Dining

Your bumper guide to throwing the ultimate Father’s Day barbecue. By Apple Lee Raise the steaks

Chef’s tips

Chef Cary Docherty of Island Shangri-La’s Lobster Bar and Grill shares his top tips for hosting a barbecue party

People, music and cold beer

First thing’s first. At a barbecue, there is nothing more important than these first three tips rolled into one. Surround yourself with

Stanley Main Beach

Take minibus 40 from Causeway Bay

The best outdoor barbecue spots on Hong Kong Island

people you enjoy hanging out with, have a killer playlist of music ready in advance and have plenty of cold beer. Not fridge-cold either, the beer must be kept in a cooler and completely submerged in ice water.

Pre-heat

Now onto the cooking. Light your grill well in advance. Nine out of ten times when barbecuing you’re going to want to cook over a high heat to get that heavily caramelised finish and deep smoky aromas. Those two characteristics are what give food that’s been cooked on a charcoal or wood fire such amazing flavour.

Plan your cooking sequence

Depending on the shape and the size of the meat you are using, you may have to take some ingredients out of the fridge one to two hours prior to cooking. If you are grilling a 1kg beef rib on the bone, you are going to want it at room temperature so that the high heat is able to penetrate evenly. If you are cooking a thin individual sirloin steak, you may toss it onto the grill straight from the fridge. Having a solid interior will help prevent the steak from overcooking while still maintaining a great, chargrilled texture on it.

Season your ingredients

I often say that the single biggest difference between restaurant cooking and home cooking is salt content, and knowing how and when to season the food you are cooking. It is crucial to season ingredients at the start of the cooking process and not just at the end. Having said that, it is important to taste the food you are about to serve and adjust the seasoning at the last minute as well to ensure the food does not taste bland. Taste and adjust as many times as necessary. Add salt in small increments to avoid going overboard.

Tai Tam Country Park

Take a taxi or walk up from the bottom of Tai Tam Reservoir Road to Parkview entrance

Shek O Beach

Take bus 9 from Shau Kei Wan

Grills and smokers

Here’s where to get the essential pieces for your next cookout:

Everything Under The Sun

As its name suggests, this shop sells an extensive range of products designed to help you enjoy time outdoors. You will find a selection of gas and charcoal grills to suit every space and budget here. 902 Horizon Plaza, 2 Lee Wing Street, Ap Lei Chau.

everythingunderthesun.com.hk

Alberobello

This outdoor furniture company has a large range of stainless barbecue pits, tables and chairs suitable for both small and big spaces. It also sells Weber charcoal, grills and other accessories. Collection is convenient with several locations across Hong Kong. Weber Store & Grill Academy, 47 Nam Kok Road, Kowloon City.

alberobello.com.hk

Jervisbay Barbecue World

Jervisbay Barbecue World sells gas and electric BBQ grills, as well as artisan outdoor kitchens, hickory chips, cooler boxes and marinades. Get advice on recipes and secrets to a great barbecue. Unit C, 3/F, Dan 6, 6 Fui Yiu Kok Street, Tsuen Wan. jervisbaybarbecues.com

Shamrock

Not ready to invest in your own grill? Shamrock rents barbecues, catering and equipment for any event, big or small. For an extra level of fancy, chocolate fountains, cotton candy machines and popcorn machines are available for hire. Tables, cutlery and marinated meats are also available. 19/F, Leader Building, 37 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen.

shamrock.com.hk

Don’t fancy going DIY? Take the hassle out of your next barbie with these grill packages.

The Butchers Club

Apart from being a popular burger joint, The Butchers Club also sells a variety of dry-aged meats and seafood. The shop stocks a hefty barbecue pack available for order and purchase for $980. The pack feeds eight and includes Angus burgers, baby back ribs, housemade sausages and streaky bacon.

thebutchers.club For meat lovers

Morton’s The Steakhouse

The famed American steakhouse now offers a range of takeaway steak kits, so you can enjoy their house specialities anytime you want. Its Ultimate Grill packages are ideal for families of up to eight and include a selection of center-cut filet mignons, prime ribeye steaks and New York strips. Comprehensive cooking instructions are included.

mortons.com For families

For ecofriendly eaters Invisible Kitchen

Priding itself on being Hong Kong’s ‘greenest’ caterers, Invisible Kitchen offers responsibly-sourced ingredients using sustainable seafood, freerange Australian chicken and organic veggies straight from local farms. You can opt from different signature menus or create your own. As part of its environmental policy, no plastic cutlery and straws will be provided.

invisiblekitchen.com

Tai Mei Tuk BBQ King

Take minibus 20C from Tai Po Market MTR

The best outdoor barbecue spots in Kowloon and New Territories

Delicious Hong Kong

Delicious offers all-inclusive barbecue buffet packages catering to 20 to 25 people.

For big groups

Its catering deals come with grilled meat, fish and veggies along with a chef who will be there to assist you. Highlights from the menu include tiger prawn in citrus and garlic, tandoori chicken steak and beef tenderloin.

delicious-hk.com

Whitehead Barbecue

New Indian restaurant at Rosewood

Transport yourself to the lively streets of India at the luxe TST hotel’s newest restaurant concept, Chaat. Meaning ‘to lick’ in Hindi, Chaat brings India’s delicious street food and homemade classics to the restaurant table, delivering authentic flavours reimagined and refined for a modern setting. The new restaurant is helmed by Executive Chef Manav Tuli, who cut his teeth in the kitchens of luxury hotels across India, Mauritius and London. Alongside Chef Tuli’s cooking, the restaurant is sure to bring guests a dining experience that echoes the vibrant social scene of the bustling Indian marketplace. Level 5, Rosewood Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. chaat.hk

Dining news

Take a cab from Ma On Shan or Wu Kai Sha

Ma On Shan Country Park

Take minibus 3 or 3A from Sai Kung

Five months after the opening of Dang Wen Li in Harbour City, celebrity chef Dominique Ansel is, for the first time ever, bringing his signature pastry to the city. The Cronut is available in a brand new lychee and jasmine flavour that has never been served before, to make the occasion extra special. Available until June 7 only – you better act fast! Shop OT G63A, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. dangwenli.com Crazy for Cronuts

The Ritz-Carlton picnic

Take it to the great outdoors with The RitzCarlton’s swanky new picnic on-the-go service. Order a picnic basket from the hotel and have it delivered and set up for you at West Kowloon Nursery Park. If that’s not enough, you can request to have a butler service to cater to your every whim. The picnic basket features an array of gourmet delicacies and is available at $788 for two and $1,488 for four. Call 2263 2160 or email rc.hkgkw.ird.enquiries@ritzcarlton.com for more information.