General Manager’s Message

General Manager Mark Bovaird

總經理布馬克 It’s been truly fabulous to see the Club come fully alive again in recent weeks with the resumption of sport at the end of April, followed in May by the relaxation of some social distancing measures around F&B. And it’s not over yet with the promise of further easing of restrictions as we move forward in June and July. After what has undoubtedly been an exceptionally challenging and disappointing couple of years, with every changing pronouncements, of what have often been incredibly difficult and disruptive measures for management and staff to implement, finally there is hope of a return to club life that feels normal again. At times it has felt a bit like having a Duck swimming serenely, almost regally along, while the entire team has been paddling along furiously out of sight. I would just like to say a huge thank you to all the members for your patience, perseverance and support, and the committees, management and staff for their team spirit in ensuring that the club has continued to be a safe haven in these difficult times. We hope that as we head into the summer months the further easing of restrictions, in particular let’s hope around Quarantine, will mean easier travel for families and Absent members to return to Hong Kong and that it will also allow for our Offshore races to resume!

This month we see a return of dinner buffets in the Bistro. Wednesday will as always see a return of Curry Wednesday! We’re also introducing a Mediterranean buffet on Thursdays and a Southeast Asian buffet on Fridays. Plus a bonanza weekend dinner buffet on Saturdays and Sundays. – Is that really what they are doing? Is it just lunchtime that will be the Carvery?

There are two wine dinners this month although I have to say that the long and late wine lunches were extremely popular too in those months when we had the evening dine-in ban, so maybe we need to look to add in a few of those in the months ahead. The first dinner is on Thursday 16 June and features wine from Italian winery, I Custodi. This vineyard is located in eastern Sicily, near Mount Etna, which is the highest active volcano in Europe. I Custodi’s vineyards are located on ancient dry-stone terraces built to make the most of the incredibly rich soil created by Mount Etna over the centuries. The vines themselves are supported by stakes made of chestnut wood and the winemakers pride themselves as being the keepers and guardians of Mt. Etna’s vineyards, there to preserve the land, maintaining traditions and of course, produce fabulous Sicilian wines.

The second wine dinner, on Thursday 23 June, features wine from the Orin Swift Cellars. The history of Orin Swift Cellars only dates back to 1995 when on a lark, David Swift Phinney took a friend up on an offer and went to Italy to spend a semester “studying” in Florence. During that time, he was introduced to wine, how it was made, and became hooked. A few more years of university led to graduation and eventually a job at Robert Mondavi Winery in 1997 as a temporary harvest worker. Deciding that if he was going to work that hard, it would eventually have to be for himself, he founded Orin Swift Cellars in 1998. Orin is his father’s middle name and Swift is his mother’s maiden name. Whilst a relatively young winery, Orin Swift wines have very quickly gathered a huge following for their exceptional wines. This dinner sold out in record time the last time we held one and so it is back by popular demand. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

June is of course time to celebrate Father’s Day. Treat your Dad to either a set lunch in the Steakhouse or a lunch buffet in the Bistro and then, once your family celebration is done, treat your Dad to a pink ticket and enrol him in our very first Sausage Making Masterclass led by our Executive Chef, Paul Fong! Hurry and book as there are only 20 spots available. Your Dad will be able to create his very own signature sausage by blending prime cuts of meat with herbs, spices, even beer and more. There is also free flow Young Master Ales from Hong Kong’s original Craft Brewery to enjoy during the afternoon and Dad gets to take home his very own 500g sausage afterwards! Read more on page 39.

There is a lot on offer this month and we look forward to seeing you enjoying the Club.