While home, I took the opportunity to visit some of my favorite restaurants and ate like a champion. I was a little overwhelmed by my re-introduction to American sized portions my first couple of days but my stomach soon stretched out again to accommodate the non-stop food extravaganza. Some of these highlights included Pearl Oyster Bar, Le Pescadeux and Stamatis in Astoria, which was on the top of my dining out priority list. My sister's Christmas dinner was also a definite culinary five star experience from her perfectly roasted prime rib to the heavenly truffle mashed potatoes.
Although this blog is supposed to be dedicated to Hong Kong, I know many of you are from NYC or will be visiting so I've posted some comments and photos of all the yummy things I gorged myself on. Back in Boston, I got to enjoy Mom's home cooking and nothing beats her braised mushrooms with smoked oysters and steamed lobster. Now that I've put on about three pounds, which is actually substantial on a person that's only 5'1", I will need to hit the gym hardcore! Thank goodness I received some lovely Lulu Lemmon work-out clothes from Santa this year which will motivate me to exercise comfortably and somewhat in style ^.^
Classes for my second semester officially began today and I'm already pooped! Nonetheless, this semester I will resolve myself to get even more involved with school and will push myself to do even better academically. Perhaps this means less partying and more studying haha! All right, enough about me, onto the restaurant reviews!
NYC: Pearl Oyster Bar
To this day, Pearl is still one of my favorite restaurants in NYC. Their fresh seafood never disappoints and their homemade tartar sauce served with their hot and crispy fried oysters ALWAYS hits the spot. I rarely have clam chowder, but when I do, it's at Pearl because they put in a lot of yummy bacon =D
Stamatis Greek Restaurant in Astoria
I have been meaning to eat here for over a year now. Thanks to my sister who drove, we finally were able to try out the famed Greek restaurant that came highly recommended by friends. Their portions, price point, and quality ingredients made the entire experience worth trekking out to Queens for. I particularly liked their dips, octopus (the most tender I've ever had!) grilled lamb chops, and fried zucchini. Between 4 people our bill was $131 and we ordered enough food to easily feed a party of six. Great food and great value!
NYC: Le Pescadeux
My good friend Adriano, recently took over as Executive Chef, for this cozy restaurant in Soho. Don't let the homely decor fool you, the food is elegant and flavorful. Then again, I would expect nothing less from Adriano, who cooks with a distinct flare and consummate attention to detail. We had the 5 course tasting menu priced at $50 per head. Wine pairing is also offered at an additional$30. For all those wine lovers out there, make sure you get to know the owner and sommelier, Bruno---he has a heavy pour!
Second dish from our tasting menu: Fried escargot with pesto
Braised bbq pork shoulder served with fried sweet potato coulis
Our party with the executive chef himself, Adriano Ricco.
Hong Kong: Shanghai Lane
Shanghainese food is very popular in Hong Kong. With a myriad of options from Xuo Nian Guo and Crystal Jade, I was not expecting particularly outstanding results from Shanghai Lane, which is hidden on a small, primarily pedestrian street on the edge of Central and Sheung Wan. Their homemade lian mien, almost translucent dumplings, perfectly fried pork chop over veggie rice, and braised nappa cabbage with Chinese ham were all outstanding. I was thoroughly impressed by the delicacy and well calculated flavors of each dish. Given the location, decor, and quality of food, I thought the prices were very reasonable as well. I would definitely come back! (they have two other locations in HK as well)
Quarter Deck Club in Wan Chai
Who would've thought there would be such a lovely restaurant on the waterfront in Wan Chai? I was originally skeptical given the location of this restaurant. I am also usually rather wary of western restaurants in Hong Kong so I did not expect to be pleasantly surprised by the good (although not great) food served up by what appeared to be an empty restaurant. I found this to be a shame as the views were great. I would stick with their grilled seafood options (giant grilled prawns and seafood platter were very tasty) and the jumbo lump crab cake was pretty descent as well. I'm sure this place is great in the spring and summer as they have ample outdoor seating.
