Wagyu Kaiseki Den, Sheung Wan - 31.03.11

Wagyu Kaiseki Den is the brainchild of Peter Lam and his foodie business partners, who wanted to create an ultra exclusive, super high quality Japanese omakasi restaurant.

Due to the very sad recent disaster in Japan, we were able to secure a table for fourteen at the last minute at this tiny restaurant to see off a friend who was returning back to Tokyo after spending a few weeks in exile in the relative safety of Hong Kong. 

Each week, the nine or ten course menu changes somewhat, but a couple of the chef's signature dishes, such as the Charcoal Grilled Wagyu and Sea Urchin Truffle Rice remain as staples on the menu. 

The first two courses were kind of non for me.  The next two however, were genius.  The sashimi was as fresh as could be, and the lobsters particular highlight.  This was followed by the best sushi I have had anywhere, ever.  It was both creative, yet familiarly delicious.  I tried sea urchin sushi for the first time, and was so impressed by its warmth and delicacy of flavour.  The tuna sushi was equally spectacular, and the beef to dye for.  The next two courses were good, but not worthy of going into detail about.  The Charcoal Grilled Wagyu Beef that followed however was something else.  I don't think I have ever had such pure, succulent, tender or tasty a piece of meat in my life.  The only problem with this dish was that it was so rich that it would have been very difficult to eat any more than the four pieces we were given.  This was followed by what was the highlight of the meal for me: a few pieces of the same spectacular pieces of beef in between two slices of soft, sweet white Japanese bread with a tomato relish.  In short: a steak sandwich.  Words cannot even begin to describe how sensational this so seemingly simple a dish tasted.  Out of this world!  The famous Sea Urchin Truffle Rice that followed left everyone else at the table weak at the knees, but I just couldn't get over the wonder of that steak sandwich!

To my friends who eat regularly at Wagyu Kaiseki Den, tonight's meal wasn't one of the best.  As a first time visitor, I personally wouldn't have gone back for five of the nine courses, but those four remaining courses were so special that not only will I dream about those sandwiches for a long time to come, but I will take the risk and recommend this restaurant to anyone I come across (even if it makes getting a table that much harder for my next visit)!

Wagyu Kaiseki Den

G/F Central Park Hotel

263 Hollywood Road

Sheung Wan

Hong Kong

T: (+852) 2851 2820

W: www.wagyukaisekiden.com.hk

Fofo By El Willy, Central - 16.02.11

My ladies who lunch group was pitifully depleted today, with one member having given birth in a most untimely manner this morning, and another out with a stomach bug.  So R and I were left to fend for ourselves, with the addition of an honorary member who drops in every now and then on our lunches.

This was my first visit to Fofo and I had mixed feelings about eating here after having heard and read a series of very conflicting reviews.   The restaurant is stunning - or rather the view is. I was not expecting such a special view of Mid Levels and the mountains beyond, stretching up to the Peak.  Even on a decidedly disgusting day, it was a mesmerizing sight.  Inside, the stark White decor worked well as it contrasts well against the green and blues outside.  The choice to put penguins and pigs in every nook and cranny was a bit odd, but not horrendous.  What was awful however was the staff's uniform which was more suited to a 7/11 or Shell petrol station than a smart fusion restaurant.

On to the food.  We had the set lunch menu, which at $168 per person for two courses was extremely good value. I had Salmon Ceviche with Lime and Avocado to start, followed by Lobster Ravioli for my main.  Both were lovely and well prepared.  In fact the only fault I could find was the fact that the actual pasta seemed to have a slightly odd consistency, but I didn't mind as it only proved that it was made in-house, which is a novelty in this town.  R had the burger and assured me it was utterly delicious and didn't even need any accompanying sauces!  For dessert we shared a portion of Churros Con Chocolate which was definitely the best I have had anywhere in Hong Kong by far.

Overall the food was fantastic and good value.  I definitely want to return for dinner and try some of the a la carte options.  One huge complaint I do have is the fact that the staff presumed we wanted more water (we ordered one bottle, but when this ended they automatically brought another to the table and started pouring).  I didn't think to say something at the time, but when the bill came and we were charged $150 for two bottles of water, I complained and eventually got them to remove the second bottle from the bill.  That kind of cheekiness really irritates me and it is hugely unprofessional.

Hate to end on a bad note, so to conclude I'll say it was a great lunch, just watch you don't get ripped off!

Fofo By El Willy

20/F M88

2-8 Wellington Street

Central

Hong Kong

T: (+852) 2900 2009

W: www.fofo.hk

Didier, Sheung Wan - 18.12.10

I had read nothing but positive reviews about this little French bistro, so I was really excited to introduce my ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ group to this new find of mine.  The restaurant itself is tucked away down the steps that link Hollywood Road and Gough Street.  It is a very cute and welcoming little spot, with a warm interior decorated in traditional Provençal colours and paintings on the walls.  There are also two patios off either side of the restaurant with wooden tables and big red umbrellas to shade diners from the sun.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly staff and shown to our table out on the patio, which I have to say was really lovely and quiet (so rare in this city).  The à la carte menu was very enticing, with a fabulous range of southern French dishes to choose from.  The prices however, were not.  Two of us went for the set lunch, ordering a Mixed Salad (the other option was a Beef Terrine), followed by a Seafood Risotto.  Our other two friends both ordered Seared Goats Cheese Salads from the à la carte menu.  We all enjoyed our food immensely; the Mixed Salads were chunky and crispy with a delicious homemade French dressing.  The Goats Cheese Salad was definitely on the small size for $108, but beautifully presented and faultless in taste.  The Seafood Risotto was also presented really well, each one in a different shaped and coloured Le Creuset dish.  The dish was intense and rich in flavour, with a generous amount of seafood.  In my opinion the chef went a tad overboard with the garlic, and the others thought it was a little ‘fishy’.  Overall we were very impressed however considering the price of the three course set lunch was only $108. 

For dessert, we had the Pancakes from the set menu which were very average.  We also ordered the Lavender Crème Brulée from the à la carte menu which was ok but nothing to write home about.

Overall, the quality of food was very good, and the set lunch menu exceptional value for money.  There was quite a significant downfall to Didier however, and this was the appalling service.  It went hideously wrong from the beginning, starting with the waitress taking our order who had no knowledge of the menu at all and had to check with the chef what vegetables were served with the Pork Neck (one of the set menu options).  Nor could she accurately take down our food orders, and had to ask us three times to explain again what we wanted.  The staff then proceeded to serve the a la carte mains with the set menu starters, after we specifically stated that the Goats Cheese Salads should be served as main courses with the Risottos.  We had to ask for napkins, and we also had to ask for our plates to be cleared away after every course.  We ended up losing our patience completely and had we been in a rush, we would have given up on the prospect of dessert for sure.  I hope that Didier sorts out its service issue as I would like to return one day – perhaps wearing a wig and big glasses for fear that they will recognise me as one of the fearsome foursome!

Didier

3 Mee Lun Street (off Hollywood Road)

Sheung Wan

T: 2217 3389

Zuma, Central - 16.12.10

I have eaten a few times at Zuma now, and each time has turned out to be a rather drunken occasion so I have never been in a position to write an accurate review of the restaurant.  This time was no exception, but as I have at least some memory of the meal (although this is significantly marred by the much more vivid memory of our host hanging off of one of the umbrellas on the terrace and causing quite a stir with fellow diner and staff alike).

We were a table of five, and two members of our group don’t eat seafood, whereas the rest of us can’t bear to live without it.  We therefore let the boring non-fish eaters order for themselves, and I ordered a fabulous array of wonderful raw fish and shellfish for the more adventurous members of our group.  

Starters included Seared Beef with Yazu Kosho-Ponzu Dressing, Crispy Fried Squid with Green Chilli Salt and Lime and Sliced Yellowtail with Green Chilli Relish, Ponzu and Pickled Garlic.  We then went on to have a selection of Sashimi and Sushi Rolls for the fish eaters, and some Vegetable Tempura and a wonderful Wagyu Beef dish for the others.

All the dishes were good, especially the Yellowtail starter and beef main course.  The sushi was very fresh (but this is to be expected at the extortionate prices Zuma charges for it).  Overall, I can say that it was a fun night, with nice food, but not so special that you would want to write home about the experience.  I can’t help but feel that Zuma is more concerned about maintaining its cool, exclusive image than upholding its reputation for exceptional Japanese fusion cuisine.  When comparing like for like, I personally find Nobu to be far more inspiring and memorable food-wise.

Zuma

The Landmark

Level 5&6

15 Queen’s Road Central

Hong Kong 

T: +852 3657 6388

W: www.zumarestaurant.com

Paisano's Pizzeria, Central - 16.12.10

I am addicted.  Three times in a week.  Not good.  For the figure that is.  The pizza at Paisano’s is excellent, and at $30 for an enormous slice, ridiculously good value for money.  I have only tried the Pepperoni Pizza so far, but it is so good I haven’t felt the need to be adventurous and try something different yet.  I am absolutely confident however that all the flavours will be fantastic.  This is because the tomato sauce that is used on all the pizzas is so delicious.  Homemade and full of flavour thanks to a combination of lovely Italian herbs, the sauce is a cut above any other I have tried in Hong Kong.  The other unique element about Paisano’s pizza, is the base, which manages to remain perfectly crisp on the bottom, yet succulent and soft on top, under the weight of the tomato, cheese and other toppings.  They will start delivering soon, and this will be very, very dangerous for me!

Paisano’s Pizzeria

9 Lyndhurst Terrace

Central

Hong Kong

T: +852 2544 4445

W: www. paisanos.com.hk

Peking Garden, Central - 08.12.10

This was my second visit in a week to Peking Garden .  And now I have the bug! 

For sure the atmosphere is nothing to write home about – in fact the  gaudy décor and smell of the Begger’s Chicken are both positively off-putting.  But the food really is just so good, and so consistent.

We always order a combination of the following dishes, and all are fantastic: Spring Onion Cakes; Peking Duck (definitely one of the best in town, if not The best); Crispy Shredded Beef with Chilli, served with Sesame Pockets; Sauteed Minced Chicken with Pine Nuts, served with Lettuce Leaves; String Beans with Minced Pork; Stir Fried Aubergine and Tofu with Chilli and Garlic sauce; Deep Fried Prawns in Chilli Sauce.  Particular highlights for me, apart from the duck, are the beef, chicken and prawn dishes, which in my mind, are all exceptional and the best of their kind in Hong Kong.  That is really saying something!  If you haven’t been already, please go.

Meals cost around HKD$ 200 per head, without alcohol

Peking Garden

B/F, Alexandra House

6 Ice House Street’Central

T: 2526 6456  

Va Bene Central - 02.11.10

My ‘Ladies Who Lunch’ group is really into Italian cuisine at the moment (two are pregnant, so Italian is a safe option for them, and the other is about to take her husband on a fabulous surprise trip to Rome).  To keep everyone happy I therefore arranged lunch at Va Bene today.

We were eager to try their three course set menu, which at $185++ per person seemed quite a good deal.  Choices today for starters included Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Zucchini Fritti or Salad of Chicken, Smoked Mozarella and Pinenuts. 

For Mains there was a choice of Spaghetti Carbonara, as well as a tuna and beef dish.  Being four very hungry girls, everyone opted for the pasta today. 

The soup was really lovely - the flavours were perfect and the consistency beautifully smooth and creamy.  The salad, I was told, was nice but too salty.  The Spaghetti Carbonara was a real disappointment.  Although perfectly al dente, the dish was ridiculously salty, so much so that two of my salt loving friends gave up eating it for fear of suffering heart failure then and there at the table.  In my opinion it tasted almost like they had added some kind of artificial flavouring, or flavoured salt to the dish.  The sweet desserts of Fruit Salad and Chocolate Mousse were not bad, but not particularly inspiring either.  What they did give us, was some sweet relief from the saltiness of our main courses.

After complaining to the restaurant staff, we were given a small discount on our meal. At $225 per person for a health scare and some water however, I won't be tempted to return for a while yet.

Va Bene

7-22 Lan Kwai Fong

Central

Hong Kong

T: +852 2845 5577

W: www.gaiagroup.com.hk