On November 1, New York Italian hotspot Carbone held a lavish celebration to mark a decade of culinary adventure—and ten years since the restaurant took Hong Kong by storm. Hosted by Black Sheep Restaurants, which operates the establishment, the evening was a tribute not only to the restaurant’s iconic Italian American fare but also to the bonds forged over shared meals.
The atmosphere was electric, infused with a sense of nostalgia and festivity. The celebration took over the lobby of Carbone’s 33 Wyndham Street location, with guests entering through a private elevator and service entrance reminiscent of a scene from Goodfellas, where they were greeted with champagne to sip on as they ascended. Once inside, each table was whimsically named after beloved pasta shapes—farfalle, penne, spaghetti and ravioli—which added a playful touch to the elegant black-tie affair. Guests arrived in their finest tuxedos, with their formal attire perfectly reflecting the sophistication of the occasion.
Carbone turns 10 (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Michel and Tamara Lamunière (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Nicole and Danny Yeung (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Ben Andujar and Jessi Chloe Chen (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Claire and Simon Wilson (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Inside the party (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Jack Gonsalves (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Jackcello was served all night long (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Payal Shah (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Ariel Shtarkman (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Inside the party (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Inside the party (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Mario Carbone and Syed Asim Hussain toast to brotherhood (Photo: courtesy of Black Sheep Restaurants)
Carbone’s signature ambient lighting and classic Italian-inspired decor created an inviting backdrop, while the aroma of its signature dishes wafted through the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. A live band, two lion dances and even an impromptu karaoke session had the crowd in high spirits. .
A highlight of the night was the arrival of chef Mario Carbone, whose original Carbone in New York is lauded as one of the most star-studded restaurants in the world. The guest list of the night boasted notable personalities, including singer-songwriter Jasmine Yen, Tatler cover stars Danny Yeung and Chibo Tang and Tatler's Chairman and CEO Michel Lamunière, all of whom contributed to the celebratory spirit.
Syed Asim Hussain, the founder of Black Sheep Restaurants, delivered a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with guests. His words of brotherhood and camaraderie were dedicated to the famed chef, with an emphasis on the essence of community that Carbone has fostered over the years. “I knew you and Jeff Zalaznick [co-founder of Carbone] were onto something and my motives were completely selfish. I wanted the best Italian restaurant in Hong Kong and we have that. What I didn’t know was that on this journey, I would discover two brothers—who knew that this Hong Kong-Pakistani kid would find a brother in this New York Jewish brother from Queen’s? I’m grateful for your love over the last ten years. Let’s keep going for another ten!” he said, to thunderous cheers from the crowd. The evening ended with bottles of Jackcello, the infamous limoncello brewed by Carbone’s manager and Hong Kong nightlife legend—Jack Gonsalves, New York-style pizza slices and fried chicken, which kept guests going into the wee hours.
The celebration of Carbone’s milestone was not just a reflection of its successes so far but also a promise of the culinary journey that lies ahead. With each bite and every toast, it was clear: Carbone remains a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s vibrant dining scene, poised to continue its legacy for years to come.
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