Archive for 'French'
Olala review
I would have spotted this place if it wasn’t for the blaze of Chinese New Year decorations outside. At least I think they were New Year decorations, I must confess I didn’t look at them that closely. It’s at the top of a short hill just off of Star Street and curiosity got the better of me so up I trundled.
Once there I decided it would have been a wasteful exercise if I didn’t stop and have something to eat so I went inside.
It’s quite a spacious restaurant with tables that are reasonably well spaced out. The decor, at first glance, looks quite simple but what seems like a random collection of cupboards, shelves and welsh dressers do a very good job of invoking the atmosphere of and old small town hotel.
There were a few pictures scattered around the walls but what really caught my attention was a large framed photograph of a really impressive pig. I immediately thought of Empress of Blandings from the PG Wodehouse novels. From a distance the animal looked like a huge potato with four small legs and a snout.
The background music was a French diva who I didn’t recognise but it was pleasant enough. The menu is also in French though there are English translations alongside. I decided to start with the Norwegian smoked fish platter ($180).
While I waited I tucked into a deliciously fresh baguette which had been delivered with a small clay pot of pate.
The fish was duly delivered an featured slices of eel, herring and salmon arranged around a little thicket of arugula and served with a slice of lemon. I do enjoy smoked fish but it is not all that common in this part of the world. I made mental note to return again soon.
For main course I had ordered the roast leg of lamb ($220). This was served in a very simple, home-cooking style. The lamb was tender an succulent and came with creamed potato.
I don’t drink a lot of wine but I do enjoy a glass with a meal. But I have to say the red from Haut-Brisson ($80), which was the only one available by the glass was very pleasant indeed. Smooth and mellow, a touch of spice with a hint of blackcurrants.
To finish off I ordered the mango cake ($60) which came in it’s own sea of chilled mango puree.
As I left I noticed that there was also an Olala deli on Star Street. Another good reason to come back soon.
G/F 1 Electric Street
Wanchai
Tel 2294 O450
Posted: February 18th, 2010 under French, International, Reviews, Wanchai.
Tags: Area, French, Reviews, Wanchai
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