Kokage, Elite Concepts’ modern Japanese restaurant, has been named by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine as one of “the world’s most exciting restaurants” in their prestigious “Hot Tables” list.
The publication’s fourth annual “Hot Tables” list contained in the May 2002 issue says “Kokage has already gained renown for the best and most innovative and exciting Japanese cuisine in Hong Kong.” It also recognizes Kokage’s “sister” eatery, Cinecittà, as the first “hugely popular Italian eatery” to put Star Street on the dining and entertainment map in Hong Kong.
The May issue also includes the “Hot List” of the world’s top new hotels. Each year the magazine’s editors evaluate hundreds of contenders and select only the hotels and restaurants that meet the tough and exacting criteria …design, service, ambience and cuisine. Once the contenders are determined, a worldwide network of reporters and culinary critics are then sent to visit and review every hotel and restaurant incognito.
According to the publication, those that make the Hot List are “instant classics”, and are “Hot – and here to stay.”
“We are thrilled to have received this prestigious recognition by the culinary critics of Condé Nast Traveler Magazine. To be named as one of only three on the list in Asia and the only restaurant in Hong Kong, is a marvellous achievement for Kokage, our staff and Elite Concepts,” Paul Hsu, Executive Director of Elite Concepts said.
Located at StarCrest, 9 Star Street, Kokage is just east of Pacific Place, and a block away from Cinecittà, Elite Concepts’ Roman restaurant, and adjacent to the group’s extraordinarily popular One-Fifth Bar.
Kokage, in Japanese, means “shade of a tree.” The word evokes a singular sense of serenity, and describes a restful haven to which one can escape. Kokage is just that. The design is Japanese, with innovative strokes of styling and mood that create a uniquely tranquil ambience.
The catalyst for Kokage was the visions and efforts of four talented people: Tony Chi, Noel Bernardo, Bryan Nagao and Paul Hsu.
Kokage’s look and feel was created by concept architect Tony Chi and EC Studio, the newly established Manila-based design company which handles design development and interior design & lighting for restaurants, bars, food courts and master planning of retail space throughout the region. Heading the EC Studios team is Noel Bernardo, whose other designs include Cinecittà, One-Fifth and Yè Shanghai in Hong Kong.
Star chef Bryan Nagao, has created an exciting and innovative menu using fresh ingredients and a wide variety of cooking techniques, producing new yet unmistakably Japanese flavors.
Kokage is set to keep Elite Concepts on course, however it changes Hong Kong’s perceptions about Japanese dining. Kokage is open for lunch Monday to Friday from 12 noon to 2:30pm and for dinner from 6pm to 11:00pm Monday to Saturday and public holidays. Restaurant reservations can be made by calling
(852) 2529 6138.
Elite Concepts is one of Asia’s more successful Hong Kong-based restaurant management and consulting companies. In the decade since 1991, the company has built a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars in countries across Asia bringing new energy and ideas to the city’s entertainment and dining scene. Outlets in Hong Kong include Cinecittà, Kokage and One-Fifth on Star Street and Yè Shanghai and La Cité in Pacific Place. With the recent opening of Yè Shanghai in Xintiandi, Shanghai, the Yè Shanghai concept is poised for expansion in key cosmopolitan cities throughout the world.
