Carna by Dario Cecchini (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★★☆

I didn’t get to try too many dishes at Carna by Dario Cecchini, the prized Italian steakhouse at The Mondrian with V last time around. Right after the meal, I left a note to myself as a reminder that I’d come back for more. Six months later, I finally got the chance on a public holiday, with our parents joining us as our partners in crime.

Little nugget was the only kid in the house but he really didn't care as long as there would be premium beef coming his way.

But first, some homemade focaccia and squid ink carta da musica to whet our appetite.

Vitello Tonnato ($298) – I stumbled upon this dish on one of my favorite food blogs and instantly fell in love with it. It came with thinly sliced veal tongue and veal loin, capers and pickled radish, all drizzled with a flavorful tuna sauce. Dabs of herby parsley sauce on the side added a lovely touch to the mix. 

I thought the veal tongue and loin were incredibly tender and succulent. The croquettes filled with mashed potatoes (and possibly minced beef) provided some nice contrasting texture.

Carpaccio Di Manzo Al Tartufo ($288) – I was so happy that I added this at the very last minute. I was a little surprised to find the rucola wrapped inside the carpaccio, which was elegantly topped with black truffle and parmigiano. It was finished off beautifully with a smoked ricotta emulsion. Not quite the presentation I had in mind but the flavors were seriously delicious.

Cappesante Scottate ($298) – Little nugget and mom were diehard fans of pan-seared Hokkaido scallops.

The sweetness of the scallops was perfectly balanced by the bitterness of slow-cooked endives and kale, as well as the acidity of orange segments. The black truffle jus provided a nice finishing touch. Not yet enough to better the first two starters but then after all, this is a steakhouse, so sticking to meat dishes seems like the wiser choice.

Paccheri alla Milanese ($398) – The Paccheri Milanese-Style, featuring beef cheek ragout and beef tripe, drizzled with herb oil. A hearty family-style dish that everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

Cappello Del Prete ($628) – Now, onto the main event, the charcoal grilled steak. Initially, I was tempted to order some classic Italian steak, given that this is Dario’s home turf. However, our attentive server pointed out that, with a larger group of elderly diners, Italian beef might be a bit too meaty and chewy compared to other wagyu options.

Taking the server's advice, I opted for the Flat Iron Wagyu beef from Snake River Farm USA. It was perfectly grilled (with a nicely charred crust), showcasing strong natural flavors that truly didn’t require any additional seasoning — just a delicate sprinkle of Himalayan salt was all it needed.

Mashed potatoes, butter, Grana Padano cheese ($88) – Little nugget single-handedly finished this bowl of mashed potatoes on his own! I joked that they probably contained more butter and cheese than actual potato, but of course he couldn’t care less.

Tiramisù di Casa ($218) – Dessert was the house tiramisu which I confidently proclaimed as one of the best in town these days. The layers of Savoiardi biscuits, rich coffee, velvety mascarpone cream, and decadent chocolate blended together in a sublime harmony. Oh, and yes I almost forgot about this. 17 years ago, we got married. 

And the complimentary olive oil cakes that were so spongy.

Returning after six months and experiencing even more culinary delights from this talented kitchen was a real treat. As everyone left with happy, satisfied bellies, it’s not just the food we enjoy but also the moments we cherish together.

Food Rating: 7.5/10

Price: $$$$

Address: 39/F, Mondrian Hotel, 8A Hart Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Tsim Sha Tsui

Tel: +852 3550-0339

Website: https://mondrianhotels.com/hong-kong/dining/carna/

Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 3:00pm (Sat - Sun), 6:00pm - 12:00am (Mon - Sun)

Sick! Burger Central (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★★☆

I don’t usually find myself in Central on a weekend especially not for food but tonight, I am a man on a mission. A burger mission.

It led me down to BaseHall 01, the buzzy gourmet food hall tucked away in the basement of Jardine House. Despite it being a weekend (when Central can feel deserted at times), the place was surprisingly packed.

The reason we were here? Sick! Burger – the brainchild of Chef Chun-wan Lai, who recently clinched the title of champion on reality cooking show "Red Hot Chef". With a fine dining pedigree and something to prove on the fast-casual scene, Chef Lai isn’t just flipping patties. He’s flipping expectations.

Taro and vita-milk shake ($60) – This was an interesting one. A playful blend of taro mochi, taro powder, fresh cream and, supposedly, Vita-milk. I loved the idea but the execution felt a little shy on flavor. The taro stood out fine and the iconic taste of Vita-milk barely registered. A fun concept, but not quite the creamy, nostalgic hit I was hoping for.

Sweet potato fries ($58) – A little on the hard side and borderline dry. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato also didn’t really shine through.

Signature Sick! Burger ($155) – This guy has been here three times already and couldn't stop raving about this burger ever since. He has even gone as far as declaring it the best burger he’s ever had. Bold claim. I had to see for myself.

With Chef Lai's fine dining background, I was a little curious on how he does flipping burgers. 

The burger arrived looking every bit as good as advertised: a juicy Angus beef patty, perfectly seared, nestled between a pillowy brioche bun. It was topped with a sunny side up egg, crispy bacon, fresh tomato slices, caramelized onions, and cheddar cheese (almost fully melted). But what really elevates it? A delicate drizzle of ponzu sauce that cuts through the richness and pulls everything together beautifully.

While I am not sure it was the best burger I've ever had, it was definitely one of the better ones 

in town right now. And I know this too.....it was well worth the trip to BaseHall on a Saturday.

Food Rating: 6.6/10

Price: $$$

Address: BaseHall01, LG/F, Jardine House, 1 Connaught Place, Central, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Central / Hong Kong

Opening Hours: 11:00am - 8:30pm (Mon - Sat)

dOonut 空氣系生甜甜圈專賣店 領展中心店 (Shenzhen, CHINA) ★★★☆☆

Business trips to Shenzhen during the weekdays are truly a hidden gem these days. With the weekend crowds absent, I found myself with ample time and space to wander through the vibrant shopping malls without a care in the world.

It's been a while since I last explored Link CentralWalk (領展中心) and I was eager to see what new treasures awaited me. To my delight, I discovered several exciting new openings, including the much-anticipated dOonut (空氣系生甜甜圈專賣店).

Nama donuts, or 'fresh donuts' (生甜甜圈), have taken Japan by storm in recent years, celebrated for their incredibly soft, moist, and pillowy texture. After a long wait, they’ve finally made their way to Hong Kong and China, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to try them!

Earl Grey donut – I decided to indulge in the Earl Grey donut, and it did not disappoint. The dough was just as pillowy as advertised, providing a delightful bite. The custard cream was a touch on the sweet side, but overall, this treat was worth every calorie. I’ll definitely be coming back for another round!

Food Rating: 6/10

Price: ¥¥

Address: Shop RG013E, G/F, 3 Fuhua Road 1st, Futian, Shenzhen, China

深圳市福田区福华一路3号领展中心城 G层 RG013E铺

Closest Metro Station: Convention & Exhibition Center station (會展中心)

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm daily

Kai Kai Dessert Mong Kok 佳佳甜品 旺角店 (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★☆☆

Jelloman’s aunt is back in town from Australia for the week and as usual, we met up for dinner the day after her arrival. After our dinner gathering in Mong Kok, she was craving for something sweet. Something in the form of Cantonese dessert soup place so I went looking up for a Chinese dessert spot on Google Map and it didn’t take long for me to realize that there’s a branch of Kai Kai Dessert (佳佳甜品) just around the corner.

I’ll admit, I had no idea Kai Kai Dessert had a branch in Mong Kok. Their flagship store famously made the move from their original Jordan location across the street not too long ago, and I’d heard whispers of a new outlet opening in Causeway Bay. But Mong Kok? That was news to me.

I wasn’t happy with the service around here. The server wasn’t really helpful but then everything’s done through the app so I guess she’s not here to help us!

Black glutinous rice with coconut milk (椰香紫米露) – With half the menu already sold out, I ended up settling for something I wouldn’t normally order. This was probably dead last on my list but it was cold, and after all the walking and late-night humidity, I needed something light and refreshing.

 

This wasn’t bad. The sweet soup was a little on the watery side but the temperature was right around where I wanted it to be, and it wasn’t overly sweet. 

Would I come back? Maybe but probably to the Jordan flagship where the vibes feel a little more authentic.

Food Rating: 5.7/10

Price: $$$

Address: Shop 2, G/F, 1 Fa Yuen Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Mong Kok

Tel: +852 2601-0661

Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 1:00am daily

Ladies Street Sik Fan Co. Mong Kok 女人街食飯公司 旺角店 (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★☆☆

Jelloman’s aunt is back in town from Australia for the week and due to her very short stay, we were only able to meet her once for dinner tonight. The venue? That decision had already been made — Ladies Street Sik Fan Co. Mong Kok (女人街食飯公司 旺角店) was getting the nod.

This retro-inspired eatery has been making waves since 2018, turning heads with its neon signage, old-school Canto aesthetics, and vintage knick-knacks. I first visited their Tsim Sha Tsui outpost when my friend S from Vancouver was in town, and I remember being pleasantly surprised. Tonight, we were back — this time in the heart of Mong Kok.

Little nugget wasted no time posing in front of the fish tanks.

Almond soup with pork lung (杏汁燉豬肺) ($198) – A disappearing classic that’s become increasingly rare on modern Cantonese menus. Rich, milky almond broth with a comforting aroma and subtle sweetness. The pork lung added depth and a lovely, creamy texture. It’s not a dish for everyone, but for those who appreciate traditional Cantonese flavors, this was a nostalgic hug in a bowl.

Chicken in scallion oil (秘製蔥油雞) ($168) – One of their house signatures and rightfully so. Tender, juicy chicken served chilled, bathed in a beautifully aromatic scallion oil-soy sauce blend. The balance of savory and fragrance was spot on. Definitely a must-order.

Pan-fried lotus root and squid cake (香煎蓮藕花枝餅) ($148) – A timeless combination of diced lotus root and squid. Slightly under-charred on the exterior (a bit more crisp would’ve been nice) but the texture contrast between the crunchy lotus root and springy squid was pretty enjoyable.

Stir-fried broccoli with garlic (蒜蓉炒西蘭花) ($78) – A simple veg dish with just the right amount of garlic punch. 

Baked US oysters with spring onions and ginger (薑蔥焗美國桶蠔) ($228) – These arrived relatively late but they made quite the entrance. Massive (I mean massive!) US oysters, baked to perfection and topped with a sizzling medley of ginger and spring onion. Hearty, briny, and packed with umami. Worth the wait.

Fried noodles with supreme soy sauce (豉油王龍鬚炒麵) ($108) – Speaking of waiting — we had to chase this one down multiple times, and it finally arrived nearly an hour later. Thankfully, it didn’t disappoint. The noodles were coated in a soy sauce brimming with deep, unmistakable umami.

As with our last visit, the food at Ladies Street Sik Fan Co. remains solid — better than expected from a place often praised more for its nostalgic décor than its kitchen. Yes, service continues to be a mixed bag (slow, slightly chaotic, and occasionally forgetful), but not quite enough to throw the yellow flag just yet.

Food Rating: 6.5/10

Price: $$$

Address: Room B, 1/F, Witty Commercial Building, 1A-1L Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Mong Kok

Tel: +852 2685-1618

Opening Hours: 6:00pm - 11:30pm daily

Relive Patisserie (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★★☆

Yeah, I was supposed to rush back to pick little nugget up from his rehearsal. That was the plan until a spontaneous detour landed me at Relive Patisserie, a quietly elegant French cake shop tucked deep within the antique-strewn alleys of Sheung Wan’s historic quarter.

This home-grown pastry shop actually had a small corner (well, not really that small) dedicated to artwork including wooden sculptures and pottery. Unfortunately, I was pressed with time and didn't get to check those out personally.

With the clock ticking, I went straight to the display counter looking for some sweet treats for tonight. 

And there they were — rows of pristine, jewel-like pastries that immediately caught my breath. 

Charlotte ($70) – A modern take on the French classic Saint Honoré, Charlotte reimagines tradition with a playful twist. Instead of the usual puff pastry base, this version sits on a slice of Earl Grey tea sponge, swirled with silky caramel cream. 

Topped with delicate choux puffs (or choux pastry balls) and clouds of whipped cream, the texture interplay is both light and indulgent — a dreamy, tea-scented creation that hits all the right notes.

Eden ($72) – Even more delicious was this delicate pastry by the name of Eden. A stunning, pistachio-themed creation that’s as elegant as it is flavourful. Lush layers of pistachio cream embrace a bright, citrusy centre of tangerine orange and soft sponge cake, striking a beautiful balance between richness and acidity. It’s the kind of dessert that lingers on your palate, and in your thoughts, long after the last bite.

There’s something deeply satisfying about discovering local talent that not only respects the roots of French patisserie but also elevates it with a personal, modern touch. Relive Patisserie is a testament to that spirit. Now, I just need to figure out how to arrange for my return visit (especially for those amazing fig tarts!).

Food Rating: 6.8/10

Price: $$$

Address: G/F, 34-36 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Sheung Wan

Tel: +852 6090-4099

Website: http://www.relive.hk/

Opening Hours: 11:00am - 7:00pm (Tue - Sun)

Chachawan (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★★★☆

Little nugget had another rehearsal in Sheung Wan this afternoon, giving us the perfect excuse to dive back into the neighborhood’s ever-evolving food scene. Instead of chasing something new, we found ourselves gravitating back to a tried-and-true favorite — Chachawan, the beloved Isaan Thai eatery that’s long been a staple in our good books.

As expected, the restaurant was buzzing with life on a Sunday, but luck was on our side. We scored a cozy table on the mezzanine floor, a little away from the action.

It's been a while since we last indulged a satisfying Thai meal together and today’s lunch should more than make up for lost time.

Iced Thai milk tea ($50) – Very rich in tea flavor and not overly sweet. Probably the second best Thai milk tea I've tried this year. A close second behind the one from Soi.29 Chef Key. 

Kai Jiaw ($168) – This Thai-style crab omelette, dotted with spring onions, instantly reminded me of the ones at Samsen. While I usually like mine spiked with a healthy dosage of Sriracha sauce (Thai chili sauce), I had to skip the heat this time as I'm having a presentation next week and it's a good idea that I'd spare my voice.

This wasn't bad. A little more crab meat would make me a even happier camper.

Phad Thai ($158) – A textbook example of wok hei in action as the noodles arrived hot and fragrant straight out of the kitchen.

The noodles were beautifully tossed with juicy prawns, tofu, chives, egg, and beansprout in a sweet and tangy tamarind sauce. There was a really nice balance of sweetness and acidity in the dish. Love this~

Look at the size of these river prawns! Fat, juicy, and perfectly curled from the heat of the wok.

Khor Moo Yung ($168) – Marinated in garlic, coriander root and pepper, the pork collar arrived glistening with just the right amount of char. Succulent, tender, and boasting that slightly chewy bite that pork collar lovers crave.

The meat were sliced and served with a flavorful Nam Jim Jaew sauce. This alone is worth a return trip.

I had just enough room for one dessert and their Kanom dtom, warm coconut rice dumplings served in salted coconut cream, had been on my radar screen forever. But just when I was about to place the order, we got a call from little one's teacher telling us that the rehearsal had finished early. That was all the time we had, time to settle the bill and walk our way back to pick the little guy up.

Food Rating: 7.1/10

Price: $$$

Address: G/F, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Closest Metro Station: Sheung Wan

Tel: +852 2549-0020

Website: http://www.chachawan.hk/

Opening Hours: 12:00pm - 3:00pm, 6:00pm - 11:00pm daily