People often talk about having a second stomach for desserts, and when we heard about a new joint in Lan Kwai Fong serving three courses of sweet delights we readied tummy number two for a full-on workout.
The menu is simple and changes every day. A three-course dessert set ($200) includes a choice of a glass of dessert wine, Mariage Frères tea, or coffee. Thanks to the open kitchen setting, diners can observe the pastry chef preparing each course.
The amuse bouche was a flavourful panna cotta with sesame snaps, which was slightly too firm from over-chilling but a very refreshing way to start the meal alongside a glass of dessert wine. On a previous visit, a soft, pillowy – though slightly dry – banana cake with sorbet kick-started the meal.
The roasted pineapple Napoleon had crunchy thin pastry layers that provided a great texture balance to the soft cream. Hints of sweetness in the pineapple made it a delightful entrée on a hot summer night. Cut into squares and paired with a scoop of banana ice cream, the rhubarb cake with strawberry sauce was firm, nutty and wonderfully moist.
The selection of petit fours consisted of a spongy financier, crunchy apricot shortbread and coconut marshmallow that should have been denser. Neat and petite, they were perhaps a little too small. Although by that point our second stomach was well and truly stuffed.
Jason Bon Vivant
2/F, 12 Wellington St, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, 2868 3302. Mon-Thu 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 5pm-1am. Meal for two: $400.