Beijing

A taste of 'La Dolce Vita'

Italian guest chef Mattia Salussoglia (pictured below) presents his country's culinary delights at One East during Italian Week - "Buonissimo" March 25-29. Salussoglia will take diners on a tantalizing tour of delicious dishes from all over Italy from the Alpine heights of the north to the sun-drenched island of Sicily in the south. Salussoglia is Italian chef at the Hilton Shanghai. He has also worked at the MGM Grand Macao and at many five-star hotels throughout Europe. The set menu includes pan-fried sea bass with carrot puree and warm vegetable salad. A la carte options are available, too.

- ANTONY OTERA

Noon-10:30 pm daily, March 25-29 (gala dinner on March 24). Set menu at lunch and dinner starts at 128 yuan ($21). One East, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dongfang Lu (Road), Dongsanhuan Beilu (North Road), Chaoyang district. 010-5865-5030.

Hong Kong

Wine at the top

A first-time partnership between sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck and Eclipse Hospitality Group - the owner and operator of Vista Cafe & Amuse Bar - "Wines of The World" will be run as a two-weekend affair on March 15 and 16, and 22 and 23. The event will showcase award-winning yet affordable wines from a number of importers. For HK$288 ($37), participants can enjoy admission to the sky100 Hong Kong Observation deck (valued at HK$168), five wine-tasting tokens, a complimentary wine glass (first 2,000 guests will receive a Riedel glass valued at HK$135), and a mixed charcuterie and cheese board. Sip one of the 80 wines from 10 countries featured as you enjoy the stunning view from 393 meters above sea level.

- Donna Mah

Vista Cafe & Amuse Bar, 100/F, International Commerce Centre. For tickets visit www.winesoftheworld.com.hk.

Cheese, glorious cheese!

For those of you who still want to enjoy a typical Swiss winter treat, DiVino Patio is serving cheese fondue until the end of March. Three different fondues are being served: Fonduta Svizzera, half Gruyere, half Vacherin Fribourgeois with a hint of kirch, in this famous Alps cheese delight (HK$300/person); Fonduta Alla Valdostana, made with Fontina (HK$280/person); and Fonduta al Gorgonzola, made with flavor-packed Gorgonzola(HK$250/person).

The fondues have been paired with wines, available by the glass and bottle, as well as the Italian 32 Via dei Birrai artisan micro-brew beers.

- Donna Mah

DiVino Patio, Shop 11, 1/F, Causeway Centre, 28 Harbour Road, Wanchai. 852-2877-3552.

'Twice as nice' bonus

Starwood Hotels & Resorts have announced a new offer for members of their award-winning Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program: double points when dining at participating restaurants even if you're not traveling. Members who have registered by April 30 can take advantage of the deal at 791 restaurants in 175 hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. That includes all-day dining at Feast restaurants at Sheraton properties from Shanghai to Sydney, and homestyle Italian fare at Westin's Prego eateries. The "Twice as Nice" bonus points can be applied toward redeeming free nights and flights like other points, but registration is required at www.spg.com/twiceasnice.

- Mike Peters

(China Daily 03/16/2014 page7)