ANNOUNCING THE HONG KONG FOOD AND WINE YEAR

In keeping with Hong Kong’s reputation as the ‘Culinary Capital of Asia’, the region is delighted to announce the commencement of the Year of Food and Wine Festival. This magical, year-long culinary experience includes not only the Festival itself, with its irresistible array of mouth-watering themed events and special offers, but also a variety of traditional Chinese festivals at which food plays an important part.

Hong Kong has long been renowned for its cuisine … whether it’s the dazzling range of international dishes at superb award-winning restaurants or tasty snacks at street-side stalls. Yes, wherever you turn in this fascinatingly diverse city, you can enjoy wonderful culinary experiences. And the best way to complement great food is with an equally delicious glass of fine wine. And now the Government has waived the duty on wine, lovers of the grape can enjoy better prices and a far greater choice than in the past.

The coming year will see celebrity chefs, wine experts and famous food critics in Hong Kong. And for those who just want to enjoy, there will be special offers and downloadable wine and dine coupons as well as a unique ‘Interactive Dining Planner’ tool to help visitors organize a culinary trip to Hong Kong. Not only will visits to the region include fine dining experiences, but wine appreciation classes and wine tours and walks will also be offered, allowing participants to explore Hong Kong’s famous ‘living culture’.

A brand new mega event, the Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival will take place between 30 October and 1 November at the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade, where enormous wine pavilions and stalls serving delicious snacks will be served against a backdrop of live music. Not to be outdone, the Lan Kwai Fong and SoHo districts will also hold individual Wine and Dine Carnivals during this period.

Between 4 - 6 November, the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair 2009 will take place, an event hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, which will provide wine lovers in the region with an opportunity to sample the world of wine and spirits as the trade showcases the many products available.

There’s nothing like reading about food to get the gastric juices flowing! During the Festival the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will produce guidebooks for visitors who like to go off-the-beaten-path to discover local eateries and the city’s bustling food districts. The guides will also give wine-and-dine tips as well as suggestions for popular places to eat where local culture combined with fantastic tastes can be experienced. They include the Hong Kong Tram Guide and Local Delicacies Guide.

In addition, Hong Kong has recently be awarded its very own Michelin Guide, a toast to the region’s rich gastronomic heritage and the culinary experiences to be discovered today. And another aid to dining in Hong Kong is the Dining with Stars website link, an insider’s guide to the fine dining establishments favoured by Hong Kong and international celebrities.

During the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year events will be sprinkled throughout the calendar, including many food promotions in popular and trendy establishments. It all starts in mid-April, when special coupon leaflets can be found at the friendly HKTB Visitor Centres located around town. These coupons will bring ‘Complimentary Dishes’, ‘Buy One Get One Free’ and ‘50% Off’ specials in many of the restaurants featured in the HKTB’s Quality Tourism Services Scheme (QTS), establishments which are known to offer quality assurance for visitors.

There’s no better time than during the Hong Kong Food and Wine Year to visit Hong Kong, the ‘Culinary Capital of Asia’. All the wonderful offerings and events can be researched throughout the year at www.hkfoodandwineyear.com