Balalaika   (Closed)

It was a great night! Nice dinner, nice service by friendly staffs, entertaining performance by the Russian musicians, well environment by nice decoration (Halloween theme) and the signature -20C ice room in this house made the night!I especially like the Russian ornaments in gzhel style placed in the restaurant. Gzhel, a brand of Russian ceramics, painted with the distinctive blue and white pottery. It reminded me the old Tang dynasty also produced something similar, which is fabulously artistic. The Russian musicians dressed up in traditional Russian costumes. When they started playing the Russian folk music, it created such lovely Russian countryside atmosphere, the Russian night began:

We started the appetizer with a big platter of mixed combination. From left to right, we had the Smoked Salmon Roll with Red Caviar and Cream, Cold Pork Jelly in Russian Style and Smoked Duck Breast with the Cranberry Sauce. The whole dish looked presentable and rich in ingredients. I especially like the cold pork Jelly, tasted special and savory in its texture.

Located at the top of the slope, there are some slight upslope walking and stair climbing before arriving at such a nice, cozy and woody cabin-like restaurant. Both times i've been here at the Central branch was with a group of friends to celebrate their birthdays. its very accommodative for large group dining. just make sure to reserve in advance, and they can seat you near the balcony or the window. there is also a VIP room, which has some very royal decor. though i've never dined in any of them, from what i've seen, the vip room looks much glassier and spacious at their TST branch. The most interesting dishes to try when dining here are the shashliks. They have quite a selection of different meats, so its a good idea to order a couple if dining in a big group! The fun thing is how they do a little performance by your table before serving it the fire lighting and then ringing a bell. haha. They are also quite savoury and tasty even for those who aren't meatlovers. The buns were also tasty and have different fillings. I recommend ordering some as starters, but probably for half the number of your dining party, so that you can share them and try more dishes. they do tend to fill you up.And of course nice live music always brings fun and great ambience to the environment. The performers sing some interesting russian folk music. They also come around the dining tables to spread the joy-type-thing. Especially if celebrating a birthday, this is great as they'll sing for your table and also distribute some cute mini instrument shakers and beaters for your group to join in of course this also gives a great photo opportunity finally, at the end of the meal, should go to the ice-bar whether to get some shots or really just to play around with their furs hahah. keep in mind that, the TST branch offers lower prices and better deals for shots, yet the Central ice-bar is WAY bigger and nicer.

Overall, both the times I've been at the Central Balalaika for dinner was a merry experience. i'm not sure if they have live performances every evening, but should definitly go when they do have. its really quite special and unique

Here we come again!!!

We're both very tired after climbing up the hills with loads of useless stuffs in our bags.

We were arranged to sit in the balcony, but smoking was not allowed in here which is kind of good since the $ of fag has gone sky high.

We had hoegaarden x 2 (1+1 during happy hour)
Free snacks were like kids meal, chicken sausage + nuggets + Chinese stuffed bum ?!?
He kinda likes it though.
Besides, there're peanut butter peanuts, which we quite like.

And they are playing spiderman here!!! : )

This place was full and chaotic. Apparently, there was a salad bar.

So, I decided to simply had the spare ribs .
It was different to the aussie style of spare ribs. This one was quite dry and tough.

The dessert was a kind of mousse, which was too sweet.

Atmosphere is excellent, there are people playing and singing Russian songs all night; each brought skewers, the ignition will fire many times in front of guests, we then pat hand, is very happy.

In addition, the drinks we would like to try some non-alcoholic drink, a waiter presents a traditional Russian Drink called Medovuha, a horseradish sauce sweetened with honey and then add lemon juice cook the fermentation, when the first drink that tastes kind of weird, like cough syrups, But more than a few mouthfuls of the addictive unable to stop drinking. I later found out because it has 5% of fermented alcohol, but had to drink a large glass half, I was sensitive to alcohol; results I halo Tuo Tuo it seems only the red to the cooked shrimp, but fortunately still remember how to check credit card.

First day of trying to get back into shape, my boyfriend took me to the Ice Bar which he heard the dinning was good. Very well, I guess my dieting plan was destined to fail at the beginning. I had not dine in Balalaika before, I usually go drinking in the Icebar, plus I had never tried Russian food before, so I was quite excited about it.

We had no idea what is good in Russian cuisine, so we kept flipping the pages until I saw a set dinner offered by Bank of China. It was a seemingly big dinner set for one with 3 appetizers, 1 soup and 1 main course, only at a price of $225.(Original price was $450) It was quite a bargin as a single main course costs around $180 already! We ordered a Blinis atop of the set dinner so I could stick with my diet plan.(Not really.)

1) Appetizers
Pelmeni - Pelmeni is a national Russian Cuisine, a dumpling with thin wrapping and a relatively higher portion of meat fillings. Yet I was disappointed as the Kolbasa tasted no difference from Guangdong Wonton, especially the filling. Moreover, the wrapper was rather thick and hard.

Mushroom Stew In Sour Cream - The mushroom was not particular special, but the sour cream tasted a bit different from what I used to have. It had a combination of taste which I couldn't really tell what that was, definitely sour but also contained a bit sweetness. The texture was thick and smooth.

Chili Kolbasa in Puff Pastry - This puff pastry was scrumptious! The Kolbasa smelled nice, tasted like Germany sausage and was very juicy. The puff pastry was very flakey and light.

2) Seafood Ukha with Scallop Carpaccio
Seafood Ukha is a clear Russian soup, made with broth. However it wasn't that 'seafood' as there was only a mussel, a prawn and a scallop carpaccio. The carpaccio here means thinly sliced scallop but not beef. The scallop was really a carpaccio as it was so thinly sliced (about 0.49cm thick), while the mussel and the prawn were rather huge and thick. There were also some chopped up roots vegetables in the broth. The broth had a strong seafood taste but at the same time was a bit too salty.

3) Blinis - Pancakes with Duck Meat and Cream Spinach $50
The blinis came as appetizer, it (the size) was so exquisite that it was like fine dinning at a french restaurant. The pancake tasted wheat-like and the texture was rather dry. The duck meat was also dry, so it is best to have it with the cream spinach at the side of the dish to give some moisture mouthfeel. The whole dish did not give too much flavour, so the taste of the duck was made stand out.

4) Angus Beef Ribs Shashlik with Black Pepper Sauce
The Angus Beef Ribs came raw on rack when it arrived. The chief shouted something and everyone in the restaurants started applausing, I guess it was their way in expressing their appreciation to their God.After that, the chief poured oil onto the Beef Ribs and started Shashliking the Ribs. It was truly an excitment to watch the Turkic way of grilling. The Angus Beef Ribs were deliciousm, very tendor and soft. They served the ribs with gravy but I personally like to enjoy my ribs with salt. The dish was accompanided by some broccoli and red carrots. The red carrots were intolerately salty while the broccoli was just avergae, nothing really special about it.

Overall, my experience in Balalaika was enjoyable. The restaurant atmosphere was nice and the food was delicious. However, the restaurant was rather noisy. It was full of chatting and laughters, so it was quite difficult to talk.Depends on your way in viewing things, it could be fun if you are coming in a big group, but not too fun, if you came with your partner and wanted to have some intimate time.

More Photos, Please visit my blog at:
www.cinnamon4coffee.blogspot.com

Went here for lunch with my friend.

I went for the $108 - fish as main course with all-you-can-eat salad, there was dessert and coffee/tea.

The fish was very special, it was in fact coiled in rolls with bacon covering it. The potato side was also very nice with some onions. Crispy, but didn't feel like I've had too many carbs.

Then the dessert was fab - green tea mousse. Small, but good enough with strong green tea taste. I simply went for lemon water (warm).

Service was very efficient, and the waiters were very attentive. The all-you-can-eat salad was very good with a wide variety of salad - say waldorf apple salad and potato salad, etc.

Anyway, it was very good for value - $108 plus service charge. I would definitely go there again for lunch.

What are the key elements of Russian food? I am not too sure, that was why I paid this famous outlet a visit to give it a try myself. One of the famous gimmick of this restaurant / chain is the vodka cold room where you can enjoy a glass of vodka (or other drinks) inside a huge transparent fridge. Yeah, you are right, based on the way I describe it, I really don't find it all that interesting. Anyhow, I do find it interesting that how come there are so few Russian restaurants in Hong Kong? I know there is one newly opened in TST at the Butterfly on the Prat hotel and there is one in the SOHO area as well. The bottom line is that there are very few.

The transparent vodka room / fridge is situation right at the entrance so you would not be able to missed it. The decor and environment is pretty nice but I doubt it is of authentic Russian decor even with the Matryoshka (nesting doll) on the shelf along the bench seats. The only thing that reminded my of anything Russian was the live band playing at the end of the dining hall. I am not expert in Russian music but it sounded Russian enough to me!

While waiting for my friends, I was going through the drinks menu and wanted to order a so-called Russian drink called Medovuha which consisted honey horseradish and lemon juice. When placing my order, the staff informed and warned me that this drink is not for everyone because it tasted like Chinese Herbal Oil which you apply onto your body joints whenever needed. The staff offered me some for tasting and yes it tasted ... interesting, not exactly what i call a refreshing drink but I actually enjoy the aftertaste for some odd reasons so I ordered it anyhow. (my friend tried a sip afterward and her description was the same as the staff warning, tasted like Chinese Herbal Oil ... HAHA) ... but hey, it was worth trying !!! (be warned though!)

(1) Piroshki (Salmon / Mushroom / Vegetables)
They were freshly made for sure because they were HOT ! The bread was puffy and well prepared but somehow they reminded me of buns sold at Maxim bakery or Maria's. Among the three ingredient choices we ordered, I like the salmon and mushroom the most especially the mushroom because mushroom is known to generate moisture but the diced mushroom inside the bun remained relatively dry. They must be consumed as soon as served to get the best of out them.

(2) Country Sausage with Sauerkraut
I love sausage, any kind in fact. I must try some German restaurants soon! Anyhow, the skin country sausage was very crisp and the meat was lean without much fatty or greasy feel to it. However, while it was rich in flavor without any sauce, it was rather salty. Eating it with the sauerkraut would help a bit definitely. (I thought sauerkraut is of Germany origin? humm ... )

(3) Salmon and Mushroom Vol au Vent with Sour Cream
The main focus on this dish should be the pastry puff under the slices of salmon. IT was very puffy and crisp even with the sauce poured over it. There were no surprises on the salmon but the spinach was pretty good in terms of flavors especially together with he sour cream sauce.

(4) Pelmenis
I should have listened to my friends regarding this dish but I am a pretty stubborn person and without trying it for myself, I would not be satisfied even if it means I am wrong. So dumplings they were for sure. If weren't for the mayo sauce on top, this dish can be disguised Chinese dumplings. The only other significant difference I found was the meat which was rather tough compared with the Chinese style. Either it was incorrectly prepared or it was simply how it was done traditionally. I am not expert in Pelmenis but I will try to find out more. I wonder if Pelmenis have any Chinese origins / influences; maybe it was a traditional dish of the southeastern Russian Empire (or even further back in history) which was close to the boarder (or overlapping boarder) of the Middle Kingdom. Hummm .... southeastern Russian Empire .... northern Middle Kingdom where it is famous for dumplings ... hummm .... I wonder.

(5) Blinis - Duck Meat and Cream Spinach
This traditional Russian pancake dish was a delight in my opinion with the soft and tender duck meat wrapped by the thin pancake layer. The highlight of this dish was the sauce in my opinion. It was the cream spinach sauce that added the extra flavors to the whole dish. A dish worth trying.

(6) US "Kurobuta" Pork Rack & Shashlik
How can one come to this restaurant and not order this item for its presentation? It was a feast for the eyes. The torching touch added a slight grilled taste to the food which was nice. The pork was better than I expected in terms of tenderness because usually when I order pork chops / rack, they are often too dried and too tough to chew. Here they did a pretty good job with it. The seasoning / spices used were just right, job well done in my opinion.

(7) Napoleon
Don't be fooled by menu for its desserts, they were actually not bad at all. Not really of traditional Russian desserts but good enough to end our meal on a happy note. Although the pastry puffs were not as crisp and puffy as expected but still above average. The custard was surprisingly not too sweet at all. Not a traditional style of Napoleon which I like but a fair dessert indeed especially with its presentation.

(8) Apple Strudel
The upper layer of the strudel has been caramelized! A nice touch indeed, resulting in a crispy texture along with soft and warm apples inside. The decorated sauces were a nice touch indeed but a bit too sweet in my opinion.

(9) Apple Crumble
A freshly baked apple crumble, the dish was still very hot. Flavor was very nice, the crumbles on top were crisp and favorable indeed. While the apples were soft but the apple mixture / filling inside was overly sweet. Some cream would be nice as well.

Even after this meal, I am still not sure about the key elements of Russian cuisine, I think I should continue my food quest in search of more Russian cuisines in Hong Kong.

Likes:

* Blinis - Duck Meat and Cream Spinach - Wonderful sauce!
* US "Kurobuta" Pork Rack & Shashlik - great presentation and pork surprisingly tender and juicy as well
* Apple Strudel - caramelized top was a nice touch for taste and texture

Dislikes:

* Pelmenis - Chinese dumplings?
* Country Sausage with Sauerkraut - very lean but a bit too salty
* Apple crumbles - very crunchy oats / crumble topping but apple filling a bit too sweet.

Original Blog: http://jason-bonvivant.blogspot.com/2009/08/balalaika-lkf.html

went there 2 times for drinks with friends (dont even know why we went the second time!) at night. the manager guy kept pushing us to order. he kept looking to see if we finished our drinks and cleared our glasses once we were finished. then its like the world would end if we dont order another drink straight away. so we got annoyed and frustrated with such bad service we left.

it was ridiculous the second time when he even suggested to my friend that theyd give her a plastic cup to take away her drink! we werent hogging the table and making people wait! there werent customers anyways! just because we look younger and arent rich people doesnt mean that your service can be so crap! what happened to the 'provide good service' thing andy lau said on tv!

altho i've never tried the food, i swear im not going again because the quality of the service just turns us away. even just the look on his face showed he looked down on us and didnt wanna serve us. who are you? you think youre so important and powerful?

Sunday buffet lunch with a big gang.
Nice atmosphere. Staff were extremely attentive and friendly.
Huge variety of choices.
The grills are particularly nice. Recommended are chicken wings and sausages.
Great dessert selections too. Loved the heated Chocolate Lave Cake! Rich and just right sweetness. Oh the Lichee Jelly too is rather special!

We've never have experience in a restaurant where all the waitress were so nice, with GREAT service!! Some recommended food, some suggested we went to the "Ice-bar" before having soup, all with smiling faces! It made us feel so warm & welcom during the whole friday dinner. The food is worth for money. Veg Soup, beef, desert, all with good quality & quantity(except 'wunton' a bit hard'! Music & songs is great . I will surely go again and try their Sat & Sun buffet.

We found this place interesting, for the gimmick it has put up. A iced room - super cold and freezing, with - 20 temperature. You can do your photos and enjoy a free polaroid photo taken by the staff of the restaurant and a get a free Russian Doll upon your departure. Good attentive services while the foods were also okay, value-for-money choices.

It’s a really good place for a Friday night out with friends or family. The restaurant itself it’s quite hard to find, but still many customers through the nigh.
The environment is really relaxing and romantic there are Russian decorations on the walls and candles on the table. The foods are nice especially the grill beef and grill seafood 串燒. Every time a tables串燒 arrives the waiter will yell out *&^%$# (I think it something in Russian), it’s pretty fun by watching they light up some fire on the beef and seafood.

I came here for lunch a couple of times. Set menu was very reasonably priced, and the food was delicious. Warning for the health conscious - the food was mostly rich with gravy or fried. So not for those who are on a diet.