Dedicated to BEEF!

I should be overweight by now. By the sheer grace of God, I have somehow managed to maintain my weight even with the last 3 months of extreme gluttony. Even though my jeans still fit the way they should, I may have to start slowing down for fear of my metabolism giving out. Or worse, I could be putting myself at risk for high cholesterol and high blood pressure with the copious amounts of beef and uni consumed lately. On that cherry note, I'd like to introduce you to some of my favorite HK haunts for beef dishes, whether it's a steak of the Japanese Wagyu variety or good ole' NY Siroloin Strip. Perhaps my fears of a lethargic metabolism will just have to wait...

(Above is the Beef Bourguignon at Pastis, Central)

POSTO PUBBLICO, Elgin Street, Soho

I have been to Posto three times in week before: I shit you not. The reason why? Their VEAL MEATBALLS. I don't even like meatballs (especially the steamed ones at dim sum) but for whatever reason, I can't seem to get enough of these giant free-formed balls of spongey yet well seasoned veal meat. The accompanying tomato sauce has the right ratio of savory and tartness and chunks of tomatoes to compliment the main event. A plate of meatballs, a glass of Montalcino, and a side of pasta makes for a perfect organic Italian meal. Price per head approximately $300.

The Grass-fed NY Sirloin at Posto is also excellent. Although much leaner than my usual steak, it's still full flavor and tender. Note of caution, I would stay away from Posto on the weekend. Their service and quality of food becomes a lot spottier when they're busy.

ALLORA, Staunton Street, Soho

Opened just a few months ago, I was skeptical of their expansive menu and lack of customers. Given it's location and decor, it seemed like it would be a winner. Casting my skepticism aside, I boldly ventured into the mostly empty restaurant after a rough Friday night. I was impressed by the grass fed beef burger option and eagerly awaited for its arrival whilst sipping my bloody mary, hoping for a hangover miracle. The burger was just what the doctor ordered. It had a perfectly toasted bun, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and a gooey egg to top it all off. The burger paddy was also done well, arriving at medium rareness, just as I had ordered it. However, the fries on the other hand were dismal. Tasting of old oil and grease and lacking any seasoning, they were practically inedible. I can't say the other food was great but overall, done well and reasonably priced. This is a good choice if you're looking for place to have a meal without a reservation or when you want to have a proper conversation with your dining companion. In addition to a brunch menu, Allora is serving up a super value prix fixe of 4 courses for $198. This set dinner even includes the option of fresh raw oysters or a steak. Needless to say, I had the steak ;-)

PARADISE OF KING ASIA SEAFOOD HOT POT (Don't you just love this nonsensical English name?), Tung Lung Street, Causeway Bay

Since I can't afford Baoduweng Hot Pot in the Food Forum, Times Sq.,all the time, this place is a wonderful alternative. It's the perfect place to go with a big crowd and get your hot pot on! They have three fatty beef options (lean, fatty, and super fatty---nom nom nom!) and plenty of seafood choices as well. Prices are very reasonable and the restaurant is clean, especially for the location. Expect to pay approximately $200 per head including beer.

PRIME, Civic Square, Elements, Kowloon Station

Another classic steakhouse in the conveniently located Civic Square brought to you by Dining Concepts (same group as Bisteca, Blue Smoke, etc.). The food here is what you'd expect from any high-end steakhouse. All the meat options are done well, especially the Chateaubriand for two and the 24 oz M-9 Wagyu steak, also big enough for 2-3 people. The macaroni and cheese was a lovely blend of three cheeses, and even with it's slightly watery creamy consistency, I would still recommend it. I would, however, take a pass on the hamachi appetizer at it tastes more cocktail sauce than fresh fish. I was pleasantly surprised with the food overall as the chef de cuisine was at Craft before, which I found sub par and an embarrassment to the Dining Concepts Chain. I'm happy to see that they've got their chefs cooking at their best now!

The massive M-9 Wagyu Steak

WAGYU EN, 11 Stanley Street, Central

Tucked away in the same building as MisoCool, I tried this restaurant when the queue at my go-to ramen place proved to be too long. The wait here was a much more manageable time of 10 minutes during peak lunch hour on a Thursday. Although the dishes here are skewed toward the Hong Kong-Chinese palate (their pastas taste Chinese, not Italian), I was still impressed by their wide selection of wagyu beef, all cooked "a punto" at medium-rare. I will definitely be coming back here for their Wagyu steaks and beef bowl which has received much praise. At $88, the wagyu steak cube with curry over rice (including salad and soup) was a great value.

Some other notable mentions include the beef carpaccio at Sushi Kuu and Wagyu Beef roll at Zuma. These dishes display beef at their finest. For those of you with a tighter budget, Wagyu and Wooloomooloo do great lunch specials (ranging from $125-168) that includes a steak option as the main course. Make sure to make a reservation ahead of time for lunch though!

Beef Carpaccio Appetizer at Sushi Kuu, $140