It is always nice to get ourselves with a decent Sunday lunch under this wonderful bright summer. With recent restaurant week promotion and knowing that Isono is offering a 4 couse lunch at only $198+10%, I decided give this Spanish restaurant a try.
Located at P M Q at Sheung Wan, mounting up to this mid level area was not easy under this sunny weather. When I arrived Isono, I was all sweating. But when the door was opened, its high ceiling and those natural sunlight shining through really amazed me.
Very frankly telling that I was alone instead of coming
with my companion today, the servers somehow showed their empathy and provided
a lot warmer service. Having reserved the sofa seat, it was particularly nice to slighted soak up the sunlight which shined through the windows.
Finally got myself settled and prepared to be self-entertained
at this lunch, the bread arrived just in time.
Baguette (3.5/5)
Single variety in the bucket. Baguette was steaming hot and
soft inside, but the crust was a bit too hard to chew. Olive oil was extra
virgin and I liked the grassy flavor overflowing in my mouth. A so-so start.
Fresh Japanese Hamachi w/ Tomato, Capers, Olive & Red
Onion Dressing (3.5/5)
Opting for a cold appetizer that could chill myself up from summer
heat, I chose the sliced Hamachi. This fresh sashimi went so smoothly even with
just olive oil and salt. However, adding tomato mashes and capers freshens the
dish with a tinge of acidity. If to pinpoint this appetizer gave a tad too oily
finish, with a real layer of oil painted on the dish.
Green Pea Soup w/ Squid & Black Ink (4/5)
Green Pea has brought a lot of bad impression to Hongkongers
esp. kids as those frozen peas at grocery store tasted so….bad.
This sandy and viscous soup however was far sweeter and veggy
than I expected. The soup was at first all green when served, and it was so fun
to mix it with the dirty ink underneath.
Double-cooked Beef Short Ribs w/ Grilled Seasonal Vegetables
(3.5/5)
Was around 60% full when the main was served (though I had requested
to slower down the pace). The short ribs were actually layered with melting
fats and collagens and juicy, but I was just too full to finish all. I did
enjoy the creamy potato mash (in small portion).
Catalan Cream Foam w/ Pineapple & Toffee Ice-cream (2.5/5)
Catalan Cream is another name
for Crème Brulee. This foamy presentation was not that appealing to me with its
rougher mouthfeel, which differed so much from what a crème brulee should like.
It was too monotonous and milky with the toffee ice cream and the pineapples dices
were too few to establish an acidic backbone from this sweet dessert.
Service at Isono was warm and
friendly. Servers were proactive to start a conversation with you whenever they
passed by. They missed the food order twice but had quick followup though.
Isono would be a cozy venue for an easy brunch or family gathering with
affordable cost but comfortable environment. The happy hour drinks and tapas are
good for your pocket and nice to enjoy at its artistic round bar area.
Isono Eatery & Bar
中環鴨巴甸街35號PMQ元創方Hollywood 6樓H601-H608號舖
Tel: 2156 0688 / 2156 1828
星期一至日: 12:00-00:00
www.isono.com.hk
