Old Hong Kong hands will know Petrus. It is synonymous with reliable fine dining in a lovely setting on the top floor of the Island Shangri-La, with fine views of the harbour and, as the Michelin guide says, “heavy drapes at the windows, thick carpets...and elegantly laid tables give this restaurant the look of a grand Parisian salon.” However, it had begun to get a reputation for being a bit stolid and old-fashioned: no more! Chefs Uwe Opocensky and Romain Dupeyre have revitalized it with original, imaginative and delicious dishes. The amuse bouche comprised: cheese puffs - looking like wine corks - filled with Comte cheese; black ink scallop on pebbles; a goat’s cheese and beetroot tart. I then had the foie gras served with pear, honey and gingerbread and a mousse inside an eggshell placed on a bird nest. My wife had king crab with cauliflower, waffles and caviar. Both dishes were delicious. She went on to have the lobster (with spinach, ravioli and truffles) while I had the succulent venison. I was especially impressed that both chefs came out to ask us about our meals and when I enquired about the origin of the venison, was given a friendly and informative answer. Although a cheese plate was not on the menu, the very helpful Mariano immediately arranged one for us when we requested it. We finished off our lovely meal with pear sorbet and a cheesecake (presented in a Camembert box). The wine pairings, at HK$680 for two glasses, were very good value. I was happy to leave the choices to the sommelier, Julien Peros, whose judgement was impeccable. The two dessert wines were particularly notable. My wife went for champagnes and was surprised and pleased with one or two that were new to her. The service was flawless, the ambience most comfortable (with light background music rather than the foreground pop that blights so many dining experiences in HK). This is fine dining at its best. We can’t wait to go back. A second Michelin Star cannot be long coming.More
