5/5 Francesco B. 6 months ago on Google
Residing
in
the
vibrant
city
of
Hong
Kong
for
almost
15
years,
the
mystique
surrounding
"8
½
Otto
e
Mezzo
BOMBANA"
as
a
culinary
haven
has
always
intrigued
me.
Recently,
I
decided
to
unravel
this
gastronomic
gem
during
a
celebratory
Saturday
lunch,
an
occasion
that
demanded
meticulous
advance
reservations.
Umberto
Bombana,
a
luminary
in
the
global
culinary
panorama,
is
celebrated
for
his
unwavering
commitment
to
culinary
traditions,
masterful
flavor
profiles,
and
minimalist
plating
that
allows
the
essence
of
each
ingredient
to
shine.
Established
in
2010
and
named
after
Fellini's
iconic
film
of
1963,
coinciding
with
Chef
Bombana's
birth
year,
the
restaurant
encapsulates
the
essence
of
Italian
dining,
reflected
in
the
translated
name
"Otto
e
Mezzo."
A
stroll
through
the
dining
rooms
reveals
an
original
billboard,
a
charming
nod
to
the
restaurant's
cinematic
inspiration.
Nestled
discreetly
in
Alexandra
House
with
a
panoramic
view
of
Chater
Road,
the
ambiance
is
a
harmonious
blend
of
comfort
and
elegance.
Deep
sepia,
bronze,
and
cream
hues
create
a
warm
palette,
while
C-shaped
booths
offer
strategic
vantage
points
to
appreciate
both
the
surroundings
and
the
impeccable
service
of
the
sleek
staff.
Collaborating
closely
with
Japanese
design
studio
Design
Post,
Chef
Bombana
has
curated
a
contemporary
space
adorned
with
understated
elegance
and
simplicity.
Original
Italian
artwork
graces
the
venue,
providing
visual
highlights
that
enrich
the
overall
experience.
The
journey
commenced
with
General
Manager
Antonello
Picchedda,
a
maestro
in
wine
expertise
and
a
gracious
host.
His
welcoming
gesture,
a
glass
of
Champagne
Agrapart
and
Fils
7
Crus,
set
the
stage
for
an
opulent
luncheon.
The
Amuse-bouche
unfolded
as
a
poignant
moment—a
Cold
Melon
Soup
adorned
with
48-month
Pata
Negra,
Burrata
flakes,
and
Taggiasca
olives.
The
fragrant
and
soft
melon,
cultivated
with
passion
by
the
Lorenzini
family
in
Mantova,
showcased
a
commitment
to
local,
quality
produce.
As
our
appetizer,
the
Marinated
Tuna
Tartare
with
Basil
Emulsion,
Yuzu
dressing,
and
Oscietra
Caviar,
was
a
masterpiece.
The
tuna's
tenderness
and
the
harmonious
blend
of
flavors
were
exquisite,
with
Oscietra
Caviar
adding
a
touch
of
luxury.
A
bridge
of
flavors
emerged
with
the
Soave
Classico
(Vigneti
di
Foscarino),
leading
us
to
the
Brittany
Blue
Lobster.
The
lobster's
tenderness,
coupled
with
the
seasonal
Roasted
Matsutake
Mushroom
and
a
48-hour
lobster
reduction
sauce,
revealed
a
culinary
prowess
balanced
with
citrus
elements.
Chef
Bombana's
personal
touch
graced
our
table
before
the
main
course:
Spaghetti
Chittara
with
Sicilian
Red
King
Prawn,
Datterino
Tomato,
and
Citrus.
The
perfectly
cooked
Felicetti
spaghetti
and
the
juicy
king
prawn
were
a
testament
to
the
culinary
finesse
on
display.
Antonello's
wine
pairing
expertise
shone
through
with
the
Ribolla
Gialla
Riserva,
Primosic,
2017,
a
complex
orange
wine
enhancing
the
experience.
Chef
Bombana's
reputation
as
the
Truffle
King
found
expression
in
the
signature
White
Truffle
Tagliolini,
a
harmonious
blend
of
truffle,
egg
pasta,
and
Parmesan.
Opting
for
the
Veal
Tagliata
with
braised
Veal
Cheek,
roasted
mushroom,
and
pumpkin
puree,
we
were
treated
to
butter-tender
perfection.
Paired
with
Brunello
di
Montalcino,
La
Mannella,
2016,
the
dish
unfolded
as
an
outstanding
culmination
of
flavors.
A
classic
Venetian
Sgroppino
served
as
a
palate
cleanser,
skillfully
prepared
at
the
table,
leading
us
to
the
enchanting
Pumpkin
Dessert.
Vanilla
Cream,
roast
pumpkin
gelato,
and
pumpkin
seeds
danced
in
a
symphony
of
elegance
and
taste,
a
perfect
balance
of
tenderness
and
crunchiness.
Concluding
our
culinary
journey,
the
Moscadello
di
Montalcino,
Mastro
Nanni,
2015,
painted
the
perfect
finale—a
vivid
yellow
elixir
with
honeyed
notes,
merging
seamlessly
with
peach
and
apricot
undertones.
"8
½
Otto
e
Mezzo
BOMBANA"
transcended
its
myth,
offering
not
just
a
meal
but
an
extraordinary
odyssey
of
culinary
delight.
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