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Italian Delights at Bistecca

When we learned that Bistecca Italian Steakhouse, a popular dining spot in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, was offering an 11th

anniversary menu, our first reaction was, has it been only 11 years? It feels like Bistecca has been a LKF institution for much longer.

A flagship restaurant of Dining Concepts, a prominent local F&B operator known for its stable of sophisticated international dining brands and concepts, Bistecca is undoubtedly one of its most successful outlets. Ever since it opened, Bistecca has attracted a large customer base, drawn to its daily antipasto lunch buffet, its weekend brunch, and its à la carte menu, which proffer excellent down-home Northern Italian dishes and steaks at reasonable prices. The rustic steakhouse also sports a wine cellar with an extensive collection of champagne and wines from Italy and France.

The creation of head Chef Marc Benkoe, Bistecca's 11th Anniversary Menu (HK$748/person) is a five-course affair featuring some of Bistecca's most popular dishes plus an option for wine pairing (five wines; HK$288/person). The meal started with Buffalo Mozzarella, Basil Pesto, Marinated Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes, Oregano, Crispy Prosciutto and Balsamic Caviar, paired with a reliably refreshing Veuve Clicquot “Yellow Label” NV France Champagne. We love the mozzarella and its counterpoint flavour to the prosciutto plus the pert seasoning of the pesto sauce – it is a good start.

Seafood Guazzetto, Traditional Italian Mixed Seafood Stew, Toasted Baguette, Tomato and Herbs, an appetising and hearty dish, was next. The zesty tomato-based soup is appetising and goes well with the white wine – a 2018 Tenula Terre Nere Etna Rosato from Sicily, with its distinctive volcanic mineral flavour typical of the Mount Etna region.

Next was Porcini Risotto, Cepes Mushroom, Parmesan, Truffle Oil and Chives, paired with a 2017 Jean Chartron “Vielles Vignes” Bourgogne Burgundy. The dry, balanced white wine pairs well with the mushroom aroma-filled risotto. It is a filling and tasty dish.

Beef was always going to be the main focus of this visit. For this special meal, our beef dish was 6oz Tenderloin and Foie Gras, Scallion Mashed Potatoes, Thai Asparagus, Red Wine Onion Demi-Glace. Both the foie gras and beef were grilled to perfection, and the red wine onion sauce subtly enhances the flavour of the meat. A 2014 Cantina del Pino Nebbiolo delle Langhe from Italy's Piedmont region, a dry, fruity red wine with a pleasant tannic finish, is paired with the meat.

We finished the sumptuous meal with a rich and yummy dessert, Chocolate Fondant, Runny Chocolate Centre and Vanilla Ice Cream, paired with a Villabella Grappa di Amarone, from Veneto, and a fitting end to a lovely occasion.

Our gourmet journey to Bistecca was thoroughly satisfying. The restaurant hits the sweet spot by offering a classic Italian dining experience at reasonable prices. We reckon that this dining favourite will be around to celebrate a lot more anniversaries.

So, if you are looking for a hearty and enjoyable dining experience, be sure to check out Bistecca and its anniversary menu or its excellent weekend brunch. We are sure you’ll have a wonderful time.■

Bistecca Steak House

2/F, Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central

2525 1308