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à nu retrouvez-vous

French cooking, Japanese ingredients, and the finest Italian white truffles: that’s the irresistible combination on offer at à nu retrouvez-vous, the Michelin-starred restaurant located in Harbour City shopping mall. The restaurant, which originates from Tokyo, opened its doors in Hong Kong in December 2017 to wide acclaims for its French-Japanese concept aimed to create innovative French dishes using high quality Japanese ingredients, and preparing them in accord with its motto “Just as it is”. à nu, as it’s known, is promoting a seasonal white truffle menu. The truffles are sourced directly from Tartufi Morra of Alba, Italy during the October to late December season. Tartufi Morra, one of the most highly respected truffle suppliers, offer their products only to the highest quality restaurants in the world. Naturally we are keen.

 

The restaurant space feels intimate; its modern Japanese décor exudes an understated elegance. The subdued lighting and decorations allow guests to immediately immerse themselves in the panoramic harbour views and the iconic skyline of Hong Kong Island opposite. It’s clear that à nu is designed for a romantic or special dining experience.

 

The White Truffle Tasting Menu ($1580 per person) on offer is a four-course dinner. However, we were able to sample a couple more of the restaurant’s signature dishes as well. The Amuse Bouche came first, three delicate bite-size appetizers that grab our attention – the crabmeat in particular is delicious. Smoked Katsuo in Ceviche Style Served with Eggplant, which is one of the entrée options in the white truffle menu, is next. The skipjack tuna meat, slightly smoked, tastes fresh and tender, accented nicely by the smoky aroma and citrus flavour.

 

The other entrée option is a gem – Aligot Served with Tome Fraiche and Yatsugatake Egg Yolk and Alba White Truffle (supplement of $350). The white truffle, which is shaved generously at the table, covers the whole pasta. We were practically salivating just watching it, and the distinct aroma permeates the entire restaurant. The pasta tastes savoury and with just the right texture; the egg yolk can be cleanly separated from the egg white, and the truffles were just heavenly. We were told that 5 to 6 grams of truffles are typically used in the dish!

 

We sampled two more entrees – Sujira, Fish of the Day, a Japanese garoupa served with shiso beurre blanc sauce and okra, and Wagyu Kagoshima Fillet Served with Périgord Sauce. Both the fish and beef were perfectly tender. We can certainly appreciate à nu’s concept of infusing fine Japanese ingredients with creative contemporary French cooking, because it really does work.

 

The dinner ended with the été Cake, a lovely dessert in which mango slices are delicately layered in the shape of a yellow rose – what a finish!

 

We should mention that the service was superb – the waiters are attentive and knowledgeable. And an excellent collection of wines and sakes are in stock.

 

à nu retrouvez-vous is an excellent example of a superb delivery of a cutting edge culinary concept, and a perfect place for a dinner for the special occasion or someone. We highly recommend it.■

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