Looking for a great spot for your next ‘second date’ soiree? Looking to impress the pants off of some lucky lady? Or perhaps looking to learn a little more about the humble truffle? Well, school is now in session at Hong Kong’s Artisan de la Truffe.
Truffles. They make their way onto the menus of the best restaurants around the world, and for good reason. Revered for their flavour and aroma since the time of Jacob the Patriarch in 1700 BC, these delectable tubers have captivated palates for centuries.
READ: A Gentleman’s Guide to Truffles
In ancient times it was believed truffles grew where lightning struck and were considered the food of the gods. While we might debate your divine aspirations, we understand you (or your femme du jour) might have a hankering for these elusive and alluring ingredients. Fortunately, Hong Kong’s newest culinary hotspot takes its truffles very seriously.
The first branch of Paris’ Artisan de la Truffe has opened in Kowloon’s ‘Harbour City Ocean Terminal Extension’, a particularly unsexy name for a distinctly sexy locale.
Here, amidst chic, minimalist interiors by Japanese designer Tomoyuki Kunishige that include truffle-inspired chandeliers, staggering harbour views delivered through floor-to-ceiling windows, a private dining room for 14, and gourmet concept shop, the very best truffles sourced from Italy, France, and Western Australia are laced into modern French dishes by head chef Manful Lee Man Lung, with local inspiration from celebrity chef Ricky Kam-cheung Cheung.
Truffle species including renowned black truffles (Tuber Melanosporum) and white truffles (Tuber Magnatum), as well as Brumale truffles (Tuber Brumale), also known as the black winter truffles, the summer truffle (Tuber Aestivum), and Black Australian truffles, are selected based on seasonal factors such as harvest quality and weather.
READ: Porsche’s New Taycan Brings Tears to Our Eyes
Highlights of the seasonal menu include tartare de boeuf with truffle shavings; foie gras poêlé with caramelized apple, toasted brioche, and truffle jus; and magret de canard, roasted duck breast with Grand Marnier and potato puree topped with truffle shavings. Artisan de la Truffe also showcases a selection of boutique wines and champagnes curated by multi-award-winning sommelier Eric Kwok. Look out for truffle-infused products to take home at the unique concept store – just in case home cooking is on the menu for date number three.
And if you’re looking to create a particularly seductive ambiance on your next date night, be sure to leave time for pre-dinner drinks, served on the terrace and timed for one of Hong Kong’s spectacular sunsets.
For more Wining & Dining inspiration click here.