Mario Batali opens first restaurant in Hong Kong

Celebrity chef Mario Batali has expanded his restaurant empire into the heart of Asia with the opening of his first restaurant in Hong Kong.

Along with business partner Joe Bastianich, Batali threw open the doors to his latest Asian outpost, Lupa which specializes in New York Italian cuisine. He also opened Osteria Mozzo in Singapore last year.

Lupa is helmed by Batali protégé Zach Allen, who has worked in the New York location for 10 years.

The Hong Kong menu features dishes like Escarole Walnut and Pecorino Salad, Ricotta Gnocchi with Sweet Fennel Sausage, Crispy Duck with Salsify and Saba and Apician Spiced Dates with Marscapone.

Michelin-starred Spanish chef Paco Roncero is also creating buzz for the highly anticipated opening of his Hong Kong eatery View 62, a revolving restaurant at the Hopewell Center. As a protégé of Ferran Adrià, Roncero also specializes in nouvelle, avant-garde cuisine.