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

Mont d'Or Cheese - 'tis the season..

Dim Sum Mont d'Or.. created by Jason 

One of the great things I did this week was to join a group of like-minded individuals to enjoy an evening of cheese and wine.  This season's cheese and Vacherin to be exact.  Available only from the fall, this seasonal soft cheese may be made with pasteurized or unpasteurized milk either from French or Swiss cows, depending on which side of the border they're grazing.

The cheese is more liquid than it is solid when ripe, and is definitely a "soft" cheese.  We started off with a cold or more accurately, un-warmed version first (should have been left breathing at room temperature for several hours prior to serving).  I turned up late so it must have already been breathing for at least an hour by the time I got there.

Soft and creamy, and rich but not overly pungent, it was perfect with the warm and chewy baguette slices that it was served with.  Classified's baguette was especially crusty on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.  Just the way I like it.

Served warm from baking, the cheese is even more enticing, with the aroma filling the room easily, sending swooning faces towards its direction as it's being brought out.  We wait in eager anticipation as it is set down with its usual condiment friends of green apples, bread cubes, and potato cubes.  The use of sweet potato cubes was also a clever addition here.

The folks dig in with their fondue forks, pitching it into one of the condiments, dunk and enjoy.  Washed down with a sweeter Gewurztraminer, the room is once again filled with appreciation.

Wonderful experience and of course, meeting new folks who know how to take time out to enjoy a mid-week party made it even better.

Thanks to Geoff for organising the party.  So nice to see @g4gary and @fernandogros again.  And so good to have finally @jasonbonvivant.  Also, a hello again to @3starbackpacker @designgalhk @tomeats @yeelim @timho @marsha_h, folks that I met at the party (did I miss anyone??).  Hope to see you all again soon. 


Classified Mozarella Bar
G/F, 31 Wing Fung Street
Wan Chai
Tel: +852-25283454