Pirata Group – the F&B company behind such popular eateries like Pici and The Optimist –  has singlehandedly enhanced Hong Kong’s epicurean scene since it opened its first restaurant Pirata in 2014. Since then, founders Manuel Palacio and Christian Talpo have added one feather after another in their caps, adding 10 unique concepts and 15 restaurant venues over the years.

Now, as Pirata Group turns five, they are celebrating in a way that only they can – a month-long celebration  with six participating restaurants and three series of four-hands menus crafted by in-house chefs.

First up is the Son-Phan menu prepared by Son Pham of Madame Ching and Stephan Joubert of TokyoLima. Available till 5 September, it celebrates Asian flavours with such delicacies as the Duck – Honey – Duck, a familiar nourishing combination of ponzu honey duck breast, fresh ginger and soy pickled shallots. Also noteworthy is the Pork Neck Katsu – Japanese-style pork cutlets, here served with sweet tomato curry.

In case you miss the first round of celebration, worry not, because Pirata Group has other culinary crossovers lined up throughout the month. Next up is the Bik-Antoni menu, curated by Bikash Dewan of MEAT’s fame and The Optimist’s Antoni Bernabeau Roig. Another such promising four-hands menu comes courtesy of the Pra-Buki menu, spawned by the partnership between Prabir Banerjee of Chaiwala and Takeshi Suzuki of TMK. Bringing together two very different cuisines from India and Japan, the menu promises to be packed with unexpected spices and unique ingredients.

And, of course, party seekers and brunch lovers can also join the celebratory brunch at The Optimist on 22 September and can party into the wee hours at Chaiwala on 28 September. All in all, looks like an action-packed month for Pirata Group, and one which true gourmands wouldn’t miss for anything.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay