Amber

HongKongers like to work over lunch, but that doesn't mean they'll go skimpy on food. Caprice, Amber, Nicholini, Petrus, Pierre, Joel Robuchon, are usually booked up during weekdays for business luncheons, not because they serve delicious food, but because they resemble class, so that we are too busy chowing down the foie gras rather than interrogating them for poor performance.

Attended Melco PBL's luncheon at Amber at MO Landmark last week..haha..see how efficient my blog is. Forget about how Crown Macau churn visitors for the first couple of weeks of businesses and the strategic positioning of city of dreams, this is one of the most pleasant meals I've had in HK.

Normally I criticize HK's high end french/italian restaurants for their pretentious setting, overpriced menu, inexperienced staff, and underwhelming flavors. My three course meal at Amber did surprise me on the upside and my mind was quickly drawn to the food from the uninspiring results briefing.

Unfortunately my social etiquette stopped me from taking pictures of the food as I was surrounded by people who pretended to be professionals but were there because of the free lunch. These are what I had...

Appetizer: Duck foie gras with smoked freshwater eel pressed in terrine, consumme jell-O and vinegared puree of white onion. The creaminess of pate bodes well with the saltiness of eel, complemented by the sweetness of caramelized onion.

Entree: Oven-roasted chicken with shaved button mushroom and green beans. Chicken was cooked perfectly, moist and soft.

Dessert: Caramel, sea salt & milk chocolate fondant with caramelized peanuts, chocolate short bread, brown butter & caramel ice-cream. I love the fondant, again salt and chocolate make an amazing combination. Brown butter adds some smoky flavor to the ice cream. Very nice indeed.

I think it would cost more than 1200HKD (US$150) for a dinner menu. Would I pay to dine there? ... Hum.. Found a better deal of $348 for weekend brunch, including à la carte starter and main course plus dessert buffet, and complementary wine and fresh juice. That would be a good idea!