Friday, February 28, 2014

RARE WATCHES FOR AUCTION BY ANTIQUORUM IN GENEVA ON 16 MARCH 2014 IN CASE YOU NEED SOME

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

Antiquorum Uncovers Never Been Seen Before Timepieces in their March Auction

Antiquorum continues its year- long celebration of their 40^thanniversary with an auction of never been seen before and exceptionally rare timepieces to be held on March 16^th at The Mandarin Oriental in Geneva.

Amongst the many sought-after highlights are a rare Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4261 Minute-Repeater; A Rolex Ref. 1831 Day Date with Stella dial; and a Mirror Image Pair of Chinese Bronze Red and Lacquer Elephant Clocks from the 18^th century. Collectors will have the opportunity to preview the collection in Hong Kong and Geneva prior to the sale.

The highlight of the sale is a Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4261 Minute-Repeater in pink gold with two-tone silver dial. Produced in 1945 and consigned by the family of the original owner, this example with subtle patination is amongst the finest of the legendary reference 4261’s to be offered at auction. It appears that no more than ten examples of this model with 13” caliber movement without subsidiary seconds exist, making this example exceptionally rare and highly sought-after.

Estimate: CHF 130,000 -180,000

For the collector of fine Patek Philippe clocks, Antiquorum experts are proud to offer a unique Patek Philippe Ref. 1489 “Poissons Des Caraibes” Pendulette Dome Clock. Produced in 2004, this is a very fine, solar-powered and electro-mechanical brass table clock with polychrome cloisonné enamels depicting tropical marine fish of the Caribbean. It is further accompanied by a Patek Philippe fitted box, Certificate of Origin and Extract from the Archives.

Estimate: CHF 90,000 -130,000

Also on the auction block is an exceptional Audemars Piguet Platinum & Diamond Grande & Petite Sonnerie & Repeating wristwatch. Produced circa 2000 in less than five pieces according to Audemars Piguet, this extraordinary timepiece features a case set with 399 round white diamonds, a diamond-set dial and a platinum Audemars Piguet buckle.

Estimate: CHF 80,000 -120,000

Rolex enthusiasts will want to bid on the Rolex Ref. 6239 Paul Newman with black dial in steel. Produced in 1967, this is a very fine and very rare, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with round-button chronograph, registers, tachometer and a stainless steel Rolex Oyster folded bracelet.

Estimate: CHF 60,000 – 80,000

Also offered is a Rolex Ref. 6200 with Explorer Dial made circa 1954. Extremely rare, this reference is one of the most collectible big crown Submariners and remains one of the holy grails for Rolex collectors. It is a center- seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel diver’s wristwatch with bi-directional revolving black bezel, large 8 mm winding crown and a stainless steel Oyster riveted bracelet.

Estimate: CHF 50,000 – 70,000

Antiquorum is also delighted to offer a Rolex Ref. 1831/1850 Platinum Day Date No. 001/8 in the March auction. Previously unknown to the market, this is the fourth of 8 pieces to surface at auction. According to Antiquorum watch experts, it seems that these watches were ordered exclusively by the Shah of Iran to be gifted to dignitaries. In almost as new condition, this is a very fine and very rare, tonneau-shaped, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, platinum and diamonds wristwatch with day, date and a platinum Rolex bracelet with platinum double-deployant clasp.

Estimate: CHF 25,000 – 45,000

Not to be missed is a Mirror Image Pair of Chinese Bronze Red and Lacquer Elephant Clocks made in the late 18^th century (Qianlong period). Extremely rare, this pair of small elephant Chinese clocks is of particular interest being of Chinese workmanship and showing a clear European influence based on the French designs of the Louis XV period. The movement of the clocks is English (Chas. Wall and S. Tracey, London) from the early 18^th century, adding further prestige to these pieces as English clocks were regarded as superior quality. A popular subject in Chinese art, the elephant symbolizes wisdom and strength further adding to the desirability of these magnificent timepieces.

Estimate: CHF 30,000 – 50,000

Also offered is a Patek Philippe Observatory with Luminous Dial. Unknown and never been seen before at auction, this watch has remained in the hands of the original family for the past 70 years. Collectors will be attracted by its military type dial with luminous dots and hands, a configuration that has never been seen before. Produced in 1903, this is a possibly unique and extremely fine stainless steel Staybrite wristwatch with subsidiary seconds dial at 9 and is further accompanied by an Extract from the Archives.

Estimate: CHF 20,000 – 40,000

Auction:

Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Date & Time:

March 16, 2014

First Session: starts at 10 am (Lots 1-127)

Second Session: starts at 1 pm (Lots 128 -383)

Venue:

Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Salon Saint-Gervais

Quai Turrettini 1

1201 Geneva

Switzerland

Preview Schedule:

GENEVA

March 13, 10 am - 7 pm

March 14, 10 am – 7 pm

March 15, 10 am – 7 pm

March 16, 10 am – 7 pm

Antiquorum Geneva

3 rue du Mont-Blanc

Geneva 1201

Switzerland

Tel: +41 (0) 22 909 28 50

Fax: +41 (0) 22 909 28 60

Email: Geneva @antiquorum.com

About Antiquorum: Established in Geneva in 1974, Antiquorum has carved its own unparalleled niche in the auction world through its focused expertise in horology and by cultivating a thriving collector’s market for timepieces worldwide. The world’s premier auctioneer of fine modern and vintage timepieces has set world records for auction sales and holds approximately ten auctions a year in Geneva, New York and Hong Kong, with previews held in major cities worldwide. Antiquorum maintains offices in Beijing, London, Milan, Munich, Moscow, Paris, Shanghai and Tokyo.

ESCADA RELEASES 'BORN IN PARADISE' WHICH MUST SURELY REFERS TO BEING BORN IN MALAYSIA! BUT ESCADA SAYS IT DENOTES FRENCH POLYNESIA WHICH IS SAME-SAME!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
The ingredients read like an exotic cocktail recipe and sounds utterly delicious! So if you want an unusual scent that evokes memories of fruits and flowers, 'Born in Paradise' is it!
I love it as it is so me!

Now you don't have to be born in paradise to smell like you did!

Fly to a TropicalParadise with ESCADA "Born in Paradise"

Born in Paradise is the captivating new 22nd limited edition fragrance from ESCADA- an intoxicating cocktail of exotic scents,the fragrance arrives just in time for hot summer days and long balmy evenings.

Creating feelings of delight, warmth and frivolity – Born in Paradise transports you to the tropical haven of French Polynesia,evoking visions ofbright and beautiful flowers, glistening beaches, clear turquoise waters and delectably delicious tropical fruits.

Inspired by the famous Pina Colada cocktail, the ESCADA Born in Paradise perfume delivers an enchanting blend of pineapple and coconut milk,shaken with the aqueous and acidulous notes of watermelon, green apple and guava and enhanced with woody, musky and cream like undertones.

Exuberant in character, the fragrance instantly releases tantalisingly mouth-watering fruity scents and an infectious carefree feelingoften inspired by tropical escapes – making it the prefect summer fragrance to transport you to paradise.

Top Notes The fragrance opens with a sultry summertime dance of lush green apple and watermelon scents to excite the senses.

Combined with sweet, punchy guava, the fragrance brims with a playful energy and zesty freshness. Heart Notes The heart envelops with a subtle coconut milk base, energised by hints of tasty pineapple,evoking memories ofa sun-kissed moment from a perfect summer holiday.

Base Notes In the dry-down, the base offers a relaxing mix of musky and woody tonality with sandalwood, cedarwood and musk notes for velvetyand sensual warmth -adding depth to the summer tones.

The Flacon
ESCADA Born in Paradise features the iconic bottle shape that is the hallmark of the highly coveted ESCADA summer,limited-edition fragrance.The blue green ombre flacon represents the purest depths of the ocean as the bottle shimmers with glee and the promise of an exotic escape.

The fragrance is topped with an elegant silver cap featuring a charming pink hibiscus flower that can be worn as a fashionable hair piece or ring– the perfect accessory for an adventure in paradise.

The flower accessory is in line with the spring/summer 2014 trends with bright colours, floral styling and tropical themes all set to create waves in fashion and design.

The brightly coloured pink ESCADA flower embodies simplicity and escapism injected with a sense of fun, conjuring visions of tropical evenings under the moonlight whilst sipping away on a thirst quenching Pina Colada cocktail.

The Outer Pack It is not just the distinctive flacons that have contributed to the appeal of ESCADA’s summer limited-edition fragrances as cult collectibles, but also the cool, contemporary outer carton designs.

The illustration on the Born in Paradise fragrance pack has been designed by New Zealand born fashion photographer and illustrator Kelly Thompson. Well-known for her striking and feminine illustration style, Kelly is rapidly developing a cult following in the international fashion and art industries.

Drawn in the artist’s signature style, the imagedepicts the ESCADA girl with red sunset like hair gazing over her shoulder looking out into the world she has left behind. Amid the bounty of tropical fruit and exotic florals, she is wrapped with feelings of elation, liberty and tropic euphoria.

Her expression is one of mischief as she smiles back with a quiet confidence.She looks teasingly at the onlooker, knowing what it is like to fly like a bird in Paradise and feel the oceanic warm breeze against her hair.

Perched comfortably on her shoulder is a large parrot emblazoned with brilliant brightly coloured feathers showing a new found loyalty to its owner as they both embark across Paradise together.

Let the journey commence…. Born in Paradise – The Line Up Eau de Toilette 100ml RM 271 Eau de Toilette 50ml RM 216 Body Lotion 150ml RM 88

EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE FOR EVENING FROM RM 163. THIS NEW PERFUME EVOKES EVENING BREEZES AND THE COMFY FEELING OF SOFT COTTON ON SKIN. IT IS MEAN FOR WOMEN BUT MEN LOVE IT TOO AS IT IS NOT OVERWHELMING!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

When I think of Lacoste, I always think of crocodiles and tennis! A weird combination but then again, the croc is Lacoste's symbol and it has always been linked to sports. So when it launches its perfume line, you can bet the scents are a far cry from coying, cloying orientals redolent with musk and ambergris but are light, breezy and easy to wear as Lacoste's famous casual clothes!

Lacoste was founded back in 1933 in la belle France and is famous for its polo t-shirts thoughb it has a complete range of fashion and accessories.

Its logo of a smirking crocodile with gaping red mouth came after its founder Rene Lacoste who was nicknamed 'Le Crocodile' for his tenacity on the tennis court!

Rene Lacoste designed and wore the revolutionary tennis shirts during competitions and the crocodile emblazoned on his chest is said to be the first designer logo. But some think the Jantzen Girl who appeared in 1921 was the first.

In 2012 Lacoste was bought by the Swiss family owned group Maus Freres.

INTRODUCING EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE INSPIRED BY THE SENSUALITY OF A WARM EVENING BREEZE

Following the launch last year of signature fragrance for women, EAU DE LACOSTE, LACOSTE introduces the perfect evening partner to draw out your sensual side - EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE.Modern and simple, EAU DE LACOSTE was designed to recreate the feeling of wearing white pure cotton on skin on a beautiful summer’s day.

But what happens when day turns into night? Feminine and sensual EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE recreates the feeling of the evolution from a sunny day to a cool and refreshing evening – the spirit of LACOSTE is playfully and sensually transformed into a bottle, perfect for the evening ahead. Being surrounded by a joyful group of people. Elegant but comfortably dressed. Breathing warm air from a sunny day but feeling the coolness of a refreshing evening breeze – this is how great nights are remembered.

Sundown is a time when the senses wake up, and this is the time that the LACOSTE Woman looks to feminine and sensual notes to help awaken this memorable evening feeling. The LACOSTE Woman The LACOSTE Woman is modern and independent. She is driven by simplicity, harmony and balance. Her key fragrance motivation is to reinforce who she is – calm, confident and self-assured. She sees fragrance as the finishing touch; it makes her feel that she takes pride in her appearance.

For daytime she wears light and fresh EAU DE LACOSTE, whereas for night time she prefers a heavier, more sensual fragrance. Berta de Pablos-Barbier, LACOSTE Senior Executive Vice President Branding & Communications says,“For the LACOSTE Woman, the transformation from day to night simply enhances her beauty, allowing her to feel naturally sensual thus free.”

The Fragrance EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE accentuates an elegant but casual appearance, with a soft twist that is reminiscent of a joyful evening. Beginning with the refreshment given by anevening breeze,the fragrance opens with sparkling, vibrant pink pepper and contrasting tart blackcurrant. As the sun begins to set, EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE evolves and the atmosphere changes: the clean elegance of Turkish rose combines with the delicate essence of sweet pea and the new and unique floralcy of Gladiolus Inflexus.After sunset, the intensity of the evening and all that it has to offer is felt.

The soft sensuality of nougatine blends with the rich comfort of amber to provide the perfect fragrance for to set the stage for the night ahead. Aveen Mallak, P&G Fragrance Creation Expert says, “We created EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE to enhance that warm feeling you experience as sunshine slowly slips away to twilight, transforming the air around you from warmth to the calm coolness of a smooth evening breeze. To recreate this comforting scene the fragrance opens with a sparkle that quickly evolves into the calm floralcy of rose and gladioli. This eventually settles into the soft sensuality of sweet edible notes, as an enticing finale.”

The Bottle Created by Designer Christophe Pillet, the beautiful EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE flacon echoes the chic simplicity of the fragrance. The midnight blue shade is reminiscent of the early evening sky, whilst the petit piqué-textured cap references LACOSTE iconic polo shirt. Continuing the elegance of the EAU DE LACOSTE flacon, the neck of the bottle features a silky cotton thread, from which a metal charm embossed with the crocodile logo hangs. The pure, round shape of the flacon expresses femininity at its purest.

The Campaign The captivating TV and print campaign perfectly illustrates the feminine sensuality of EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE, whilst highlighting the playful spontaneity that characterizes the LACOSTE brand. Simple and chic, with a muted colour palette, the TV ad refers directly to the shape of the flacon with a glass ball rolling through the hands of the LACOSTE woman. The print campaign perfectly complements the TV ad, highlighting the transition from day to night with a composition of EAU DE LACOSTE and EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE on a petit piqué background.

The Line-up EAU DE LACOSTE SENSUELLE will be available in all major department stores and perfumeries. EDP 30 ml RM163 EDP 50 ml RM233 EDP 90 ml RM314 Body Lotion 150ml RM105 Shower Gel 150ml RM89

SINGAPORE HAS 8 OF THE BEST 50 RESTAURANTS IN ASIA! AND MALAYSIA HAS NONE! OH THE SHAME AND HUMILIATION OF LOSING TO OUT TINY DOT OF A NEIGHBOUR! BUT HERE ARE THE 8 BEST RESTAURANTS IN SINGAPORE SO DINE THERE WHEN YOU ARE ACROSS THE CAUSEWAY!

Asia's 50 Best Restaurant unveiled its winners at Capella Singapore.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 in Singapore

We take a look some of the restaurants from Singapore that landed themselves in the list of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants.

Atika Lim,Editor

25 Feb 2014

Consume, Eat

Taking place on our sunny shores, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 by S.Pellagrino and Acqua Panna honoured the best of the best in the culinary industry.

With eight restaurants on the list, one of which won the award for Chef’s Choice, Singapore definitely has something to be proud of. After all, we’re well known for our immense love for food, aren’t we?

Here, we take a quick look at the Singaporean restaurants that won and the standout dishes that earned them those coveted spots:

#6: Restaurant Andre

At Restaurant Andre, presentation is key.

Keeping to a strict philosophy involving eight principals, Taiwanese chef Andre Chiang aims to merge art and philosophy together when constructing his dishes.

His philosophies, Unique, Texture, Memory, Pure, Terroir , Salt, South and Artisan, all involve very simple ingredients that, when put together, complement each other without drowning each other out. What’s more, each dish involves a wonderful display of colour and presentation.

Standout dish: Memory – warm foie gras jelly with black truffle coulis.

41 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089855. +65 6534 8880. www.restaurantandre.com

#7: Waku Ghin

Simple yet flavourful dishes are the main characteristics of any dish at Waku Ghin.

With four private rooms, the formal restaurant situated in Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands features seasonal degustation menus including whole abalone with aonori (seaweed) and fillet of Tasmanian grass-fed beef with wasabi mustard.

If great food and ambience is what you’re after, Waku Ghin’s amazing views that overlook the Marina Bay skyline is perfect for you.

Standout dish: Marinated botan shrimps with sea urchin and Oscietre caviar

Atrium 2, Level 2, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956, +65 6688 8507

#12: Iggy’s

Homely environment and excellent food, what more could you ask for at Iggy’s?

As a restaurant serving international flavours, you’d expect the dishes at Iggy’s to be overwhelming at best.

However, Iggy’s (named after award-winning wine sommelier Ignatius Chan, who also helms the restaurant), manages to strike a balance with their offerings; serving only the best with exceptional seasonal ingredients. Vegetarians too have a special a la-carte and tasting menus.

Standout dish: Tuna belly, pinot noir, yam, hearts of palm, garlic oil.

Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road, Singapore 238883, +65 6732 2234, www.iggys.com.sg

#14: Les Amis

Les Amis lives up to its legacy even with a revamped menu.

Keeping their number 14 spot, Les Amis has long been at the fore front of Singapore’s fine dining scene.

Under the newly appointed executive chef, Sebastian Lepinoy (a protege of Joel Robuchon), the restaurant has undergone a menu revamp and still retains its French charm.

Housed alongside the rest of the restaurants under the Les Amis group, the restaurant houses the biggest wine cellar in Asia.

Standout dish: Caviar on petals of potato salad with condiments of herbs.

1 Scotts Road, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208, +65 6733 2225, www.lesamis.com.sg

#17: JAAN

JAAN’s French food paired with a stunning view is what makes diners come back for more.

Formerly helmed by Andre Chiang (of Restaurant Andre), you know you’ll only get the best at JAAN.

Taking on chef Andre’s legacy amazingly well, Julien Royer manages to create an entirely new menu that serves up incredible French fare.

Standout dish: 55°C organic egg, smoked rattes, autumn mushrooms, chorizo Iberico and buckwheat.

Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882, +65 9199 9008, www.jaan.com.sg

#23: Tippling Club

You can look forward to being served dishes that not only calm your rubbling tummy but are a treat for your eyes as well.

At the homely Tippling Club, modern and fun culinary styles abound. With emphasis on colour, texture and unusual ingredients, chef Ryan Clift creates dishes that are unique and a complete feast for the eyes and tummy.

Standout dish: Pigeon, celery, quinoa, goats’ curd.

38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461, +65 6475 2217, www.tipplingclub.com

#35: Shinji by Kanesaka

Playing with texture and flavours, you’ll definitely be in good hands by the chefs at Shinji.

Started out by sushi maestro, Shinji Kanesaka, this omakase restaurant oozes with understated elegance. Its interiors are so minimalistic that the sushi counters are made of a single Japanese Hinoki tree.

Instead, the focus is all on the food. Behind the counters, skilled chefs work their magic and create an odyssey of perfect sushi and fish dishes.

Standout dish: Five-hour steamed Hokkaido abalone.

Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road, Singapore, +65 6338 6131, www.shinjibykanesaka.com

#40: Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck

Imperial Treasure’s Peking duck is so good, you’ll come back for more.

You no longer have to travel to Beijing for Peking duck thanks to Imperial Treasure.

Hailed as one of the finest places that serve Peking duck, the restaurant prepares their duck Beijing-style and is skillfully sliced right in front of diners.

However, if Peking duck isn’t your thing, you’ll be glad to know that chef Tong Yuk Sing also specialises in various barbecued meats and classic mee pok noodles.

Standout dish: Peking duck.

42/45, 5th Floor, Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859, +65 6732 7838, www.imperialtreasure.com

A 22 CM BOWL FOR RM 25 MILLION? AND YOU WOULD NEVER DARE USE IT FOR THE PURPOSE IT WAS MADE! SIMPLE, PLAIN AND WHITE WITH BLACK EDGES, THIS SONG DYNASTY BOWL IS AN UNDERSTATED MASTERPIECE! BUT I WOULD STILL BUY A GRAND MANSION!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

I guarantee your instant noodles will taste different and infinitely better from this RM 25 million bowl!

Sotheby’s Hong Kong Unveils

The Clark Ding Basin From The Collection of Sakamoto Gorō

A Magnificently Etched Dingyao Basin, Northern Song Dynasty

Unseen for over 40 Years

Expected to fetch in excess of RM 25 million

At Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Spring Sale 2014 on 8 April

Hong Kong Public Exhibition 3 – 7 April

Sotheby’s Hong Kong Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Spring Sales 2014 will take place on 8 April at Hall 5, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The sales will offer an eclectic selection of important porcelains, gilt bronzes, scholarly objects and elegant furniture from celebrated private collections, led by The Clark Ding Basin, a Magnificently Etched Dingyao Basin, Northern Song dynasty, from the collection of legendary antique dealer Sakamoto Gorō, which has not been seen for over 40 years and is expected to fetch in excess of HK$60 million / US$7.7 million*. Other highlights include a small selection of exceptional gilt-bronze Buddhist figures and animals from the Song, Ming and Qing dynasties from the esteemed Speelman Collection, later bronzes from the illustrious Water, Pine and Stone Retreat Collection, rare Chinese furniture from the famous Hung Collection, Chinese lacquer from the Baoyizhai Collection as well as important ceramics from the Ming and Qing dynasties and works of art including gilt-bronze Buddhist sculptures and jades.

Nicolas Chow, Sotheby’s Asia Deputy Chairman and International Head of Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, said, “The Clark dingyao basin undoubtedly ranks among the very finest Song wares ever to come to the market and is perhaps the finest piece extant from this celebrated kiln. Sakamoto Gorō, the legendary Japanese dealer, purchased it at Sotheby’s in London in 1971 and has cherished it for the last 40 some years. It is an extraordinary privilege for Sotheby's to handle again the sale of this Song dynasty masterpiece.”

Thursday, February 27, 2014

AMBER RESTAURANT AT LANDMARK MANDARIN ORIENTAL HONG KONG WINS 4TH PLACE IN ASIA'S BEST 50 RESTAURANTS SO DINE HERE LIKE I ALWAYS DO WHEN IN HONG KONG!

KEE@FSWMAG.COM
Amber is at Landmark Mandarin Oriental and NOT the Mandarin Oriental which is my all time favourite hotel. Landmark Mandarin Oriental is of course located at The Landmark and you can just walk down from your room straight into one of Hong Kong's finest shopping malls filled with the latest fashions and jewels money, love and sex can buy.

Luckily Landmark Mandarin Oriental and The Mandarin Oriental are located 5 minutes' walk from each other so Amber is accessible whichever hotel you stay! Both hotels are equally posh though Landmark MO is new and Mandarin Oriental HK is just super grand and historic and I have stayed there at least 12 times and love it!

Amber at The LandMark mandarin Oriental, HONG KONG CLAIMS 4^th Spot ON THE S. Pellegrino ASIA’s 50 best restaurants 2014

Amber also voted No. 1 restaurant in China

Glazed sea bream with mitzuko, seasonal vegetables, extra virgin oil and organic lemon

Chef of the hour Richard Ekkebus culinary director of Amber

Hokkaido sea urchin with lobster jelly, cauliflower, caviar and crispy seaweed waffle

Lavish decor of Amber

Claiming the impressive 4^th spot on the S. Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, Amber at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong continues to lead this dynamic region’s dining scene, as the “Best Restaurant in China”. Today’s accolade is another fine achievement for Amber which already holds among the highest rankings in China & Hong Kong on the magazine’s prestigious “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” list for three consecutive years, a compilation rigorously reviewed and voted by The Diners Club® World’s 50 Best Academy, with over 900 culinary experts, chefs and restaurateurs from 26 regions around the globe.

“My team and I are extremely honoured for Amber to earn such a coveted position among S. Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants once again,” says Two-Michelin-starred Amber’s chef, Richard Ekkebus. “This endorsement, particularly in Asia where the gastronomic landscape is evolving so rapidly, instills such pride and motivates everyone in the Amber kitchen. The list is maturing and a broader and better representation of Asia in the list is evident, it is wonderful to receive such prestigious focus towards Asia and put the diversity of our culinary landscape on a world stage”.

Richard is quick to credit his masters for this success. The humble Dutchman began his culinary career with apprenticeships in his native Holland under Michelin-starred chefs Hans Snijders and Robert Kranenborg. He then came under the tutelage of a trio of France’s best-known three-Michelin-starred chefs: Pierre Gagnaire, Alain Passard and Guy Savoy. On this solid foundation of traditional French cooking techniques, Ekkebus innovates at Amber by gathering the finest ingredients from an eclectic diversity of origins, from Tokyo to Tasmania to Brittany.

Signature creations on the Amber menu such as “Hokkaido Sea Urchin in a Lobster Jell-O with Cauliflower, Caviar and Crispy Seaweed Waffles” and “Seabream glazed with stewed mizutzko and seasonal vegetables with extra virgin olive oil and organic lemons” delight guests while making positive impressions upon the voting panel. The multi-talented Chef is also Chef Consultant of Fifty 8° Grill at the Group’s most recent hotel, Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai.

“Mandarin Oriental hotels are renowned for dining excellence,” says Greg Liddell, General Manager of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. “However, such international acclaim on the S. Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants represents a truly stunning achievement for The Landmark Mandarin Oriental. We look forward to continued recognition from such established culinary authorities for Amber while working each day and night to impress the most discerning diners from around the world.”

Guests can make reservations at Amber through the hotel’s website on www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark or call +852 2132 0066.

About The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong

Intimate, contemporary and ideally placed in the vortex of Hong Kong’s financial and luxury shopping districts, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong sets the standard for personal service and stylish sophistication. State-of-the-art technology compliments alluring interiors in all 113 spacious rooms and suites, each one a tranquil retreat for business and leisure travellers. Chef Richard Ekkebus helms the kitchen at two Michelin-starred Amber restaurant and world renowned musical talents play in the unparalleled exclusivity of MO Bar, equally popular on Sundays for its indulgent lobster lunch. Escape Hong Kong’s urban bustle at The Oriental Spa with rejuvenating Yoga and Pilates plus the pure pleasures of exclusive facials, body treatments and award winning Signature Treatments. For more information and reservations visit www.mandarinoriental.com/landmark.

About Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences. The Group has grown from a well-respected Asian hotel company into a global brand and now operates, or has under development, 45 hotels representing over 11,000 rooms in 26 countries, with 20 hotels in Asia, 11 in The Americas and 14 in Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In addition, the Group operates or has under development, 13 Residences at Mandarin Oriental connected to its properties.