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Enjoy the ambience at Isono

Close by Lan Kwai Fong, the world-renowned party street in Central, nestles PMQ, the emerging cultural hub that hosts some of the city’s best creative talent. The former police married quarters is now the cradle of many aspiring craftsmen, designers and artists. Of course, it has also drawn a few ambitious restauranteurs who strive to turn it into one of the hottest culinary destinations in town.

Led by Michelin-starred master chef Paolo Casagrande, the Isono Eatery and Bar is a Spanish-centric Mediterranean restaurant offering casual dining in an upscale setting marked by the spacious dining area, high ceiling and edgy, glittering metallic adornments that render a slick, modern vibe. Its

menu encompasses western culinary traditions from Spain to France to Italy, with pasta, paella and tiramisu sharing the attention. Wondering whether

this would do each cuisine justice, we went along to try out some of its signature dishes.

First we sampled the Pata Negra Platter (regular HK$195/large $320), which consists of three types of cured ham imported from Spain: the 60-month Iberico ham, Lomito and Coppa. Among them, we found the Coppa slightly too fatty, but although the Lomito was air-cured for only around six months, it managed to impress us with its aroma and smoky flavour.

Next up we plumped for the Classic Seafood Paella (regular HK$240/large $420), a traditional Spanish dish prepared in the authentic manner: the rice is first sautéed and then simmered in fish broth and a saffron, tomato paste and garlic sauce, and finally baked to create a thin crispy layer at the bottom. The shrimps and clams were fresh as expected, and fitted well into the flavoursome, finely-textured rice.

Also from the mains list was the Roasted Iberian Pork Shoulder (regular HK$258/large $470), charcoal grilled to medium rare with a lovely pink centre (since the Iberian Pigs are fed only bellota acorns, the meat does not have to be fully cooked). The juice is retained and the sea salt on the surface adds a nice kick along with the homemade barbeque dipping sauce.

At this point, almost full, we little expected that our dessert, the Marsala Tiramisu with Chocolate Crumble (HK$80), would be the star of the show. Employing masala wine instead of rum, and chocolate crumbles rather than sponge fingers, this reinvented version was outrageously good – thanks to an incredibly rich, fluffy and creamy taste: absolutely not to be missed.

With its classy, relaxing vibe and comprehensive menu, Isono does not disappoint. What could be better after indulging in a spot of art and culture than an innovative and sumptuous meal? This is a place to head for as soon as you can.

Isono

Shop H601-H608, 6 /F, Block B, PMQ,35 Aberdeen Street, Central

+852 2156 0688

www.isono-vasco.com.hk