October 2023 edit: ARTIFACT has revamped its concept into a premium izakaya-style chef's table and the menu and concept are now different from those mentionned in this article.
by Aude Camus
Don’t get fooled by its name, the newly opened ARTIFACT – a modern Japanese cuisine counter dining experience, is everything but a thing from the past. The opposite would have been surprising knowing that it’s masterminded by some of Hong Kong most irreverent, award-winning food entrepreneurs: Beckaly Franks, Ezra Star and Michael Larkin. And believe me when I say you wanna grab one of the 14 seats available sooner than later.
Chef
by Aude Camus
Don’t get fooled by its name, the newly opened ARTIFACT – a modern Japanese cuisine counter dining experience, is everything but a thing from the past. The opposite would have been surprising knowing that it’s masterminded by some of Hong Kong most irreverent, award-winning food entrepreneurs: Beckaly Franks, Ezra Star and Michael Larkin. And believe me when I say you wanna grab one of the 14 seats available sooner than later.
Chef
ARTIFACT is led by chef Sato Kiyoshi whose experience spans from Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, London and Hong Kong. In the 852, he previously oversaw Pirata Group’s Japanese concepts – Honjo and TMK, and worked as the executive chef of modern izakaya Silencio.
Food
Food
Opened for lunch and dinner, ARTIFACT presents chef’s tasting menus (HKD 1,288 for dinner with the add-on more caviar option at HKD 788) based on the Japanese philosophy of shun - or seasonality. The menu evolves constantly to incorporate the finest produce on the market. The dining counter also aims at celebrating caviar, in its various forms. A caviar supplement is therefore available to further elevate starters and mains. The food is creative, Japanese in essence and in form. It’s colourful in the plate, flavourful and I’m already looking forward to be back.
The most memorable bites I had (which might not be on the menu when you visit since it’s seasonality-driven):
The most memorable bites I had (which might not be on the menu when you visit since it’s seasonality-driven):
The Hokkaido scallop with wasabi, elevated with superior sturgeon caviar. A real treat for scallop lovers!
The carabineros with miso cream and ichigo (strawberry), elevated premium baerii caviar. Probably the boldest dish of this tasting but one that struck a perfect balance between sweet (the strawberry), fishy (caviar and carabineros) and salty and earthy (miso). It was both super fresh and rather indulgent, I loved it.
The Koshihikari rice with tamago (egg) and ikura, elevated with superior sturgeon caviar. A super comforting dish.
The Koshihikari rice with tamago (egg) and ikura, elevated with superior sturgeon caviar. A super comforting dish.
Drinks
The wine list spans an international selection of Champagnes, rosés, whites and reds, available to sip by the glass or by the bottle. I recommend opting for the wine pairing (HKD 688 for five glasses at dinner), a great addition to the experience and an opportunity to enjoy some unexpected matches such as an Austrian Laurenz V. Charming Grüner Veltliner with the carabineros and miso dish.
https://www.artifactbar.com/
No, 1 & 2, Shop 5 & 7, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Hong Kong.
This write-up is based on a complimentary media lunch hosted by ARTIFACT. No money has been paid for publishing this article which is entirely based on the genuine opinion of its author.
