Cheese, Cheese, everywhere… at Feather & Bone

As many cheese aficionados know, the quality of dairy products in Hong Kong has always been somewhat lacking. So I was absolutely over the moon when I discovered the fantastic selection of cheese crafted by Rodolph le Meunier, an award winning and renowned cheese maker, during a cheese tasting at Feather & Bone. This tasting was even presided by the very man himself! Every bite was a bomb of complex flavours, every morsel a mouthful of never-ending delight. With too many cheeses on offer, I selected some highlights to showcase below.

New Lobster Menu at Bungalow

Lobster-licious at Bungalow!

Lobster Ceviche (HK$198)

This boat-fresh ceviche was perfect for the recent spate of hot weather, with bright punchy notes of ponzu marinade to open up the appetite, slivers of sweet chilli and paper thin slices of spicy radish. I personally didn’t need the extra lime on the side, but it would definitely be welcomed by citrus lovers for that extra tongue-tingling note.

Bites of Summer at Bungalow

Sampled Dishes

“Beef Tartare” (HK$138)
Dry aged Mayura wagyu, watercress, shiitake, cumin
I have honestly never liked starting a meal with a salad. Somehow, those little leafy greens never seemed substantial enough to really pass as a real appetizer. When I saw beef tartare on the menu, I knew I had to try it; I have a serious weakness for it, since it is so incredibly hard to find a well executed version in Hong Kong. And this one definitely went into the “must try again!” category; tender wagyu beef on good quality bread, with a brush of pureed shiitake mushrooms underneath each slice lending the clean flavours of the raw beef a wonderful umami depth. The cumin added a delicious almost curry-like taste, while not overpowering it. I also loved how it was served in little soldiers, which made it very easy to eat.

Savouring Sushi at Shobu

Left: Assorted Sashimi in Rice Bowl (HK$145); Right: Sashimi Set (HK$150)

I’ll be the first to admit it – I’m a complete sashimi and sushi addict. While it’s readily available in many chain stores in Hong Kong, I stand by the small independent shops; they really preserve the original quality and freshness for about the same price, with lunchtime sets around HK$130-$200. Don’t miss this little gem in Quarry Bay if you’re around for lunch – but I’d advise to book first, since it’s very popular amongst local office workers. Itadakimasu!

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Location:
Sho Bu Japanese Restaurant 菖蒲亭
Shop G&H, Hoi Fai Buidling, No. 26-28 Chung Fan Nei Street, Quarry Bay
(852) 2562 9600

Convening at the Common Room

Sampled Dishes

“Classic Mac & Cheese” (HK$98)
Buffalo mozzarella, Gruyere, Parmesan, Gouda topped with bread crumbs
Deliciously warm and creamy, this mac and cheese was indulgently cheesy, with a mozzarella slice and parmesan crisp to give it an extra kick. The serving portions were perfect as well: each order came in little dishes of 3, which made it the ideal sharing platter.

Tidbits – Satisfy Your Noodle Cravings at Kwan Kee

Looking to satisfy your lunchtime tummy grumblings with a quick bite? Look no further than Kwan Kee, a Chiu Chow restaurant in Wanchai that serves up their delicious bowls of hot noodle soups to Hong Kong celebrities and locals alike. The menu is fairly simple: bowls of different kinds of rice noodles in piping hot homemade broth topped with either beef or pork. Don’t worry about creating any holes in your bank balance – the average bill comes to under HK$50 per person. I’d highly recommend the Beef Brisket, Beef Tendon and Beef Balls Noodle Soup (HK$41), which also includes a drink of your choice.

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Location:
Kwan Kee- Chiu Chow Noodles 群記爽腩店
Shop 6, G/F, Pao Woo Mansion, 177-179 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai
(852) 3488 1338

Tidbits – Wafflin’ Along in Kennedy Town

Joined the sweet potato movement yet in Hong Kong? If you like them, waffles or anything in between, you absolutely need to pop along to Summer Ice and try their Purple Waffle (HK$78). Three piping hot waffles will be served, each with a thin centre of purple sweet potato filling, along with a scoop of tofu ice cream and a slice of melon. If you’re a die-hard sweet potato fan, wash them down with a cup of their Purple Latte (HK$47) as well!

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Location:
Summer Ice 夏雪
Shop D, G/F, Full Harvest Building, 6-18 Hau Wo Street, Kennedy Town
(852) 5541 0655

Tidbits – Lunchtime Dons at AMAZAKE!

Feeling a little hot and nibblish in Central? AMAZAKE has launched a new exclusive lunchtime promotion: HK$180 for your pick of any 3 mini dons, including an appetizer, miso soup and steamed chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard.) Having sampled several purely for research purposes, I loved the mix of both hot and cold dishes to choose from. Click here for the menu.

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Location:
AMAZAKE
Shop A, G/F, On Hing Building, On Hing Terrace, Central
(852) 2537 7787
www.amazake.hk

Amazin’ Times at AMAZAKE

Sampled Dishes

“Blooming Uni” (HK$120)
Uni, Ikura, Buttered Panko, Awanori, Kirami Nori
Absolutely sublime, the briney sweetness of the sea urchin was accentuated perfectly with the crunch of the richly buttered breadcrumbs. Here and there an ikura would pop in the mouth, releasing a flood of delicious salty umami. I’d advise to order one each however – it’s hard when friendships break while fighting over the last morsel…