jcacdays's Profile

The perpetual queues at Little Cove Espresso, rain or shine, finally make sense after multiple visits. This buzzing café transforms into a theatre of sorts, especially on weekends, with its indoor and outdoor spaces staging different stories through dining experiences.The minimalist design provides an elegant canvas for their artfully presented dishes. Each plate showcases a thoughtfully curated palette of colours using fresh, raw ingredients, from vegetables to house-made sauces.The coffee selection here is nothing short of exceptional. From the precisely extracted Short Black to the refreshingly innovative Coffee Tonic, each cup tells its own story. The Barista's Breakfast and their House Blend choices further cement their reputation as a haven for coffee enthusiasts, demonstrating both technical expertise and creative flair.Their Breakfast Bowl arrives as a vibrant assembly of scrambled eggs, avocado, rocket, roasted cherry tomatoes, hazelnut dukkah, roasted sweet potato, feta, and Aleppo pepper - a fresh, wholesome start to any day. Their Smoked Salmon on Sourdough Rye shines with exceptionally fresh salmon, complemented perfectly by za'atar spice, rocket, labneh and lemon.The Chicken Sourdough emerges as the standout dish, where the verdant sauce is thoughtfully composed of the same ingredients that grace the plate. This emerald-hued purée - likely blending herbs and greens similar to the garnishing rocket and other fresh elements - creates both a visual and flavourful foundation for the grilled all-natural spiced chicken. The dish is artfully constructed with ribbons of fresh zucchini, creamy avocado, and crumbled feta, all harmoniously arranged with microgreens. The circular composition leads the eye around the plate, while the vibrant green sauce provides an artistic sweep across the rustic ceramic canvas.The Middle Eastern Lamb shows creative promise in its composition with turmeric cauliflower, roasted chickpeas, pumpkin hummus, kale, dried cranberry, sumac, and mint yogurt, though the lamb shoulder was slightly dry. The French Toast remains tantalisingly on our must-try list - a brioche creation with pistachio, mascarpone, rose, cinnamon, and honey that we've seen gracing nearly every table. Unfortunately, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs every time we visited the place. …Read More

Tucked away in the East Wing of Sam Ka Tsuen Ferry Pier at Shung Shun Street, this branch of Crab Fairy caught our attention for its spectacular waterfront location. Through an OpenRice special offer, we secured the Exquisite Seafood Set at HK$449 (plus an additional $60 welcome discount) – a significant reduction from its original $899 price tag.The restaurant's location is its first striking feature – perched by the water, diners enjoy meals with expansive sea views that create the illusion of dining aboard a ship. The outdoor area, reminiscent of a traditional ship's deck, provides excellent photo opportunities. ***The restaurant's design presents an interesting paradox. The owner's dedication to creating a unique dining space is evident in the meticulous attention to decorative details. However, the interior design presents an interesting contrast – an attempt to blend Japanese elements with rustic countryside aesthetics that, while ambitious, doesn't quite achieve cohesion.The dining concept itself aims high, structured as a fine-dining experience with individually timed course presentations. Each dish arrives separately, orchestrated by attentive staff – a thoughtful approach that raises expectations for an elegant meal. However, this carefully crafted experience met an unexpected challenge in the form of a boisterous neighbouring table. In the intimate, enclosed dining space, their enthusiasm became impossible to ignore, creating a stark contrast to the refined service style. This clash between the intended ambiance and reality somewhat diminished our enjoyment of the carefully timed presentations.The Crab Roe Fish Skin is a crunchy and must-have snack to start the meal. The DIY sauce station adds a nice interactive element to the meal, letting diners customise flavours to their preference. You can craft your own personalised dipping sauce by selecting from an array of condiments.The food quality presents its own set of contrasts. The meal opens strongly with impressively fresh Canadian Wild Spot Prawns Sashimi and New Zealand Scallop Sashimi. However, as the courses progressed, we encountered some inconsistencies. The Busan Wild Spot Eel crossed the line into overcooked territory, while the oysters carried a noticeable fishy taste that suggested less-than-optimal freshness. The Wild Crab and Cordyceps Flower Sliced Chicken, however, demonstrated the kitchen's capabilities at their best.Here's where the price point becomes crucial to the overall assessment. At the heavily discounted rate we paid, these imperfections become much more forgivable. The value proposition shifts significantly in the diner's favour, making it easier to overlook the restaurant's shortcomings. Had we paid full price, our expectations and subsequent disappointments might have weighed more heavily.The service remains a consistent bright spot, with staff showing genuine warmth and attentiveness throughout our meal. Their thoughtful gestures, like offering to take photos and extra explanations, add welcome personal touches to the experience.…Read More

Like the rhythm of waves against the pier, Hung Kee has become my regular refuge where memories are made over steaming dim sum baskets and fresh catches of the day. Perched along Sai Kung's waterfront, this establishment offers more than just meals – it's a front-row seat to the daily theatre of seaside life.***In the morning light, the traditional dim sum service carries the charm of old Hong Kong. There's something special about carrying your own tray, selecting bamboo baskets that catch your eye, each lift of the lid revealing steaming treasures within. It's a ritual that newer establishments have largely abandoned, but here, it preserves the joy of discovery that makes dim sum so delightful.As evening approaches, the restaurant transforms into nature's perfect viewpoint. The sunset paints the sky in watercolour hues, while fishing boats return with their day's bounty, and tourist ferries glide across the waters. The parade of dogs with their owners along the promenade adds to the endless entertainment – from tiny poodles to gentle giants, each contributing to Sai Kung's unique character.The seafood selection (海鮮加工) is a testament to Hong Kong's maritime heritage. Start your meal with their exquisite sashimi platter – fresh cuts from fish you can personally select from their tanks, transformed into pristine slices that rival any Japanese restaurant. With just a small cooking fee (豉油費), the tanks of live fish and shellfish become your personal menu. Their signature dishes are absolute must-tries: the salt and pepper mantis shrimp (椒鹽賴尿蝦) and abalone (椒鹽鮑魚) are executed to perfection – crispy, aromatic, and utterly addictive.The cheese-baked lobster with e-fu noodles (芝士龍蝦伊麵) is a crowd favourite – the succulent lobster meat and golden cheese crust perfectly complementing the springy noodles beneath. A personal favourite that never disappoints is their scallops with garlic (蒜蓉元貝) – plump, juicy scallops bathed in perfectly toasted garlic, creating a harmonious blend that keeps me coming back time after time. For a true test of their seafood prowess, order the steamed giant grouper (蒸龍躉) – its flesh, tender and sweet, speaks volumes about the restaurant's commitment to freshness.For those who might feel overwhelmed by the choices or prefer a curated experience, their set menus offer well-balanced combinations of their signature dishes at various price points. Whether it's fresh sashimi that makes you feel like you're dining in Japan, or a traditional Cantonese preparation, each dish carries the freshness of the sea mere steps away.But what truly makes Hung Kee special is its people. The staff greet regulars like family, remember preferences, and make newcomers feel instantly welcome. They're quick with recommendations and happy to explain dishes to curious visitors. This warmth transforms a simple meal into a homecoming.Like a lighthouse guiding ships to harbour, Hung Kee stands as a beacon of Sai Kung's dining scene. It's where the locals gather, where friends meet, and where the essence of this fishing town lives on – in its food, its views, and most importantly, its heart.…Read More

Tucked away on quiet On Lan Street, just steps from Central's clamour, Arcane - meaning mysterious or understood by few - lives up to its name. We chose it for a special occasion, seeking a space where quiet refinement would match the moment. The decision proved inspired.The restaurant unfolds as an intimate sanctuary, where the open kitchen lets diners observe the culinary team orchestrating each service with precision. Their focused movements become part of the evening's theatre - each careful movement and thoughtful plating adding layers to the dining experience. The bar, a colourful canvas of carefully curated spirits, sets the stage for what's to come.Our evening began with a 2016 Burgundy Chardonnay, its maturity evident in developed tertiary notes - hints of honey and toasted nuts dancing with the wine's still-vibrant acidity and characteristic minerality. Time has treated this vintage kindly, lending complexity while maintaining freshness.The four-course menu (HK$880) opens with Japanese fruit tomato, where pine nut butter creates a rich foundation for the delicate interplay of yuba and miso. Basil oil adds aromatic depth, while mizuna provides a peppery finish - a composition that speaks of thoughtful balance.The second act brings sautéed potato gnocchi, pillowy clouds draped in hazelnut cream sauce. Fresh girolles and Japanese leeks provide earthiness, while black truffle shavings perfume each bite with their intoxicating fragrance.For mains, the aquna murray cod proves masterful - its flesh creamy against the earthy morel ragout, while broad beans and noirmoutier potatoes provide textural contrast. Yet the mayura wagyu 7+ rump cap steals the show, its marbling creating a buttery canvas for caramelised sweet potato and daikoku shimeji, the gremolata cutting through richness with bright precision.Dessert arrives as a poetic finale - yuzu and lemon posset paired with white chocolate tuile and blood orange-yoghurt ice cream. Like a cool breeze across still waters, it refreshes and cleanses, ending the meal on a note of elegant lightness.***In Arcane's quiet dining room, away from Central's ceaseless rhythm, each dish tells its own story - chapters in an evening of refined gastronomy where technique meets tranquility.…Read More

Here, in this liminal space between city and sea, Winstons claims its perfect corner at the entrance of See Cheung Street. The café's striking modern façade draws the eye - illuminated white signage floating against matte black brick walls, while its ingenious open window design dissolves the boundary between inside and out. The window counter becomes a threshold where coffee lovers perch between worlds, suspended between Sai Kung's maritime charm and urban rhythm.The short blacks are served in forest-green saucers, each paired with a house-made biscotti. The freshly ground coffee shows precision in its brewing - clear, bright, and served at the perfect temperature. Each cup offers pure, unmasked flavour that speaks to the care taken from bean to brew.The Espresso Martini arrives in a coupe glass, its dark depths crowned with a perfect creamy head, creating an elegant two-toned effect. The foam is thick enough for a coffee bean to rest on its surface - a testament to proper technique.The Piccolo Latte displays masterful latte art with a crisp heart pattern floating on its surface. The micro-foam achieves an elusive silky texture that marks a skilled barista's touch.***The drinks showcase the café's dedication to craft beverages: each cup offers meditation - a moment to pause as fishing boats sketch their slow paths across the harbour and street life ebbs and flows like tide. …Read More

Where Wai Ching meets Jordan Road, this charming corner sparkles with festive lights, offering a cozy retreat from the city's bustle. As the sun streams through the windows, it catches the effervescence of our lime soda, creating a dance of light and bubbles that sets the tone for our culinary journey.As day softens into evening, the Black Heart Beer arrives, pouring dark and mysterious into its glass. This coffee-infused brew brings sophistication to the table, each sip revealing smooth bubbles carrying deep roasted notes - a liquid melody of coffee and craft beer that lingers pleasantly on the tongue.The first dish arrives as an artful creation - delicate crown-shaped vessels form a perfect circle, nestled in a woven basket. Each golden-brown flour cup surrounds a central teardrop-shaped glass of green bean lemon-lime sauce dotted with fresh herbs. The arrangement creates a natural “nest” - small golden cups embracing their emerald centre. The fried chicken momos emerge as the undisputed stars of the show. Golden-brown and crispy, each bite reveals juicy meat within, while the spicy sauce provides a thrilling kick that elevates these dumplings to memorable heights. The woven bamboo basket itself adds to the "nest" theme, with its intricate crosshatch pattern creating a warm, homey vessel for these comfort-food favourites. Their pork siblings follow close behind, equally crispy and satisfying, creating a delightful dialogue between meat and spice.The BBQ pork platter arrives as a feast for both eyes and palate. The accompanying sides - precisely cut carrots and cucumbers - prove themselves far more than mere garnish. They offer a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the rich, chewy meat. Sizzling on its wooden platter, the buffalo beef arrives with inviting colour and aroma. Again, the thoughtful sides elevate this dish beyond the ordinary.The generous happy hour (3-8pm, buy one get one free) transforms these delightful drinks into a perfect excuse to linger longer, transforming chance meetings into memorable evenings. …Read More

Stumbled upon this gem in Admiralty during a gloomy day, drawn in by the playful red neon lights spelling "La Vache!" and "Steak Frites". The glass doors and casual bistro atmosphere perfectly embody that delightful Parisian insouciance.The meal opens with crusty sourdough baguettes - warm, airy inside with that irresistible crackle outside.  Paired with creamy butter and the house wine (served in charming bottles adorned with "La Vache!" in classic Parisian typography), it sets the perfect tone. These signature bottles, cleverly doubling as decor throughout the space, add to the authentic bistro charm.The concept is beautifully simple: one set menu done exceptionally well. Your journey continues with a crisp green salad, followed by their signature steak dressed in tomato-mustard sauce. Our medium-rare arrived precisely as ordered, pink and tender. The true star? Unlimited golden fries - perfectly salted and maintaining their crunch throughout the meal.Desserts (additional charge) transport you to a Paul Bocuse-style experience with their elegant variety. The fruit tart burst with freshness, while the raspberry ice cream balanced sweet and tart notes masterfully.***Three hours slipped by in true French fashion - noon to 3pm of pure culinary contentment. Sometimes the best finds come when you least expect them.…Read More

Nestled in the city's heart, Shahrazad beckons with promises of Levantine splendour, where culinary mastery meets architectural enchantment. Like its namesake storyteller, the restaurant weaves a tale of sensory delights, transforming mere dining into an evening of Arabian magical realism.Step through the threshold and witness how the interplay of golden and azure illumination mirrors the restaurant's digital presence with uncommon fidelity. Ornate Middle Eastern lamps cast their spell overhead, their brass filigree work painting the space with dancing shadows, whilst creating an ethereal atmosphere that whispers tales of distant bazaars.The thoughtfully arranged space offers a choice between traditional majlis-style floor seating and contemporary tables accompanied by chairs bearing intricately woven patterns, each arrangement paying homage to Lebanese hospitality whilst ensuring modern comfort.The carefully curated wine list speaks of both Lebanese terroir and international vineyards. Our server's recommendation, a graceful pour at HK$120, revealed a symphony of dark fruit notes harmonising with subtle spices, perfectly complementing the robust flavours to follow.Mix Hummus Platter: A vibrant trilogy arrives in handcrafted ceramic vessels: a rose-hued beetroot creation crowned with glistening cubes of its namesake; classic chickpea hummus adorned with whole legumes and dusted with paprika; and a verdant pistachio variation scattered with toasted nuts and fresh herbs. Two pillowy rounds of fresh-baked pita stand ready to escort these silken purées to eager palates.Lamb Maddi: The culinary crescendo arrives upon a gleaming golden charger - a magnificent lamb shank, slow-cooked to sublime tenderness, perched atop a bed of vermicelli rice pilaf. The theatrical tableside service sees aromatic gravy cascading over the meat, whilst pearl onions, carrots, and golden potatoes nestle around the shank, drinking deeply of the rich sauce. The lamb, surrendering willingly from the bone, finds its perfect companion in the pilaf - a harmonious marriage of fragrant basmati and toasted vermicelli. A scatter of fresh parsley and toasted almonds provides the final flourish, bringing brightness and textural contrast to this masterful composition.Mixed Grill: The feast concludes with an artfully portioned selection featuring succulent cuts of pork, chicken, and beef, each bearing the kiss of the grill whilst maintaining their succulent nature. The accompanying yoghurt sauce offers a bright, tangy counterpoint to the smoky depth of the grilled meats, achieving that elusive balance between richness and refreshing levity.…Read More

Hotaru delivers a captivating contemporary Japanese dining experience, centred around a theatrical 16-course tasting menu that is both refined and of remarkable value. From the elegant, firefly-lit interior to the exceptional "two dine, one dines free" promotion complete with free-flow of sake, the restaurant impresses on every level. Standout dishes, including theatrically smoked tuna and exquisitely fresh sashimi, highlight the kitchen's commitment to high-quality ingredients and skilled preparation, making this place a highly recommended destination for a sophisticated culinary journey. Illuminated Hotaru (螢火) script dances above carefully curated bonsai, welcoming guests into a realm of refined elegance.Upon entering, Hotaru immediately captivates with its elegant dining space, illuminated by a mesmerising firefly light installation. The restaurant is centred around three open counter sections, offering theatrical views of the chefs at work. It is here the remarkable 16-course journey begins.We opted for the HK$1,380 set menu, which represents extraordinary value with its current "two dine, one dines free" promotion, featuring grilled dishes (焼き物) and including free-flow sake.The experience is personalised from the outset, with a chance to select your own sake vessel; we chose beautiful cups from the Sakura (桜) collection.Shirayuki's refined Japanese sake (白雪 - Shirayuki), a premium brew dating back to 1550 from Hyogo Prefecture, flows freely in elegant glass vessels nestled in hand-carved ice.AppetiserCrab with Shiso (紫蘇) and Konnyaku (蒟蒻): A masterful opening act. The delicate crab meat, crowned with aromatic shiso flowers, was perfectly balanced by the tangy konnyaku, creating a refreshing and unique start.Octopus (水蛸) with Salmon Roe: Delightfully tender octopus, its subtle flavour lifted by the bright pop of salmon roe and a hint of lemon.Sashimi SelectionA quintet of oceanic treasures, showcasing exceptional freshness and preparation.Wild Yellowtail (平政魚) with Uni (雲丹): A luxurious parcel where the clean taste of wild yellowtail beautifully enveloped the rich, creamy uni, all tied together with a fresh shiso leaf.Cold-Poached Abalone (鮑魚): Poached to perfection, the abalone boasted a wonderfully soft and pliant texture, complemented by a simple, clean seaweed garnish.Silver Cod (銀鱈魚) with Fugu (河豚) Chives: The cod was silky smooth, its delicate flavour enhanced by a dusting of egg powder and the mild sharpness of fugu chives.Smoked Tuna (鮪) with Caviar: The highlight of the course, presented with theatrical flair. A rich egg yolk base prevented the tuna from drying as it was infused with rosemary smoke under a glass cloche, resulting in a deeply aromatic and flavourful bite.Grilled CourseWhite Conger Eel (白鱔) with Shiso: The eel possessed a pleasant, springy texture and clean flavour, though it leaned towards being slightly firm.Simmered DishWagyu (和牛) Cheek with Daikon (大根): Incredibly tender Wagyu cheek that melted in the mouth, served in a robustly flavoured soy broth that was just a touch salty.Sushi SelectionThe savoury interlude, presented on a beautiful platter with house-pickled daikon, burdock root (牛蒡), and ginger – their bright acidity and earthy notes offering a refined palate-cleansing moment in our progression.Hokkaido Scallop (帶子): Exceptionally sweet and fresh, served atop perfectly seasoned and fragrant sushi rice.Cured Mackerel (〆鯖 - Shime Saba): The fish exhibits a delicate balance of natural oils and vinegar cure, its flesh maintaining a pearlescent gleam and supple texture, though the seasoning could be slightly more assertive. Deep-Sea Grunt Fish (池魚) with Karasumi (からすみ): An elegant piece, with the rich, saline notes of the karasumi providing a sophisticated counterpoint to the fish.Toro (とろ): As expected, a truly luxurious bite. The fatty tuna was exquisitely tender and simply melted in the mouth.Wagyu (和牛): A reliably delicious offering, showcasing the beef's nice marbling.Hand RollUni (雲丹) with Nori (海苔): Impressively fresh and creamy sea urchin, its sweetness shining through in this classic gunkanmaki.Finishing CoursesSeafood and Tofu Soup: A comforting and warming broth that served as a gentle transition before dessert.Sashimi Selection (刺身盛り合わせ): Unable to resist our lingering cravings, we ordered this additional sashimi platter at the price of $300 - a decision that proves entirely justified. Kinmedai (金目鯛 - Splendid Alfonsino), Toro (とろ/拖羅 - Fatty Tuna Belly), and Hotate (帶子 - Scallop) compose this pristine assortment. Each slice demonstrates impeccable knife work, with the Kinmedai offering a rich, buttery mouthfeel, while the Toro melts on the tongue with its characteristic marbled decadence. The Hotate delivers that coveted natural sweetness and supple texture that marks the height of its season. Matcha (抹茶) Ice Cream: A clean and refreshing finale, providing a perfectly pitched end to the meal.Serradura (木糠布甸): Delicate layers of whipped cream and pulverised Marie biscuits create this "sawdust pudding", achieving textural harmony between silken cream and fine cookie dust. A thoughtful birthday presentation offers an elegant finale to the meal.…Read More

Nestled in California Tower, where Wong Kar-Wai's cinematic spirit lingers, this atmospheric venue hosts local bands that keep the night alive. With thoughtfully crafted cocktails and contemporary Asian fusion bites, it's a proper spot where Hong Kong's musical heart beats strong. …Read More

The perfect beachfront location sets the mood for an exceptional dining experience. Ocean breezes complement the authentic consistently excellent dishes.The cocktail selection adds to the coastal charm, perfect for sipping while watching the sunset over the water. What truly elevates this place is the warmth of service - from the attentive manager to the friendly waitstaff, everyone makes you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just a customer.Even the resident cats add to the laid-back Mediterranean atmosphere, creating that authentic seaside taverna feel. The whole experience is wonderfully relaxing - it's the kind of place where you can easily spend hours just soaking in the ambiance.…Read More

The dishes here showcase the natural excellence of premium ingredients, requiring no additional sauces to shine. The kitchen's mastery lets the inherent flavors speak for themselves - from perfectly cooked proteins to vibrant vegetables, every element stands confidently on its own merit.The cocktail menu is equally impressive, featuring creative concoctions that balance unique flavors harmoniously. Their mixologists clearly understand the art of complementary tastes, crafting drinks that both surprise and delight.Beyond the exceptional food and drinks, the warm ambiance and genuinely friendly staff create an inviting atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home. The restaurant strikes that perfect balance between refined dining and comfortable charm.This place is a testament to how simplicity, when executed with expertise, can create an unforgettable dining experience. Also kids friendly. …Read More

My recent visit to this cafe was remarkably disappointing. Despite clearly stating I only needed a quick coffee, what followed was an hour-long ordeal for just two cups of coffee. After waiting for 50 minutes, when we inquired about expediting our order, we were met with an accusatory response - they insisted we would need to pay even if we didn't drink the coffee, apparently fearing we might leave without paying.The situation worsened when they actively discouraged our order of siphon coffee, pushing us toward americano instead, claiming our original choice was "too complicated." While this establishment clearly aims to present itself as sophisticated, their handling of customers and forceful attempt to modify orders completely contradicts any notion of refinement they're trying to maintain.The combination of poor service, lack of trust in customers, and their insistence on changing orders makes for an extremely uncomfortable dining experience. Their pretentious atmosphere falls flat when paired with such unprofessional service standards.Rating: ⭐ (out of 5)Pros: NoneCons:- Extremely slow service- Poor customer service attitude- Forcefully changing customer orders- Evident distrust of customersVerdict: Not recommended. Save yourself the time and frustration by finding another cafe. …Read More