MUI KEE

A gem in Tsim Sha Tsui's concrete jungle, Mui Kee had served our hunger well with good Chinese food and pushed aback by the smoothest beer I've ever had. I was so grateful for a night of good friends, good food and good drink. As always, this is what I look forward to when going out.

Right after work, we headed to the city for dinner when one of my friends, Sky, recommended for all of us to try this cookfood stall located at G/F, 45-47Kimberly Road, Kimberly Plaza, Tsim Sha Tsui. We were teasing her that she should thank her lucky stars that it didn't fail our standards because we were just going hungrier every step we take towards MUI KEE as she chats about it. It was a Wednesday night, not supposed to be busy but we had to wait a good 8-minute stand by outside to land a free table of 5. That can give you an idea of how packed this place could get.

Definitely not my first time to taste Hong Kong's bests like lemon chicken, deep-fried pork ribs garnished with toasted garlic and pepper to taste but it was my first time to experience their fried pork knuckle, the oh-so-smooth Harbin beer and the company of these fabulous ladies altogether.

How to get there depends on what transportation you decide to take but hopefully, this map helps you out. As you can see, Exit B2 is the nearest to it then the long walk is all worth it at the end. And only for around HK$50 to HK150 per person.

Gastronomically speaking, a little reminder to those whose stomachs are not used to Asian cuisine. Some reviews go that they had indigestion or discomforts after eating here but we all had 2 servings of almost everything that we ate. Besides the fact that we were very hungry upon reaching the place, we were just really special that we go with a construction worker's appetite to describe it or better yet, a truck driver's. Hahaha!

CHARLIE BROWN CAFE

the whole gang

Charlie Brown Café holds a great number of seats to welcome those who would like to have the "Peanuts" experience. It is a café that looks like a little museum of Peanuts protagonist Charlie Brown and his friends from the comic strip by Charles M. Schulz.

Charles M. Schulz star in the Hollywood Walk
of Fame which is next to Walt Disney's

I have seen this being visited by a lot of Hong Kong residents and I thought their pictures looked so inviting on Instagram and Facebook. I was not fond of Charlie Brown when I was growing up but I know how popular it had been that it was ranked the 8^th in TV Guide’s 50 Greatest Cartoons of all time along with Snoopy.

Out of curiosity, I invited the same crew that went with me at Mui Kee for a little get together as it had been 3 months from the last time we have seen our good friend, Sky. I was feeling a little energetic now than during my first trimester. My husband was also out of town so there's nothing much to do except to spend time with friends. So what the heck! The so-called “Wednesday group” invaded Ko Pah Mansion situated at 58-60 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui for a new and exciting experience!

mini fountain shot with Fern

On arrival, massive Charlie Brown decors are everywhere. The stairway was lighted up with the remarkable glass panel that amazed all of us. As you reach the first floor (Here in Hong Kong, the ground floor is considered the first floor and the first floor means being on the second...) you will be greeted by a mini fountain of Charlie Brown. There was also a section where an overhead projector shows reruns of the animated series of the loved cartoons. 

Looooved the interior, what can I say? Unique, different above all restaurants that I've been to here in Hong Kong and most of all, it was fun. The ambiance was light, the organisation was neat. The whole place seemed big enough to accommodate kiddie parties and they actually have party menus that you could check out when interested.

We went there to gather over dinner. But the menu would give this café a little bit of a disadvantage as the food is in a typical presentation. I believe it got a lot of potential since their coffee actually was good enough. We were almost going to ditch Charlie Brown Cafe for another visit at Mui Kee but again, for the sake of satisfying our curiosity, we all agreed to try whatever was in the menu since the website informed us that they serve meals. Here are what we opted to eat.

Fern's BBQ Sauce Chicken Salad in Pita Bread

Sky's Mini Burger Platter

Known for its cakes, pastries and Italian coffee, I needed a meal to nourish me and my baby, so I wasn’t able to try any of those. I had an order of bolognese and I didn't expect such huge serving. I was happy that their food is cooked without using MSG (or so it said in the menu) and that all their ingredients and condiments are organic (like what was told so in the menu yet again). So for those who are looking for a place that serves a healthy meal, you can try it here. Good for the kids too considering this fact. Get ready with a budget of HK$90-150. But I would go back for it a little much later. 

My Traditional Fusilli Bolognaise

Earl's Charlie Brown Hotcake

Chicken-a-la-king Rice
FERN's additional dish. Hahaha!

It's like their own version of the Hall of Fame

Cakes and pastries are all made up with organic condiments. 

The cafe is open daily from 8:30am to 11:30 pm but it extends up until 12:30am during Friday, Saturday and Holiday Eve. It doesn’t require any reservation since it follows a first come first serve policy but for kiddie parties and similar events, you can contact them thru 2366-6315/2366-6325. The café honors self service. Don’t worry because the place is actually quiet and because we were excited and my friends and I were taking a lot of crazy pictures, we were “ssshh!”-ed by a couple who, we think, were having a serious moment.

I mean it’s far from being crowded at least for now. If you are to visit Hong Kong for the first time, include this in your itinerary if you would be spending time around Tsim Sha Tsui area. This is the best place to unwind after a whole day of shopping spree to relax and have a moment to breathe.

Here are some lists of the beverages being served just so that you'd have an idea of how pricey it is than a usual Starbucks Coffee. It might be because it's all organic, ... or so they say.

 

came up with an awkward pose but happy for everybody's presence

All of what I write could both be an encouragement and discouragement
but it's always up to you on how you could rate it up.
Tsim Sha Tsui Station, Exit B. Check it!

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3. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN EATING? - some socially acceptable bad eating habits

RUBY TUESDAY

An American/Western restaurant situated at Shop 304, 3/F, Silvercord, 30 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui called RUBY TUESDAY is a true gem for lovers of french fries, burgers and roasted ribs. With its new offer of the Garden Bar, it makes it more irresistable to those craving for an authentic American taste. With a budget of HK$150-180 per person, you can enjoy a fine-dining experience in a restaurant designed with warm burgundy wood and comfortable counter seats. There are also a set of tables and chairs ready to cater a romantic evening for couples who wish to get secluded from dining families or feasting crowds.

Junior and TK sharing over the
jumbo ruby drink. 

Good friends, Junior and TK, have brought us here for a farewell dinner for my husband who was bound to have a long vacation with his brother to Samoa. He has to attend his mom's 70th birthday together with their other siblings who reside overseas too. In short, it was going to be a grand reunion requiring a long time to stay there so they took us out (I wasn't going to travel with him because I am pregnant and was restricted to fly so this was really an eventful dinner for all of us courtesy of Junior and TK). Such a lovely gesture by doing the reservations and all. It was my first time to eat in Ruby Tuesday but I heard a lot about it serving tasty premium ribs so I got excited too.

So..... going back to featuring Ruby Tuesday, you can book your preferred date and time with the seating capacity desired by calling 2892 0883. To reach the place, you can take the train to TST (Tsim Sha Tsui) then take Exit C1. It's almost across Din Tai Fung as it shares the same floor. They are open from Monday to Sunday from 11:30am to 10:30pm. Here is the array of food we had.

Spaghetti Bolognese for Round Round

1/2 slab Premium Barbecue Ribs
for everybody to share

Hamburger and fries - the serving is perfect
according to my brother-in-law

Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta was good for
2 people with big appetite; may share on

Remarkable for me was the ribs, nachos and TK's jumbo ruby drink. Once in a while, it's good to come here for a change of cuisine and if you have foreigner friends who are dying to have a break from all the Chinese food they have been taking in. As I have recommended this to my friend, Tin, she and her family had a great time as it was a good place to celebrate their wedding anniversary there too. The kids were not big eaters but they had their preferences and they ended up getting surprised with how much the servings were. They (the servings) were huge for Asians like me, I am not sure if it goes the same with that of the American's perception. Maybe it could be just right.

So much so for my review, I am one satisfied customer considering all the factors. Food, price, location, ambiance, - all a check.

Related posts:

1. DIN TAI FUNG - famous Chinese restau for its Xiao Lung Pao
2. MUI KEE - a traitional ghetto Chinese restau that offers the best beer in Hong Kong
3. GOOD TO KNOW - some of the tips about food I hold dear to my heart

NEW POLYNESIAN CLUBS IN HONGKY!

Finding Tiki Bars in Hong Kong is unimaginable. Due to the game of Rugby that Hong Kong hails annually, the Polynesian influence was given a way to make a name. There stands two in the most in-demand districts, Central and Wan Chai, cocktail tiki bars ready to get checked out for a good time and an escape to experiencing the Poly vibe.

Being married to a Polynesian feeds the islander in me. Philippines own more than 7,000 islands and my dad had imparted unforgettable experiences to me (being a true islander blooded fella' himself, who was born and raised in Romblon) honing my true love for it! In the end, I got attracted to a Samoan warrior and wouldn't mind settling in the heart of the Polynesia (Samoa) later on.

For now that we are spending our productive years in Hong Kong, we crave the island life every now and then. With the hustles and bustles of this vibrant city, we owe ourselves time to unwind. I must admit, a night out (or two) a month keeps me sane for I find it relaxing. Needless to say, going out once in a while keeps me in balance. It keeps everyone in balance when you don't let go of that word, "play!" This weekend, try bringing your friends to these TIKI BARS that mix rums with fruit puree's giving your usual happy hour a refreshing funk! It's different from the usual house party though urban style is still mixed up with it.

HONI HONI TIKI COCKTAIL LOUNGE

I love how it has a big space for islanders to actually lounge in. You see, they are not small (nor will they ever be) at all. This is a huge factor to consider with "anything" Polynesian. No offence meant, Polynesian people naturally own a gene pool of huge, strong human beings. Imagine "The Rock", Dwayne Johnson.... yep! The famous WWF legend. Imagine 10 of those in a room. OK, now you grasp my idea of "They need space!" Now, Honi Honi for sure had that in mind when considering the interior design of this cocktail bar. Since there's only one Polynesian bar in Central, big names in rugby would eventually visit this bar for its rarity.

TROPICAL STORM
For more information about the cocktails
available in Honi Honi, click here. 

The seats are comfortably covered with synthetic felt and are well cushioned, interior is made up of bamboo with warm lighting and toilets are designed conformingly to the theme with tiki men and women labels. The vibe is fresh because of the greens by the veranda and the open space just gives the place a windy feel. Now that summer is almost over, the breeze would be cooler for you to enjoy more pina coladas!

We got a nice place to sit on by the corner of the bar (indoors) and knowing it's just offering cocktails and finger foods, we had dinner first in the comfort of our homes before going to the place.

I started the night with the usual white sauvignon blanc just because it's always my comfort drink. But I started to get jealous and curious all at the same time when my friends' Honi Honi signature drinks started to come. I was forced to chug down my white wine to make way for an adventurous drink.

I went for the TROPICAL STORM that is a mixture of Grey Goose Vodka, Elderflower Syrup, Guava Nectar, Passion Fruit Puree and Strawberry Puree. Hmmm.... what can I say? It's a spa in a mug kind of cup... The fire when it got served gave it a 9 star rate. Drinks are starting from HK$120 and up.

Our only worry was that, it didn't have that much alcohol that you need to probably ask the waiter to make it stronger if you must. Don't get me wrong, I am not an alcoholic but with that much money out, you want to get what you deserve for its worth.

the washrooms

Recently, they have Wednesday nights for ladies who are daring to unleash their creativity by making their own tiki cocktail mix. In addition, the bartenders have monthly mixes fresh out from their imaginative tactile skills that are priced cheaper than the others since it's for you to try and critic. AHI MOANA (priced at HK$90) consists of Bacardi Oakheart Spiced Rum, Orange Peel, Lime Juice, Sugar and Soda water - a splashy kick to get through the hump day!


Honi Honi is located at the 3/F, Somptueux, Central, 52 Wellington St.,  Central, Hong Kong. My brother-in-law's girlfriend had booked an area for us because we thought it would be filled up since it was a Thursday night of May that time. But surprisingly, it's not that full until 12mn. But people came crawling in huge groups after that. Since it's just at Wellington and is basically a block away from the rest of the bars, we didnt have a hard time getting into them because Honi Honi was accessible either way, up to Soho or to Lan Kwai Fong. Phone reservations can be made too by calling 2353-0885.

MAHALO TIKI LOUNGE

Now, this is yet another promising treat in the middle of Wan Chai's busy streets. You think it's only about it being a red hot district but, secluded at the 29th floor, QRE Plaza, 202 Queens Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, a floor opens up to this Polynesian jewel, the Mahalo Tiki Lounge.

the washroom's faucet

I can't emphasise on how spacious it is until you go check it out yourself. Upon entering the lounge, a dance floor awaits facing the bar where an array of spirits and rums are displayed. Much like that of TIKI TIKI Cocktail Bar but besides the facade where these couches are nestled, sliding doors give way to a similar veranda where party goers that prefer staying outdoors may lounge. The big windows open up but not entirely. I wasn't really sure if the roof opens up too since it was pretty crowded the night we went there for a friend's birthday party. But one thing's for sure, it was breezy and we loved how the wind blowing towards us where we chose to hang out by the sofas. It was a summer evening in July so a cool breeze was unexpected. Hanging on the walls are authentic Hawaiian performers showcasing their culture thru stolen shots that says a lot about its richness and truth.

One thing interesting about the club is that everything is one-of-a-kind. Its design, the drinking cups,... their menu is even in a scroll. It leads you to choosing a map of signature Polynesian drinks. With the same crew I was with in checking out Honi Honi, plus more friends, we opt for a huge drink (which in my opinion wasn't still that strong with regards to its alcohol content!)

lighting up the scroll of menu as we
chose our drink

For HK$900, I think 9 also went for a sip of the RAISING SUN. It is a mix of Bacardi Superior Rum, Bacardi Black Rum, Clement Orange Shrubb Liqueur, Blended Passion Fruit, Mango juice, Apple juice, Cartron Peach Liqueur and Watermelon.

OK, I think, 60% of it was watermelon. Uncool!

Probably, the alcohol was just settling down and wasn't mixed properly but it was enough for 9 people. Not bad! I have ordered a mojito on the side, and then we called it a night.

Reservations can be made by calling 2488-8750. Opening hours are from 12pm for lunch - 2am during Mondays thru Thursdays. Fridays same but until 3am. Saturdays, they open around 6pm to 3am. Sundays 4pm-12mn. Click here if you prefer online reservations.

The only bad thing that my husband and I noticed was the music they used. It would be best if they'd play reggae music at least. But it was a house kind of thumping and that's just what turned us off the hook. It was all beautiful and inviting except the music. Polynesian people love to dance. In fact, they are so fond of telling their folklores thru music and dance. So, if you want a Poly bar to last long, the music's gotta' bring it. Or these boys would prefer other clubs to stomp into.

Killing the "Raising Sun"

Overall, in both bars, we had fun because this group had been going out since 8 years ago. So, being altogether, still up until now, is treasured no matter how the night ends up. It's truly a great time we had in visiting these tiki cocktail bars. So with what "mahalo" means in English, "Thank you" for another page turner in our book of happy times. I hope you readers will enjoy it as much as we did!

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2. MAMASAN - looking for a place where you can dine in style in the middle of a busy city? This is the place to be.
3. MUI KEE - are you around Tsim Sha Tsui? This serves authentic Hongky cuisines with the best beer to taste on the side, Harbin!