Amber HK

My HK foodie adventures continue and today we're booked in at the legendary Amber restaurant.

Service is once again impeccable and we're off to a delightful start with crispy sourdough bread and unsalted creamy butter. 

Amuse Bouche:

Crab wrap

This had an interesting taste and I rather enjoyed texture though it wasn't much to shout about.

Foie gras lollipop

I don't think chupa chups are ever going to do it for me anymore after this. This is indulgence on a stick, coated in sweet gelee. 

Croquette

Boasting a sweet, sour and spicy kick at the same time, this dish was a delightful surprise I rather enjoyed.

Together, the amuse bouche medley was a great build up for what was to come next.

Starter:

Sea urchin with lobster jelly, cauliflower, caviar and crispy seaweed waffle

This dish propelled Amber to number 4 in the Asia's 50 best list, just ahead of Singapore's Andre. And now I know why.

It was just wow. The coyness of the unassuming califlower creme dances to the bold notes of the lobster jello, together forming a stage to present the umami of the sea urchin and caviar, the stars of the show. The dish is almost like an orchestrated taste symphony  that plays across my tongue, teasing my tastebuds. Every silky mouthful nearly captivate me into a trance as the flavours explode in my mouth in repetition. Every bite leaves me wanting more. Not forgetting the crispy seaweed and caviar waffles which creates a crunch, contrasting the smooth texture of the dish. This dish is delightful in so many ways. I'm lost for words.

The additional top up for this dish. So worth it.

Main:

Line caught whiting, roasted on crispy sour dough bread, organic lemon peel, new potatoes, cockles, leek & Italian parsley 

This is not as spectacular as the starter but manages to hold its own. The crispy sourdough crust lends a savoury kick to a dish that could otherwise have turned out to be bland. The new potatoes are sweet and crunchy and the cockles lend an interesting texture to the mix. The whiting is fresh and it's meat springy and flakes off easily. All in all, very satisfying.

As for the sweets, it was great but nothing to rave about. I'll let the pictures do the talking..

Pre dessert:

Dessert:

Petit fours:

Signing off, the flying happy pig in a blissful food coma state.