Chez Patrick

On a rainy mid-week evening we stepped into the French restaurant Chez Patrick, named after its owner and chef, in steep Peel Street. The interior carried a typical French style with a modern touch like the black colored lamps on walls and ceiling. The menu showed a three or four-course set dinner with a variety of tasteful dishes. Prices were set at HKD 499 (3 courses) or HKD 599 (4 courses); no drinks included. The wine list showed a large choice of wines and the wine by the glass was very OK. Chef Patrick surprised us at our table and suggested a few dishes outside the menu (foie gras specialities, a nice fish and meat main course). We ordered the lamb rack and sea bass. As starters we had cream of Mussels wrapped in salmon and ravioli filled with lobster and served with warm goat cheese. The plates were nicely decorated with lots of colored vegetables. The cream of Mussels was soft and tasteful. The ravioli with lobster was also nice, although the warm goat cheese tasted a bit strong. The lamb rack was prepared quite juicy and tender. The sea bass was grilled and tasted like you would expect it to be. The two courses already filled our stomach pretty much but we had room for desert. Cheese is something for my partner, so he ordered a plate of (French) cheese. I ordered the Profiteroles, a typical French dessert, with ice cream and hot chocolate sauce. Unfortunately the waiter served the cheese plate without any explanation, so one had to find himself how to taste the cheese. My home made dish was a great way to end this dinner. A very nice treat when you enter this restaurant, but not a place you go to for just a quick bite. After a friendly goodbye of Chef Patrick we stepped outside into the rain again.
Chez Patrick, 26 Peel Street, Central, Hong Kong

3 Michelin Star dinner in Hong Kong

For those of you who always wanted to enjoy a 3 Michelin Star dinner. This is your chance to do so in Hong Kong. On 23-24-25 August Richard Ekkebus will prepare a dinner together with 3 Michelin Star chef Jonnie Boer, chef and owner of the world-famous Netherlands restaurant De Librije (Zwolle). Also Jonnie’s wife, Therese Boer, will be at the scene to advice you on paring wines. Enjoy one of those nights, although I think you need to be prepared to spend big on your credit card. Large number of seats available may already be gone.

The Pressroom

I was in the neighborhood of Wyndham Street but didn’t want to eat there. I chose to go to the Press Room on Hollywood Road. A few tables were occupied and there was a relaxed atmosphere. The Pressroom is a brasserie style restaurant which gives you a feeling if you are in one of the old cities in Europe. After I got my freshly made orange juice I ordered steak and frites which was the only main course that suited my appetite for that evening. No appetizer or desert this time. No more than ten minutes after ordering the main dish arrived. The grilled steak tasted good and the frites were thin as they should be. To make it (look) a little more healthier the meat and frites were accompanied by some creamy spinach. One coffee and a few minutes later I was walking in Hollywood Road again. A quick dinner this time, although slightly expensive (about 350 HKD).
The Pressroom, 108 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong

Bonheur

Last Monday I had dinner at restaurant Bonheur (6/F Pemberton building in Sheung Wan). The restaurant looked closed. However, when pulling the door I saw waiters making their way to the kitchen. A friendly waiter took me to a table in the corner of the second part of the dining room. The menu showed approximately six appetizers, two types of soup, four main courses and about seven desserts; easy to decide on your set dinner. For a 3-course dinner you pay approx. 320 HKD, not a bad deal for what the menu seemed to offer. I ordered soup of the day, a slightly thick but creamy mushroom soup. As a main I had the pan seared Duck Breast which was juicy and tender and tasted very good combined with vegetables and mashed potatoes. Although it looked not a big portion on the plate, it satisfied me more than enough. Still another course was waiting for me, desert. I ordered the most light one, a soufflé with vanilla. It is one of my favorites. It tasted good, but I had to admit I had better ones here in Hong Kong. After a cup of tea I left Bonheur with a good feeling. I will come back.
Bonheur, 6/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong