The Lobby Lounge - Afternoon Tea — Restaurant in Kowloon

Overlooking Victoria Harbour's dazzling nighttime vistas, the Lobby Lounge offers an intimate retreat with dim lighting and soothing interiors. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic cityscape and waterfront illuminations, providing the perfect setting to indulge while taking in the luxury of premiere harbour-front location within Hong Kong's iconic Regent hotel.

Highlight -

Organic egg / Caviar / Spinach (8/10) This reimagined egg dish thrilled from the first bite. It was an artfully wrapped package coated in the crispiest fried crust, and bursting it open revealed the still-runny egg yolk rich with texture and flavor. Alongside, decadent dollops of caviar and creamy spinach brought new dimensions of taste and indulgence. Both comfortingly familiar and refined, it updated a humble staple into an indulgent experience.

Beef tenderloin / Artichoke / Bone marrow butter (8/10) This steak preparation delivered intense flavors in every bite. Even with its thick cut, the beef was cooked to absolute perfection, with a rosy pink flesh that practically melted on the tongue. Enriched by a lush bone marrow butter and accompanied by caramelized artichoke hearts, the balanced flavors created a subtly complex harmony.

Tahitian Vanilla Mille-feuille / Caramel sea salt butter (8/10) Layers of buttery puff pastry were interrupted by slick tongues of vanilla cream possessing an appropriate sweetness. Paired with salted caramel butter, it was further enhanced with each sweet and savory streak. Most remarkably, even after a rich meal the pastry stuffing was not too overwhelming.

We also had -

Hamachi / Carrot / Tiger sauce (7.5/10) Seabass / Asparagus / Milk Turmeric (7.5/10) Japanese white peach melba / Vanilla ice cream / Raspberry coulis (7/10)

Date: Aug 2023 weekday...

It has been a long time since I set foot in the Regent Hotel ( formerly the Intercontinental hotel). I am not sure if the Regent is run by the same people as the Intercontinental but in my recollection this used to be one of the top 5 star hotels in HK, probably in the same calibre as the Peninsula. But the recent visit to their lobby cafe has been nothing but a disappointment, from it's food to it's service and atmosphere. As soon as we sat at the table, I noticed there was no tableware such as plates and napkins, which seemed odd but not a deal breaker. Next, no one came to offer us any menus or even a drink of water. When we did manage to order and asked if there was any scones ( which btw came cold and which I can only describe as a piece of tiny sad looking scone on a small plate), the waitress bluntly replied yes and it's 60 dollars a piece. To me, this kind of etiquette in a 5 star hotel is almost unheard of. Then came the drinks, I ordered a milk tea but to my surprise again a HK style milk tea came instead of a traditional afternoon tea in a pot. There is nothing wrong with HK milk tea but it was not my preferred choice and I have almost never been served one in a hotel before. Options are available but they never bothered to ask me which one I preferred. The drink was duely changed upon request, but to no surprise it was only a very bland tea bag in a pot. During the hour and half I was there, I had to endure the noise and unfriendly servers and mediocre food. It was more like eating in a cha chaan teng with a hefty price tag. That's the last for me. And if the service industry carries on like this even in 5 star hotels, what does HK have to offer which our neighbours are not already offering and doing miles...

Dining with a View and Culinary Masterpiece

Back at the iconic Regent Hong Kong, this time for a memorable dinner at The Lobby Lounge! The chef curated a personalized menu based on my preferences, and it was an absolute delight.

Sipping on Robert Faivre, Les Perles du Paradis Rosé Champagne, its smooth, fruity notes and dry acidity paired perfectly with the meat dishes to come.

The Beef Carpaccio elevated with a generous serving of black truffle and Manchego cheese. But the real surprise? The Sweet Corn Velouté, Crispy Mozzarella! Who knew corn soup could be so incredible?

For mains, the Steak Diane (Black Angus Strip Loin with Mushroom Sauce) was a masterclass in balance – tender, flavorful, and incredibly juicy. Roasted Lamb Shoulder, Garlic French Bean was equally impressive, easily one of the best I've ever tasted!

Ending the night with a lovely Valentine's Day dessert made it all the more special.

The combination of stunning Victoria Harbour views, a spacious and cozy ambiance, impeccable attentive service, and delicious, well-balanced dishes made for an unforgettable dining experience. Highly...