Michelin-starred chef/owner Philippe Orrico’s Upper Modern Bistro always impresses us with its innovative creations, see what our favourites are.
Everyone knows that France is renowned for its exquisite food and dessert. Luckily, there are a wide range of French restaurants in Hong Kong for food lovers to sample, including Le Pan and newly-opened Louise. Opened by veteran chef Philippe Orrico and run by chef de cuisine Julien Cadiouand, French restaurant Upper Modern Bistro in Sheung Wan promises its guests remarkable dishes that embrace elements of both Japanese and French cuisine.
Casually chic at Upper Modern Bistro
Without a doubt, humble simplicity trumps showy pretense at this quietly elegant restaurant whose interior is decked out in blonde wood and marine blue. Gone is the classic dining room, replaced by a counter-ringed open kitchen, which is slightly elevated from the dining area, providing a vantage point where in-the-know epicureans watch Cadiou and his culinary team dish up impeccable and inventive tasters.
What are the signature dishes?
We started our meal with the light and refreshing white asparagus which was served alongside smoked salmon. A perfectly executed dish, the crème de la crème was the raspberry yoghurt which added a robust texture and rounded out the flavour combinations.
Using top-notch produce, the Ibérico baby lamb with Poivrade artichokes in a traditional French piperade emulsion was an extremely wholesome and comforting dish, with the lamb cooked to perfection and having us wanting more.
The Scottish salmon teriyaki shined elegantly thanks to its glaze of caramelised nasu. Topped with salmon roe, the burst of flavour made each bite a little slice of heaven.
Look out for Upper Modern Bistro’s sea urchin variation. Cadiou has given this spiny ocean floor dweller the limelight three ways – in the form of an oyster, combined with sea bass, and mixed with king crab – which simply floored us!
You can’t leave without trying the melt-in-the-mouth egg onsen delivered with flair in a green pea puree with additions of grilled smoked eel, apple and bacon foam; it’s the very definition of delicious.
The menu at Upper Modern Bistro is refreshed every few weeks, so be prepared to be surprised the next time you head down, but rest assured you’re in good hands.
Upper Modern Bistro, 14 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2517 0977, 上環差館上街6-14號地舖
