Hello all, it’s been a while. Apologies for not updating for ages – if you’re still reading this.

I treated a friend to the Clipper Lounge at the Mandarin Oriental today for high tea. The lounge positions its tea as ‘traditional tea with a modern twist’. I was intrigued as to what this twist was, and was soon to find my answer.

We walked in and were promptly seated – our choice of seats. Looking around briskly, the place had several patrons, but wasn’t packed. Seats were appropriately spaced so as to allow for intimate conversation, and the seats by the window were more intimate still. We opted for seats near the entrance, overlooking the main lobby.

The menu was styled differently to what you would expect an English high tea menu to be like. It was emblazoned with several dragon-like art, perhaps an influence of the Chinese chefs working behind the scenes. The menu wasn’t particularly descriptive, as it didn’t reveal what this twist would be. We opted for a tea set for two – my friend went for Earl Grey tea and I went for Darjeeling.

Our tea arrived appropriately within good serving time – also allowing us to converse as we wished. The tea arrived with two servers both laying down the pots and pans (not literally – I just wanted to say that) briskly and efficiently. They poured us our serving of tea of choice. The food arrived soon after, and I immediately noticed the twist.

There were three sections to the tea set tray, and a side serving of scones. The top layer was finger sandwiches, the middle layer pastries, and the bottom layer cakes and chocolates. The twist was in the sandwiches. With its Asian influences, they had turned the sandwich inside out – literally. What was supposed to be the ‘filling’ of a sandwich was in fact wrapped around the bread, producing what I can best describe as ‘sushi sandwich cubes’.

We proceeded to enjoy our meal. The pastries were top notch – one with tuna, one with bacon and one with cream cheese. The sandwiches were your typical fare – egg, cucumber and salmon but were very disappointing. The ‘inside out’ flavour just didn’t work. You’d imagine that it wouldn’t make such a difference, but biting (and hence tasting) the bread-bread-filling combo (in that order) as opposed to a filling-filling-bread combo (with very little additives) was not only very different, it just didn’t work on a number of levels. Best leave the sushi to the experts eh? Another reason not to dabble into ‘fusion-food’ – a rant which I’d promised to write on and is now long since overdue. I will get to it one day.

I didn’t opt for the chocolates or sweets as I’m not a fan. I’m a massive fan of scones though and as great as the scones looked, I had to give it a miss because I’d just had a late lunch an hour earlier and was fairly full.

My tea was excellent – lightly flavoured, transulcent orange as Darjeeling should be. I ended up finishing the whole pot, as well as the Clipper Lounge’s ration of sugar I suspect.

The service was friendly, timely and caring without being intrusive – just what you’d expect from a top class hotel.

A nice, relaxing afternoon/evening proceeded, with the tea set laying the foundations and tone for what was to come.

Food: 6/10
Ambience: 8/10
Service: 8/10

Overall: 7.33/10

Cost: $460 for two with tip (the tea set is $378 for two persons + 10% service charge).

Recommended: If you have nothing else to do on a relaxing afternoon, certainly. I wouldn’t go out of my way for it, though.
Would I visit again?: Yes, if I’m in the area and am looking for a nice tea to help calm me down.

Clipper Lounge – Mezzanine Floor
Mandarin Oriental
5 Connaught Road
Central, Hong Kong

Tel: (852) 2825 4007

http://www.mandarinoriental.com/hongkong/dining/bars_and_lounge/clipper_lounge/

*Pictures are my friend’s or my own.

For breakfast today morning, I had an absolutely humongous proverbial pie of humble. Thank you Dirk Kuyt.

On a more serious note, my mum came back to Hong Kong today, so my dad and I went to pick her up at the airport around 9.00 AM. Having woken up at 7.00 in the morning to get there on time, I was absolutely starving and mentioned this to my dad, who simply responded by saying, “We’ll eat when your mother arrives.”

As such, never have I been so pleased to see my mum trickle out of the arrival hall (I was almost wishing for her to run the final 20 yards with her luggage). This way, I could finally appease that grumbling stomach of mine. But now the hard part – where to eat. McDonald’s was a mere stone’s throw away, Mix closer still, but my dad decided, for some unknown reason, to venture to the departures  hall to get some grub. So, like a porter or bellboy (all that was missing was a dainty hat) carrying all of my mum’s exceedingly overweight luggage, we sped our way through to the departures hall. And, just as a porter or bellboy, the weight upon me was enforced. Unlike a porter or bellboy however, I received no pay or generous tip, or for that matter, a word of thanks.

On the lower floor, choice is sparse. There was Pacific Coffee, but my dad explained he wasn’t in the mood for cafes. Given which, it seemed odd the first place he headed for was a cafe named Cafe Ritazza, which was neatly tucked away along in a corner with Popeye’s Fast Food stalls. My dad seemed quite interested in Cafe Ritazza, until he headed close and saw quite possibly the most disgustingly presented and organised sandwiches ever. There was nothing wrong with the ingredients, and the submarines weren’t sloppy, yet at the same time there was nothing particularly enticing – cheese and tomato? For $40? Think Delifrance, but twice as expensive and half as appetising (which says more about Cafe Ritazza than Delifrance)

So we headed upstairs, where our remaining choices were Hereford Beefstow and Grappa’s. Grappa’s, being first in line, was the one we had a look at first. Although it’s Pacific Place and Tai Koo Place counterparts are somewhat authentic Italian, the breakfast (and for that matter lunch – I’ve had lunch here several times) is most certainly not.

The waiter ushered us to a corner table by the edge, next to instruments such as a cello and a piano, although I don’t imagine these are ever used. Upon first impression, the waiter seemed to be in a bit of a rush, hurriedly shuffling the chairs for us to sit, and before we’d even sat comfortably, shoving the breakfast menu in our face. Had it been a fast food restaurant, such service would be expected, or had the restaurant been overflowing with restaurateurs, such service would be understandable (but never excusable). Of course, it was neither.

Having barely had enough time to take a look at the menu, another waitress hopped her way over to our table to ask us what we’d like to drink. I ordered English Breakfast tea (the choice was between English Breakfast and Earl Grey), whereas my dad had some black coffee and my mum a glass of orange juice. The waitress hopped off again just as we’d barely finished our order, which left me wondering whether the staff at the restaurant was being paid based on how quickly they could navigate between customers and the counter.

Eventually, after much consideration (think decision making and women), we’d decided on what we’d all like to eat. I went in for the eggs benedict on English muffin, my dad for the eggs and bacon, and my mum simply for eggs and toast. We also ordered an extra of buttered croissants to relish.

Our drinks arrived first – mine was a pot of tea which was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. I declined on the offer to try my mum’s orange juice for the simple reason that tea and orange juice just do not go hand in hand.

Food arrived soon after amidst some confusion. In restaurants such as these, everyone’s food normally arrives together so the family or those present may start their meals at the same time. My food arrived as did my mum’s, but my dad was kept waiting for a few minutes still. When he enquired as he thought there had been a mix up, the food arrived eventually.

Of course, this wasn’t the chronological order in which things happened. What actually happened was that my food arrived, and mulling over my tea was merely serving to increase my appetite, not satisfy it. Hence, I dug in straight away and barely noticed the commotion around the airport, much less my dad’s dissatisfaction at the poor service.

The poached eggs were well prepared, although I do not prefer them as runny as were served, but that is a matter of personal choice. The hollandaise sauce was very creamy and of a rich texture, but served in a correct proportion so as to not overpower the ensemble. The ham was adequate, but nothing to bang the drum about. The muffin was well buttered and lightly fluffy but maintained the crispness that is a signature of well prepared English muffins. On the whole, this was one of the better (world-class hotels notwithstanding) eggs benedicts I’ve ever had.

Being as hungry as I was, I also gobbled up my hash brown without truly savouring its taste, and also offered to finish an egg each from my mum’s and dad’s plates. Whilst nabbing their sunny-side-ups, I also managed to steal with it 4 slices of bacon from my dad’s plate, my excuse being that with his heart and cholesterol problems, I’m only doing what a caring son would do. The bacon was lightly crispy and mostly chewy (i.e., better than Flying Pan’s but not a patch on Bulldog’s or my own), perhaps even slightly too chewy. It was no surprise then that I offered to finish up my dad’s remaining hash brown, but he declined the kind, caring and thinking of his health, ” You gonna eat that?”.

It was almost as if breakfast were over too quickly. Having been used to lazing breakfast at Tott’s, Excelsior and the Verandah, Repulse Bay, this almost seemed like fast food – good food at value prices. My interpretation of breakfast having the ‘fast food’ feel wasn’t too far off. No sooner had I laid my fork and knife correctly to signal the end of a course or meal, a waiter whisked away my plate merely mumbling what I assumed was “You finished?” As if it were a competition with bonuses being offered, the next waiter, who already had his eyes fixated upon our table, didn’t even wait for my mum to position her cutlery correctly (not that she doesn’t need reminding sometimes) before mumbling the vague and seemingly rude question and whisking her plates away.

It wasn’t until after we’d left that I realised we’d been overcharged for our meal. Whilst we hadn’t proceeded to order in that manner, the drinks should have come as part of the breakfast set-meal we ordered, but we’d been charged extra for them. Of course, any budding restaurant manager worth his salt, or for that matter the hopping waitress that took our order, would and should have the common sense to combine the two seperate orders into one. Or am I placing my expectations too high?

All in all, excellent food with some of the most horrendous service I’d have the misfortune to experience, basically all the Grappa’s outlets summed up – the excellent Grappa’s Ristorante in Pacific Place being the exception to the rule.

Food: 8/10
Ambience: 6/10
Service: 1/10
Overall: 5/10

Cost: $340 for 3 with tip and being overcharged.

Recommended: Only if you’re in the area and would like a nice continental breakfast
Would I visit again?: Only for the food, and I’ll make sure to check and tally the bill

Grappa’s Chek Lap Kok
Mezzanine Departure L8,
Passenger Terminal Bldg.,
H.K. International AirportLantau Island, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2136 0698

http://www.elgrande.com.hk/outlets/HongKong/GrappasAirport/page1/

Grappa's relaxing yet business-lunch-like atmosphere at Hong Kong International Airport

My mum was out of town, and being a Sunday, my maid had her obligatory weekly holiday. As my dad has all the cooking ability of Baldrick (not entirely true – at least Baldrick can conjure up something, regardless of how revolting it may be), and all my dishes include the word ‘fried’ or its equivalent (my dad has heart/cholesterol problems), we decided to do the healthy thing and go out to eat…greasy burgers.

There was only ever one choice – my dad and I both love it (and I haven’t eaten there in a while), my mum is indifferent towards it, and as she’s not here we thought we would take advantage of the situation. WhiteSpot Triple O’s is a burger fast food chain that originated in Canada, but was brought over to Hong Kong in the early 21st century. Since its early initiation in Pacific Place’s Great, Triple O’s has expanded to include outlets in Times Square, Exchange Square, Harbour City and Sha Tin.

Prior to a few months ago, my burger of preference at Triple O’s had always been the classic ‘Original Burger’ which consists of “100% pure beef patty topped with our famous Triple “O” sauce, lettuce & tomato”. As some of you may know, I have a tendency to order the same dish over and over again, particularly at fast food restaurants. A couple of months ago however, I decided to venture and try their ‘Breakfast Club’ burger. I haven’t looked back since.

Yet again, I ordered a ‘Breakfast Club Combo’ with an extra side of hash brown (I’m not a big fan of their potato wedges, which are generally lacking in taste – to this end, I prefer McDonald’s). When it comes to burgers however, there is absolutely no comparision. McDonald’s promotes consistency with a decent taste. Triple-O’s provides the best fast food burger there is. And the ‘Breakfast Club’ burger has one minute feature that sets it apart from almost any burger in the world – it has a hash brown, INSIDE the burger. Those of you who know me will know that I constantly rave about this burger, and tediously mention at every opportunity the genius behind stuffing a deep fried golden crispy hash brown inside two buns, some bacon and eggs.

My dad ordered the ‘Chicken Supreme Combo’, and whilst he mentioned the chicken itself was good, the slightly rubbery texture made it hard to eat as a burger and it all rather very quickly became a big mess of a burger. The chicken strips were somewhat less pleasing however, being rubbery to chew and quite bland to taste, thus proving the old adage that my mum always trots out to be incorrect – “anything deep fried tastes good”. So much for that.

This was all topped off with yet another blunder. Prior to every Triple-O’s trip, I make a note to myself to try their famous milkshakes. When the server asks, “And what would you like to drink with that?”, I instinctively blurt out, “Coke” without a moment’s thought. And thus, yet another Triple-O’s trip was wasted.

Should you wish for a pleasing and filling but fairly unhealthy meal that doesn’t blow your wallet, but are looking for something a bit more than a cheap cha chan teng or McDonald’s, then Triple-O’s is the ideal place. You can also get a bit of good shopping done on the way into and of Triple O’s, as it leads in from Seibu and leads out from Great.

Food: 8.5/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: N/A
Overall: 7.75/10

Cost: $144 for two persons – two meals and an extra side of chicken strips

Recommended: Highly
Would I visit again?: Already looking forward to my next venture here!

Triple O’s Hong Kong Admiralty
Unit 009, Level LG1
Great Food Hall, Pacific Place
88 Queensway, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2873 4000

http://www.tripleo.com.hk/

My parents and I had a reservation for three at Cecconi’s Cantina at 8.30 PM for my post-birthday celebration. Although I had ventured to Elgin street and it’s neighbourhood enough times to recount almost every scribbled graffiti in every dark alley, I had never before seen Cecconi’s Cantina (or perhaps just not realised its’ existence – I’ve been told it’s a very popular joint that is overbooked on Friday and Saturday nights). My parents had eaten here twice before, and this was my first trip there. It took some convincing to try a new restaurant, my original preference being the exquisite Isola Bar & Grill in IFC Mall, but my dad eventually managed to persuade me to try Cecconi’s. I had heard good things about this restaurant from reviews and blogs and was aware that it was a licensed venture of an award winning restaurant in Melbourne that combined traditional Italian with daring contemporary.

The exteriors showed a somewhat obscure entrance with a headboard showing Cecconi’s trademark red spot encircled by white strokes, leading to a fairly vast interior. The interior decor blended old and contemporary to perfection, with the teak and mahogany tones of the ceiling melding with the more subtle, clean tones of grey sofa, cream table tops, mauve chairs and marble walls. As is customary for fine-dining restaurants, lighting was a suitably dim tungsten, although there were no candles on each table. The entrance holds a more party atmosphere, with seating for groups of greater than four or five, distinguished by the cherry red seats. The interiors are more intimate, with seating for couples and families. We sat by the open kitchen and counter across the grey rounded sofa. The restaurant has a seating capacity of approximatley 70 people.

Drinks were ordered immediately to get the ball (and bread) rolling. The bread loaf was warm homebaked sun-dried tomato with basil. It was served with four non-pitted green olives and a dish of olive oil. I chose the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon as I was intent on ordering a seafood main. The wine list was extensive. The banquet tasting menu (at $386/person +10% service charge) looked tempting although it didn’t leave much room for choice. No true Italian adventure would be complete without carpaccio or prosciutto. Oddly enough, the restaurant carries no prosciutto in its primi piatti or starters, although having had a look online, its’ Melbourne equivalent does. So I was restricted to a choice of carpaccio of beef with truffled mushrooms. We decided to share orders of roasted figs with goat’s cheese and semolina dusted calamari.

The starters did not disappoint, save perhaps, in portion – the roasted figs with goat’s cheese were a good combination of sweet and creamy, well offset by the slightly salty beef carpaccio and truffled mushrooms. The calamari on rocket salad and salsa verde was arguably some of the best I’ve had in Hong Kong (for a truly great calamari experience, I recommend “The Fish Market” at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio). The squid was crispy enough to experience indulgence in fried dishes. The salsa verde also added to the overall texture and flavour.

For my second course, I ordered caramalised onion, garlic and taledggio rissoto, which again we shared. The rissoto was excellent, albeit reeking of onion and garlic (as one would expect in an onion and garlic rissoto). The rice was naturally creamy from the process of rissoto preparation, but was further enhanced by the caramalised onion and garlic. Despite the rancid smell (I’m not a big fan of onion and garlic), the taste was soothing and mild. Having now had a grip of the portion size the restaurant served, I realised I would have room still for a third and main course.

As mentioned earlier, I was intent on ordering a seafood main course. In my humble opinion, food at Italian restaurants should be measured on three grounds: rissoto, seafood and tiramisu. Since pasta usually does not leave much room for variation, it is in these three dishes that authentic Italian restaurants excel. I went with the chef’s (and my parents’) recommendation of pan-seared barramundi. We also ordered a side of fried potatoes with rosemary and garlic, as the menu had no mention of potato in the main. The barramundi was truly delightful. The balsamic jus and lemon flavouring created a marginally sour ensemble that was balanced by the mashed potatoes (didn’t need the fried potatoes after all) and green vegetables. I took my time savouring each bite and let the glowing-white Cabernet Sauvignon accentuate the balsamic jus flavouring.

Finally, I ordered a cup of cappuccino, a glass of water and a shot of cointreau to help digest and wash down the meal. Although I would normally have gone in for a tiramisu (I’m not a big fan of other desserts unless I am forced into it), I knew I wouldn’t be able to fairly compare any tiramisu after having had another slice of the one my significant other made for me for my birthday.

The cappuccino lent an unncessary negative tilt to the whole evening. The foam was too runny and had already begun to soak into the coffee. Quite honestly, the whole thing tasted so much of hot chocolate I was left wondering if they’d brought me the wrong order. It actually reminded me of a meal I had a year ago at a restaurant called ‘La Comida’ on Staunton Street where the starters promised so much but never truly delivered, and the main course flopped miserably…but the cappuccino remains to this day the best I’ve ever had in Hong Kong. I realised I’d rather have it this way around, where the starters and mains are to my satisfaction.

On the whole, the ambience and atmosphere of the place was suitable for an intimate dine in (there were plenty of couples). The staff was friendly, timely, helpful, considerate and knowledgeable, save for one dour sourpuss who looked either confused or disintersested (I couldn’t decide, perhaps it was both?). As I suppose he was a trainee, I’ll let him off. I had previously believed the Isola Bar & Grill to be the best non-hotel Italian restaurant in Central, but I have now found a sterling competitor. I thanked the head chef on the way out for an excellent meal before heading to Quarry Bay Park with my parents to soak in the sights and sounds of the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Food: 9/10
Service: 8/10
Ambience: 8/10
Overall: 8.33/10

Cost: $1,700 for three persons including drinks and tip.
*There is a 15% discount offer for HSBC Visa card holders*

Recommended: YES, highly
Would I visit again?: Most certainly

Cecconi’s Cantina
43 Elgin Street, Soho, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2147 5500

http://www.lifestyle.hk/articles/wine-and-dine_9/mama-mia_122.htm

The intimate interiors of Cecconi's Cantina - cream table tops, mauve chairs, grey sofas with marble lined walls and open kitchen

It was my birthday on the 11th of September, so my parents decided to go out for dinner to celebrate it, leaving me at home. The conversation at the dinner table on the 6th of September went as follows:

Dad: It’s your birthday next week. Let’s go out for dinner on the following Saturday. Where would you like to go?
Me: L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon.
Dad: Okay, sounds great.

*Calls L’Atelier*

Dad: Hi, is this L’Atelier, Central? I’d like to make a reservation for three persons for dinner on the 13th of September at 8:00. Yes, yes. This is Mr. Lad speaking. Yep, that’s right. See you there.

*10 minutes later, as the date ‘hit me’*

Me: Dad, I can’t go on the 13th. Liverpool vs. Manchester United kicks off at 7.45 PM.
Dad: Okay, that’s fine.

*Calls L’Atelier*

Dad: Hi, this is Mr. Lad speaking. I just made a reservation for three persons for dinner on the 13th…no, I would like to change it to two persons. Great, see you soon.

My dad also asked me, “do you get some sort of sadistic pleasure from watching Liverpool get beat everytime by your greatest rivals?”, to which I had no answer.

So, as my parents were enjoying a fine dinner at Joel Robuchon, I was at home expecting Liverpool to roll over and die for the umpteenth time.

Bread rolls, of which my favourite is the sun-dried tomato, bought from GREAT in Pacific Place ($12 per roll) were served with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This was followed by an early starter consisting of steamed broccoli and fried sausages. Quite a clash of tastes, but it works out well for a decent dinner for one at home.

The main course involved fusilli (bought at Citysuper!) cooked with Marks ‘n’ Spencer’s Spinach & Asparagus sauce ($48 per bottle which is good for two servings). This was served with a side-dish of grilled vegetables including french bean and corn. The pasta was slightly overcooked, so as to not be ‘al dente’ as the Italians prefer it, but it still made for a good and filling meal. The side-dish was extremely well done, with the grilled corn and french bean in soya sauce adding an Asian flavour to the evening.

Dessert consisted of a slice of traditional tiramisu made with love and care by my significant other (priceless).

This was finally topped off by the icing on the cake, so to speak – Liverpool 2 – 1 Manchester United (priceless).

While my parents were sipping vintage wines celebrating my birthday, I was (almost literally) bouncing off the walls at home as Ryan Babel slotted home the winner in the Kop End.

Birthday Tiramisu by Phoebe

Some that enjoy the exclusive haute cuisine of luxury restaurants shun the sometimes unhygenic and almost always delicious fried meals served by hawkers through pure snobbery, whilst those who are only limited to streetside food for financial reasons do not experience the exquisite taste and texture of caviar melting in the mouth, or of a top grade marbled wagyu filet. As someone who has been lucky enough to have it all, I’ll attempt to write about experiences from both ends of the culinary spectrum.

The blog will mostly contain new material as I continue my gastronomic adventures in Hong Kong and occassionally on travel, although it may also contain memorable blasts from the past – certain meals one just cannot forget. It will be made clear which is which.

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoy writing (and eating and drinking!).