Sen Ryo - Central, 25.08.10

Today of all days I decide to review Sen Ryo. 

I’m gutted because Sen Ryo is probably my favourite place to go in Hong Kong for that elusive great value / good quality meal. 

On any other day I would recommend it to anyone who loves sushi but not always having to paying the earth for it.  On any other day I would advise them that Sen Ryo is the perfect place to grab some straight up, fresh and simple fish and shellfish without the bells and whistles attached. Usually I would say that it is almost as cheap as Genki but a million miles away in terms of quality.  On any other day I would say that Sen Ryo is well worth the often hour-long wait for a table.

On any other day but today, as, after this evening's meal at my trusty regular sushi fix, both my husband and I are lying ill in bed from a meal that, on any other day would be so deliciously satisfying.

I personally have faith that this was a one off occurrence, and I know we will be back (after we have forgotten tonight’s little episode).  In terms of recommending this place to others however, well based on tonight’s meal I wouldn’t, but based on the 50 or so other meals I have had at Sen Ryo, I would definitely say go forth and enjoy.

If you do decide to take the plunge and try Sen Ryo, my personal recommendations are the Seared Salmon with Black Pepper Sushi, the Spicy Salmon Gunkan and the Fatty Tuna. 

From recent experience, the City Plaza branch seems to have surpassed the IFC one in terms of quality, and for the record, I went to the IFC branch last night. Anyway, at $150 a head for around five dishes per person, what are a few hours spent of 2am toilet action once in a blue moon!

N.B No reservations are accepted at either branch, so I would advise getting there before 12pm or after 2pm for lunch, and before 7pm or after 9pm for dinner.

Sen Ryo (IFC)

Shop 3009-3100

IFC, Central

T: +852 2234 7633

Sen Ryo (Tai Koo)

Shop 142B, 1^st Floor

City Plaza 1

18 Tai Koo Shing Road

T: +852 2967 5537

The Verandah - Repulse Bay - 25.08.10

My six months stint as a ‘tai tai’ is drawing to an end as the idea of earning an income once again is becoming increasingly attractive (so much I want to buy but cannot afford!)

For my last month or so as a lady of leisure, I have therefore decided to indulge as much as possible in all the things that I will miss once I become a working girl.  Lying in until midday, lying by the pool and walks up The Peak when I'm in Hong Kong; and day time TV, walks in Richmond Park and digging up courgettes and beetroots in my sister’s allotment when I’m in London.  One of my favourite pastimes over the past few months has been indulging in afternoon tea with my girlfriends.  It’s such an old-fashioned but simply luxurious way to while away an afternoon while catching up on the latest gossip.

Today I went to The Verandah at the still very beautiful and grand ‘old’ Repulse Bay Hotel.  Sitting in the elegant colonial dining room with high ceilings and a stunning view of the sea, wooden ceiling fans gently keeping us cool from above . . . one can really imagine what Hong Kong must have been like 50 years ago before it became the crazy high-rise metropolis that it is today.

There were four of us at tea on this occasion, and we opted for the full afternoon tea, consisting of a beautiful triple tiered cake stand filled to the brim with delectable goodies such as mini cakes and tarts, mango mousse, quiche and waffles, as well as the usual suspects of finger sandwiches and scones.  As is usually the case with these things, some elements of the tea were better than others - the scones for instance were a little dry for my liking.  Overall though, it was a pretty good spread, and what made it especially enjoyable was the lovely calm South Side atmosphere and the fantastic company of my partners in (tai tai) crime.

The bill came to $175 per head for the afternoon tea (add another $100 or so for the champagne version).  Afternoon tea is served between 3pm – 5:30pm.  Ask for a table next to the window.  Please check their website for dress code.

The Verandah
109 Repulse Bay Road

Repulse Bay

Hong Kong

T: +852 2292 2822

W: http://www.therepulsebay.com/