Posts Tagged Bistro
Review – Bouchon Bistro Français, Hong Kong
In typical Hong Kong fashion, a slew of French bistros are recently popping up around town. First there was Chez Patrick Deli. This time, we went to Soho (Hong Kong) to try Bouchon Bistro Français. Not to be confused with Bouchon in Napa Valley by Thomas Keller. Opened for just 1½ months, the place was packed, even at 8:45pm…true Parisian style.
The ambiance gained full marks. Tight small tables all packed together intimately in typical bistro fashion. The buzz from the crowd also made you feel even more like you were in Paris. Unfortunately, the food was a bit disappointing.
We ordered the traditional bistro fare – escargots (½ dozen HK$78/US$10), steak tartar (230g HK$248/US$32) and steamed mussels (1kg HK$298/US$38). These dishes are the ultimate benchmarks for testing bistro food as pizza Margherita is for Italian cuisine. For the escargots, the garlic and herbed butter sauce was a tad on the bland side and that the snails seemed to be just added at the last minute didn’t help. They were tasteless and didn’t have enough time to soak up the flavors. However, dipping the warm, freshly baked bread into the butter was perfect. C had the mussels which was even more bland…maybe we’re getting old? Come on, don’t skimp on the garlic! The mussels were also pretty dry and hard. The steak tartar tasted OK, but it could have been a bit spicier though. We miss those restaurants where they mix it right in front of you. Of course it would be impossible in this small bistro, but shouldn’t they have asked our preferences first? And the beef was cut too thick and a bit tough. We did enjoy a nice bottle of 2004 E. Guigal Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which seems to rightfully enjoy a strong presence in the local bistro scene.
Dessert fared better though. Their apple tatin tart (HK$68/US$9) was very nice. Although the generous portion of apples slightly overwhelmed the thin crust, it nevertheless was one of the better ones in town. C’s petit plateau (3 kinds) of fromages (HK$178/US$23) was not bad and she was happy that they had Livarot.
We later realized that they had just replaced the old chef with a new one who arrived just a few days ago. A second chef in 1½ months??? Despite the somewhat negative comments about the food, the ambiance got us and we still have high expectations for them. We hope that their teething problems will be sorted out very soon and will definitely give them another try in a few weeks.
– 19/20 ambiance
– 15/20 food
Bouchon Bistro Français
49 Elgin Street
Soho, Central
T: +852 2525 9300
W: www.diningconcepts.com.hk/bouchon
110419 Bouchon Bistro Français - Intimate ambiance
110419 Bouchon Bistro Français - Parisian decor
110419 Bouchon Bistro Français - Table mat
Review – The Press Room, Hong Kong
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
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