Jaakko Sorsa, executive chef of Finds. Photo: Bruce Yan
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https://scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/2103866/favourite-restaurants-long-time-hongkonger-peter-sargant-whom Food & Drink
Favourite restaurants of long-time Hongkonger Peter Sargant, for whom it’s not what’s new to eat, but who you know that counts
I don’t really care what’s new, I eat where I know someone, says banker, human rights activist and Aids Concern board member. He tells us his go-to places for lunch, a casual bite, a drink and when entertaining out-of-town guests
I don’t really care what’s new, I eat where I know someone, says banker, human rights activist and Aids Concern board member. He tells us his go-to places for lunch, a casual bite, a drink and when entertaining out-of-town guests
I’m not a foodie, but I love to eat so I often struggle with menus. I can never decide what to choose as I really want everything. But generally, I return to places with people I know and friends I trust. I don’t really care what’s new, I go where I know someone.
Finds (1/F The Luxe Manor, 39 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2522 9318) is one of those places. What chef Jaakko Sorsa does with salmon is incredible. I also knew one of its original founders, Colette Koo. We do a lot of reunion dinners there with friends.
Orange Tree (5/F Grand Progress Building, 15-16 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, tel: 2838 9352) is another favourite. [Before moving to Lan Kwai Fong] it used to be up on the Mid-Levels escalator and every year, owner Pieter Onderwater helps us host a Christmas dinner, cooking a big turkey with his unique personal touch.
Orange Tree in Lan Kwai Fong. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Peter Sargant
I am almost reluctant to tell you how much I love Kiyotaki Japanese Restaurant (10 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang, tel: 2877 1772). It has some of the best Japanese food I’ve tasted outside of Japan. Chef Yeung Chi-wang is amazing and he does everything himself. It’s like being welcomed into his home. His sake-marinated abalone is a must have. It’s surprisingly delicate and remarkably soft.
The Pirata Group has opened some amazing restaurants, and Pici Pasta Bar (16 Francis Yard, Wan Chai, tel: 2755 5523) turns out if some of the best pasta outside of Italy.
Another absolute fave is Dandy’s Organic Cafe (108 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, tel: 2815 8221). I eat there two or three times a week. Chef Vivi does amazing salads and healthy food. I like to say when I’m sick, she prescribes my dinner. She’ll tell me, “Oh, you look tired, you should eat more of this or that.”
Gaia Ristorante in Sheung Wan. Photo: Jonathan Wong
I have to mention Gaia Ristorante (Grand Millennium Plaza, 181 Queen’s Road Central, Sheung Wan, tel: 2167 8200). I love manager Pino Piano and his team. Some of them have been there since it first opened 16 years ago. It’s not just for fancy meals, as I am just as likely to stop in for a drink and pizza at the bar.
The Monogamous Chinese in Mid-Levels is a good place to take visitors. Photo: David Sutton
On Lantau, I like The Gallery (26 Tong Fuk Village, tel: 2980 2582), a little restaurant that does brilliant roasts, steaks and barbecue. I also enjoy Cococabana (Shek O Beach Building, Shek O, tel: 2812 2226) which is great for alfresco. I’ve known the owner, Jean-Paul Gauci, for a long time.
For a casual bite, I like Ce La Vi (25/F, California Tower, 30-32 D’Aguilar Street, Central, tel: 3700 2300). Simon McKinless and his team really know how to pamper. After lunch, go [upstairs] to the Sky Deck for cocktails and the view.
The Sky Deck at Ce La Vi, Lan Kwai Fong.
For bars, top of my list is always The Globe (Garley Building, 45-53 Graham Street, Central, tel: 2543 1941) which has the best Bloody Mary. Also, any of bartender Antonio Lai’s places such as Ori-Gin (48 Wyndham Street, Central, tel: 2668 5583).