Beijing

Rice dumplings

For the Dragon Boat Festival on June 12, Ritz-Carlton Beijing has crafted a variety of glutinous rice dumplings with traditional and authentic recipes. The selection includes rice dumplings with fillings of scallops, mixed grains, red beans, spicy meat in XO sauce. Rice dumpling hampers are also available for 218 yuan ($36). - Ye Jun

83A Jianguo Road, China Central Place, Chaoyang district. 010-5908-8161/8151

Hong Kong

Wine buffet and tapas

In up-and-coming Wan Chai, the choices for eating and drinking have grown steadily for years now. At the cozy Cubix restaurant in The Fleming boutique hotel, for HK$118 ($15) per person, you can enjoy unlimited refills from a buffet of international fine wines with a selection of tasty tapas from 6:30-10:30 pm. The wines served hale from France, Australia, Chile, and New Zealand. - Donna Mah

The Fleming, 41 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong. 852-3607-2288

Cooking with dad

On June 15, kids can cook with dad at Morton's Hong Kong, from 11:30 am to 2 pm. The father and child duo will prepare a three-course menu of signature Morton's dishes - shrimp Alexander and center cut iceberg appetizers, Morton's Prime Burger and mini-burger, and chocolate mousse. The chefs will dine on the meal they've prepared and dad takes home a chef's apron, a hardback copy of Morton's Cookbook, and a framed souvenir photo, for HK$1,188. - Donna Mah

Morton's of Chicago, The Sheraton Hotel Hong Kong, 4/F, 20 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong. 852-2732-2343

Complimentary bubbly

The Aqua Restaurant Group has sold the historical Hullett House and to thank customers who have supported Hullett House over the years, is offering a complimentary glass of champagne to diners at St. George, the signature fine dining restaurant serving contemporary French cuisine. In addition, diners at the Stables Grill restaurant, The Parlour and Loong Toh Yuen will also be served a complimentary glass of prosecco at dinnertime. Offer runs from now until June 14. - Donna Mah

Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, No. 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. 852-3988-0000

Rooting for truffles

As a preview to a five-course truffle tasting menu that will be launched in late June, St. Betty will be serving fresh Australian truffles with some of its classic dishes. The carb "comfort food", sauteed spatzle with wild mushrooms and Taleggio cheese, is given an additional layer of flavor with the black truffles shaved on the top. The steamed pink snapper, with Jerusalem artichokes, snow peas, black truffles, and truffle reduction has a tender and moist texture that contrasts well with the full bite of the Jerusalem artichokes. The truffles are shaved delicately over the dish accompanied by a truffle reduction on the side. - Donna Mah

St. Betty, Shop 2075, Podium Level Two, IFC Mall, Central, Hong Kong. 852-2979-2100

(China Daily 06/09/2013 page13)