"Oyster" Night @ Rustico

Do you all like eating raw oysters? Mama Che is definitely an oyster fan! Usually, I just season raw oysters with lemon juice, but there are actually many special pairings. Tonight, let's experience a Spanish-flavored "Oyster" Night. Once again, I’m at Rustico located in D2 Place, Lai Chi Kok! I still remember the first time I came was back in 2014. It’s one of the rare restaurants that keeps me coming back time and again. At the entrance, I saw Spanish head chef Javier Pérez Freire! The brand-new menu under his leadership is full of surprises, and I absolutely love it. The restaurant’s decor is rich with Spanish flair, giving off a passionate and fiery vibe. Sangria $98/glass! You can choose between red or white wine Sangria. It’s full of fruity aroma and sweet, making it easy to enjoy even if you don’t drink alcohol. It’s the perfect start to this exciting "Oyster" night. Spanish Rock $62/each! For starters, of course, I had to try my favorite raw oysters. I picked four varieties to satisfy my craving all at once. The Spanish rock oysters are very creamy with a strong seawater flavor! The chef paired them with a very special watermelon frozen soup granita. The taste is sweet and sour with a hint of vegetable aroma, very refreshing and perfectly matched with the oysters. We also chose vodka spicy tomato cocktail, mojito cocktail, and ceviche lime juice to pair with the oysters. All three performed well, but I preferred the ceviche lime juice in the middle. The citrusy sour aroma created a chemical reaction with the oysters, leaving a lingering fragrant aftertaste. Garlic butter baked oysters $78/each! For friends who don’t eat raw oysters, this is a must-try. The oysters baked with garlic butter are flavorful and juicy. The spices don’t overpower the oyster’s natural sweetness but rather complement it beautifully. It was outstanding, and I loved it. Cured meat with roasted almonds and lime zest $158! The glossy ham flavor is very rich, which I believe is the power of cured meat. The chef paired it with roasted almonds and lime zest to add a fresh touch, which was very interesting. Homemade crispy cream balls $128! Always fried to a crispy perfection without being greasy. Inside is a smooth and sweet cream filling. Paired with the salty cured ham, the flavor is irresistible. Foie gras mousse with green apple and smoked mackerel $178! The silky foie gras mousse topped with green apple slices and smoked mackerel is an amazing combination! For those who like, you can spread the foie gras mousse on toast for an even richer texture. Spanish soft-boiled egg with spicy chorizo $128! Once you try this dish, you’ll never forget it. The soft-boiled egg mixed with spicy chorizo, potato cubes, and egg yolk sauce is sinful. It’s rich in egg aroma and flavorful—absolutely delicious. Black truffle chicken and wild mushroom risotto $368! The risotto, after slow cooking, absorbs the essence of chicken and ingredients, presenting a rich flavor and a full texture. The taste is superb. Traditional Spanish churro sticks $75! Hot churros are irresistible, and paired with chocolate mousse and ice cream, it’s simply addictive. Every time I come here to eat, I leave satisfied! In these difficult times, I sincerely hope these dedicated restaurants can persevere, so that we food lovers can continue to enjoy quality cuisine.