LUK KWOK 80TH

I must apologize for another inverted picture.  Being illiterate abut these 'things' I simply could not get it to work so impatience won the day. This is a light metal tray, 50's style, on which cold drinks were served, with the facade of the original Wanchai Luk Kwok Hotel on it, a true art decor collectors' item.

I was privileged to be invited to the 80th birthday of this Grand Dame last month, indeed a moment to remember. A foodie pal of mine, who happens to be in the business, told me once that 'the life of a new concept restaurant in our town is tied to its initial rental period of 24-36 months or 2-3 years.  4 times that would be 8 years, and 10 time that comes up to 80 years ,,, imagine that?  Our parents took us to Luk Kwok yum-cha in the 50's & 60s and life has come full circle as we now take our 92-year old Mom on Sundays, still a favorite of hers after half a century.

What is amazing is Luk Kwok's ability to uphold quality, and to catch up with changing demands, including Nostalgia Menus which I crave.  These are less oily and healthier versions of famous recipes in the 40s 50s 60s before cholesterol becomes an annoyance.  I love them despite disapproving glances from my health-obsessed wife.  The culinary arts of yester years are preserved with most of the glory here.  Ask Chef William Ma to prepare his award winning menu for you, I guarantee you will be impressed.  BTW the hotel has been re-branded as Gloucester Luk Kwok.  From the wonderful vintage pictures on display and from boyhood memory the hotel was sitting right on the waterfront which is now Central Plaza and the Convention Center. The miniature dim-sum canapes well demonstrated the skills from the kitchen.

It was especially heart warming to see elderly patrons on wheelchairs, showing loyal and unwavering support. Can you think of one, even one, private kitchen that would be around 8 or even 16 years from opening?  I doubt it.      

LUK KWOK  Cantonese Restaurant @ 2866 2166 ask for the Manager Tommy Sum