OTHERS by HYPEBEAST: Yardbird

Lindsay Jang and Matt Abergel of Yardbird knew full well the restaurant business was no joke. In a place like Hong Kong where a competitive landscape and high rents see restaurants on short lifelines, they managed to put together more than just a restaurant in a relatively short period of time. An amalgamation of food, drink and friends, Yardbird has established itself as a weekly jaunt for many. A contemporary take on Japanese yakitori is at the heart of the restaurant, which emphasizes clean flavors with a high level of execution. Corn Tempura, KFC (Korean Fried Cauliflower) and Yardbird’s infamous meatball are ubiquitous sights across most tables, as is their well-stocked roster of drinks and liquors. An extensive menu of sake and shochu include in-house creations that bear the iconic works of both Evan Hecox and Cody Hudson – a throwback to the artists behind some of Matt’s skateboarding roots. Yet food and drink aside, so much more lies within. A gathering point of creative minds, Yardbird has become the de facto meeting place for a casual bite, an early stop in the night and a place for discourse spanning multiple industries and realms. There lies something refreshing about Yardbird that is unlike most restaurants in Hong Kong. The owner is both the person that welcomes you and the one that prepares your food, a true rarity when it comes to the local restaurant industry. To Lindsay and Matt, Yardbird is more than just good food and drink – it’s a lifestyle and an incorporation of all things they hold dear.