Friday, June 8, 2012

Al Molo

Al Molo - Kowloon, Hong Kong



Perched just behind grandiose Victoria Harbor, Al Molo is the new Italian hotspot housed in the Ocean Terminal complex.  The restaurant serves a lavish lunch buffet and of course Italian specialties for dinner.  What I truly love about Al Molo is this: it does not claim to be the best Italian restaurant in Kowloon or Hong Kong for that matter, nor does have that you need a reservation to eat with us.

The signboard of Al Molo comes with a statement that the restaurant was developed in collaboration with celebrity chef Michael White.   I've never heard of Michael White before but nonetheless Al Molo which means the harbor in Italian is a welcome addition to the Kowloon waterfront scene.


COMPLIMENTARY: Foccacia bread with Olive Oil and White Bean Dip

Not bad... the white bean dip is a new twist for me.  Olive oil was of good quality too.


APPETIZER #1: Al Molo Salumi Sampler with Puffed Bread and Olives (HK dollars 148)

A great spread of different Italian cold cuts and chorizo.  It's your usual mix of assorted meats but at least all of them were of superior quality.


APPETIZER #2: Burrata with Heirloom Tomatoes (138 HK Dollars)

Just another dish that my family and I cannot get enough of.  Burrata is essentially mozzarella and cheese and the combination of the two ingredients is outstanding.  This was a perfect way to alter some of the aftertaste from the mixed hams.



APPETIZER #3: Fried Zucchini Flowers with Anchovies and Tomato Passata (118 HK dollars)

Whenever fried zucchini flowers are on a menu, I must order it.  A zucchini flower is an item not too popular outside of Mediterranean countries but it's fabulous.  Essentially, it is the flower bud of the zucchini plant and it's delicious.  Sadly, this version of fried zucchini flowers (filled with mozzarella cheese) disappointed.  It looks as if the chef first drizzled the plate with a heap of olive oil, then placed the tomato puree on top and then finished it off with a few pieces of the fried zucchini flower and a piece of basil leaf.  It was soggy to say the least and hardly a memorable dish.


MY MAIN COURSE: Sea Urchin Pasta with Plum Tomatoes and Bacon Lard (HK dollars 168)

Everyone knows that Sea Urchin is an acquired taste.  What most gourmets eat when they order this bizarre sea creature is the gonad of the urchin.  Gross as that they may sound to some, I actually love it.  The melt in your mouth flavor is truly a one of a kind of experience.

The plum tomatoes provided some essential texture and enhanced the sweetness of the urchin.  The bacon lard was a nice touch adding a salty component.  I'd never seen it this way (pictured above) as a film.  Not bad at all.

Dining Room


The last word:

I'd recommend anyone who wants a view of Victoria Harbor to dine here and watch the beautiful scenery right in front of you.  The food isn't great but it doesn't claim that it is either.  What I like most about this restaurant (besides the view) are the many international restaurant managers that run the restaurant.  They make sure that you are satisfied with your meal and if there is any problem whatsoever with the food - they immediately suggest another choice that a diner might find to their liking.  Go ahead, order a glass of wine and make a toast to beautiful Hong Kong Harbor.  It's worth the experience!

My Score: 16/20

Food: 3.5
Presentation: 3
Ambiance: 5
Staff: 4.5

Al Molo - Shop G63 Ground Terminal, Harbor City, Kowloon

http://www.diningconcepts.com.hk/al_molo/index.php



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