Culinary extravaganza

There’s no better time than this summer to visit Hong Kong and one of its most celebrated and iconic attractions. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is letting us in on an exciting new experience that showcases the beauty and essence of Hong Kong’s south side from the theme park that has been educating and entertaining kids and kids at heart for over 40 years.

As part of Ocean Park’s ongoing 40th anniversary celebrations, they announced the launch of the all-new dining festival, Chill Out @ The South title sponsored by Prudential Hong Kong Limited. The festival will be held on 19 evenings, beginning tomorrow until April 17, at the Park’s Waterfront

Guests can enter the Park after 5 p.m. on selected dates to unwind beside the park’s beautiful lagoon, while enjoying the mesmerizing fountain, live music, a wide selection of fine wines and international food, as well as a variety of spectacular entertainment, including Ocean Park’s signature show “Symbio!,” a special effects-laden extravaganza.

Chill Out @ The South will be showcased under three themes —All About Sake, Pop & Rock Beer Fest, and In Taste of Excellence. Guests will enjoy a whole multi-sensory dining and entertainment experience, which also includes mini concerts, street and cultural shows, and themed workshops.

Leo Kung, chairman of Ocean Park, said, “With the opening of the new MTR South Island Line, Ocean Park sees the opportunity to open up the Park to locals and overseas guests who are looking to try something new, chic, and fun. Chill Out @ The South is a key milestone for us, and will position Ocean Park as the entertainment and dining hub of the Southern District.”

Anthony Shaw, chief officer, marketing and customer service of Prudential, said, “Prudential is very pleased to again work with Ocean Park, promoting and supporting a unique, new theme park experience.

Together with Ocean Park, we welcome visitors from Hong Kong and overseas to taste the finest selection of food and drinks and enjoy an exciting lineup of entertainment.”

During All About Sake, guests can choose from a vast range of delicious sake, from the renowned Juyondai 14th Generation to delicious, fine and rare brands from Japan and Taiwan that will be introduced in Hong Kong for the first time. Guests can also savor a range of traditional Japanese delicacies, including luxurious Wagyu beef imported from different regions of Japan, as well as signature dishes from Tsukiji Yamataka Seafood Market Hong Kong, one of the city’s hippest dining spots. Traditional Japanese cultural performances, with the highlight being a Taiko drum stage show, will complete the Japanese experience.

The Pop & Rock Beer Fest is a dedicated event for beer and music lovers. Guests can choose from myriad unique craft beers from around the world, including a comprehensive collection of local labels, brewed by the city’s most fashionable brands, including Mak’s, Nine Dragons, Moonzen, and Young Master Ale —all served alongside a wide selection of international street food.

Two mini concerts featuring some of the city’s hottest singers and bands, including Lil’ Ashes, Jason Chan, Kimman Wong, Bondy Chiu, Dear Jane, Shiga Lin, Thor Lok, Nowhere Boys, Supper Moment, AGA, Robynn & Kendy, New Youth Barbershop, RubberBand, Alan Po x Hey Joe Trio, Danny Summer, Danson Tang, and Eddie Ng who will take turns to spice up each event night.

The finale of Chill Out @ The South, In Taste of Excellence, will immerse guests in the ultimate celebration of fine wine and food. Gourmands will revel in exquisite international cuisine presented by award-winning and Michelin-starred restaurants and chefs, while watching cooking demonstrations and taking part in wine pairing lessons by celebrity chefs.

Throughout the five-week festival, the Park will also set up a special botanic garden. Inside, guests can purchase organic and natural products and handcrafted goods and take part in handicraft workshops. For even more privileges, guests can purchase a VIP ticket to enjoy a host of exclusive activities that will make their evenings even more unforgettable.

These include access to the VIP lounge located in front of the giant viewing panel of The Grand Aquarium, where they can enjoy free flow of hors d’oeuvres, red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, beer, and soft drinks, as well as guaranteed access to Applause Pavilion for the Taiko drum stage show or one of the two mini concerts on the night of visit.

Tickets are on sale now. Guests can visit the Ocean Park website for more details, www.oceanpark.com.hk. discoverHongKong.com/best.