Latest news with #TheMandarin
The Star
25-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Triple threat of flavours
Refreshing and hearty concoctions at three-in-one Penang hotspot An old proverb says two's company but three's a crowd. But this is turned on its head at Sky 7 Hutong in Penang. The bistro located in Island 88, Tanjung Tokong, runs on a synergy between three different parties who each contribute their unique expertise. Main proprietor Sky 7 focuses on beers and running the place, Alfresco Dining offers hearty European cuisine and wines while The Mandarin serves inventive seasonal cocktails. Together, the dynamic collaboration known as Sky 7 x Alfresco Dining x The Mandarin creates a unique yet family-friendly lifestyle destination. Sky 7 owner Koay Chee Leong said the aim was to provide guests with quality offerings at reasonable prices. 'We specialise in different things and perfectly complement each other. 'It also elevates my original vision for Sky 7,' he continued, adding that response had been encouraging. The Watermelon Margarita's sweet, herbaceous profile will appeal to many. The brand's name came from Koay's earlier plans to open a skybar, while hutong was in reference to the narrow alleyways seen in the traditional villages of Beijing, China. 'Today, many of these areas are brimming with cafes and bars. You'll find lots of different things. We're trying to recreate that here,' said Koay. Although this is Sky 7's third location, it is the only one to operate under this model. The other two in Butterworth and Alma are sports bars with snooker and pickleball facilities. Here, sports are screened on giant TVs instead. The air-conditioned interior is elegant with soft lighting and brick walls, while the alfresco area out back is breezy and overlooks greenery. The Mandarin is an acclaimed cocktail bar in its own right. Established along Irving Road in George Town by Lim Yin Wei, it is well-known for its bespoke creations. Experienced mixologist Jimmy Eng joined to take the helm at this branch in Sky 7 and wasted no time putting his own spin on things. 'I decided to take a creative, seasonal approach here as there's an upscale grocer just a floor below where I can obtain the best produce anytime. No Tan Lines has a savoury yet creamy profile, with charred veggies referencing a barbecue. 'And with Alfresco Dining being part of the equation, there's a full-fledged kitchen to create unique components for my drinks,' said Eng. Among his current seasonal offerings are the Passionfruit Mojito and Watermelon Margarita – both designed to refresh drinkers. The former blends white wine with passionfruit shrub, mint leaf, rum and soda, giving it a bright zesty character that will remind one of the tropics. The latter has watermelon, basil, sugar, lime juice, tequila and Cointreau. A rim of lime salt provides a counterpoint to sweet and herbaceous notes, making it an easy drink. 'While Penang only has two seasons – hot or rainy – the availability of ingredients allows me to highlight different flavours at different times of year,' Eng highlighted. There is also a menu of classics and house signatures such as No Tan Lines which mixes fat-washed vodka with pineapple, lime and soda. An almost bacon-like nuance greets the palate before silky creaminess takes over. A garnish of charred vegetables evokes a barbecue to reinforce the savoury profile. The Charcoal Lychee will seduce many with its stunning violet hues derived from butterfly pea gin mixed with lychee juice. This is topped with foam made from whipped cream and charcoal powder. You might even detect caramel notes thanks to popcorn syrup. Those preferring something crisper should go for the Kentucky Apple Sour, a twist on the old, bourbon-based tipple which swaps lemon juice for green apple foam made from gummy candies. Enjoy these alongside the hearty and well-executed European dishes by Alfresco Dining's vastly-experienced Czech executive chef Petr Feher. After almost 30 years in five-star hotels and fine dining restaurants, he decided to switch his focus to family-oriented cuisine to bring joy to more people. 'I wanted to go back to basics and do everything well from scratch, because hearty food can be truly comforting for the soul,' Feher said of his philosophy at this pet-friendly establishment. The Australian Braised Lamb Shank, Hungarian Beef Goulash and BBQ Hickory Pork Ribs are so soft they easily fall apart, which understandably make them crowd-favourites. Should you prefer to have beers – with prices here among the cheapest in town – the line-up of tapas, snacks and yakitori make great accompaniments. Feher also offers a special seasonal menu, with air-flown Irish oysters, Foie Gras Rougie, Seabass Fillet and Prawn and Boston Lobster Tail Pasta notable among the current selection. Sky 7 Hutong, Ground floor, Island 88, Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Penang. (Tel: 018-9497934) Business hours: 11am to 2am daily (cocktail bar from 4pm to midnight daily). This is the writer's personal observation and is not an endorsement by StarMetro.
Trade Arabia
24-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Mandarin Oriental announces renovations in Hong Kong, Bangkok
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is investing multi-million dollars in its two flagship hotels, The Mandarin in Hong Kong and The Oriental in Bangkok, to strengthen its brand and accelerate global expansion. The group's growth strategy, led by Group Chief Executive Laurent Kleitman, aims to deliver exceptional, sustainably driven guest-centric experiences. The hotels will be rebranded as l luxury hotels in their respective cities, with new elegant guest accommodation designs and exciting dining and wellness experiences. Michelin-starred chefs Anne Sophie Pic, Alex Dilling, and Chef Fei will be introduced to the Thai capital, while Daniel Boulud and Daniele Cason will come to Hong Kong. The investment aims to maintain the brand's position as the most exceptional luxury hotels in their respective cities. Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said 'Mandarin Oriental is a global leader in luxury hospitality and as such we elevate our brand and invest in our legacy hotels, to ensure we continue to be sought after and loved by future generations. We eagerly anticipate unveiling an extraordinary array of exceptional new experiences within these storied properties, and I am confident we will continue to exceed our guests' expectations while maintaining our position in the hearts of our loyal local and international guests in both cities.' He continues: 'I am thrilled and honored to welcome Anne-Sophie Pic, Alex Dilling, Daniel Boulud, Daniele Cason and Chef Fei into our founding hotels. Their commitment to culinary excellence, to creativity, to innovation, to sustainability and to outstanding guest experiences is fully aligned with the values of Mandarin Oriental. We are delighted to welcome them as part of our family.' MANDARIN ORIENTAL, HONG KONG Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong's iconic hotel, is set to undergo a transformative renovation with an investment of over $100 million. The renovation will modernise and enhance many of the hotel's offerings using sustainability best practices. French designer Hubert de Malherbe will undertake a complete redesign of all public spaces, respecting the history of the iconic property while projecting it into the future. The hotel lobby will provide an exceptional arrival experience, with an elegant all-day lounge and a new Whisky Bar incorporating a discrete cigar divan. Guestrooms and suites will be refreshed with contemporary style, featuring exquisite fabrics and crafted details. A reconfiguration of guestroom floors will introduce 11 newly appointed apartments with elegant residential design. The Mandarin Spa and Salon will be enhanced with a new Wellness Club concept that embodies a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation for holistic wellbeing. The sanctuary draws inspiration from Hong Kong's cultural heritage and dynamic spirit, providing a serene retreat from the bustling city life. New, elevated dining experiences include the complete reimagining of the hotel's famous Cake shop, a new interior and offering for the legendary Mandarin Grill + Bar, and a refined expansion of the renowned Clipper Lounge. Chef Daniele Cason will launch an exclusive pizza counter with a wine pairing focus, mirroring his creation at Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo. The Krug Room will undergo a stylish revamp, and a fully enhanced interior design is planned for the events facilities. New York-based Michelin-starred Chef Daniel Boulud will bring his acclaimed French cuisine to Hong Kong for the first time in an exciting new culinary experience at the top of LANDMARK PRINCE'S, connected to the hotel via an enclosed walkway and featuring an expansive rooftop terrace with unmatched views of the Hong Kong skyline and harbor. Working alongside globally acclaimed interior designers, local artists, and craftsmen, the renovation will result in Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong being globally recognised for delivering an elevated, authentic, and contemporary experience. Greg Liddell, Area Vice President, Operations and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, said 'We eagerly anticipate unveiling an extraordinary journey of exceptional new experiences within this storied legacy hotel, which was the first true luxury hotel to open on Hong Kong island over sixty years ago in 1963. By continuing to innovate and exceed our guests' expectations across all our distinctive hotel offerings, we will ensure that we maintain our position as the leader in luxury hospitality in this ever-evolving dynamic city.' MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BANGKOK Mandarin Oriental, a renowned Thai hospitality hotel, is set to celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026. The hotel will invest in its most loved settings, including the multi-million-dollar restoration of the River Wing in 2019. Interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes has been commissioned to transform guest accommodation in the Author's and Garden wings, incorporating local craftsmanship and color. The award-winning French restaurant, Le Normandie, will feature Anne-Sophie Pic, the most awarded female Chef in the world, from Q3 2025. The interior will blend traditional aesthetics with modern elegance, providing an idyllic backdrop for Pic's innovative, delicate Michelin-starred culinary approach. A new partnership with Michelin-starred chef Alex Dilling at Lord Jim's will bring a fresh, more relaxed take on luxury dining, centered on cooking over fire, seasonal ingredients, and a vibrant, sharing-style dining experience. The China House will also undergo a stunning redesign, featuring Michelin-starred Chef Fei, who will focus on regional delicacies and unique flavors of Chaosan. Across the river, Baan Phraya, a culinary gem known for its refined take on traditional Thai flavors, will undergo a significant remodeling to pay homage to Thailand's rich architectural heritage and renowned craftsmanship. Chef Pom's unique interpretation of traditional Thai cuisine will be further enhanced by sustainable fresh herbs and spices from Baan Phraya's expanded herb garden. Finally, Mandarin Oriental will fully redesign the Fitness Centre, offering a dynamic wellness experience blending traditional Thai wellness and fitness with internationally recognised vitality programs. This comprehensive renovation programme is already underway and is expected to dovetail into a series of celebratory events in honor of its 150th anniversary throughout 2026. Anthony Tyler, Area Vice President and General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok said, ' For 150 years this esteemed hotel has been at the forefront of hospitality in Thailand and has been celebrated globally as one of the finest examples of luxury hotelkeeping and attentive service. Over the many generations we have ensured that Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok remains at the pinnacle of excellence in Thailand and this exciting renovation, which will introduce so many exceptional new experiences for our loyal clients to enjoy, will ensure we continue to hold our position for generations to come." -TradeArabia News Service
