What started out with Classified, a cheese room on Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, has now over just a couple of years expanded into the Press Room Group with another Mozzarella Bar and other restaurants The Press Room, The Pawn and SML under its umbrella.

We decided to revisit The Press Room after its recent renovations last year. The New York style bistro decor did not change much inside the main dining area, the wall sized blackboard showing the extensive wine list is still there. Most notably, however, is the relocation of the seafood bar to the entrance area. This immediately highlighted their emphasis on the freshness of their seafood. Just behind, is a new bar area perfect for enjoying some apéritifs before dinner. There are also many empty wine bottles lining the windowsills around the restaurant, a reflection of the owner’s love for wine. Not surprising as one of the owners is also the owner of Altaya Wines, a local wine wholesaler.

We weren’t wild on seafood tonight, but rather dived into the oldies but goodies. For starters, the garlic toast was delicious. R wasn’t quick enough as half was gone before he got his camera out. The escargots were done the traditional way, with lots of garlic and butter…followed by LOTS of French bread to soak it all up. With so much tempting seafood, we had to squeeze it in somewhere – and nowhere better than on an Eggs Benedict to form their Lobster Benedict. The prime steak frites was good, but the best part was the frites. Cut just right, not too skinny and not too fat, they kept their crispiness down to the last bite…it did go pretty fast though. And finally, the steak tartare…presented so beautifully that R opted to mix it himself, so that he could take a picture of it first. As traditional as you can get, and R did a pretty good job of mixing it too…very professional

Before dessert, we headed over to Classified (just two shops down the road) to select some cheese from their refrigerated cheese room. Very convenient and plenty to choose from. Dessert was none other than Crêpes Suzette with vanilla ice cream. Slightly too thick and a bit watery, but the overall taste was good.

So it goes to show that food doesn’t have to be fancy. Sometimes traditional dishes with little bells and whistles can also hit the spot. Their brunch is also very relaxing and great place to spend a Sunday afternoon over a bowl of Cappuccino. But next time we’ll be back to try their famous seafood platter.

– 17.5/20

The Press Room
108 Hollywood Road
Central, Hong Kong
T: +852 2525 3444
E: info@thepressroom.com.hk
W: www.thepressroom.com.hk

100104 Press Room - Seafood bar @ main entrance

100104 Press Room - Wall sized blackboard wine list

100104 Press Room - Empty wine bottles lining windowsill

100104 Press Room - Newspaper style menu

100104 Press Room - Garlic toast...what's left

100104 Press Room - Escargots with garlic and butter

100104 Press Room - Lobster Benedict

100104 Press Room - Prime steak frites

100104 Press Room - Steak tartare before mixing

100104 Press Room - Classified / The Cheese Room

100104 Press Room - Classified / The Cheese Room

100104 Press Room - Cheese board from Classified

100104 Press Room - Crêpes Suzette