Delicious USA

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the 2024 Delicious USA media launch event. Delicious USA is a promotional project by the Agricultural Trade Office of the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau. On this day, guests had the opportunity to savor a variety of high-quality wines and gourmet dishes from the United States. The event was held at the Prohibition Grill House and Cocktail Bar in the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel. The restaurant was beautifully decorated, fully showcasing the 'flavors' of America. Sommelier Derek Li shared and introduced American wines, allowing everyone to enjoy a pleasantly tipsy afternoon. Chef Sam Sin prepared a variety of savory and sweet appetizers using various American ingredients. The duck pâté tart was made with duck breast and duck leg from Culver Duck Farms. The crispy tart base enveloped the rich duck-flavored pâté, and the pickled raisins added a perfect finishing touch. The slow-cooked spring chicken was complemented with crispy brown rice, caramelized onions, and almonds, adding a delightful crunch to the tender chicken. The duck breast and duck leg cheese multigrain baguette! The chewy multigrain baguette was filled with duck breast and duck leg meat, paired with mustard and pickles for a flavorful yet not greasy taste. The mini Black Forest ring cake was made with concentrated cherry juice and chocolate cookie crumbs. The rich chocolate paired perfectly with the sweet and sour cherry juice. Pistachio mousse puff! The green pistachio mousse was smooth and nutty, with the unique aroma of orange peel elevating the flavor of the puff. The peanut butter chocolate chip cookie was made with the well-known Skippy peanut butter. The cookie was crispy and not greasy, with an irresistible peanut butter flavor that words cannot fully describe. It was absolutely delicious. For drinks, I tried a non-alcoholic cocktail made with fresh American berries. The slightly sour and berry-flavored drink was super cute. Next, we enjoyed a five-course meal meticulously prepared by Prohibition's head chef, Chef Ivan, with wine pairings carefully selected by sommelier Derek. The first course was L'Ecole Yakima Valley Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2022! This vibrant white wine was aromatic, with medium-high acidity and flavors of white peach and citrus, making it very refreshing. Traditional Caesar salad with American crispy fried chicken! The romaine lettuce in the Caesar salad was fresh and crisp, with bacon, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons combined with Caesar dressing for a classic delicious taste. The American crispy fried chicken had an ultra-thin crispy coating, and the chicken inside was very tender and juicy. I really wanted to ask Chef Ivan how to make it. Lingua Franca Willamette Valley AVNI Chardonnay 2022! This white wine had a very smooth and clean texture, with hints of cream and oak, and low acidity, which I quite liked. For the soup, we had California corn chowder with American bacon! The thick corn chowder was creamy and sweet, with the salty and sweet flavors of the bacon satisfying the taste buds. Evolution Oregon Pinot Noir 2021! This wine was full of cranberry-like fruit flavors and hints of spices, making it a great pairing with the rich risotto. The chef showcased this dish with two preparations of roast duck! One was roasted American duck breast, and the other was American confit duck leg risotto. The roasted American duck breast was tender and flavorful, while the confit duck leg risotto was rich with duck flavor and tasted wonderful. Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021! This wine had prominent berry and spice flavors, with firm tannins and a long, smooth finish. The roasted American ribeye with stir-fried broccoli looked tender, and the accompanying fried potatoes were crispy and delicious. Finally, there was the indulgent mac and cheese, determined to satisfy us to the fullest. For dessert, we had American walnut pie with homemade vanilla ice cream! The walnut pie had an extraordinary texture and nutty aroma, paired with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a delightful taste. From now until December 12, a month-long tour will feature a record 43 restaurants in Hong Kong and 8 in Macau. For more details, visit the Delicious USA website.