EDITOR’S LETTER
As a resident of Hong Kong and an editor for local lifestyle publications for the past decade, I’ve eaten at my fair share of restaurants both gritty and grandiose. But only a few really stand out among the lot and, except for the secret North Point sushi spot I’m keeping to myself, my first recommendation when anyone asks about my favourite local restaurants has always been Amber.
Ever since my initial visit, a leisurely post-wedding brunch with friends about nine years ago, Richard Ekkebus and his team have impressed with their exquisitely presented dishes that manage to be light and intensely flavourful at the same time. I can still remember tasting more than a dozen dishes back to back from a new seasonal menu and walking out of the restaurant feeling nothing but immense satisfaction.
So when I heard the news that Amber would be closing for six months and reemerging with a new look, a new menu and an entirely new philosophy, my interest was obviously piqued. And what better way to celebrate this bold new venture than to talk to the man responsible for it?
Society editor P.Ramakrishnan’s conversation with Ekkebus reveals the motivation for the changes while Nic and Bex Gaunt’s photographs perfectly capture the Dutchman’s love of the sea and his craft. As you’ll see and read, Amber is much more than a restaurant and Ekkebus is much more than a chef. The initiatives they’re implementing, from supporting local craftsmen to reducing our consumption of refined sugars, have the potential to drive real change in Hong Kong.
No doubt this is an exciting time for Amber, for Hong Kong and, not least of all, for our taste buds. Not to be left out, we also shine a light this issue on the city’s finest Cantonese restaurants. These venerable institutions are home to some of our favourite food, Chinese and otherwise, and it’s only right that they are recognised as well.
Elsewhere, senior editor Jon Wall reports back from SIHH and Baselworld on the most covetable watches of 2019 while editor-at-large Jing Zhang describes her recent visit to the beautiful shores of Sydney. Fashion and features editor Zaneta Cheng has also crisscrossed the globe of late, and shares her adventures with Louis Vuitton in France, Shiatzy Chen in Taiwan and the brand-new Robinson Club in Thailand.
June is shaping up to be a great month. We look forward to joining you wherever your plans take you, which hopefully include a meal – or two or three – at Amber.