Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong restaurant reviews
Get more with myNEWS
A personalised news feed of stories that matter to you
Learn more
Stanley restaurant Henry’s has not changed much since it was known as Lucy’s and still offers simple food done well. Photo: Roy Issa

Restaurant review: Henry’s in Stanley – familiar decor and decent sized dishes done well

With delicious dishes such as the spinach and feta soufflé and salmon fishcakes still on the menu, a lamb fillet that hit the spot and decor unchanged, the new owner of renamed Stanley fixture Lucy’s continues a winning recipe

The ‘help wanted’ sign outside Henry’s restaurant in Stanley almost made us decide to go somewhere else for lunch; the fact that they were looking for a chef at “any level” did not sound good.

We tried it anyway, and had an enjoyable meal.

Interior of Henry’s in Stanley Main Street. Photo: Roy Issa

Henry’s looks exactly the same as we remember it from long-ago visits when the establishment was still Lucy’s – the exterior, signage, interior and even the blackboard listing the specials, which is carried from table to table, was the same.

Lucy’s has a sex change - South Side restaurant saved from closure, to reopen as Henry’s

And many of the dishes seemed the same – and why not? If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. You don’t come here expecting foams or caviar – just simple food, done well.

The blackboard listed a set lunch: two courses for HK$220 (US$28) and three for HK$260, plus 10 per cent service charge, with several choices for each course. I wanted one item from the set lunch, and the others from the one-page menu, and the staff let me mix and match.

Sardine with salsa verde. Photo: Roy Issa

The sardine with salsa verde (HK$70), served whole with salad, was large and meaty. My guest’s crab, avocado and pomelo salad (HK$145) was also a substantial starter. It had plenty of crabmeat and sweet, plump pieces of pomelo in a light dressing.

Salmon fishcakes with red pepper and tomato salsa. Photo: Roy Issa

The spinach and feta soufflé with tomato sauce (HK$125) was just as I remembered it from my last meal at Lucy’s – delicious, flavourful and light. The salmon fishcakes with red pepper and tomato salad (HK$130) were another blast from the past, with flakes of moist fish lightly bound with potato.

Lamb fillet with tomato, cucumber and beetroot salad. Photo: Roy Issa

My main course of lamb fillet with tomato, cucumber and beetroot (HK$155) really hit the spot. The lamb slices were tender, the salad had really good dressing, and the crisp pita added texture.

Treacle, banana and pecan tart. Photo: Roy Issa

For dessert, the lemon posset (part of the set lunch) was too firm. Warm lemon pudding with vanilla ice cream (HK$60) was light and tart. Treacle, banana and pecan tart (HK$60) was served while the guest, who had ordered it, was away from the table. The rest of us intended to take only one bite each, figuring we should try it before all the ice cream melted. But with its crumbly crust and well-flavoured filling, we liked it so much that most of it had disappeared by the time he got back.

When we got the bill, we had to laugh: the receipt still lists the restaurant as Lucy’s.

Henry’s, 64 Stanley Main Street, Stanley, tel: 2813 9055. About HK$340 without drinks or the service charge.

While you’re in the area:

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Familiar dishes done well proves a winning recipe
Post