Staking a claim to a prime venture in fine dining
Chef Adam Levin is back again. After introducing the New York deli experience to Hong Kong with Archie B, bringing burritos to El Taco Loco and serving up The Press Room, the gruff cook is at it again with what he calls the anti-steakhouse steakhouse, Dakota Prime, which celebrates its opening tonight at the LKF Tower.
'I opened so many restaurants in different styles. Steak and lobster was always my ultimate goal, but it was always the last in line to get done,' Levin suggested.
Of course, tonight's invitation-only party with free food and drinks will be packed, but can he keep up the crowds during this new financial crisis?
'It would be naive to say no, it won't affect us at all, but I have experienced a number of scenes in Hong Kong. I opened my restaurant Archie B here one year before Sars and the first year is always the toughest.
'But we're aiming at fine dining. People may not buy their next house or car or get a bottle of wine for HK$100,000, but I believe people who are used to a certain lifestyle will always go for a nice dinner.
'I think the low-end and the expensive restaurants will continue to do well. It is in the mid-range where people will think, 'I can just do that roast chicken or make those noodles at home'. They are going to get seriously affected.'
