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2014-08-24
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Restoration is a restaurant in Hong Kong that serves up Creole-inspired cuisine, a type of cuisine typically identified with New Orleans in the United States and has Spanish, French, and Italian, amongst many other, influences. I've never tried Creole cuisine before and therefore can't comment on the authenticity of the dishes in this restaurant, but I can say that I enjoyed both the unique atmosphere and the tasty, flavourful food.Stepping into the restaurant, you'll immediately feel as if you'
Stepping into the restaurant, you'll immediately feel as if you've been transported back in time. The decor of the place features antique-looking furniture, dim lighting, wooden tables, stained glass, beautiful glassware and crockery galore. There were even two sacks of millet and red/blue wooden shutters greeting us at the entrance, creating an exceptionally warm and homely ambience.Restoration offers a number of set lunch deals depending on budget , and you can add an optional HK$20 for drinks.
For my starter, I had the Watermelon & Tomato Salad, combined with the extra ingredients of roquette (argula), pickled onions, mushrooms, feta cheese and a balsamic vinaigrette dressing. This dish was refreshing and flavourful-exactly like summer on a plate! I especially liked the combination of the tangy crumbly feta cheese, balsamic and sweet watermelon mixed together to create an explosion of flavours.
Next up came my main, the Crab Po' Boy - a submarine-style sandwich with a deliciously crispy soft- shell crab nestled in between toasted baguette , lettuce, and tomato slices. A spicy aioli-like sauce was served alongside the sandwich. The portion of the soft-shell crab was very generous- in fact, it spilled out of the bread and I had to end up eating the sandwich with my cutlery! The crab was deliciously crunchy, juicy and plump, with that distinct egg-yolk-like taste permeating from the meat of the crab, and the batter was crisp but not too overly oily. Paired with the spicy sauce, this was definitely a flavourful dish- comfort food at its best!
My mom ordered the Seafood Gumbo - a thick soup served with rice. Although it was served in a fairly small container, it's actually quite a filling dish! Gumbo gets its distinctive flavour from the roux ( a mix of flour and oil), and the seafood was plentiful and tasty. There's also a kick of Tabasco in the dish which makes it really appetising and not too heavy on the stomach afterwards.
My mom's seared tuna was also delicious and fresh-tasting, but not something I would personally order in this restaurant as I view it as a pretty common dish served in more typical Western eateries.
Overall, I had a nice meal at Restoration- the prices are pretty reasonable considering the location and the dishes and cuisine are unique to what is currently at offer in Hong Kong. Next time I hope to come for their delicious-looking brunches or perhaps their all-you-can-eat fried chicken Tuesdays!Post
