Common Ground

Common Ground 

G/F, 19 Shing Wong Road, Central, Hong Kong

Date of visit : 11 Mar 2013 (Sun) 6 pm

No. of diner : 1

Average cost per head : $90

Food quality : 8.3/10

Environment : 8.4/10

Service : 8/10

Value-for-money : 8.7/10

Overall rating : 8.34/10

This is another unique tiny café in the NOHO (North of Hollywood Wood) area. The unit was used to be a local design jewelry shop and office, and have been converted  to a café and shop since a month ago. Had a chance to chat with Sean, one of the 4 partners about the concept of the café. Common Ground, as it’s named, aims to be a common place for friends or strangers to mingle. As Sean briefed, many of the wooden furniture were “upcycled” from used benches, desk, floor tiles which also reflects the philosophy of the shop. 

Like many cafes around, Common Ground have limited choices of food, but you can feel their passion from their food. Glad that I paid the visit on a Monday evening and share the 4-seated table with no one. Jazz was played in the house and the visit made my day.

a) Salted Chocolate ($40) – 8.2/10

My eyes spot on this recommended drink (marked with an asterisk) on the menu. Made from their own mixed chocolate base, the shake was rich in chocolate flavour all the way till I finished the drink.  However, I could barely taste the sea salt in the mix but it gave an interesting finishing. A sprinkle of grinded salt crystals on the top may further enhance the flavour of the drink.

b) Common Toast ($50) – 8.4/10

It took some 10 minutes to prepare for the dish but it’s worth waiting. Diced portobello mushroom and onion were deglazed with cream and rested on toasted dried tomato bread. The bread was just a bit too crispy and dry but overall still a good savoury snack. Local grown organic greens and tomatoes sat on the centre of the plate with balsamic cream. The salad was fresh and delicious. This was another recommended dish on the menu board which I totally agreed.

Q : When will I go again?
A : On weekdays to avoid the crowd or before it gets popular.
Q: What will I next order?
A : Crunchy cheese cake or fresh beef burger.

03.2013

Laris Contemporary Dining

Laris Contemporary Dining

 2/F, Carfield Commercial Building, 77 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

Date of visit : 8 Mar 2013 (Fri) 12:45 pm

No. of diners : 3

Average cost per head : $185

Food quality : 8.3/10

Environment : 8.8/10

Service : 9/10

Value-for-money : 9/10

Overall rating : 8.68/10

Laris is a new member of the Dining Concepts which owns dozens of dining outlets such as Lupa, Al Molo and Carnevino.  The restaurant is headed by chef David Laris, an Australian, and that explains the choices of some meats including wagyu beef and lamb from the Australasia. For lunch charging at $138++ for a 2-course, the quality of food and environment definitely worth the penny you pay.

a) Potato Soup (Starter) – 8/10

The ingredient and soup was delivered separately. On the soup plate were the cooked and raw mushroom, and some green. The waiter then gently poured the potato soup from a tea pot. I could feel the fine grains of potato in the soup but the dish was tasty.

b) Hand cut New Zealand Ocean Beef Tartar with Crostini, Apple Mustard and Slow Cooked Egg (Starter) – 8.2/10

This was a beautiful dish. The apple mustard was mild while the slow cooked egg gave a creamy texture.

c) Leek Tart with Brie Cheese served with Rocket Salad and Aged Balsamic Toffee (Starter) – 8/10

The tart was served warm. Although the brie was not strong, the leek flavour was weak too.

d) Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with Sweet Corn Puree and Fresh Made Coleslaw (Main) – 8/10

The crab cake was lightly deep fried and full of crab meat, however, its appearance was more appealing than it tasted. The coleslaw was fresh and crunchy.

e) House Made Green Pea and Ricotta Ravioli with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce (Main) – 8.4/10

Freshly made pasta never goes wrong.  The ravioli was nicely prepared from the dough to the cooking. The green pea puree as the filling was refreshing. Topped with parmesan cheese and slow baked tomatoes made the dish full of flavours.

f) New Zealand Grass Fed Burger, Fontina Cheese and Truffle Aioli Served with Potato Croquettes (Main) – 8.6/10

An order of medium raw patty had been requested but a rare was delivered. No complaint for that as the beef was still juicy and coated with charcoal flavour on the outside. It was rightly seasoned, with the fontina cheese, red onion and aioli all made the burger scrumptious. The patato croquettes were crispy and full of flavour.

g) Blood Orange Panna Cotta with Orange Jelly and Almond Crumble (Dessert at $40) – 8/10

The lunch set serves 2 desserts at an extra of $40. Apart from the panna cotta, the other was seasonal fresh fruit plate which we haven’t tried. The panna cotta was rich in cream too stiff than it should be, however, the ruby like blood orange gelatin tasted rich.

Q : When will I go again?
A : For lunch when they rotate the menu or for dinner on special occasions. They offer a tasting menu at a cost of $788.
Q: What will I next order?
A : Grilled chicken breast or the Iberico pork tenderloin.

03.2013