NewYorkStyle's Profile

So a big group of us decided to celebrate a birthday at the Press Room, big mistake. First and for most I guess the new trend now in HK is any restaurant that resembles one you might find in NYC is hip, believe you me most of these places in NYC are below par so copying the idea, menu and theme is a disaster unto itself. So lets start with how the night went down hill just from the wines, we had them open at least 5 bottles and returned them all as they all tasted like cheap vinegar (note we chose wines from S. America, France, USA...All bad) they need to re think their list or get a real wine Sommelier. On to the food, we all found the menu to be simple and somewhat boring nothing really was a "signature" or special. I ended up having grilled seafood (over priced for the portion) it was good but then again how hard is it to mess up grilled seafood? Some of our party chose the wagyu beef burger, now a burger is very difficult to mess up yet they managed to mess up on a few of the temperatures so new ones had to be ordered and at that point they came back to tell us that they ran out of wagyu and can make new ones with regular ground beef! So you can imagine how thrilled the guests were who chose the wagyu and got chuck instead. Lastly the desserts, they actually have a "pastry executive chef" yet the desserts were bland, boring, cold when they should be hot and hot when they should be cold. We were a big enough group that we all chose a different dessert and tasted everyones and we all came to the conclusion that the pastry chef was not doing them any favours, maybe pre made desserts would work out better for them and the customers. The only pleasant thing about the evening was the service the waiters were attentive polite and non-pushy. What a bad birthday dinner!…Read More

I have to say I have been to Watermark now on a few occasions and was actually surprised to find the food much better than I initial expected, thinking they would could concentrate less on this as they have such a special location as with most of the IGOR Group establishments it is more miss than hit. I was however a little disappointed with the CNY set dinner first and foremost it was expensive approx. $800 a person and the choices were lacking for example to start you got a celery soup (nice and light and tasty) and then a type of salmon sashimi (well presented and choice cuts of fish) but you did not have an option to choose from. Amuse bouche was a kumquat sorbet which they should have just not bothered serving as the taste was sour and unflattering on the palette in fact almost everyone at the table took a bite, made a face and left it. Note to kitchen sometimes less is more and stick to real fruits for sorbet. 3 choices of mains lamb, steak and cod. I was upset to find out a delicious fish such as cod (and endangered) was served in a bouillabaisse reduction, again don't frou frou the food go simple. So I had the lamb which in general I do not order in restaurants as they seem to always under cook it , which was the case but they solved the temperature and it ended up being quite delicate in flavor yet hearty and filling. Dessert was nice (can't remember what as I don't have a sweet tooth) but wish they had at least 2 choices for dessert.As far as the wines they had nothing priced in a mid range as we were a large group that can drink and went through a number of bottles so our choices were low priced and awful or extremely high priced and decent, so nothing in between.All in all it was a nice dinner and everyone in the restaurant had a great view of the fireworks as the wind was blowing the smoke towards the island and away from us. I do wish they had more choices to choose from and or allowed you to order off the a la carte menu as prix fixe menus only cheat the diner out of the restaurant experience and burn a large hole in their pocket.…Read More

I have been to Isola many times and I will say the highlight is sitting on their terrace and looking at the view of Kowloon. The design of the restaurant is nice very modern with clean lines but this is all they really have going for them. The food has steadily been going down hill and why they consider themselves Italian is beyond me. Just because the name Isola is Italian and all the dishes have Italian names and descriptions? The best thing on the menu is their pizza (not an astronomical feat to achieve) also lets remember the common pizza is American especially the way Isola serves it. OK Lets move on to the celebratory luncheon. First off we had to flag down the waiters to get their attention and then on closer inspection all of them had different ways of wearing their uniforms, some had bow ties on others had ties, some had heavy jewelry (a BIG no no in restaurants) one even had his shirt open exposing his chest? It seemed to myself and the people I was with that there was a lack of discipline and order and this was evident as the manager was not to be found. The bread basket was dry and lacking in taste so we HAD to ask the waiter to bring us some oil and vinegar as he did not think to bring it, and yet that still did not help with the stale bread. The people I was with ordered pizzas (the safe bet, but one can have far superior pizzas for less money elsewhere) and I ordered a pasta dish with truffles, pancetta and fava beans. Once upon a dawning of time for Isola this pasta was great and well executed but now everything was over cooked, lacking in taste and the truffles looked like pieces of dirt not very appetizing. All in all the best part of our lunch was not the view as we were indoors but the company and the prosecco we had which comes out of bottle and not processed by the restaurant so they do not get any props for that. In fact I don't think we even left a gratuitous tip which myself and my friends always do, as the service was pitiful. My suggestions to the restaurant don't rely on the view and decor to keep you going, a lot of TLC needs to be put back into the kitchen and food and as far as the service get your manager to do his job and get the staff into tip top shape. Not sure I will be going back anytime soon as I can spend my money more wisely elsewhere.…Read More

I had quite a late dinner at Dozo so considering the sushi & sashimi dishes on the conveyor belt where probably left out for a while and the selection might have been a bit dwindling. All in all though the cuts and freshness were not bad and the creativity of some of the rolls were interesting. The biggest issue with this place was the lack of attention to renovation, walls needed painting, none of the water taps in the bathroom worked, hinges and fixtures were coming off walls and corners. With the prices they charge you think the owners could care a little more that the establishment looks bright, clean and well maintained. The staff too seemed a little unhappy to be working there and were somewhat dragging themselves around. I would go back but maybe for a quick bite for lunch.…Read More

This restaurant is always a great way to escape the hectic peak crowds and tourists. The building itself is magnificent and I always feel like for a second I get transported back in time. Would love to have it as my private residence! The garden is magnificent and huge for HK and I always prefer to sit out there. On to my luncheon...I think the Peak Lookout has one of the better HK Indian cuisines so my companion and I stuck to 2 nice pots of curry 1 chicken vindaloo extra spicy which in fact was not as spicy and he so desired and mine a delicious lamb madras, the meat melted in the mouth and the spices all combined together to give that perfect delicate curryness. We also had a helping of the naan bread with cheese and basil oh wow it was fluffy and gooey and scrumptious. I had a nice glass of chardonnay from Australia that slowly sipped complemented the intense curry flavours. Service was a little off as if the waiters were in a hurry so would take your order and run away even when I you were still ordering so multiple times we had to signal to them to come over for something. All in all I always feel decadent when I dine here and love going back.…Read More

I love the new location so much better, it is brighter, has character and has an outdoor terrace - looking forward to the warmer weather to sit out their and have drinks! The food was great before but now it is superb, I don't think I have had such good Italian food even in New York and that is saying a lot. My company and I enjoyed the following dishes and do recommend starting out with the antipasti dishes (many to choose from and all good), the baby suckling pig, the stroprezzeti (I think I spelt that right) pasta which was like a bolognese cheesey ragout, the osso bucco (make sure to eat the bone marrow that is the best part). Then the desserts the millie folle was a creamy puff pastry delight and the tiramisu perfecto! Their wines were good a big selection to choose from and we were told by the staff that they rotate them so that's good if you like trying wines and always looking for something new to try. Great time had by all and I will definitely be back for more Italian deliciousness. …Read More

I took my fiance for brunch here too have the largest breakfast selection in HK and a wonderful quick Sunday brunch and for me unlimited coffee! We both chose 2 eggs any style with sides. Can not remember what he had exactly but I definitely remember what I had. 2 scrambled eggs, baked beans, 2 sausage patties, grits and English muffin all was very good until I found a black hair in my scrambled eggs...Disgusting and I know it was not mine as I have light hair. So I am wondering does the kitchen wear hairnets and what is their hygiene standards in the kitchen? The staff when I brought this situation to their attention was accommodating and asked if I wanted something else (at that point NO I am turned off my meal but thank you) and they did take my meal off the bill. However I was left hungry and disappointed and now very hesitant to ever go back there, what a shame.…Read More

Not sure quite the cuisine they are going for I want to say International but it felt more like a hodge podge of nothing and the decor was lacking in interest. Also there was not enough to choose from on the menu. We got a pizza which was OK but have had better and some calamari to start that was a little too bready and the dipping sauce was mediocre. I felt too when the bill came that our meal was very pricey and felt very much ripped off. I did however order for home delivery from them once and I will say the "special sets" were well prepared and value for the money and large portions good for leftovers. All in all I will not go back to the actual restaurant but I will order delivery from them when I am not in the mood to cook.…Read More

For all those Americans homesick for their grub or people who feel like have some good greasy comfort food get on over to Dan Ryan's. They were one of the first in HK besides the American Club that could actually make a hamburger , McDonald's does not count, and they have been around for I think over 15 years so that tells you something. I recommend the burger, their juicy ribs, famous chicken strips, rueben sandwich and carrot cake. Don't forget to try the dark muffin in the bread basket it is a nut lovers delight!!! Portions are not typical HUGE American, so one will be happly stuffed not in pain. Oh and the location at Pacific Place perfect for before or after movie dining and shopping.…Read More

Always a yummy Cantonese meal at Yung Kee. What to recommend the roast duck, I love Chinese style duck. Their shark's fin soup is also always a good bet however I have been told by my fiancee that I am no longer allowed to indulge in shark's fin due to the environmental repercussions. I must say I do concur, and so I will miss the rich taste and texture of a decadent sharks fin soup. Another good choice is the steamed grouper Canto style, make sure to order a bowl of rice to dredge with the aromatic juice from the sauce. Can't go wrong with this restaurant and its traditional Chinese fare but be warned it will cost you. …Read More

What a lovely restaurant the decor is simple and to the point loved the drawings of food and drink recipes on the chalk board well done! My date was impressed with their superb whiskey menu. The truffle grilled cheese is delish. I had the roast chicken, yeah I know a bit boring but I was really in the mood for some good home cooked roast chicken, as traveling in China for months my palette was craving something simple and down to Earth. To my pleasure it was so juicy and tasty. We were too full too try the desserts, next time as I will be back for sure.…Read More

Had nice quick meal here and was pleasantly surprised I like the bread and salad they give you complimentary at the start of the meal however every dish is such large portions good for doggie bags (although quite tacky to do). I had the salmon fettuccine, not bad a little to creamy and my date had the ribs a little over cooked. Don't expect too much from this place except a brick o brack of decor, large portions and decent food not bad as a whole.…Read More