Big fish

Apple and Pears Entertainment Group has opened Frog Face Fish, an upmarket, seafood-focused eatery just steps away from its first restaurant, Zest. The latest bloom on the Wyndham Street restaurant vine, the restaurant takes its name from a term of endearment owner Andrew Cameron uses for his two children. The interior is dark wood with simple lines and metallic accents. One wall is panelled with fish-scale relief and from the ceiling hangs a large metal sculpture of a stylised fishbone.

Executive chef Jason Black, who's also responsible for the food at Zest, writes menus based mainly on seasonal catches from Australia, as well as mussels from France and US Pacific oysters, cod and swordfish. Styles of cooking span the globe, landing in Cajun territory. For starters, there is a crispy prawn salad with fresh fennel and orange and a toasted fennel seed dressing (HK$105), mussels in a red curry and coconut broth (HK$95) and butternut-squash soup with swimmer crab and toasted cumin mascarpone (HK$65). Mains include charcoal-grilled tuna, which comes with capsicum jam, black olive tapenade and basil oil (above right; HK$195), and a citrus-cured pave of salmon served with fondant potatoes, a honey mustard sauce and crispy leeks (HK$95). The sole 'bob squire' is served off the bone, with grilled banana, almonds and beurre blanc (HK$205) and the Cajun dish of blackened red snapper comes with zucchini spaghetti and shrimp 'popcorn' (HK$195). The choice of sides includes lemon risotto, sauteed seasonal greens, potato and parmesan gratin, lemon risotto, mild chilli sweet potato mash and mesclun salad. All side dishes are HK$35. For dessert, try the balsamic ice cream with Manouri cheese cassata with strawberries, black pepper and pine nuts (HK$70), brioche bread and butter pudding with Cointreau-soaked fruit and chocolate and mandarin ice cream (HK$75) or the trio of warm chocolate pudding, chocolate parfait and white chocolate ice cream (HK$75).

The wine list balances New World wines with French vintages, with a focus on whites that pair well with the food. Browse the sommelier's selection for ideas, or, for more exclusive bottles, ask for the premium wine list. Limited-edition crystal wine glasses with the signature fishbone motif are available for purchase.

Frog Face Fish is at 43 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2869 8535.