Monday, March 8, 2010

Resurfacing...


After a stressful couple of months of application filling, "career discussions" over coffee, recruiting events, and a few rounds of interviewing, I can proudly say that I have a summer vacation placement (aka summer associate position) with Skadden's HK office. Not only am I thrilled to have the opportunity to work at such a great firm but I'm super-duper relieved that I'm not going to be unemployed! I was seriously worrying about my chances of getting a good job due to my less than stellar Mandarin speaking ability and kindergarten level of Chinese literacy. Looks like a I got a pass card this time by signing myself up for Mandarin class! Now I just have midterms to worry about which will entail lots of reading to catch up on!

Work and studies aside, my Mom has been visiting me for over a month now. I've really enjoyed having her here and although it's been trying at times with the tight accommodations and constant eating extravaganza, I feel blessed to have such a caring Mummy who is supportive and only crazy 20% of the time ;-) (this may be a deflated value haha). My little sister, Alyssa, also just arrived this week. She is on spring break and we've been doing the requisite shopping, relative visiting, and of course, lots and lots of eating! I know after they leave I will have some semblance of my former schedule back and my productivity will shoot sky high but I will be sad --- just thinking about it makes me teary : (

I know I am very long over due on dining updates so below are a few quick reviews of some of the places I've been to (sorry for repeat FB picture posts!)

Wah Fung: Located on 112 Wellington St, Central
Nothing beats a roasted goose/roasted pork, egg white fried rice with ham, and daily soup combo for $50HKD (talk about full-spread for the Central area) Their roasted goose is better than Yung Kee's in my opinion and when the roast pork is fresh, it has the perfect ratio of crunchy/crispy skin to fatty meat. They also have a number of small dishes that go well with rice and even afternoon tea and breakfast options. Wah Fung recently went through an extensive renovation so the seating is good and toilets are clean (bonus points!!!)



Cafe Gray at the Upperhouse in Admiralty
I'm so happy that Café Gray moved their flagship restaurant from NYC to HK. I really enjoyed their famous braised short ribs over a bed of creamy polenta. They have a very economical lunch time prix fixe. It has only been open for 3 months though so reservations are hard to come by. I wasn't particularly impressed by their steak tartar starter but I did like their quail and beet salad. The ambience, views, and delicious (albeit unorthodoxly delicious flavor combos) really made this one of my favorite restaurants in HK. For a full belly and coffee/dessert (no wine) expect to pay $350-400 per head.



Lei Garden: IFC, Central
Classy Canto Cuisine (CCC!) is served here. It's a chic setting for top notch Chinese food; they have multiple locations including Wan Chai and IFC, Central. All of their dishes are done well although generally speaking, are at a higher price point. This is definitely a place for the expense account or a fancy family affair with hard to please relatives. Dishes to try include their golden yoke shrimp, sweet and tangy spareribs served with fried buns, soup of the day or sharkfin soups if you've got the $$$.


Budaoweng Hot Pot in Food Forum (11th floor), Times Sq, Causeway Bay
I will have to admit that I am a hot pot snob. I do not particularly like the all-you-can-eat for $100HKD and much prefer a more quality experience (especially when Mom is paying!). I really like the consistent produce, meat, and service at Budaoweng, which is conveniently located in Times Sq and in Jordan (literally two steps from the MTR). I highly recommend the geoduck and the large "bamboo flower" shrimp as sashimi and to add into the hot pot. They will even stir fry the heads and extra bits for you at no extra cost (Salt and pepper shrimp heads anyone?). Their signature hand formed mixed balls, veggie platters, and ostrich are also great choices. Their soup bases are delicious as well---tom yum is my favorite even if it is a bit on the saltier side. Expect to pay around $300-500 HKD per head.


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