Hong Kong Food and Wine Year Presented at R & G Lounge, San Francisco

As Hong Kong world-renowned cuisine evolved primarily from its Cantonese roots, it seemed only fitting that the presentation of the Hong Kong Tourism Board took place at the landmark Cantonese restaurant in SF last Wednesday. Famous and well loved for its consistently fresh and flavorful dishes, R & G Lounge didn’t disappoint. Besides it’s signature standout – salt and pepper crab (oh so messy, yet so succulent and sweet) the restaurant served light and delicious winter melon soup; delicate prawns with honey walnuts and sesame seeds, and crispy bronze Peking duck among other delicacies. (631 Kearny Street, SF, 415-982-7877, www.rnglounge.com). The lavish dinner worked as a great prop for the theme of the evening – 2009, a Food and Wine Year in Hong Kong. With the motto “Best Place. Best Taste,” the Culinary Capital of Asia is being reintroduced to the world strengthened by its centuries-old gourmet traditions and its modern exemption of wine duty. The newly published Michelin Guide on Hong Kong added to the allure of this unique tourist destination that combines East and West in its culture and cuisine. In addition, a series of food guides was produced by the Board, such as “Hong Kong Local Delicacies Guide” featuring four classic local dishes – congee, rice noodle, and… um (ready?) rice and noodle, and “Winter Dining Guide” about hot pot and clay pot dishes. Food and wine promotions and special events abound throughout the year, with seasonal highlights and celebrations around summertime, Christmas and Chinese New Year. Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival will unfold from October 30 through November 1 at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade featuring wine pavilions, food stalls, live music, and the nightly multi-media light show “A Symphony of Lights.” Street carnivals and food district promotions will go on as well as cooking classes, wine appreciation classes, wine tours and walks, and the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair (November 4-6). To learn more visit www.HKFoodandWineYear.com. A seven-day/five-night trip with a PBS chef Martin Yan of “Yan Can Cook” TV series will take tourists on an epicurean adventure with cooking workshops, wine pairings, visits to the market, and dinners on the coast from October 26 through November 1. To learn more about the tour, contact AsiaLuxe Holidays, 888-742-3445 or visit www.asialuxholidays.com