rzunr的个人专页

The SettingSunday night. Not really feeling like visiting my usual haunts in TST so I decided to visit Tonikaku since I hadn't tried them since their recent renovation.I'm greeted by a brand new, somewhat ominous (albeit interesting) entrance. The heavy door opens to reveal a warm, inviting dining room, definitely a grade up from the previous design. The louban recognises me and whisks me away into the private "room" at the back of the shop. Inside, I'm disappointed to find that the renovation hasn't had quite the same effect as the main dining area, but I'm here to focus on the food so let's move on...The FoodI start with some appetisers and pick a few that are interesting; natto with mountain potato, konnyaku with miso and some vegi I don't quite remember (but was good). They were served quickly and hit the spot. The konnyaku wasn't quite as supple as I would have liked but the others made up for the shortcoming.Next we have a perennial favourtie, grilled eggplant with sweet miso. It's not the most difficult dish to prepare and certainly less daring of an order, but I can't deny that there's something quite addictive about combination of the overpowering miso taste fused with the muted fleshy texture of the eggplant.I wasn't really expecting much for this since many restaurants tend to use ready-made (read: frozen) oysters but surprisingly the ones at Tonikaku were either a) freshly made, or b) of higher ready-made quality as to mask its ready-madeness (terrible word so apologies). In any case, well worth the price.On the other hand, I had seriously high expectations for this dish. No restaurant should serve beef liver sashimi without being confident in its quality and flavour. You'd be asking for a whole lot of trouble if anyone were to contract a disease so I didn't expect Tonikaku to take this dish lightly. Fortunately they came through, and the sashimi had a wonderfully subtle and clean (or better put, pure) taste of liver that no cooked liver could ever hope to match. I'll give a smiley face for this one.Only towards the end did Tonikaku fail to impress. The fish cakes were below par (hard to do since they're ready-made) and the fried vegi was very average. Was it an off day? Perhaps, so I wouldn't discount them outright, but these are very basic dishes that should have been of higher quality.ConclusionOverall, the meal was above my expectations and the always eccentric owner (he was wearing a Dragon Ball tshirt and sports an afro) entertained in just the right doses so a return visit is definitely warranted. If you're looking for a down-to-earth, authentic Japanese izakaya I would say Tonikaku stands out as somewhat of hidden gem. Give it a try.…查看更多

The SettingNews had reached me that Starbucks would donate all (as in, every single dollar) proceeds from sales between 3pm~5pm on Friday to Japan via World Vision. How could I, being so close to Japan not do my part and help? I couldn't, and neither could all the folks from my office. So off I went at 3:20.I expected a line, but nothing like this.I ended up waiting for 40 minutes to get to the counter. It was drizzling and cold outside, yet all these people were lining up, waiting to donate their money for a good cause. It was really a great sight to see.Once inside, I was once again greeted with a huge crowd, patiently waiting for their drinks.While I was waiting for my nine drinks (always for for their short espresso-based drinks; the flavour's better and stronger) I saw a lot of people making multi-drink orders. Some orders were into the thousands of dollars, which again is a heartwarming thing to see.This post is less of a food review and more of a supportive shout-out to Starbucks and Maxim/Coffee Concepts for doing the right thing and using their brand to get the community involved.The only thing they could do better is to start recycling! …查看更多

The SettingIn another attempt to eat outside of my immediate work vicinity I decided to trek (10 minutes or so) to this apparent institution in Sheung Wan at around noon. It's typical of any lower-end restaurant; cramped, loud, moderately clean and not much service. With expectations set, I ordered the Tomato Pork Chop Rice.The DishThe dish certainly isn't the best looking meal I've had but we all know judging based on looks is wrong, particularly at this price point (though to be fair, at $42 it's not exactly cheap either). Digging right in, I knew I was in for a treat. The pork chop was quite well flavoured, and not too oily, atypical of pork chops I usually eat. The sauce was oozing with tomato sauce that was naturally sweetened by the tomato as opposed to copious amounts of ketchup and sugar.The generous portions of tomatoes and pork make this a winner, though at $42 I'm not sure I could necessarily claim this to be the best in class.ConclusionWould I go again? I think I will. This is definitely a no-frills establishment, but the history and above average quality and flavour, and the location is quant (back streets of Sheung Wan) so the walk there and back is a nice stroll during a warm, sunny day.…查看更多

The SettingCramped, hole-in-a-wall place, though admittedly cosy and welcoming. I went for lunch, and while I didn't have to wait long to be seated, the food easily took more than 20 minutes to arrive so those in a rush beware.The FoodDespite being known for their Fish & Chips, I opted for their pie instead. I've always found deep fried fish to be too greasy, not just here but in general. I ordered the Beef and Onion Pie with a side of chips and baked beans.The pie was surprisingly good. Plenty of flavour, tender beef and buttery crust. Ditto for the chips (with and without vinegar). Those of you expecting crispy chios take heed; these are traditionally made so soft better describes these more accurately. The baked beans were nothing to write home about but the primary items were sufficiently good to lead to a satisfying meal.The Somewhat UglyThe primary cooking method is deep-frying, which means the smell of oil hangs thick in the air. You will come out of here smelling like you just manned the grease fryer at a diner. Those of you who have important meetings after lunch may want to consider takeout. The other issue is price. I've always believe the prerequisite for comfort food would be good value, and Chippy teaters on the edge in terms of affordability. I ended up paying $100, which isn't expensive, but is pricey enough that I wouldn't make this place a regular spot.That said, the food does come across as genuine (a notion supported by my Brit colleagues) so if you want to splurge a little once a week, Chippy should be strongly considered.…查看更多

The SettingQuick lunch break in Central. I had exhausted my wonton/congee options in my immediate area so I wanted to try something new. The places on Wyndham are preposterously overrated (and pricey) so I decided to try this joint. The place is fairly typical; cramped, brightly lit and not particularly comfortable. Does it matter? Not really, since you're going for cheap, quick food. So long as it's clean (which it is) I think ambiance takes a backseat.The FoodDespite how busy the place was, the food arrived relatively quickly. Presentation, like ambiance isn't really a factor for a restaurant like this. More important is if the food is properly cooked and is served piping hot. Check for both.Next, flavour. The noodles were just about right. The wontons were correctly proportioned (i.e. not so massive you have to eat it in 2~3 parts) and really fresh and tasty. The soup wasn't too oily and had the right amount of flavour without the overpowering MSG so check there as well. The ngau lam was where I was disappointed. It was somewhat tough and lacked the punch one would expect from meat that has been stewing for ages. Maybe it was an off-day so I wouldn't discount it outright, but next to the wonton it really didn't impress.ConclusionIf you're looking for a quick, tasty and cheap meal this place certainly delivers. I admit I was quite conservative with my first order, but I intend to return and try out there rather extensive menu in the coming weeks.…查看更多

Some backgroundMy family and I have been dedicated patrons of Nishimura since he was still at Royal Garden. Does this mean I'm biased? Sure, but it should also demonstrate that he serves the kind of food that deserves dedication. Which is why I'm puzzled with the overly negative posts on OR. I think this restaurant deserves better and I'm going to start by posting my review.The FoodLike all restaurants, Nishimura shines in some areas and fails in others. Sashimi and sushi, omakase meals and seafood are generally very strong points of Mr. Nishimura. Certainly very fresh and always interesting, these can be considered the staples of his menu. The images attached are from their omakase during CNY and they really don't do the food justice. Fresh sashimi, well stewed radish, sweet Japanese melons, the entire meal was a pleasure to consume and for the price, well worth it.Not as strong are Nishimura's more traditional/simple offerings. Rice dishes tend to be overshadowed by the superiority of the staples, and yakitori come across as an afterthought. I certainly wouldn't dine with the sole purpose of eating these dishes, but as complimentary items they don't offend nor please.That said, it really is all about the seafood and omakase here. At this price, the quality you get is first-class and rivals many of the top Japanese restaurants in HK. Sit at the sushi bar and order away to your heart's content.The ServiceI can understand the comments regarding service to a degree. Nishimura staff tend to cater far more to their return customers than first-time patrons, but of late I have noticed a clear improvement in this area. Additionally, Mrs. Nishimura is always welcoming and makes the place more accessible.DecorNot much to be said in this department. Fairly no-frills and traditionally Japanese. As with all restaurants at this level, hygiene and cleanliness is of utmost importance, and Nishimura passes.ConclusionThere are plenty of options for sashimi/sushi at this price range (think Hiro sushi, Tomi sushi, maybe kenjo) but to be honest, Nishimura sits outside of the limelight while serving great food, perfect for those looking for quality over jazz.…查看更多

The SituationI usually stay on Kowloon side for food (closer to home, familiarity, better value, more choices) but one of the few exceptions is Brasserie on the Eighth at the Conrad Hotel. I've been a patron for years for dinner, but oddly I had never tried their supposedly famous Sunday Brunch. Time to make amends and rectify the situation. Note: I can't comment on Nicholinis, which shares the buffet with Brasserie.ServiceFirst off, despite the good food, the primary reason I keep going back is because of the impeccable service. They always remember a face, seat us in our favourite seats, provide all the bells and whistles for special occasions and pay attention at all times. I always feel good after a meal there. The brunch experience is no different.The FoodIn a word, great. The selection is vast, everything is fresh, the foie gras is delectable the overall there's something for everyone. The seafood (crayfish, oysters, etc) were fresh (they kind of have to be) so no complaints there. Admittedly not everything was perfect; the pasta, despite coming from Nicholinis was not very good and had a strong oily flavour, and the breads were quite hard, but I suppose perfection isn't synonymous with buffets so I can't really complain.I drove to brunch so I couldn't really take advantage of the endless champagne, but for those you can the price should be of much better value.Odds & EndsI have to say, in terms of price, I think the fact that I didn't drink the champagne put a dent in the value of the buffet. One can only eat so much at a buffet but drinking's a different matter altogether. I'm tempted to say the Harbourside Sunday brunch has an edge on the Brasserie in terms of quality of food, but as an overall experience I'd say the Brasserie experience is tough to beat.Sorry for the lack of photos this time around. Slipped my mind that I would be writing about the meal.…查看更多

I've always wanted to let Hong Kongers know that The Peninsula's The Lobby afternoon tea, while legendary, is not the best that Hong Kong has to offer (at least in my humble opinion). Neither is it the Mandarin Oriental Clipper Lounge. I imagine I'll get quite a few slanderous reactions but I believe the Intercon Harbourside (formerly The Regent) offers the best tea set. Allow me to explain.First, ambiance. While I'll readily admit that The Lobby can't be beat in terms of pure historical glamour, and the Clipper Lounge can't be surpassed in terms of the wealthy patrons it attracts, for me The Harbourside has managed to maintain its subdued opulence that the hotel established many years ago under the Regent brand. I remember visiting the hotel as a child and marveling at the view, the high ceilings and the rich chocolate coloured tiles and marble, the brass railings, everything blending together into a warm and welcoming environment. That it never overstated itself, never felt stuffy or unapproachable, never transformed into a kitschy 5-star experience made it all the more inviting. I believe the same cannot be said about the other locations mentioned above.Next, the set. The bottom line is most top-notch afternoon tea sets are very similar in terms of quality and quantity. In order to differentiate from each other restaurants get inventive, and while there's nothing wrong with that, I often find that creativity doesn't always equal great food. Call me a traditionalist, but I want my scones rich and impossible to each quickly. I want my canapes and sandwiches to be identifiable and enjoyable. And I want my cakes and pastries to be edible, not decorative. When it comes to satisfying MY requirements, The Harbourside ultimately delivers and that alone is a good enough reason to be a loyal customer.One minor issue; the wheat scone took away from the indulgent experience a little. I don't remember seeing that previously, but I suppose it does reflect the health conscious times we're in nowadays.Finally, the service. Service is great at all the great afternoon tea locations. I can't clearly say that one place is superior to the other, but one thing that stands out at the Harbourside is the sense of familiarity the staff exude when I visit. They're not pretentious, and they are highly accommodating. You walk away feeling like you received more attention than the other customers, despite knowing that the personalised service was provided to all.Other thoughts. You get free parking for you drivers out there. I would recommend making reservations ahead of time and if it's full you can get the same set upstairs in the Lobby Lounge.…查看更多

I happened to walk by Yogo on their grand opening day so the place was packed. I had heard about them before but since I live in Kowloon I had never visited them. I thought I'd give them a shot since they seem to be doing alright in HK.My order: Original flavour with strawberries, cornflakes and M&M'sReview: Despite my preference for ice-cream I thought the froyo matched all the fruit toppings well. I was surprised at how much flavour the frozen yogurt had actually. I did think it was a little on the light side. Once you eat the froyo with toppings you can't really taste the yogurt flavour much, but overall it was a refreshing and light dessert.Other comments: I thought that fact that the door didn't shut properly was a nuisance. Argyle street is kind of loud so the staff had to keep closing the door. The place is nice and spacious so it's a good place to walk in to relax and enjoy some dessert.I'll have to come back next time and try out the other flavours and toppings.…查看更多