[品 PIIN Wine Restaurant] Fine wines paired with Cantonese food

Piin is a wine restaurant founded by the owner of Chateau de Meursault and Chateau de Marsannay. The restaurant focuses on Burgundy Wines so you can expect over 2,000 fine wines on the list. At the wine bar, they had whisky and other spirits a well.

As well as wines, they serve Cantonese food by Chef Ming who used to work at FLM according to their website so they did a fabulous pairing of Chinese food with these wines. I was super hungry after trying these wintermelon balls soaked in red wine which were refreshing and appetizing.

We were in good hands that night with experienced sommelier Jason who paired the wines that went with the dishes.

Started with the Cold Abalone In Smoke With Plum Sauce paired with Château de Meursault, Clos du Château 2014
I loved the way the abalone was thinly sliced drenched generously in tart plum sauce.

Next was the Stir Fry Fish "Noodles" With Abalone Thins paired with Domaine Prieure Roch, 13 Roses 2013.
Again, more delicious abalone tossed with springy fish noodles which tasted similar to dace mince.

The Seasonal Double Boiled Soup with bamboo piths, whelks and mushrooms was really comforting and moreish.
I loved the glass spoon and pot which made it memorable.

Deboned Crispy Chicken paired with Château de Marsannay, Le Clos de Jeu 2017
This was the best Chinese style crispy chicken I have ever had.
To be more exact it should be called deconstructed crispy chicken as the skin is fried separately which makes it evilicious like wafer thin crisps.

Cigar Duck Roll paired with Cos d’Estournel 2006
There are lots of edible Cigar rolls these days and it was much better than the one I had at Super Giant Tapas a few years ago because the duck here wasn't gamey and the frying oil was fresh.
At Piin, they have used fried kale to mimic the ashes whereas SG has used poppy seeds.

Signature Black Garlic Fried Rice paired with E. Guigal, Brune et Blonde, Côte-Rôtie 2011
The fried rice had a lot of texture in it with chewy black garlic and raw garlic pieces.
Overall, I found it quite bitter.

Finished with the Whiskey Cheesecake which was creamy cheesecake topped with a layer of whisky jelly.
It would be great if the Whiskey jelly was stronger.

Chocolate: Inspired like the Chinese cocktail bun filled with custard coconut, the chocolate actually tasted like the chocolate BOUNTY bar.

Overall, a fine place to dine with quality Chinese food and wines in the experienced hands of sommelier J who made the wine pairing experience a good one.

品 PIIN Wine Restaurant:
2/F, The Steps ‧ H Code, 45 Pottinger Street, Central

The Chinese Princess' wardrobe

Went here to celebrate a friends birthday!!I didn't know it was Sichuan fare but it turned out to be great.
Be sure to get the early as they have a wardrobe where you can dress up in Chinese Dynasty clothing!
Dishes were great too especially the Kungpao prawns which were huge and crispy in a tangy sauce.

The fish topped with crispy bean bits was comforting as the fish was tasty and similar to the fish and chip quality.

Finished with the stir fried glass vermicelli which was loaded with egg.

Fooklore to be the new folklore of Wanchai

Wanchai is my love and roots where my journey for food in Hong Kong began.
I have had countless meals in this area but lacked Chinese restaurants I could recommend.

Fooklore is definitely recommendable, this is the place to take tourists or clients because of the reliable service and quality of the food. (at the time of this meal).
The restaurant is located at Empire Hotel on the corner of Lockhart Road so it is near Admiralty as well.

Judging by the menu, it was the usual suspects like dimsum but when the food arrives you get a surprise by the presentation and taste.

This is what we had [Steamed black truffle and wild fungus dumplings], [steamed minced beef balls], [Steamed rice-roll with minced beef], [Pan-fried diced chicken buns in Teriyaki sauce], [Pan-fried pork dumplings with rice paper net], [Pan-fried pancakes with dried scallop and dried shrimps], [Poached chicken with oil in peanut sauce], [Fried rice vermicelli with crab meat and dried shrimps], [Longevity buns with lotus paste and salty egg yolk].
(Quoted from the English Menu)
++++
[Steamed black truffle and wild fungus dumplings]:
The steamed dumplings were flawless and crystal clear, they were loaded with diced wild mushrooms infused with a black truffle taste.

++++
[steamed minced beef balls]:
Basically beef shaomai and I liked the way they were garnished with a slice of okra which makes it look healthy and appetizing.
The beef had a nice flavour with a soft but firm texture.

++++
[Steamed rice-roll with minced beef]:
These are rice rolls that are served everywhere but considerably different as there was delicious aged peel in it and the soy sauce they used excelled it to a different level as it was good quality soy sauce with a lovely sweetness.
The riceroll wrap was silky and smooth yet held together without breaking.

++++
[Pan-fried diced chicken buns in Teriyaki sauce]:

When the lid was taken off, there was a fragrant smell of wine, each bun was uniformly panfried.

It was filled with delicious pieces of chicken in light Teriyaki sauce so you could still taste the buns and chicken.
++++
[Pan-fried pork dumplings with rice paper net]:
The rice paper net showed how incredible their skills were.
You can see the way they drizzled the liquid rice mixture in a spirograph pattern quick enough before it got crispy.

As well as the appearance, the dumplings were tasty with juicy pork filling.
++++
[Pan-fried pancakes with dried scallop and dried shrimps]:
This was another one of my favourites because the pancake was thin and crispy yet there wasn't a drop of oil lingering on the plate or any excess oil on the pancake.
It was crispy with a lovely scallion aroma.

++++
[Poached chicken with chili oil and peanut sauce]
The poached chicken was lean and tender with a good amount of spiciness.
Despite the spiciness, you could still taste the freshness of the chicken which was really appreciated. Fooklore uses the finest ingredients for all dishes including fresh chicken for this dish.

++++
[Fried rice vermicelli with crab meat and dried shrimps]:
Another dish that must be ordered because it was wonderful.

Again, the dish is more stunning when it is served because you will find an abundance of shrimp roe in it and the vermicelli they have used is almost like silk.

There were bits of crab and fragrant egg in it that it reminded of 鳳凰炒長遠 which I do not know the English dish name but glass vermicelli is used instead.
++++
Finished with the [Longevity buns with lotus paste and salty egg yolk] as it was someones birthday.
They were super cute and size matters as less is more as it looks more appetizing!

++++
Overall, I was more and than impressed with the freshness of the ingredients and the taste of the food so I will definitely be coming back.

Fooklore 享福
LG2, Empire Hotel, 33 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel / Fax : 2861-2060 / 2861-2226
http://fooklammoon-grp.com/en#restaurants/fooklore

Opening Hours:
Lunch 11:30-15:00 (Last Order 14:30)
Dinner 18:00-23:00 (Last Order 22:30)

Nostalgic Paradise dishes at Paradise Classic

Paradise Dynasty is a successful restaurant chain from Singapore serving the finest of northern and southern China cuisine and now they have a new restaurant under their wing called Paradise Classic which serves nostalgic dishes.
At Carnavon Plaza, they are right next to each other!!

I was more than excited to try because of the nostalgic dishes that are slowly fashioned out in the modern era.

Started with the floral elderflower and melon tea which was sweet and refreshing.

The first nostalgic dish was the crouching tiger available in a spicy and non spicy version.
You get to savour the sweetness of seafood in this inimitable pot of crabs, prawns, clams, squid and fish.
The seafood broths brings out the taste of freshest seafood while the thick vermicelli soaks up the flavours of the broth.

Next was the stewed silver pin noodles which came in a huge pot in thick delicious soup that is mixed with egg.

It was hearty and filling, great for the coming winter.
For light bites, had the mashed tofu with seafood which is a must try as they make the tofu in house.

Finished with my favourite spinach cooked with salted egg and preserved egg for a balanced meal with vegetables.

Paradise Classic 樂天經典:2/F, Carnarvon Plaza, 20 Carnarvon Road
Tsim Sha Tsui

Paradise Classic 樂天經典:
Shop UG09, UG/F,
Olympian City 2,
18 Hoi Ting Road
Tai Kok Tsui

Contemporary Chinese Fare to the next level at [Madame Ching]

Madame Ching is a modern Chinese restaurant and roast house on Star Street.

Their Head Chef Son has done a good job in bringing diners a new way of enjoying Chinese cuisine. He crosses culture and culinary lines which really works.

For drinks, began with the [Drink affogato] and [Iced Lychee and red date tea]. 

Drink affogato: 

[Cream gelato, homemade raspberry sauce, balsamic vinegar and soda water]

Iced Lychee and red date tea:

Here were the dishes that we had: 

++++ 

General Son Chicken:

This was chunks and big chunks of pure chicken meat in delicious crispy coating smothered in sweet and sticky syrup complemented by the fiery Sichuan peppercorns and chili. I loved it as it was all lean white meat without any bones or fat. 

++++ 

Brussels Sprout Uni: 

To be honest, I haven't had any uni dishes as good as this! 

I liked the way the uni was laid on the brussels sprout leaves which had a lovely colour contrast as well as taste. 

Beneath the leaves there were some cream and some soy sauce dots which you eat together for a wonderful taste infusion of sweet creamy uni flavoured by the soy sauce. 

All that is then contrasted by the dill and crisp raw brussels sprout leaves that wake you up from the creaminess.

++++

Hamachi Crudo: 

This was simply delicious slices of hamachi drenched in thick moreish sweet and savoury sauce complimented by the chives and red shiso leaves.

++++

Roast Duck:

The roast duck was really comforting and how it should be. It tasted exactly like the ones in UK and you can visibly see it had been uniformly roasted by the colour and the smoothness of the skin.. 

I appreciate the way the thigh bone has been removed except the drumstick bone so you still have an intact quarter duck there. 

The plate was clean and oil free which was really appealing before you even ate it. 

It definitely sends me memories of eating in China Towns so I was really happy.  

The pickles were good too, chunky with a nice crunch and pickled taste. 

I know locals don't appreciate this but I am sick and tired of brittle bones in every bite and being served just skin, fat and bones. 

++++ 

Brussels Sprouts roasted Jus:

Vegetables are a must and I loved the fact brussels sprouts were on the menu. 

On top they were garnished with crispy shallots!! 

Nice bite size vegetables that you can pop in your mouth.  

++++ 

For carbs, there was fried rice or the dan dan noodles. 

Had the [Burnt ends Egg Fried Rice] which was soft and fluffy. 

There was something different about the grains of rice, they tasted like Basmati rice/long grain rice although I am not sure.

++++

For dessert, finished with the [Ma Lai Go with Ovaltine Custard]: 

In contrast to the local sponge cake, this one was much better as it was firmer and more cakey. 

As I am English, I crave for cakes all the time and the thick ovaltine custard had a strong malty taste which was insanely delicious with a sweet touch that cured my dessert craving.

++++ 

To summarize, I was totally impressed with everything and this is how Chinese food should be. FRESH, PRESENTABLE and DELICIOUS 

With the contemporary twists to the dishes, Manuel and the team have successfully made me like some Chinese dishes that I would not normally eat in Hong Kong but definitely would eat here!  Hong Kong is so lucky to have the Pirata Group.

[Madame Ching]

5 Star Street, Wanchai

http://www.madameching.hk/

Di King Heen Deluxe Poetries Cuisine

In every language you will find beautiful poetry.
I am so fortunate to be in the 21st Century as all these Chinese poems have been translated into English and are readily online when you google them.

At  Di King Heen, they are now serving  Deluxe Poem inspired Cantonese dishes featuring various poets from the Tang Dynasty.

Here were the dishes we had:
[The dish names are exactly what they are from the menu]

Started with the [Braised Gum Tragacanth Soup with Diced Seafood and Snow Crab Meat] which is inspired by poet Liu Changqing 劉長卿 for his poem Lodging on Lotus Hill for a Snowy Night《逢雪宿芙蓉山主人》
It was a really nice soup with lots of crabmeat and Braised Gum Tragacanth which definitely make you think of snow.

Next was the [Marinated Osmanthus Wine with Fresh Abalone, Suckling Pig Trotter, Wagyu Beef Cheek] inspired by poet Li Bai 李白 for his poem Drinking Alone Under the Moon《月下獨酌. 其一》
It was a nice appetizer as they were all marinated in wine interpreted by the Drinking in the poem.
The suckling pig trotter was my favorite as it was delicate and gelatinous.

[Braised Twins Tofu with Fungi and Burdock] is inspired by poet Wang Zhihuan 王之渙 for his poem On the Stork Tower《登鸛雀樓》
It was a nice meatless dish with silky and supple tofu.

[Sweet and Sour Tiger Prawns with Fig and Pineapple] is inspired by poet Tang Yanqian 唐彥謙《索蝦 (節錄)》
Obviously, the prawn was the star of the dish tossed in this deliciously fruity sauce.

Next was the [Golden-fried Pumpkin and Soft Sell Crab with Salted Egg Yolk] inspired by poet Du Qiumian 杜秋娘 for his poem Robes Made of Golden Threads《金縷衣》hence the salted egg yolk coating being the golden robe.
I loved this dish because I love anything that is coated in crispy salted egg yolk.

The [Roasted Chicken with Assorted Mushroom and Black Truffle Sauce] was inspired by poet 孟浩然 Meng Haoran for his poem Spring Dawn《春曉》which is all about spring and birds singing hence the chicken!!

The last course [Fried Five Grain Rice with Diced Scallop and Assorted Vegetables and Oatmeal] is inspired by poet Li Shen for 李紳 for his poem Sympathy for Peasants《憫農》which talks about how difficult every grain of rice is harvested hence we should appreciate every grain of rice.

It was a nice dinner with all these poetry inspired dishes.
The current Deluxe Poetries Set menu:
https://royalplaza-80a0.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/DKH_DeluxePoetriesSetMenu.pdf

We also had the [Lion Rock X HABA Purity of Hokkaido Afternoon Tea] which is a crossover with HABA Skincare, a brand that is fragrance and additives free.

In the tea set you get Baked Hokkaido Scallop with Urchin Paste, Hokkaido Snow Crab Meat and Cheese Roll, Pan-fried Shrimp Cake with Roasted Sweet Corn and Yuzu Soy Sauce, Deep-fried Chicken with Yogurt, Seven Spices and Muffin, Barbecue Beef Vol Au Vent with Pumpkin Puree, Sapporo Ramen with Ginger Miso Soup (2 persons), l Hokkaido Melon Mousse Cake, l Sweet Potato Cake, l Double Cheese Cake Roll, l Hokkaido Pumpkin Caramel Custard, l Baked Cheese Tart and l Tokachi Red Bean and Green Tea White Chocolate Mousse Cake.

All the items were fancy and fun especially the mini bowls of ramen as one of them is actually a dessert while the other one is ramen!!
The Lion Rock Purity of Hokkaido Afternoon Tea is available from now until June 30, 2018.
https://www.royalplaza.com.hk/en/lion-rock-purity-of-hokkaido-afternoon-tea/