A Delightful Surprise at the Atrium

This evening, I visited a familiar yet refreshingly new Chinese restaurant for a gathering! The chef's stunning dishes brought a new wave of flavors, leaving a lasting impression on me. The restaurant is located within the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre's Atrium! After a three-month renovation, it has finally reopened, much to everyone's delight. The newly revamped decor features a lotus pond theme, exuding elegance and tranquility. The private rooms also carry a sophisticated ambiance, complemented by soft lighting, making the experience very comfortable. The Atrium now boasts an enhanced bar offering a variety of specialty drinks! Both cocktails and mocktails are crafted by professional bartenders. As someone who avoids alcohol, I opted for a mocktail! The "Golden Citrus Bliss" ($108) is a mix of orange juice, pineapple juice, coconut, and kumquat honey. Its sweet and refreshing taste, coupled with a unique aroma, makes it a perfect aperitif. The "Twilight Glow" ($108) combines house-made Chinese tea syrup, dried tangerine peel, soda water, and ginger ale. Its distinctly Chinese flavor pairs wonderfully with the cuisine. The restaurant's reopening also marks the launch of a brand-new menu! The dishes are pre-portioned for convenience, making dining more enjoyable. The trio of appetizers includes Spicy Fish Maw Chicken, Osmanthus Honey Char Siu, and Pan-Seared Local Matsusaka Pork with Italian Balsamic Melon. Presented with a misty effect, they are visually stunning and perfect for social media. The Spicy Fish Maw Chicken ($188 per serving) features crispy chicken skin paired with savory caviar for a unique texture and flavor. The chicken cubes beneath are bound with fish maw, creating a delightful combination of sweet chicken and the distinctive aroma of fish maw. For an elevated taste, dip it in the chef's special spicy sauce. The Pan-Seared Local Matsusaka Pork with Italian Balsamic Melon ($248) offers tender and chewy pork, marinated with rich Italian balsamic vinegar and melon. The dish is both appetizing and refreshing. The Osmanthus Honey Char Siu ($228 per serving) is infused with the subtle fragrance of osmanthus honey, enhancing the tender and juicy char siu. Its balanced fat-to-lean ratio delivers an extraordinary texture and leaves a lingering aroma. The Double-Boiled Soup with Dendrobium, Walnut Mushrooms, and Sea Whelk ($168) is a nourishing and flavorful soup. The walnut mushrooms, resembling monkey brains or walnut kernels, have a texture akin to sea cucumber. Paired with dendrobium and sea whelk, the soup is incredibly sweet and delicious. The Purple Lotus Honey Ham Bun ($88) is a visual delight with its elegant purple embossed butterfly bun. Paired with crispy bean curd and Jinhua ham, it offers a harmonious blend of soft, crispy, savory, and sweet flavors. The Stir-Fried Milk with Seafood ($208) is rich in milky aroma and has a creamy texture. It includes sweet shrimp and scallop meat, topped with crispy almonds and popping fish roe, leaving a fragrant aftertaste. The Braised Whole 6-Head Fish Maw in Abalone Sauce ($1280) is a luxurious dish, perfect for sharing among seven people. The gelatinous fish maw, paired with the rich abalone sauce, is irresistibly flavorful and worth every penny. The Steamed Lobster with Laba Garlic ($688) is a unique take on garlic-steamed lobster. The slightly tangy and spicy Laba garlic enhances the lobster's flavor, while the chef's precise cooking ensures the lobster remains fresh and tender. Served with winter melon and vermicelli, it is a perfect dish. The Black Pepper Vermicelli with Prawns in Clay Pot ($368) is a must-try for those who love bold flavors. The bouncy prawns are full of umami, while the flavorful vermicelli steals the show with its aromatic and non-greasy taste. The Pumpkin and Pepper with Gorgon Fruit ($168) is a refreshing vegetarian dish. It can be paired with crispy seaweed cups or lettuce leaves. I particularly enjoyed the combination of seaweed cups and the vegetables, which brought out a delightful aroma and flavor. I was fortunate to try the limited-time dessert, "Lotus Pond with Koi." Essentially an avocado milk mousse, its exquisite presentation is almost too beautiful to eat. The top layer features a smooth jelly and coconut-flavored koi, while the pond is a creamy avocado mousse. This dessert is so delightful that it deserves a permanent spot on the menu. The revamped Atrium truly impressed me with its decor, food, and service, all of which are of star quality. Most importantly, the prices are very reasonable, making it well worth a visit.