BY LOUISE CHEN
Originally published: June 14, 2010
http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/34904/a-feast-by-french-culinary-legend-escoffier-wings-to-hong-kong/
Hong Kong is always a culinary destination, but later this month it will offer a gustatory experience notable both for its historic nature and the fact that it's not Chinese in the least: the recreation of a 12-course banquet that legendary chef Auguste Escoffier originally served at the Hôtel Ritz Paris over than a century ago. The menu will be resurrected for one night only at the luxurious Hullet House hotels St. George restaurant on June 26.
This gourmet event is being held to celebrate the restaurant location's 110th birthday. Priced at HK$1,888 ($242) per person, the banquet will feature such dated delicacies as Suprème de Vollaile aux Artichauts (chicken supreme with artichokes), Pommes nouvelles (new potatoes), and Cœurs de Romaine (hearts of romaine), which are the dishes that have so far been revealed.
When directing the Ritz's restaurant in the early 20th century, chef Escoffier not only gained a worldwide reputation for haute cuisine, but also transformed the modern day culinary profession. Among his many notable achievements are the invention of the first la carte menu, the reorganization of the professional kitchen, and the simplification of the menu format.
Though only founded in 2007, Hullet House occupies the former 19th-century headquarters of the British marine police, which is one of the four oldest buildings in Hong Kong’s 1881 Heritage area, a focus of the city’s project to revitalize historic neighborhoods. The design of the building takes cues from Chinese imperial architecture and English country house, offering magnificent views of Victoria Harbor from private suite balconies. It had been going through major renovation since 2002.
The feast is the latest effort by hotel owners David Yeo and Iain Ward — a historian and ex-mariner respectively — to channel old Hong Kong's colonial charm.