Zafran, with New Chef from Barcelona - [ Hong Kong ]

 Zafran just one street up from Lan Kwai Fong bar district,  Central at Wyndham Street,  has always been one of the most mysterious underground Spanish restaurant and bar ever since they opened.  It has a low ceiling and I would say quite romantic,  I have been here a few times for either drinks or food,  but this time around it was for a Cooking Class with new Chef Pere from Barcelona who has been here for 6 months behind the background.  This round of a class only had basically myself and also organized by www.beinglordandlady.com who were present here too,  themselves successful Restauranteurs and in Marketing of the same field. 

We Brunoise Diced up initially some Piquillo Pepper,  Onions,  and decided to slice the larger Squid into Rings instead of Dicing them for mouth feel.

Have to say this might not be the most traditional Spanish way but hey we thought this worked well,  as Chef Pere said we can be open mined..   Mixed with Spanish Bomba rice for the upcoming Paella..

The Latest Menu -

Actually from my own memory of visits,  Zafran (meaning Saffron) has undergone at least 3 Generations of Chef changes.  Nowadays it is more Catalan or Barcelonan in accent to me,  yet modernized too.

Palamos Red Prawn Tartare,  Sesame Caviaroli,  Sea Samphire Asparagus,  Avocado,  Radish,  with Tostadas bread -  HKD $190

I jokingly said during the cooking class,  we barely helped to peel these.  I was actually surprised they decided to use the extra rare Palamos red prawns here from Girona Spain,  as they are so treasured they are hardly exported  (coming from a Red Prawn Seafood distributor myself).  There is an element of Spanish molecular cooking here silently behind the background too,  typical of the upcoming trend of kitchen fare especially from Spanish trained Chefs.  

65C Slow-Cooked Egg Fried with Bread Crumbs,  Wild Mushrooms and Porcini Cream, Chives and Pinenuts - HKD $80

I find it interesting with the Egg Temperature and cooking time.  Personally I do the same from 63 to 63.5 to 65C with varying times,  it is again quite molecular Scientific,  but within this micro-window it seems every Chef still have their preferred temperature vs cooking time.  Here on this day it was full of Porcini cream aroma,  whereas apparently the week before it was Black Trumpet,  my favorite.

Salted Cod Brandade,  with Black Garlic,  Fried Garlic,  Parsley Leaf and Oil,  with Piquillo Pepper Sauce - HKD $80

This was creamy and not overly salty,  overall a very satisfying dish for sharing.  Right on the spot I kept thinking the term brandade is quite French,  but then again Salted Cod is usually registered with Spanish or Portuguese cuisine....   As a Miss Universe might say,  if everybody can reconcile their differences,  let's hope for World Peace  

Our Squid Ink Bomba Rice Paella,  with Squid,  Baby Squid,  Garlic,  Onions,  Red Pepper, Catalan Saffron,  Dollops of Red Prawn Head Emulsion,  Garlic Allioli - $320 

This is what we were learning to cook and dicing up,  of course Chef Pere helped the final finishing touches.  

Socarrat 'Crispy' Layer - 

This is quite similar to Cantonese Bo Jai Fan rice,  but in a shallower dish.  I did enquired before we finished this whether this would be the traditional Bottom Socarrat layer or the Top Salamander finished Socarrat style -  I don't mind both although the former is more traditional,  but the latter style I have seen many times recently.  (Which I suspect they are pre-cooked just Salamander finished for efficiency).   Not here !  Expect a 20 Minutes wait as they adjust the fire during the course of cooking from scratch.

Price: $300 - $400 + 10% Per Person
Food: ♕♕♕♕ 1/2 to ♕♕♕♕♕

Address:  中環雲咸街43-55號地庫
B1,  43-55 Wyndham Street,  Lan Kwai Fong,  Central,  HK
Ph: +852 21168855

AQUA Weekend Brunch [Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong ] - with Unlimited Veuve Cliquot Champage & Cocktails, Tsukiji Sushi Sashimi, Burrata, a Main Course and Dessert $598

Aqua,   at Beijing No. 1 is currently offering a weekend Brunch with Unlimited Free-Flow of Veuve Cliquot Champagne and also their Cocktails.   Call me lucky,  but I was able to experience the plethora of unlimited Appetizers and drinks (actually I was detoxing that period so didn't receive any at all,  but I stick to my schedule discipline as always),  but the unlimited refills of Ham,  Burrata Cheese,  Fried Olives,  and fresh Sashimi won me over.  And you still get a Main Course and Dessert on top of the Free-Flow Champagne deal for only $598.   What a bargain..

Menu - Weekend Brunch with many Unlimited Items,

including French Champagne & Cocktails... For only $598

Edamame Beans to start - 

This is a Western and Japanese restaurant,  so not surprised it carries both elements.

Maki Sushi Rolls - Unlimited Refills with Champagne for only $598

The Flame-grilled Mentaiko and Scallop Roll was the highlight for us,  we were sort of fighting over them.  But the slightly spicy Tuna Negitoro ura-maki was equally great and fatty..  ~  8/10

Fresh Flown-in Sashimi from Tsukiji Market Japan and other Countries - Unlimited

This was such a good deal and the Maguro Tuna quality was so marbled decent even for Akami red meat!!  The other Hamachi Yellow tail and Botan ebi prawns were also crunchy fresh..  Encored two plates of these ~  9/10

Some Vegetarian Avocado and Cucumber Maki rolls - Unlimited

In case you want some Vegetarian options,  which they have quite a few here especially their pastas for Main Course.

Burrata Cheese,  Fried Stuffed Olives,  Mushrooms,  Lingua Tongue,  Prosciutto Ham,  Stuffed Peppers, Grilled Eggplants,  Mortadella, etc -  Unlimited for Buffet

Yes you heard right.  Not only is the Veuve Cliquot Champagne Free-flow all day,  even their Burrata Cheese and Antipasti platter is for the $598.   Amazing deal and the Burrata was superb,  fresh and creamy tasty...   ~  9/10 

Some Italian local Olives - 

Fairly fresh tasting and not too briny or salty,  just the way I like them.  Actually it's coincidental that at my last post,  the HMV Causeway Store also had equally great green olives..

Virgin Bloody Mary - 

For the detoxing in us.  The normal version here is made with Sake..

Some Bread with a Garlicky Aioli spread - 

Turkey filled Ravioli with Guanciale Pork Cheek Ham -  Main Course

1 Main is included in the Buffet.  This was back then the more Christmas Specialty dish.  Not mine dish but apparently this was really lovely and the portion was surprisingly big.

Grilled Angus Sirloin - Main Course

This was cooked to the right degree and came with Zucchini and Carrot and Meat Jus on the side.  To me a sirloin always has a slight chew so this was normal meaty at performance,  what one would expect from the many Steak houses opening in HK lately.  ~  7.5/10

Grillled Polenta on a bed of Potato Mash - Main Course

The presentation was kind of fun with the smooth surface of the potato.  If I didn't read the menu I would have guessed its creamy polenta instead!  

Free-Flow Veuve Cliquot Brut all day long - $598 with all the above food and this and cocktails is honestly unbeatable..

Dessert Platter for 4 People - 1 Per Table

Ice Cream filled Choux Pastries - 

Interesting that they serve these for the buffet here.  Have to say its quite unique in HK context.  Loved them..  ~  8/10  

Lemon and Lime Sorbet - 

This was made in house and using Italian lemons.  Very refreshing and smooth,  not icy at all.  Again this had everyone fighting for it..  ~  10/10

The Night View at Aqua is famous - 

Have to say this is my 1st time coming here whilst the Sun is still shining,  and it is still a lovely view for brunch and that pricing point,  really was unbeatable!  Glad we came to suss it out in December !

Price - HKD $598 Per Person with Free flow Champagne and Cocktail on Weekends  + 10%
Food: ♕♕♕♕ 1/2 to ♕♕♕♕♕  

Address: Beijing Road No.1,  Floor 29,  Tsim Sha Tsui,  Hong Kong

尖沙咀北京道1號29樓

Tel: +852 34272288

HMV Flagship Store 【 Causeway Bay 】- Happy Hour with Aperitvo Hour on Monday

 Monday is when the new HMV Flag Ship store Restaurant Thrive and shows you the Substance during 5 - 7pm.   Courtesy to the idea of the New CEO friend,  they are offering a new Aperol Spritz cocktail for only $48 and it comes with many Aperitivo snack items. The food is actually prepared by the Ex-Michelin 1* Chef Macy behind MIC Kitchen and 3* trained Bo Innovation.  

Apparently she has a new Romantic Valentine's Day Menu planned soon too...  Guess I am not lucky enough to bring any new dates in time in 2016 to savor it thus far in time.. Let's see!

Some Mediterranean Olives to Start -

These were nicely brined and not too salty for an HMV Cafe

Aperol Spritz Cocktail - 5 - 7pm $48 

Normally this is $88 dollars and it even includes the below Aperitivo Hour food Italian style ..

Canapés items.  The food is actually quite thoughtful -Here are some Parma Ham wrapped around some Frisée leaves.. 

Seems like Most People are Ready for their Food -  

Or Cameras always get ready 1st..

Spotted this Prosciutto Ham with Frisée Salad Wrap - Hey I am going to get myself some..  Sort of hungry 

Roasted Beef Wrap -
With Rockets.  Beefy.  I was thinking this was too good to be a HMV outlet already. 

Fried Onions,  Egg Frittata,  Onion Rings and Purple Sweet Potato Chips -

All done pretty well here ~ 9/10 

Price - HKD $48 Happy Hour Mondays to $250 Per Person + 10% 

Food: ♕♕♕♕♕     

Address:  2/F & 3/F, Pearl City, 22-32 Peterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Tel: +852 25043669

A

Casa Lisboa - Rare Mediterranean Seafood Imported Straight from Portuguese Seafood Markets

 Thanks to Casa Lisboa for inviting some of us on the night,  to do a preview dinner and help virally spread the word about their latest bold adventure – they are currently doing an Imported Portuguese Seafood Platter to attract customers at just cost price,  and it even includes a bottle of wine in the price.  Details are described below.   There is also a secret strategy to ordering and read it especially at the end paragraph,  as I might have to edit it again soon before everyone finds out and the restaurant changes policy.

 

 

Portuguese Fried Vegetables – Peixinhos da Horta a Moda da Casa
This Iberian-Portuguese recipe is said to be the predecessor to Japanese Tempura.  The home version is not made from small fishes but only vegetables and eaten during Lent.   The ones I eat are usually very thin strips,  but this flatter version is said to be quite traditional too.   Carrot,  Zucchini and Sweet Potatoes dipped into a Mustard Aole/Aioli like sauce.  ~ 7/10

 

 

Wines for the Evening -
1 Higher End Wine Bottle is included in the $1880 4 Persons Seafood Platter.
The $950 for 2 Persons also gets you a bottle of lesser wine. 

 

$1880 Portuguese Seafood Platter for 4,  includes 1 Bottle of Portuguese Wine -
With the super expensive Goose Barnacles which can fetch up to 200Euro per Kg,  Portuguese small Tiger shrimps,  White shrimps,  Scampi’s,  Portuguese Red Prawns which are same specie as Spanish Carabinero, also Spider Crab served with its own meat and Tomalley Roe.  Very fresh indeed and many items are unique to the Hong Kong market.   ~ 10/10

 

Goose Barnacles -
We have these in HK too,  but apparently the French/Spanish/Portuguese ones taste even sweeter and hence so expensive..   7/10

 

Portuguese Spider Crab -
Very fresh and sweet,  this was not boiled pre-frozen.  In Europe,  just this Appetizer alone can fetch up to 75 Euro in my experience.  Mixed with some Eggs and Mayonnaise to bring out its flavour.  ~ 9/10






Red Prawns from Madeira Island -
Grilled very well and as I always say,  keep the shells and legs when you cook Red Prawns.  That’s where most of the crustacean flavours lie.  The head was also full of tomalley and roe,  super sweet.  Easily the best I have tried in town,  but not surprised because sister restaurant Ole also do them very well.   ~ 10/10

 

 

Portobello Mushroom stuffed with Spinach and Bechamel sauce – $110
Lovely dish as expected and served with a Ratatouille.  Albeit a bit pricy for 1 mushroom.  ~ 8/10

Baked Salted Cod Bacalhau with Corn Crumble,  Spinach,  Kai Lan, Rustic Potatoes – $280
The gratinated corn crumble was crunchier than expected.  What made me really happy was that the bacalhau here was quite salty but not dry stringy,  and the whole purpose of eating it.  Too many toned down versions in Hong Kong,  even compared to Macau side.  Brilliantly done with the right combination of vegetables too.   ~ 9/10

Sauteed Baby Squids Casa Lisboa Style – $150
Cooked with plenty of onions,  tomato,  peppers, herb oil, etc.   This is nice and simple,  but one can’t help recall the stuffed Baby Squids with Prawns and Nuts in sister restaurant Ole.   ~ 6.9/10

 

 

 

Pan Seared Red Mullet with Clams & Shrimps Rice – $290
Another interesting dish which by coincidence,  I have also cooked for myself before with some saffron too just similar to here.  Very lovely dish and you get 2 pieces of crispy skinned fish.  ~ 9/10

 

Costeletas de Cordeiro
Lamb Rack with Herbs and Rustic Baked Potatoes – $280
Cooked evenly and the racks ‘frenched’ prettily in presentation too.  Another traditional Portuguese dish but presented neatly,  I could stand more lamby taste or some Rosemary herbs too but this suits the overall population more.  ~ 7.5/10

 

Pineapple Carpaccio Madeira way served with Lemon & Lime Sorbet – $80
Shaved thinly and surprisingly the middle not cored,  this is soaked in a spiced sugary solution.   Although I have had this similar recipe for decades,  the presentation of this was quite 3 Dimensional and appreciated.  ~ 9/10

 

 

Bolo de Bolacha – Cookie Cake with Coffee $90
This tasted almost like a Tiramisu cake style version,  wouldn’t be surprised if they are slightly related somehow.  Not too sweet yet light,  with some coffee,  condensed milk and crumbly bits.   This is an adult’s version of a Saw dust Serradura to me.  ~ 9/10

 

Casa Lisboa is Authentic Portuguese style -
I remember when it first opened,  the Menu was separated into 2 sections – namely Traditional Portuguese vs Macanese-Portuguese dishes,  very cheeky!  Nowadays it is mainly concentrating on the Portugal recipes and this time,  the most homely traditional recipes but presented professionally.   The Portuguese imported Seafood Platter was one of its kind,  and if you come as a Table of 4 pax,  trust me,  order 2 Small Seafood Platters instead of 1 Large Platter.   You will thank me afterwards with your extra Crab and Wines,  but read the menu carefully and do your sums and you will know what I mean  (I am not suppose to tell you this information but I sorta cracked the system on the spot… shoosh !) 

 

 

 

Price:  $470 to $650 + 10% Per Person with Wine Included  (Meal by Invitation by Casa Lisboa)
Food:   ♕♕♕♕ 1/2 to ♕♕♕♕♕

Address: 中環蘭桂坊德己立街55號LKF Tower 8樓
8/F LKF Tower,  55 Douglas Street,  Lan Kwai Fong,  Central, HK
Ph: 2905 1168