Hong Kong - Classified

At the end of January, we welcomed a new resident to Happy Valley, adding to the food scene in our village.  Classified is not a newcomer to Hong Kong, but its concept is new to Happy Valley and brings us the al fresco casual dining that many have taken to.  However, on the night I went, it was just a tad uncomfortable since it was really chilly.  Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to close the doors, nor were there warmers out front.  So we don out overcoats, brave the only seat available in the house (near the door) and hoped that the food arrived fast enough.

Let's not forget that Classified has come to be synonymous artisan cheeses.  And they stock the stuff that cheese goes best with, wine and bread.  

Baked Camembert with Truffles

So we ordered the baked Camembert with Truffles to start.  Subtly scented with the garlic cloves and truffles, the aroma was enticing.  After baking, the creaminess was not overly runny but good enough to spread over the toasted sourdough.  However, because of the cold, we had to wolf this down so the bread wouldn't get too cold.  Perhaps an excuse since we were also quite hungry.  An excellent appetizer to get the juices going.

As my main, I ordered the spaghetti with spicy meatballs and tomato sauce.  Hearty dish to beat the chills, although there was just a tad too much heat from the spice to make it a little uncomfortable.  After all, you don't want to work up too much of a sweat and lose even more body heat!  Overall tasty enough but better if they took the heat factor down a notch.

There wasn't much of a choice for dessert.  The Black Forest Brownie tasted much better than it looked, forlorn and sitting exposed in a basket, to the elements. It was moist, dense and the cherries were a nice touch to break the monotony of the chocolate.  I have to say, this is one of the better brownies I've had recently.

Drinks however were a let down.  I ordered the Watermelon Agua Fresca, which is described to be fresh watermelon juice with a hint of lime and soda.  There was no "zing" to this at all, and I didn't get hints of anything.  Aside from the pretty pink color, it tasted pretty much like a very watered down watermelon juice drink.  They have a thing or 2 to learn from neighboring Gusto, where drinks are phenomenal.

Overall, I'm happy they came.  In life and food, who doesn't want options?

Shop B, G/F
13 Yuk Sau Street
Happy Valley
Tel: +852-2891 3454