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Ho n g Kong foodies always appreciate a restaurant with any view of the iconic Victoria Harbour. Given that many of the city’s high-rise buildings are designed to accommodate restaurants to offer just that, we are spoilt for choice. We have to admit, though, that the views at Le 188°, located on the top floor of the Harbour Grand Hotel in North Point, took us by surprise – an unimpeded and panoramic vista of the harbour and surrounding skylines of both Hong Kong and Kowloon. And the food is excellent too.
We were invited to try out Le 188°’s Summer Tasting Menu. We couldn’t have picked a better time as a glorious golden sunset was about to grace the horizon. Upon entry, we were greeted with a breathtaking 270-degree view of the harbour stretching from east to west – you have to be there to appreciate its magnificence. Le 188° offers French fine dining with a ‘modern culinary’ accent, taking advantage of Hong Kong’s ability to source fresh and quality ingredients from almost anywhere in the world. The décor of Le 188° is elegant, contemporary and expansive with tall ceilings and fulllength glass windows that seem to magnify the harbour views. The restaurant is spacious; its layout ensures all tables have a view, and an outdoor terrace is perfect for drinks and taking in the fresh air. There is also piano music and lounge singing to complete the dining ambience.
Our tasting menu ($798 per person) and the winepairing choices ($180 for 3 glasses or $260 for 5 glasses) are both reasonably priced. Le 188° offers a full à la carte menu as well as semi-buffet lunches – a selection of appetisers and soup from the buffet and a choice of main courses ($418 per person including desserts), and a lovely afternoon tea set ($438 for two persons on weekdays).
Our meal started with Martini Crab Salad with a choice of sparkling cocktail. Then came Roasted French Asparagus, with Iberico ham, parmesan cream and parsley oil – the succulent asparagus is excellent, especially paired with a 2016/17 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Lobster Crusty Ball came next, the deep-fried ball seasoned with smoked paprika mayonnaise and lobster powder. A Zubrowka Vodka Lemon Sorbet pleasantly cleansed the palate.
The meal resumed with two delightful entrees: Roasted Cod Fish in Banana Leaves, with sweet potato and green curry sauce and paired with a 2016 Suavia Soave Classico from the Veneto region of Italy, and Iberico Pork Tenderloin with Brussels sprout and blackcurrant sauce, paired with the weighty 2016 Ceretto Piana Barbera d'Alba, from Piedmont.
The delightful dinner ended with Tiramisu and Hazelnut with coffee ice cream and a glass of Giffard Limon Giallo, a refreshing sweet Italian liqueur.
As we enjoyed excellent wines, delicious food and lively conversation, the glittering lights around the harbour came alive, showcasing the city’s full glamour. Perched atop the Harbour Grand, Le 188° delivers an unforgettable dining experience, perfect for almost any occasion. We highly recommend it.■
Le 188, Harbour Grand Hotel, 23 Oil Street, North Point (Fortress Hill Station Exit A)
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