The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) hosted a culinary collaboration earlier this week at the Grand Hyatt Manila, featuring star chefs Vicky Cheng of Hong Kong and Margarita Forés of the Philippines.
The event, titled When Stars Align: A Four Hands Dinner and Culinary Showcase, took place at Penthouse No. 66, offering an intimate dining experience against the backdrop of city lights.
The event gathered local partners of the tourism board and content creators to celebrate the close ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines. The evening’s menu, jointly crafted by Cheng and Forés, highlighted the finest elements of both Hong Kong and Filipino cuisine, utilizing unique ingredients and techniques from each culinary tradition.
Chef Vicky Cheng, known for his Michelin-starred restaurant VEA and his innovative blend of contemporary Chinese-French cuisine, collaborated with Chef Margarita Forés, a prominent figure in the Philippines recognized for her expertise in Italian and Filipino dishes. This marked their first joint effort since 2017. Together, they designed a menu that fused their distinct culinary styles, reflecting the rich traditions of both regions.
“It’s an honor to represent the Philippines and collaborate with my good friend, Vicky. Hong Kong holds a special place in my heart; its culinary scene is unparalleled, offering a unique experience for food enthusiasts worldwide,” Forés commented during the event.
Guests were given an inside look at the chefs’ creative process, observing the preparation of each dish through the show kitchens at Penthouse No. 66. The event was more than just a meal; each course was meticulously curated using ingredients sourced directly from Hong Kong and various regions in the Philippines, creating a memorable symphony of flavors.
“We aimed to highlight the best of Hong Kong and Philippine flavors in each dish. From appetizers to dessert, Chef Margarita and I combined ingredients from our respective regions, merging our culinary traditions,” Cheng explained.
The dinner also served as a precursor to HKTB’s upcoming Wine & Dine Festival in October, an annual event that underscores Hong Kong’s reputation as a premier gastronomic destination in Asia. The festival is one of the region’s most anticipated culinary events, attracting food and wine enthusiasts from around the globe.
“We are delighted to have brought these two chefs together to celebrate the culinary ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines. We hope this event will foster further collaborations between our Filipino partners and HKTB,” said Liew Chian Jia, Regional Director of Southeast Asia for HKTB.
The evening also featured a special cocktail menu in partnership with Grand Hyatt Manila, showcasing Hong Kong-inspired drinks such as Avenue of Stars, Yam Cha, and Hong Kong Blossom.
For more information on Hong Kong’s culinary scene and details about the upcoming Wine & Dine Festival, visit discoverhongkong.com.
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