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2013-02-17
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My wife and I have been admirers of the culinary skills of Chef Wong Wing Chee for a long time, not to mention his creativity and innovation which wondrously transformed some very traditional Chinese dishes into global cuisine. As we were planning a trip to Hong Kong recently, we wanted to visit his new restaurant at 101/F International Commerce Center. From what I have read in other reviews, reservations must be made one month ahead as the restaurant has been very busy every day. A reservation
My wife and I have been admirers of the culinary skills of Chef Wong Wing Chee for a long time, not to mention his creativity and innovation which wondrously transformed some very traditional Chinese dishes into global cuisine. As we were planning a trip to Hong Kong recently, we wanted to visit his new restaurant at 101/F International Commerce Center. From what I have read in other reviews, reservations must be made one month ahead as the restaurant has been very busy every day. A reservation was made for lunch via email and this was promptly attended to with the promise of a window table if possible.
Finding the elevators for Dragon Seal was made so much easier by one of the Ritz Carlton staff and a security officer. The elevator can take guests 1394 feet above the ground in 50 seconds. As soon as we got off the elevator, we were greeted politely by 2 hostesses who directed us to the bar area as the restaurant does not open will 1130 hr and we were a bit early. Unfortunately, there was no bartender in sight as I was dying for a Campari & Soda. My wife also bought some cakes from the pastry shop downstairs and the hostess volunteered to put them in the fridge for us. A few minutes later, we were escorted to a window table and the view would have been perfect in the night time.
Apart from numerous a la carte dishes to choose from, there were 3 set luncheons ranging $299 - $499 per person. We selected the $399 and a side order of BBQ pork. The BBQ pork might be appreciated by diners on a diet but we both found it too lean. The rest of the food looks like something from Alain Ducasse's Spoon and I mention this in a good way. There are 9 items each on our set luncheons which include chilled, marinated duck tongues which used to gross me out but they turned out to be delicious; another dish that is worth mentioning was the crispy lobster served on fried rice noodles, the BBQ pork belly and the organic beef rolls. Service was attentive, polite and yet unobtrusive. From what I can see, they almost have two staffs serving one table which can easily create confusion and when it is not busy, the staff might outnumber the patrons.
Last but certainly not the least, the decor is very much French inspired of which I think will create an aristocratic ambiance for any restaurant as long as the food is good and in line with the theme. The chairs are unfortunately cheaply made and seemed really out of place. And just before we left, one of the waiters reminded us of the cakes in the fridge and they were retrieved in no time. I am personally more impressed with this kind of thoroughness than having my tea refilled every two minutes.
As this is my first review on this forum, I really don't want to step on anybody's toes but there there is a review that I read recently which left me fuming. It would occur to me that he is more interested in impressing his partner than the quality, preparation and presentation of the food. He complained of the excessive use of MSG but I had no problem with this. He failed to get a window table but I did even though my reservation was made from Canada and I was only informed that I would be seated by the window should such a table became available. Just out of curiosity, I wondered if this forum member tried to find out the reason from the Manager or better yet, discreetly slipped $500 into the hands of the hostess and I guarantee you that oiling the palm works every time.
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