Video
Read full review
2015-12-07
1822 views
It is always nice to get ourselves with a decent Sunday lunch under this wonderful bright summer. With recent restaurant week promotion and knowing that Isono is offering a 4 course lunch at only $198+10%, I decided give this Spanish restaurant a try.Located at P M Q at Sheung Wan, mounting up to this mid level area was not easy under this sunny weather. When I arrived Isono, I was all sweating. But when the door was opened, its high ceiling and those natural sunlight shining through really amaz
Located at P M Q at Sheung Wan, mounting up to this mid level area was not easy under this sunny weather. When I arrived Isono, I was all sweating. But when the door was opened, its high ceiling and those natural sunlight shining through really amazed me.
Very frankly telling that I was alone instead of coming with my companion today, the servers somehow showed their empathy and provided a lot warmer service. Having reserved the sofa seat, it was particularly nice to slighted soak up the sunlight which shined through the windows.
Finally got myself settled and prepared to be self-entertained at this lunch, the bread arrived just in time.
Baguette (3.5/5)Single variety in the bucket. Baguette was steaming hot and soft inside, but the crust was a bit too hard to chew. Olive oil was extra virgin and I liked the grassy flavor overflowing in my mouth. A so-so start.
Fresh Japanese Hamachi w/ Tomato, Capers, Olive & Red Onion Dressing (3.5/5)Opting for a cold appetizer that could chill myself up from summer heat, I chose the sliced Hamachi. This fresh sashimi went so smoothly even with just olive oil and salt. However, adding tomato mashes and capers freshens the dish with a tinge of acidity. If to pinpoint this appetizer gave a tad too oily finish, with a real layer of oil painted on the dish.
Green Pea Soup w/ Squid & Black Ink (4/5)Green Pea has brought a lot of bad impression to Hongkongers esp. kids as those frozen peas at grocery store tasted so….bad.
This sandy and viscous soup however was far sweeter and veggy than I expected. The soup was at first all green when served, and it was so fun to mix it with the dirty ink underneath.
Double-cooked Beef Short Ribs w/ Grilled Seasonal Vegetables (3.5/5)Was around 60% full when the main was served (though I had requested to slower down the pace). The short ribs were actually layered with melting fats and collagens and juicy, but I was just too full to finish all. I did enjoy the creamy potato mash (in small portion).
Catalan Cream Foam w/ Pineapple & Toffee Ice-cream (2.5/5)Catalan Cream is another name for Crème Brulee. This foamy presentation was not that appealing to me with its rougher mouthfeel, which differed so much from what a crème brulee should like. It was too monotonous and milky with the toffee ice cream and the pineapples dices were too few to establish an acidic backbone from this sweet dessert.
Service at Isono was warm and friendly. Servers were proactive to start a conversation with you whenever they passed by. They missed the food order twice but had quick followup though.
Isono would be a cozy venue for an easy brunch or family gathering with affordable cost but comfortable environment. The happy hour drinks and tapas are good for your pocket and nice to enjoy at its artistic round bar area.
Post
