Every trip should have a few things worth remembering. Seeing an unforgettable sight perhaps, or tasting food that simply tickled one’s tastebuds.
During my March sojourn to Hong Kong, I was glad to experience all those during my stay at The Excelsior. If ever you find yourself in Causeway Bay, make sure you go up the Roof Terrace of the hotel on the 34th floor. A glass of martini on the rooftop on a Saturday night: HKD110. Enjoying the view and feeling the fun vibe of the city: priceless 
On the other hand, daytime on a Friday found me relishing a savory lunch at ToTT’s beside the Roof Terrace. ToTT’s is short for Talk of the Town, consistently chosen as one of HK’s best restos by the Hong Kong Tatler. It is distinguished by its multi-color elongated bar with stained glass design where it is best to order cocktails and listen to a live band at night.
But I love that they have a semi-lunch buffet that’s good for people like me who just want to enjoy the food and not be overpowered by too many choices. Semi-lunch with a selection of appetizers, salad, soup & desserts cost HKD$238++, add a main course and it comes down to HKD$338.
For starters, I ordered a fruit shake. Had pumpkin soup and bread as well. But because my lunch mates were the hotel’s PR team composed of communications director Wendy Lee and PR manager Stephanie Fong, I should have known we were going to be spoiled for lunch. We were served by no less than F & B Director Sammy Wu and the assistant F & B Director Leo Lai who took pride in bringing to the table the ToTT’s specialties.
A duo of melt-in-the mouth baked scallops in cream and vegetable stuffing. I like seafood and it was heavenly!
A fish dish to love! Salmon fillet that was poached then smoked, producing a very distinctive flavor. My tummy would have made a standing ovation, if it was capable of one
But the best was yet to come. Out of all the outstanding dishes, there was still a piece de resistance: this succulent plate of steak and foie gras. The beef was very tender and nicely seasoned. Foie gras is of course what it is … an indulgent treat that’s meant to be savored with every bite. At this point, my belly was very happy and gave my gracious hosts a warm and energetic bravo!
Sweeping views of the harbor + extraordinary food at ToTT’s. My best Hong Kong memories are made of these… (photo from The Excelsior)
The Exlesior Hong Kong’s ToTT’s and Roof Terrace which seats 255, is open Monday to Friday for lunch from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m., and daily for dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. (to 10 p.m. on Sunday). Saturday Bubbly Brunch is available from 12noon to 3 p.m. and Sunday Champagne Brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The bar and lounge are open from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. (Monday to Thursday), to 2 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and eves of public holidays and to 11 p.m. on Sunday. Live entertainment starts from 9 p.m. to midnight Tuesday to Thursday and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Public Holiday Evenings. On Sunday afternoons, the band will also play from 12 noon to 3 p.m.
For reservations and enquiries, please call (852) 2837 6786.