[Hong Kong] Cafe 103 at The Ritz-Carlton

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Cafe 103 at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong

Address: 103F, The Ritz-Carlton, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
Hours: 12:00pm~10:30pm, [chocolate afternoon tea] 3:00pm~6:00pm
Tel: +852 2263 2263
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/
Price: 328 HKD + 10%/person
Visited on: 2011-12-23

Cafe 103 at The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is a must-visit destination for chocoholics. While it is also open for lunch and dinner, the cafe (formerly known as The Chocolate Library) is most famed for its chocolate-themed afternoon tea. During its first few months of opening, it was impossible to get a reservation at the cafe, and you literally had to come 2 hours in advance to secure a seat. Now that the hype has cooled down a bit, I can finally see what this is about…

Cafe 103

The cafe is adorned with a warm ensemble of chocolate-colored couches, and even the waitress’ uniforms and menus are in the same tone.

The Chocolate Library

Chocolate-theme recipes books scattered here and there. I’d like to take a few home, especially this one by La Maison du Chocolat.

Chocolate chocolate chocolate 

As it was Christmas season, we were first treated to a plate of Christmas cookies – a most delightful start. For my drink, it was tempting to choose the signature hot chocolate, but anticipating the avalanche of chocolate treats that were to follow, I opted for a pot of Apple Fantastic instead.

Christmas cookie and tea

In keeping with the library theme, the tea set (328 HKD + 10% per person) is served in a miniature bookcase. Lift up the cover and – voilà! – three savory bites and seven chocolate treats daintily presented on a wooden bookshelf. Different chocolates with varying percentages of cocoa content are used to create an ensemble of pastries in this tea set. The result? Layers of chocolate goodness.

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[Hong Kong] Ritz-Carlton: Checking Out

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Address: International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon,  Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2263 2263
Website: www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/
Visited on: 2011-12-23

Good morning Hong Kong! After we reluctantly wriggled out of our ultra comfortable bed, we made our way to the Club Lounge for breakfast. Floor-to-celing windows, soft velvety morning light, jazz in the air, and the sweet smell of fresh pastries and coffee – a fine way to wake up.

Note: for those not staying at the Club Lounge levels, breakfast is served at The Lounge & Bar on the 102nd floor. 

The buffet features a selection of cold cuts, fresh fruits, yogurt, pastries, hot dishes, fresh juices, and eggs made to order. I’m also guessing the kitchen can conjure up whatever you fancy at the moment, but I was very happy with what was already on the table.

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