Shanghai

Italian finesse for lunch

8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana Shanghai now opens its doors at lunchtime. Having become one of the undisputed fine dining destinations in town, the Michelin three-star Italian restaurant offers a two- or three-course business lunch set starting at 288 yuan plus 10 percent service charge. The full a la carte selection together with a five-course Sicilian Degustation Menu are also available. The year-old restaurant will be open for lunch from Mon to Fri (closed for lunch on weekends and public holidays) from 12 to 2:30 pm). - Xu Junqian

8 1/2 Otto e Mezzo Bombana Shanghai, F6, 169 Yuanmingyuan Road. 021-6087-2890

Beijing

Summer menu updated

Barolo has just welcomed its new chef de cuisine, Eugenio Iraci, who hails from northern Italy. The Padova-born culinary expert has brought his tantalizing repertoire to Beijing with new menus. His creations include summer tomato terrine, poached Boston lobster, peach vinaigrette, tagliolini, Boston lobster, zucchini, spicy tomato, roasted lamb chop in black olive crust. Starting this month, there are four new menus for option: the "Chic and Quick" lunch menu at 178 yuan ($30) per person, the vegetarian set menu at 488 yuan, the classic menu at 688 yuan and the degustation menu at 888 yuan. - Ye Jun

A83 Jianguo Road, China Central Place, Chaoyang district. 010-5908-8888 Ext 8151

Hong Kong

Quick change at Zaan

Zaan is a chameleon. At breakfast, it offers the kind of power juices, espresso shots, healthy grains and fresh fruit you'd expect from an international business hotel. At lunch and dinner, though, the restaurant morphs into an elegant Cantonese restaurant. It makes sense: Breakfast is reserved for hotel guests staying at Ozo Wesley, while office workers within walking distance enjoy Zaan's delicious options during breaks from work. Dim sum boasts a number of inventive twists that speak volumes about the Thai-based operator's quirkiness, including scrumptious spring rolls with cheese, dumplings topped with black truffle and super-crunchy pork belly skin. Chef Barry Lim's homemade XO sauce adds a spicy zing that complements almost every dish on the menu. - Rebecca Lo

Ozo Wesley, 1/F, 22 Hennessy Road, Wanchai. 852-2292-3000

All-Day Grilling on deck

An all-day grill menu is being served at the rooftop bar, Sugar, in the East hotel. 'Sundays on the deck' at Sugar provides the perfect setting with its stunning views to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with great food and drinks. The Sunday 'Surf and Turf' platter consists of Bloody Mary Crayfish Cocktail, Cajun Rubbed Rib-Eye with Bourbon Gravy, Piri-Piri Tiger Prawn and Thin-Cut French Fries. Guests can also enjoy a choice of dessert between Strawberry Fool and Fresh Minted Fruit Salad. The Sunday menu is available at Sugar every Sunday, from noon to 9 pm, priced at HK$185 ($25, 10 percent service charge). - Donna Mah

Sugar, EAST hotel, 29 Tai Koo Shing Road. 852-3968-3738

Afternoon Tea Etiquette

The Langham Hong Kong has partnered with the Hong Kong Institute of Etiquette this summer to create fun and educational etiquette classes for children to learn how to become a quintessential little lady or gentleman. The expert-led two-hour interactive session teaches children the social education to make a good first impression, tackle table manners with confidence and respect for others. Highlights include the fundamentals of tea traditions, table manners, how to be a good host, and invitation preparation. The class on July 16 is for 8-11 year olds - from 2-4 pm for HK$688 including materials and costumes. - Donna Mah

Palm Court, The Langham Hong Kong, 8 Peking Road, Kowloon. 852-2375-1133

(China Daily 07/14/2013 page14)