Spoon - Nothing is too sexy for this restaurant

2/F Intercontinental Hong Kong, 18 Salisbury Road, Kowloon, 2313 2323

FARE Contemporary French. AMBIENCE Surprisingly relaxed for a restaurant run by the world's most decorated chef (before the closure of his New York restaurant Essex House, Alain Ducasse ran three restaurants in three countries each with the three-star Michelin rating). The decor is in cream and brown with a touch of blue, and 550 hand-blown Venetian glass spoons decorate the ceiling. Big windows look onto the harbour. COST Starters from HK$135 to HK$845, mains from HK$295 to HK$810 and desserts about HK$200. Or, opt for the Sexy Spoon Menus (six courses for HK$888 and HK$1,088 for eight) which can be enjoyed with a three-glass wine pairing for an extra HK$688. WHO TO BRING A love interest - one of the Sexy menus should get him or her in the mood. TURN-ONS The tasting menu began with the raw marinated fillet of Japanese sea bass which was an explosion of freshness on the taste buds. The treble soup course was as if the essence of beef consomme, lettuce and gazpacho had been served up in three small glasses. They were individually delightful and complemented each other well. The raspberry and strawberry 'Sable' with lemon/ginger sorbet was heaven in a dish. Overall, an outstanding dining experience. TURN-OFFS One hiccup in generally excellent service: we asked for a light and crisp wine but were brought a more full-bodied and spicy one. It did, however, complement the meal. DRINKS For diners with deep pockets there are about 4,800 bottles of wine with 450 vintages from the Old World and New World.