A new type of private kitchen is sprouting up in Hong Kong. At a pool party a couple weeks ago, I met the girls Angie and Sofia behind Once Upon a Table, a secret supper club that aims to bring strangers together for home cooked food. Held monthly, each session is at a different location and puts together 12 people who appreciate fine food and wine. Each event centers around a theme that tells a story through the menu and atmosphere. Popular overseas, the girls are hoping to bring the trend to HK. Angie tells of a Harry Potter inspired event that she did back in London where the venue was decorated like Diagon Alley and guests had to give the secret to the 'lady in the painting' to get in. Butter beer was served from trays from dry ice and pumpkin soup in carved pumpkins as well as having 'magic dust' on hand, the power from the miracle berry to transform guests' tastebuds.

For the upcoming session, the theme is Mama Mia and the food will be inspired by the chefs’ travels in Italy. From Isola Stromboli off Sicily to the pastel coloured villages of Cinque Terre, Liguria to the mountains of Lombardy, Milan they will recreate off-the-beaten-track recipes. Check out further details and the menu after the cut.

The session will be held on Saturday 23rd of October at 7.30pm where guests will share a 5 course experience of the flavours, aromas and sounds of Italy.

Cost per head: $540 – This includes a 5 course menu served with generous glasses of wine. For more details visit http://onceuponatablehk.blogspot.com

To be invited please email Sofia at onceuponatable@gmail.com by the 12th of October with a short description of one of your favourite meals from your travels. 12 guests will be selected based on the best descriptions. The guest list will be confirmed on the 14th of October by 8pm. As always the secret venue will be revealed the night before via email and text message.

Mama Mia! Menu
Apertif
Campari
Campari with soda & freshly squeezed orange juice

Antipasto
Antipasto di mare: Insalalata Di Polpos
Antipasto of the sea: A salad of baby octopus, potatoes & peperoncino served with 3 choices of extra virgin olive oil alongside roast vegetables & homemade foccacia
Matched with: Prosecco di Valdobbiadene - Zardetto (millesimé 2009)

Primi
Pasta alla Norma fatta in casa
Homemade Pasta alla Norma (freshly made on the day)
Matched with: Soave 2007

Secondi
Osso Bucco con patate e fagioli
Osso Bucco with smashed potatoes & tender green beans
Matched with: Lagrein 2007

Limoncello fatto in casa
Homemade limoncello

Dolci
Semifreddo alle nocciole e mandorle
Semifreddo with salted hazelnut & almond praline

Caffè e biscotti a due gusti: pistachi e zenzero, arancia e cioccolato
Coffee with biscotti of two flavors: pistachio & ginger, orange & dark chocolate

Una sorpresa alla fine
A final surprise