On February 6, magnitude 7.8 and 7.6 earthquakes struck southeast Turkey and neighbouring Syria, leaving an estimated one million people homeless, with the death toll at 47,000 and counting. Nations quickly rallied to help. Hong Kong sent a rescue team of 59 people, comprising 49 members from the Fire Services Department, two doctors and two nurses from the Department of Health, as well as six Security Bureau and Immigration Department staff. With the same altruistic spirit, Hong Kong bars and restaurants have come together to raise funds for ongoing earthquake relief efforts.
On February 20, hospitality group Black Sheep Restaurants hosted a four-hands dinner with chefs Teya Mikhael and Palash Mitra of Maison Libanaise and New Punjab Club at the group’s Team Canteen. Normally reserved for staff, the Team Canteen in Central was opened to the public for the first time for guests to sample a dinner prepared by the chefs priced at HK$5,000 per person. The event raised HK$70,000 (US$8,900), and online donations are open until March 3.
“We always talk about the importance of community and core values, but when we start taking action like this, it becomes something bigger than just us. It was really amazing to see our team and others in our city come together under one banner in an effort to do a little good for another part of the world,” says Tony Ferreira, culinary director of Black Sheep Restaurants.
Also in Central, Candour has partnered with wine and spirits companies Metabev, Proof & Company and Northeast Wines and Spirits to host an evening where 100 per cent of the profits will be donated to disaster relief charity Direct Relief. The event on February 23 will run from 5pm to 10pm.
The largest collaborative dinner, hosted by executive chef Franckelie Laloum of one-Michelin-star Louise, takes place on February 27, with industry heavyweights working on a seven-course menu priced at HK$4,888 per guest. All revenue will be donated to the AFAD association, a disaster and emergency management authority. Participating chefs include Manav Tuli of Chaat, Maxime Gilbert of Écriture, Antimo Maria Merone of Estro, Antonio Oviedo of Agora, Richard Ekkebus of Amber and Vicky Lau of Tate.
On the same evening, there will also be a silent auction with 100 per cent of the proceeds also to be donated to AFAD, with the lots including a six-course dinner at Mora, a one-night stay at the Rosewood Hong Kong’s grand harbour view suite, and a special dinner prepared by Julien Royer of Singapore’s three-Michelin-star Odette.