Hakkasan -- Acclaimed Modern Cantonese Restaurant -- Opens Its Doors in New York City

NEW YORK, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hakkasan, the world-renowned, modern Cantonese restaurant, last night held a cocktail reception to celebrate the grand opening of its New York City location. Situated at 311 West 43rd Street in Midtown, the luxurious/lavish restaurant is now offering guests authentic Cantonese cuisine, impeccable service and an unparalleled dining experience. The celebration welcomed over 250 of New York City's most illustrious tastemakers, who toasted the opening of the seventh Hakkasan location worldwide.

Niall Howard, CEO of Hakkasan, said, "Following the success of our most recent locations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, we are proud to open the doors of the Hakkasan New York City." He added, "As the latest arrival in the city's fine dining scene, we are proud to be surrounded by established industry leaders and dining destinations. We look forward to helping position New York City as one of the gastronomic capitals of the world."

Hakkasan brings to New York City a unique evolution of the brand's original Michelin-starred location at London Hanway Place, with every detail of the new restaurant meticulously planned by a world-class team. This includes fresh aesthetic elements such as a new motif and deep blue color scheme created by designers Gilles & Boissier, a Paris-based team who have worked on major projects including Louis Vuitton, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Moncler. Using leading New York based fashion brands, the staff's uniforms are sourced from Diane von Furstenberg and G. Pierce Clothing.

At the helm of the New York City kitchen is Chef Ho Chee Bon, who has over 24 years of experience, previously holding positions at Hakkasan Hanway Place and Moscow's famed Turandot. For New York, Chef Ho developed a menu featuring new dishes specifically created with local tastes and influences in mind such as stir fry lobster with mushrooms in XO sauce and Mabo tofu with chicken and homemade pickled chilli alongside Hakkasan classics such as the Hakka steamed dim sum platter and Roasted Silver Cod with Champagne and Chinese honey. Locally sourced ingredients are incorporated where possible and are supplied by a number of vendors from the greater New York City region.

Led by New York's Beverage Director, Gian Carlo D'Urso, an elegant bar at Hakkasan New York offers guests an upscale setting for cocktails. The Hakkasan bar program is based on the philosophy of "fresh and eclectic," with a wide selection of drinks using fresh ingredients, homemade purees and spumes, fruits, herbs, and spices that pay a modern homage to Asian and tropical flavors. Signature drinks include the Hakka, and the Plum Sour.

Scott Gingerich, General Manager of Hakkasan New York, stated, "As we welcome the first guests to experience Hakkasan New York, we are thrilled to share an unparalleled and authentic dining experience with the discerning New York City audience." He added, "With unique lunch and dinner offerings, an elegant bar, and a never-before-seen brunch concept, we are looking forward to creating memorable experiences for years to come."

Hakkasan's flagship restaurant – London Hanway Place – opened in 2001 to critical acclaim, becoming the only Chinese restaurant in Europe to receive a Michelin Star in 2003. Currently, both Hakkasan Hanway Place and Hakkasan Mayfair (London) hold Michelin Stars. In the United States Hakkasan Miami opened in 2009 in Miami's Fontainebleau Hotel which is recognized with a AAA Diamond. Other Hakkasan properties currently exist in Mumbai, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Following New York City, Hakkasan plans to expand to Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco within the next 12 months.

Hakkasan New York offers seating for over 200 guests in an 11,000 square-foot space, including a private dining room with audiovisual capabilities available for small groups of up to 15 persons. Hakkasan New York is open for lunch from 11:30 – 15:00, dinner and drinks and with last dinner orders taken at 23:45 Sunday – Wednesday and 00:45 Thursday – Saturday. For reservations, guests may call +1 (212) 776-1818.

To engage in conversation and get the latest news and updates from Hakkasan New York, consumers can follow the restaurant on Twitter @HakkasanNY or via hashtag #HakkasanNY.

About Hakkasan Ltd.
Hakkasan was founded in London in 2001, and has now established itself as arguably one of the most successful modern Chinese restaurant concept to become a global fine-dining brand. Locations include London Hanway Place, London Mayfair, Miami, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai, Dubai and New York. The Hakkasan group is owned by Abu Dhabi's property investment company Tasameem which also owns Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant Yauatcha in London. Hakkasan opened to critical acclaim, achieving a Michelin star in 2003, and was the only Chinese restaurant in Europe to receive such an accolade that year. Hakkasan London Mayfair was also awarded a Michelin star for 2012 in its opening year. For further details, please visit www.hakkasan.com.

Media Contacts: Edelman Public Relations
Viet N'Guyen
[email protected]
(212) 704-4535

Daniel Hernandez Lyon
[email protected]
(212) 277-3738

SOURCE Hakkasan