A new Central Hong Kong hideaway promises cocktails inspired by ancient maritime trading routes: Introducing The Lounge at ZEST by Konishi.
We all know about the Silk Road, and the caravans that plied its roads from Asia to the Middle East and Europe, but did you know there was also a version that traced its way across the world’s oceans? The Maritime Silk Route connected China and Southeast Asia with the Indian subcontinent, Arabia, Somalia, Eqypt and eventually Europe between the 2nd century BC and the 15th century AD.
Ancient Inspiration for Today’s Cocktail Lovers
With this ancient trading route as muse, Hong Kong’s newest cocktail destination has opened high above On Lam Street. The Lounge, the second component of Lai Sun Dining’s new culinary hotspot ZEST by Konishi, which opened its intimate Dining Room last month, is a chic hideaway complete with a spacious terrace, a spot of whisky-loving tech, and a power lunch-friendly menu by acclaimed chef Mitsuru Konishi.
Helming the mixology movement at the new 50-seat bar, with its deep-set banquette seats and booths in turquoise and powder blue, is Italian bar manager Jonny Amir, who has turned to the traditional trade routes of the Mediterranean, Asia, the Carribean, and South America to inspire a menu of innovative concoctions.
Cocktails with a Sense of Place
In harmony with chef Konishi’s menu downstairs at The Dining Room, The Lounge at ZEST by Konishi’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.
Highlights of the bar’s Zest Heritage cocktails include the St. Tropez, Amir’s take on the classic Kir Royal, with champagne and blueberry and white peach liqueurs, topped with yuzu caviar dusted with blue flower powder; Quinine, a rendition of the Gin & Tonic, with Spanish Gin Tonica, white peach liqueur, white port and burnt honey; and Eau De Mer, a blend 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, which is served in a seashell.
Keeping with the nautical theme, 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.
More Than Just Cocktails
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 whiskyphiles to sample rare and limited releases from boutique distilleries of Scotland, Ireland, Taiwan and beyond.
Bento Boxes & Bar Snacks
If you develop an appetite during your visit you’re in luck. The Lounge will serve both casual yet innovative bar snacks and bento box-style power lunches, each made to match with signature cocktails and infused with touches of chef Konishi’s Japanese roots. Look out for the likes of chorizo piperade served with toasted ciabatta “pan con tomate”; yellowtail carpaccio with house-made ponzu; soy ginger-marinated red tuna watermelon skewers topped with fresh daikon cress; and mini Wagyu beef burgers on fresh brioche buns.
If you’re visiting with the lads, a few dishes lend themselves to sharing, including the braised Iberico pork ribs with sweet chili sauce; deep-fried chicken karaage; and platters of house-made rillettes de canard, Parma ham, chorizo, and artisanal French cheeses. Time your visit for sunset, when the bar sets out complimentary snacks during the 5-8pm happy hour.
Think of it as your own personal contribution to global trade.
For more Wining & Dining inspiration click here.