Lovely French food

La Cantoche (Sheung Wan)

I dined here ages ago but since there were lots of tasting reviews earlier on this restaurant, I decided to write it up later.
+++++++++++++++
Before dining at this place, most of the French food I had in Hong Kong were from La Creperie and La Rotisserie.

After dining here, I was craving more for French food because at this restaurant they do lots of different dishes for lunch.

For dinner, they have lots of other dishes with a Vietnamese twist to it.

Inside the restaurant, it is fun and youthful with a white brick walls and colourful grafitti.


Came here for lunch and dinner so some of the dishes are from lunch and some are a la carte dishes that I had in the evening.
The lunch deal is quite good and less than $100 for a two course.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Duck shepherds pie:

This was a hearty dish of duck confit with mashed velvety potatoes on top.

I really liked this dish because the duck was so much nicer than the usual minced beef.
I was surprised the French have shepherds pie as well but at this other French restaurant I dined at, they also had it too.
The duck was slightly too salty but otherwise the dish was amazing, piping hot Shepherds pie complemented with cooling mesclan leaves.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Pork chop with rice:

This dish was a little on the Asian side because of the rice but not bad and the pork was a little bit tough.
Again at this other French restaurant, they also served rice.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Lemon tart:

The lemon tart was amazing because the lemon curd was really refreshing.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Brandy bread pudding:

Again I was surprised with Bread pudding because it was quite British but the taste was slightly different from the usual bread puddings because it had dessicated coconut and almond on top with delicious pieces of young coconut in it too giving it a lovely chewy texture and a nutty taste contrasted by the Brandy.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Rice Krispies:

This was from the A la Carte menu and I ordered it because the Rice Krispies reminded me of the cereal and I was curious if they were the same.
It was grounded pork with coconut, crispy pieces but the rice krispy pieces were not as crispy as I hoped and there was too much lemongrass in it.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Nougat glace:

A colourful icecream mixed with grounded M&Ms which tasted a bit like frozen heavy whipped sweet cream with pieces of chocolate in it.
The plate was colourfully decorated with red and yellow syrup which matched their grafitti design.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Cordon blue with potato balls:

The cordon bleu was really crispy on the outside and the chicken was tender.
The star of the dish was actually the potato balls because they are fluffy inside with a delicious crispy potatoey crust.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Tea time everyday at Shortbread Teas

Shortbread Teas (Central)

Ever since my first visit, the cakes and teas are addictive that I need a weekly dose of it!~
Once I have satisfied my craving for the week, I end up craving for something else the next week.

There are so many different teas that are really nice.

My favourites are:
Breakfast tea
Duchess Grey
Christmas pudding
Highland toffee

The highland toffee has a lovely sweet smell. When milk and sugar are added, it is just like drinking silky toffee milk tea which goes well with almost anything.
Then there is the Christmas pudding tea which is also sweet with a lovely cherry scent that goes well with cakes.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Cherry and almond scone:



This was a weekend special so I had to have it, the scones were crumbly and delicious, perfect with cream and jam.
I loved the pieces of cherry and almond in it which made it extra special.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Apple and cinammon:



This was another weekend special which I could not miss, it was a delicious scone with moist pieces of apple in it with a light dusting of cinammon on top.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Bacon sarnie:


A simple but addictive sarnie made even more addictive with the HP sauce on the table.
I loved the smell and the saltiness of the bacon that was not too salty.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Mega ciabatta:


This ciabatta was divine! Probably a man's portion but as I have a appetite, it was just right for me. My breakfast favourites in a bun.
I loved the scrambled egg because a fried egg would be messy to eat and it was light and fluffy, probably the best scrambled egg I have had in my life.
The combination of the three just went perfectly well together because the bacon and black pudding contributed to the saltiness and the scrambled egg was just satisfying.
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You can get other combinations such as double sausage, double bacon or whatever you fancy, but black pudding and scrambled egg are my favourite!
It costs around $80 with a pot of tea!
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Highland toffee tea:



A lovely tea, but it's hard to say it is my favourite because at different times I crave for one of the particular teas above!
You can never get bored or run out of choices for tea or the cups because there are so many different cups as well as the colourful teapots.
This particular cup above is by Real old willow A8025.


★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Marshmallows:


These marshmallows are made by Shortbread Teas so they are really soft and meringue like.
It was fun putting them in hot chocolate because they literally dissolve dispersing into a foamy white cap.
They taste delicious on their own too.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Christmas bundt cake:



This cake was addictive too because the chocolate taste was really strong with a slight coffee aftertaste and the icing and nuts on top were decorative and delicious especially the pistachio nuts and dried cranberry pieces.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
There is a membership scheme which is tempting for regulars like me because you get a all year round 10% discount card, a colourful tea pot of your choice, two tea samples and a sand timer.


The new menu is really good for menu dyslexics like me because it is clear and concise.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Wonderful and luxurious vegetarian banquet

Seventh Son Restaurant (Wan Chai)

Although I have lots of tastings, I do not have many vegetarian ones.
This is probably my forth and the best because it was filling, HEALTHY and natrual!
What I mean by natural is that it is vegetables in its natrual form, you can see what it is and they are digestable.

Some Chinese vegetarian ingredients are made with Konjac which is a bit like plastic/rubber and some of the Vegetarian ingredients I have had before come out the same way as I consumed it (ie not digested).
Then there are some dough items which have too much flavouring to give it some flavour.

The vegetarian dishes at Seven Son are made luxurious with the addition of Bird's nest.
Seventh Son Restaurant is not a vegetarian restaurant but it is really good that they can cater for vegetarians too.

All the dishes here were full of flavour and I did not need to use the dish of soy sauce on the table. The soy sauce seemed like a really good one because I could smell it when they poured it out.

Anyway, here was what I tried:
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Chilled cucumbers with garlic

A simple delicious appetizer with nutritious peanuts which you would get in normal meals so this dish is going to be liked by everyone.
I loved the crisp juicy cucumbers in the garlicky sauce.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Black fungas in vinegar

Nice springy black fungas in vinegar, but I would have preferred a more acidic vinegar because the vinegar was a bit sweet just like balsalmic vinegar.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Fried tofu with salt and pepper


Lovely silky piping hot tofu in light crisp coating.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Panfried egg white and bird’s nest patty


I loved this patty, it was made with egg white with lots of bird's nest intertwined in it.
The texture was soft and supple complemented nicely with the light gravy.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Pumpkin soup with bird’s nest


A protein rich soup because the pumpkin soup was loaded with birds nest.
The soup tasted natrual and light.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Scrambled milk with pine nuts and crispy vermicelli


The texture of this was lovely, it was just like scrambled meringue with crispy bits of fried vermicelli.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Tofu parcels filled with diced wild mushrooms


The parcels were neatly wrapped in beancurd skin and contained lots of diced mushrooms.
The clear gravy that it was in tasted just like chicken gravy because they used some meaty mushrooms to bring out that taste.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Bamboo pith stuffed with bird’s nest paired with pigeon egg and broccoli


It was surprising to see a pigeon's egg because not many places serve them.
The last time I had a pigeon's egg was at this dumpling place at Homantin.
The pigeon's egg is jelly like and the bamboo pith was crisp and viscous stuffed with so much bird's nest to make you guilty!
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Japanese tofu with bamboo shoots and pea sprouts


The Japanese tofu had a strong soy bean taste paired with the tender sweet crunchy pea sprouts.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Stir fried glutinous rice


The stir fried glutinous rice was surprisingly light and filling.
Every grain of glutinous rice was distinct and tasty.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Dessert: Birds nest with almond milk or coconut milk


I loved the way the almond milk and coconut milk was served on the side so you could put the amount that you like or have it on its own.
For me I chose to have it on its own because it was slightly sweetened and the dessert was so satisfying.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Walnut sachimas
The sachimas were crispy and chewy topped with walnuts on top.
It was good that the sweetness was just right.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Cordeceps tea:

These cordeceps were hand picked from Bhutan.
They had a lovely meaty taste with a slight bitterness which I shall remember because this is how they are meant to taste.
Thanks to the cordeceps ambassador for bringing it along for us to try.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★

Sea urchin mania at Zushi ANA

Zushi ANA (Causeway Bay)

Thanks to Isaac for inviting me to this tasting!
Never in my life have I had so much sea urchin in one meal.

First started off with sea urchin maki, the sea urchin was flavourful and just like runny egg yolk which did not need any soy sauce.


Then I had fresh sea urchin so I was able to taste how sweet it was.
The abalone was quite nice as well.


Next the fried urchin wrapped in seaweed coated with tempura batter was divine and bursting with hot liquid urchin inside.


Then there was fresh tempura crab with sea urchin on top!
It was amazing that so many items could be paired with sea urchin.


Last but not least there was deep fried tempura scallop, perilla leaves and urchin.
Surprisingly you could taste the perilla leaves as well.


Then there was seafood and tofu pot which had a sweet tasting broth crammed with lots of tofu and seafood.


The rice in green tea broth was interesting and different to the ones I have had before.
I could really taste the green tea here.


As for the grilled ox tongues, the cubes were big and meaty.


For dessert, we had pan fried Japanese mochi topped with peanut butter sauce and sugar.
I have not tried this before so the texture was quite sticky and chewy.

Dining Offers: Tasting Event

Wagyu steaks and Iberian pork

Wagyu Door to Door (Western District)

Thanks to Wagyu Door to Door for inviting me to try their meats again.
It was held at ONE STOP and cooked by the chefs there.

★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Iberian pork:


I liked the way it was grilled giving a juicy but not tough texture.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Wagyu A4 grade sirloin (thick and thin steaks):


Tried both the thick and thin cuts.
I prefers the thin cut because it was easier to eat and it was softer.
The thick cut was juicier and more meaty with an even fat marbling.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
All these steaks can be ordered online and delivered to your door.
They are neatly packaged in a box with the relevant items, the steak comes with oil blotting tissue and saffron pink salt.


★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
For more info please see my previous review:
http://www.openrice.com/restaurant/commentdetail.htm?commentid=2318311

You can now get kebabs in Sai Kung!!

ViLLAGE KEBAB (Sai Kung)

Previously this shop used to be Juicy J's!!

I was surprised to see it go, but now it has been replaced by a familiar looking VILLAGE KEBAB!

The logo and colour looks familiar and it turns out that it is opened by Village Malaysian and Indian Restaurant.

The interior was not as bright as before and it was a simple place for food.

The menu was quite extensive, serving fish and chips and roast chicken as well.



I decided to try the kebabs and the falafel with salad.
The kebab has a choice of three sauces: garlic, tomato, and super spicy sauce.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Lamb kebab with super spicy sauce:


I should have trusted the guy because when an Indian says it hot, it must be hot!!
The kebab was nice but too hot for my tastebuds to handle!
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Falafel balls with salad:

The falafel balls were small but delicious and the sauce drizzled on it was delicious hummus sauce.
It was similar to the sauce at Pizza Max and it turns out that they know the guys that opened that place in Jordan because he used to work at Jaspas!
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★
Hummus sauce and garlic:

Both were delicious and creamy.
★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆★