salon, where guests can socialise and find respite from the busy day.
Drinks with a Sense of Place
The Lounge’s cocktail experience is helmed by acclaimed Italian bar manager Jonny Amir, who has created a series of signature Zest Heritage cocktails, made with hand-crafted spirits and ingredients sourced from destinations influenced by the ancient maritime trade routes, including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and South America.
Jonny Amir moved to Hong Kong in 2015 and has worked for Lai Sun Dining since 2016. A former DJ who discovered a passion for bartending, he has worked at some of London and Paris’ leading cocktail bars, including World’s 50 Best Bars lister Nightjar in Shoreditch. At The Lounge at ZEST by Konishi, Jonny is able to continue developing unique techniques while educating his guests in small-batch artisanal spirits and mixology heritage.
In harmony with Chef Konishi’s menu at The Dining Room, The Lounge’s cocktails are based on the concepts of ‘layering’ and ‘texture’, a philosophy that extends to intricate, edible garnishes that are each a crucial component of the drink, ensuring a multi-sensory experience like no other.
Libations Inspired by Ancient Trade
St. Tropez, Amir’s take on the classic Kir Royal, features champagne, blueberry liqueur and white peach liqueur, topped with yuzu caviar dusted with blue flower powder. Equally ‘Instagrammable’ Quinine, inspired by the original Gin & Tonic that was created by British military officers stationed in India who would combine quinine, a prevention for malaria, with citrus and their daily gin ration, features Spanish Gin Tonica, white peach liqueur, white port and burnt honey, which gives a velvet-like texture, and is served in a frozen diamond-shaped glass.
By contrast, the Eau De Mer is served in a seashell and boasts a slightly savoury iodine flavour profile thanks to the use of caviar-infused rum, white port, house-made seaweed syrup and earthy Roots Mastic liqueur, made from a medicinal resin from the Greek island of Chios. Voyage is inspired by Chef Konishi’s own curiosity and creativity and blends the sweet, sour and inherent smoky notes of hibiscus-infused mezcal with the vanilla accents of Weller Bourbon and the silky texture of Italian Barolo Chinato Marolo liqueur. The drink is topped with chocolate and a sprinkle of refined matcha powder.
The Lounge at ZEST by Konishi will also be a destination for lovers of fine whisky, with the arrival of an eight-bottle temperature-controlled whisky dispenser from Italy, one of the few in the city. A curated selection of bottles from The Lounge’s extensive list will be showcased in the dispenser, allowing guests to sample rare and limited releases from boutique distilleries of Scotland, Ireland, Taiwan and beyond.
One of the best times to visit The Lounge is at sunset; the venue’s west-facing terrace ensures a stunning way to mark the end of the day, with the bar serving complimentary house-made snacks from 5-8pm.
A Culinary Affair
In addition to delectable cocktails, The Lounge at ZEST by Konishi will serve both casual yet innovative bar snacks and bento box-style power lunches. This is the first time that Chef Konishi has cooked casual cuisine and he has infused touches of his Japanese roots into the menu.
The menu at The Lounge is not only packed with brilliant flavours, but each dish also pairs perfectly with the bar’s intriguing cocktails. Highlights of the snack menu include Chorizo Piperade served with toasted ciabatta “pan con tomate”; Yellowtail Carpaccio served with house-made ponzu; Soy Ginger Marinated Red Tuna Watermelon Skewers topped with crispy alfalfa and fresh daikon cress; and Mini Wagyu Beef Burger served with French fries and using a brioche bun made to Chef Konishi’s recipe.
Other soul-soothing sharing items include succulent Braised Iberico Pork Ribs served with sweet chili sauce; Deep-fried Chicken Karaage with sweet and sour sauce; and platters of house-made rillettes de canard, Parma ham and chorizo, with a selection of artisanal French cheeses. The Lounge at ZEST by Konishi’s bar snack menu is available daily from 5 pm to 11:30 pm, while daily express lunch box sets are available from 12 pm to 5 pm.
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