AMBER HONGKONG: TWO MICHELIN STARS

I wanted to try Amber because it was recently announced as the Asia's 6th best (down from 4th) and World's 38th best (down from 24th) restaurant for 2015! Alas! My uncultured tongue won again. I do not understand what the big fuss is all about as far as the food is concerned. But, the wine selection is a completely different kind of story. Service was superb. Conversation with the girls was unforgettable (lasted 4 freaking hours!). I just couldn't keep my smile from showing every time I sipped wine. :D Yes, #sexandthecitygoal 

There is really nothing to lose so please try the Weekend Wine Lunch when you set out for Amber HK. If you think about it, the HKD888 + 10% service charge spent for 6 courses with 4 wine pairings and a welcome champagne is cheap. 

1.) Breads, canapes and amuse bouche: We didn't get to try the famous foie gras lollipop :( I had more fun trying these out than the actual dishes. And no, I still have no idea what I ate. Haha! 

Breads

2. For starters, I chose the boops boops fish (light cured & smoked in watermelon juice with coriander puree).

You may choose the hokkaido sea urchin as this is Amber's signature dish. Will try this out next time I come back with the boyf (additional HKD260).

3.) For middle course, I chose Australian Abalone (black pepper & vinegar seasoned tomato compote braised then crisped oxtail & its jus)

 4.) For the main course, I chose the line caught hapuka (with minestrone stew of haricots tarbais fava beans, young onion & vine tomatoes). 

Hahaha! I don't normally eat beans, but my god. This was the main course, for crying out loud! I finished this until the very last bite! Hahahaha! The beans were edible enough. 

6.) Of course, the cheese.  My favorite was the camembert. I think, it was cured for 3 years? Meh. Don't quote me on this one. (I'm just an ordinary citizen trying to social climb, hahaha.) I was already stuffed at this point.

 7.) Time for desserts! I will definitely come back for the raspberry chocolate cremeux!

Yellow peach <3 <3 

Raspberry sorbet with Alpaco Chocolate Cremeux <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

 Interior and menu: 

The petit fours and coffee or tea. Happy birthday, my friend! Btw, they also gave my friend macaroons for her birthday :) 

I forgot to take photos of the champagne and wine. Special mention to the casa marin 2013 sauvignon blanc from chile. I've been trying to scout it here in the Philippines. 

Tip: For those who would not like to drink alcohol such early in the day, you may opt for the non-alcoholic pairing. My pregnant friend did and she enjoyed it as well. 

I was too full (from food and laughter) and on the verge of being drunk by the end of the meal. Time went by so quickly! We were lucky enough that Chef Richard Ekkebus came out of his kitchen by the time we were leaving and was kind enough to give in to our request for a photo. (Star struck moment for me!) Anyway, will be back to try out the dinner set. Hopefully, I would appreciate the main course more by then!   

7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong 
Budget: HKD977 (PHP5814.53)
http://www.amberhongkong.com