Christmas Comes to Cova

With the Silly Season well and truly upon us, there are so many options for a festive feast that it can sometimes leave us spoilt for choice. When it comes to Christmas fare, we want all the classics – like turkey and cranberry sauce – but with a contemporary twist to keep us interested. A tall order indeed. Enter Cova Hong Kong: the Milanese patisserie and restaurant steeped in Italian cuisine and culture, established here since 1998.

I was well aware of Cova's renowned reputation for producing classic Italian delicacies, so I was intrigued to discover the tantalising treats on offer this December. 

First off: Cova in Lee Garden One, Causeway Bay, sets the seasonal scene like no other venue. Don't be deceived by the outward appearance of the coffee shop and patisserie; there's so much more to this place than sinfully delicious cakes and coffee. Behind lies a treasure trove of luxurious dining rooms and private party spaces. My personal favourite room reminded me of a homely sitting area, complete with a decorated Christmas tree and huge fireplace that I was assured can be lit to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere for the ultimate merry dinner party. Cova manages to offer the diner fine foods coupled with home comforts with grace and ease. 

The Christmas selection is a conceptual mix of antipasti, homemade pasta and turkey with a twist, culminating in the age-old Italian masterpiece of panettone with homemade gelato. I mean, you really are a Grinch if you're not feeling the Santa Claus vibes after this. There are a number of set menus available at the various Cova locations, and I was lucky enough to sample the very best of their eclectic 2016 assortment. 

To begin, Cova offers a creamy panna cotta with subtle flavours of burrata and a tangy mayo, topped with chunky helpings of lobster. Next, you can tuck into handmade ravioli filled with oxtail, chocolate powder and seasonal truffle – hey, if you can't be decadent at Christmas, when can you? 

Following this was the star of the show: turkey roulade stuffed with pork sausage on a bed of lentils, creamed chestnut and a balsamic plum sauce. The turkey was tender and juicy, the pork bursting with intense flavour. It tasted like something straight out of Mama's kitchen (if your mama is a Michelin-starred chef, that is!). 

The last course was a playful concoction of the Italian classic dessert panettone, packed with layers of sweet gelato, topped with red fruits and dripping in a light custard. My local source (the fabulous F&B director, Daniele) informed me that most Italian families can get through two loaves of panettone a day over the Christmas period, and it can be enjoyed with everything from coffee to wine – now, that's my kind of pudding! 

Cova offers an ample choice of set lunch and dinner menus that, depending on your preferred location, start at $388 per person. If you don't get a chance to check out Cova's Christmas extravaganza, you can order one of their custom hampers or incredible cakes to add some seasonal sparkle to your kitchen this year. Oh, and as 31 December rapidly approaches, gather some friends and family and pop along to their amazing – and relatively affordable – New Year's Eve bash for an eight-course menu, two glasses of Moet & Chandon and live entertainment – all for $1,188 per person. Now that's amore! 

Shop 101–103, 1/F, Lee Garden One, Lee Gardens, 33 Hysan Ave, Causeway Bay, 2907 3399 

Mercato: A Taste of The Bund in Hong Kong

Before a recent trip to Shanghai, Mercato was a recurring recommendation and everyone urged me to sample the phenomenal dining delight during my stay. Situated at the historic Three on The Bund, the Italian bistro marries a luscious familial-style sharing menu, with farm-chic interior, and I vowed to return as soon possible. Thankfully, Mercato has finally arrived in Hong Kong; Michelin-star chef and renowned restaurant mogul, Jean Georges has given his menu a rigorous work out, to ensure that each dish lives up to his perfectionist standards, before being given the final seal of approval.

Mercato is set in an uber trendy, contemporary location and sits comfortably up on the eight floor of California Tower in LKF. This clashes wonderfully with the restaurant’s red brick exposed walls, industrious features and rustic woods. The space was designed by Neri & Hu, with sensual lighting by the legendary Hervé Descottes, who have collaborated to create a vibrant ambiance that is the personification of HK’s markets, streets and landscape. The open kitchen enhances the snug setting, where you can observe the chefs meticulously mastering and presenting each dish to a house of hungry diners.

The feature bar hosts an array of individually selected wines and spirits, but it was the cocktail list that immediately caught my eye – (nothing new there though!). Mercato has taken an inspiring twist on old classics, with splashes of freshly muddled fruits and aromatics to funk up your pre-dinner tipple. Their Vodka Thyme Lemonade combines Absolut Citron Vodka, lemon and thyme for a zingy refresher that is a splendid way to cool down from the Honky humidity.

The menu is packed full of hearty helpings of Italian favourites – with Asian influences – all made with seasonal and local ingredients. We started with the spicy tuna tartare which was creamy, yet light – smothered in a soothing combination of avocado, cucumber and mint, with a kick of black olive and crispy puffed rice to balance the raw, rich tartare. We also sampled the lightly fried calamari, coated in a decadent batter and dipped in a tangy tomato and caper sauce.

I am of the opinion that true talent is showcased with elegant simplicity so, I sized up some homemade pasta to see if Mercato could step up and impress with an old reliable. I ordered spaghetti with fresh mozzarella, parmesan, tomato sauce and basil and was thrilled by the complexity of texture and flavour in a seemingly standard dish. Every mouthful was a surprise of sweet, zesty aroma - the quality of the ingredients was integral to this. The crispy beef short rib fell off the bone, dripping in a chili Chianti glaze and was another prime example of Jean Georges’ ability to eloquently couple Mediterranean and Asian delicacies.

Unsurprisingly, I was pretty full by this point and almost turned down dessert however, one look at the goodies on offer led me to the sundae with salted caramel ice cream, candied peanuts and popcorn. Forget your old fashioned tall glass full of bottled sauce and whipped cream; this heavenly conception was full of interesting, contrasting bites of sweet and salty sensations. I will definitely be returning to Mercato and leaving room for this bad boy next time too!

The service was remarkable and we were treated to a chat with Head Chef, Anthony Burd to top off a fabulous evening. It’s very rare that a Michelin-star led establishment can make you feel like you’re at home in Mama’s kitchen, but that’s exactly what Jean Georges and his A-Team manage to effortlessly achieve. The added touch of mouth-watering food and complimentary cocktails means that Mercato HK is sure to become just as successful as its Shanghai sister.

Original post appeared on Sassy Hong Kong

http://www.sassyhongkong.com/eat-drink-mercato-italian-hong-kong 

All images courtesy of Mercato.