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2009-07-13
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After finding Seven Thirty on openrice, we made our way to Tsim Tsa Tsui on Saturday night with high expectations. Despite a little hiccup with finding the restaurant (be careful, there is a block A and block B of the same building!), once inside everything came together wonderfully. With only four tables and a private room, the tiny restaurant is intimate but unpretentious, and the decor is simple but elegant. I brought a bottle of champagne when I heard their corkage fee was only $50, and they
I brought a bottle of champagne when I heard their corkage fee was only $50, and they were even gracious enough to waive that charge. The chilling took a little while, but I think they misunderstood my intentions to immediately chill it in a bucket of ice, and instead placed it in the refrigerator.
We ordered the $380 course (with $50 appetizer upgrade), and the $550 course. For the first course, we had seared scallops and the foie gras on toast. The scallops were seared close to perfection, the taste was poignant and subtle. The foie gras was fantastic! The cut of the piece (thin but more than adequate)was perfectly sized to beautifully juxtapose the crispy outside with the creamy center. I detected a hint of caramelization, but it might have been the refreshing apple underneath. Even the missus, who doesn't usually enjoy foie gras, gobbled the dish up enthusiastically.
Next came the soup and salads. The tomato soup was solid, but not spectacular. It was rich and creamy, but devoid of any special revelation - a safe bet. The salad was a little disappointing. The sesame dressing was actually promising, but the vegetables were not that fresh, and the roasted pinenuts (which I love) sparse.
The apple sorbet that followed was good, a refreshing treat that cleared the palate. It was not overly sweet but had a great fruity taste.
Entrees included their signature Seven-Thirty grilled chicken on a bed of vegetables, and braised wagyu on mashed potatoes with a peppercorn sauce. The chicken (a whole chicken!) was cooked perfectly. The meat was juicy and tender, while the skin was fairly crisp. I thoroughly enjoyed the taste, which seemed like a classic roast with Sichuan overtones, but my girlfriend found it a little too mainstream. The cooked vegetables were seasoned well, and complemented the meat. The braised wagyu was also cooked very well, it pretty much melted in your mouth. However, along with the plain mashed potatoes, the dish lacked flavour and zest, which made it a tad boring.
Desert was perhaps the most disappointing. Predictably, we ordered the only two desserts available - the chocolate bombra (心太软) and the creme brulee. The cake was extremely overcooked to the point that it became chocolate cake. The creme brulee was better, but not special at all. Also, although it was very filling meal, I was a little puzzled with the dessert portions. After being generous with all previous courses, their dessert plates were tiny! If I had to choose, I'd say that dessert is the one department that they need to improve on.
The service tried extremely hard to be helpful. They were attentive but not overbearing or jumpy. They were accommodating to most our requests, our food arrived promptly , and although not perfect, and I couldn't help but feel very grateful towards our hosts.
When the bill came, I was very impressed. They waived the corkage fee, and did not add any extra charges. When I left a tip, the waitresses were even kind enough to mention that I overpaid!
Perhaps I have a soft spot for these small restaurants, but the amicable service, warm decor and good food will definitely have me returning. I hope they change the menu occasionally though! Come here for a relaxed date or evening out with friends, I definitely recommend it.
张贴