By Delphine
Yes, we have indeed already talked about this amazing space with its enormous dome and its grand bar in the center with countless Roederer Champagne bottles on display. But when a little birdie told us that they landed a new chef, Charles-Benoit Lacour, previously working for Guy Savoy, we couldn’t wait to go back, and it was worth it!
To start things off, a glass of Cristal seems the fitting choice (since the restaurant was named after this precious nectar, after all it would be rude not to give into the temptation). Outside on the terrace of course, in the heart of Central, surrounded by its sparkling skyline. A little later, comfortably nestled in our individual niches, we let ourselves be tempted by the tasting menu. And so it starts, prepare your taste buds for a feast, and your eyes too for that matter, as each dish is accompanied by a short live entertainment piece (which is rather nice actually). The Ancelin oysters with Japanese vinaigrette are gobbled up in seconds. You’re in for a surprise with the Brittany lobster (I won’t say more, but let’s just say that the mayonnaise will leave you feeling puzzled). Followed by John Dory with a Cristal-based sauce, foie gras ravioli, smoked egg with a walnut emulsion, Provencal style grilled steak (you can almost hear the cicadas)…. We’re pretty stuffed at this point but can’t seem to resist the desserts: pineapple champagne granita, the outstanding chocolate Dome with spiced fruits (too beautiful to be eaten). To finish, Grand Marnier-flambéed crepe Suzette, surprising in its simplicity yet really exquisite.
If you choose not to take the Wine pairing option and prefer to order wines a la carte, take your time. Once you’ve gone through the initial long selection of Roederer on offer, then begins the long list of small-scale production wines, all coming from independent winemakers, a delight for the most avid of wine connoisseurs (and I’m from Burgundy!!). From Petit Chablis to the most famous vintages, we don’t know what to choose…. So we let ourselves be guided, and oh SO well!
The service? Impeccable! The waiters are always smiling, very professional and relaxed. Present but not clingy, basically a prefect performance all round. We’re prepared to bet good money that Le Dôme will earn a place in the next Michelin guide! To be continued…
Le Dôme de Cristal
2-3/F, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Tel : (852) 2116 4688
Website: http://www.cristal-hk.com/catalog/
The Bill
8 course Tasting Menu: 1,580HK$ (+988HK$ with 6 glasses of wine)
6 course Concordance Menu + 4 glasses of wine: 1,280 HK$
Brunch: 580HK$ free flow soft drinks and fruit juices (optional free flow champagne)
Lunch Menu: 348HK$ or 398 HK$
Opening hours:
- Lunch: Monday to Friday, noon -2:30pm
- Brunch: Saturday and public holidays: 11:30am – 3pm
- Dinner: Monday to Saturday: 6pm – 10:30pm
Yes, we have indeed already talked about this amazing space with its enormous dome and its grand bar in the center with countless Roederer Champagne bottles on display. But when a little birdie told us that they landed a new chef, Charles-Benoit Lacour, previously working for Guy Savoy, we couldn’t wait to go back, and it was worth it!
To start things off, a glass of Cristal seems the fitting choice (since the restaurant was named after this precious nectar, after all it would be rude not to give into the temptation). Outside on the terrace of course, in the heart of Central, surrounded by its sparkling skyline. A little later, comfortably nestled in our individual niches, we let ourselves be tempted by the tasting menu. And so it starts, prepare your taste buds for a feast, and your eyes too for that matter, as each dish is accompanied by a short live entertainment piece (which is rather nice actually). The Ancelin oysters with Japanese vinaigrette are gobbled up in seconds. You’re in for a surprise with the Brittany lobster (I won’t say more, but let’s just say that the mayonnaise will leave you feeling puzzled). Followed by John Dory with a Cristal-based sauce, foie gras ravioli, smoked egg with a walnut emulsion, Provencal style grilled steak (you can almost hear the cicadas)…. We’re pretty stuffed at this point but can’t seem to resist the desserts: pineapple champagne granita, the outstanding chocolate Dome with spiced fruits (too beautiful to be eaten). To finish, Grand Marnier-flambéed crepe Suzette, surprising in its simplicity yet really exquisite.
If you choose not to take the Wine pairing option and prefer to order wines a la carte, take your time. Once you’ve gone through the initial long selection of Roederer on offer, then begins the long list of small-scale production wines, all coming from independent winemakers, a delight for the most avid of wine connoisseurs (and I’m from Burgundy!!). From Petit Chablis to the most famous vintages, we don’t know what to choose…. So we let ourselves be guided, and oh SO well!
The service? Impeccable! The waiters are always smiling, very professional and relaxed. Present but not clingy, basically a prefect performance all round. We’re prepared to bet good money that Le Dôme will earn a place in the next Michelin guide! To be continued…
Le Dôme de Cristal
2-3/F, The Galleria, 9 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Tel : (852) 2116 4688
Website: http://www.cristal-hk.com/catalog/
The Bill
8 course Tasting Menu: 1,580HK$ (+988HK$ with 6 glasses of wine)
6 course Concordance Menu + 4 glasses of wine: 1,280 HK$
Brunch: 580HK$ free flow soft drinks and fruit juices (optional free flow champagne)
Lunch Menu: 348HK$ or 398 HK$
Opening hours:
- Lunch: Monday to Friday, noon -2:30pm
- Brunch: Saturday and public holidays: 11:30am – 3pm
- Dinner: Monday to Saturday: 6pm – 10:30pm