UPDATE: February 2013- FRITES in Central to close on February 28th due to building renovation. Other outlets in Wanchai and Quarry Bay remain open, and staff from Central will be relocated.
August 9th, 2012
Belgium produces a wide range of interesting, delicious and well-crafted beers that are considered among the world’s best. Fortunately the beers are widely exported around the world, and in Hong Kong probably the widest variety are available at the authentic Belgian-style beer hall named FRITES– with outlets in Central, Quarry Bay and Wanchai. FRITES features a great selection of Belgian beers- with the more famous brands on tap such as Leffe, Stella Artois and Hoegaarden, plus more than 72 different bottled varieties listed in their “Beer Bible”. A welcome oasis of artisan brews and European pub food, FRITES is foremost an exuberant dining venue. Located in the heart of the Central office district of Hong Kong, the dining tables at FRITES fill up fast at both lunchtime and in the evenings after work, with overflows of diners packing the bar while waiting for tables. The quintessential “Belgian” beer drinking experience at FRITES is to gorge on the 1 kg buckets of fresh mussels and frites whilst quaffing the delicious beers.
FRITES first opened in 2007 at the location in Central- with easy access to the first floor room from both Stanley and Pottinger streets- and has enjoyed sustained popularity. In the last year or two, additional outlets of FRITES have been established in Quarry Bay and Wanchai. FRITES was conceived by the local restaurant group- Concept Creations– who are also behind the popular TAPEO tapas bars.
The Restaurant-
The dark wood panelled interior of FRITES provides an air of authenticity, and with the high ceilings and open-plan dining area, accurately recreates the atmosphere of a Belgian beer hall. Rows of solid timber tables and bench seats run across the room from the bar- with seating for approximately 70 diners. Heavy timber and leather bar stools face the long bar, with tiled flooring delineating the bar area from the timber floored main dining section. Tall windows across two sides of the corner space overlook the busy streets of Central, and suffuse the interior with natural light during the days, and the evening multi-hued glow from adjacent buildings.
The substantial Belgian-style bar counter- with the life-size porcelain Dalmatian taking pride of place on the bar
The voluminous main dining room and bar of Frites Central
Seating is at solid wooden tables with green padded leather bench seats.
The beers-
The bar at FRITES serve the well-known Belgian beer brands such as Leffe Blonde and Leffe Brune, Stella Artois and Hoegaarden on tap. The wide selection of artisan Belgian bottled beers runs to 72 labels. And behind the bar, shelf after shelf of beer glasses are displayed, one for each type of Belgian brew, which include the wide range of styles- lambics, Trappist and Abbey ales, Duvel, Triple Karmelists. The menu (“Beer Bible”) offers in-depth descriptions to help out the indecisive , and the knowledgeable staff can assist with suggestions for pairing beers with the food.
The “Honor Board”- with plaques for individuals or groups that have completed the challenge of drinking every different beer served at FRITES
“Beer of the Month”- highlighted on one of the windows
Mural of Trappist monks features on the walls of the entrance passageway
A selection of the Belgian Beer Specialties– “Mongozo” – coconut flavour beer- served in half coconut shell; “Lindemans Kriek”– a Belgian cherry fruit flavoured beer; and “Pauwel Kwak”– Belgian Strong Pale Ale with distinctive wooden glass handle.
From the kitchen-
The extensive menu at FRITES is based around popular European pub-style dishes. Serving portions are generous, and many of the dishes are suitable for sharing. The signature dish of FRITES is the Bucket of Mussels (either half or one kilogram buckets)– served with frites, mayonnaise and a choice of 6 different cooking flavours. Another top notch dish is the popular Roasted Pork Knuckle– 750 grams of suculent pork served with roasted caramelised vegetables. The wide selection of dishes also includes starters of soups, salads, charcuterie platters; and main dishes such as Fish and Frites; Steak Frites; Rich Man’s Burger; and Schnitzel and Frites. Dessert highlights include the Apple Tarte Tatin; Belgian Waffles; and Creme Brulee.
Express Lunch and Express Dinner promotions on Mondays to Fridays offer special deals, and a quick turnaround of tables. Bookings for dinner are recommended as tables fill quickly when the after-work office crowds descend on the area.
FRITES HOUSE MUSSELS- 1 KG : Diced tomato, garlic, onion, light cream & fresh chives. Served with frites & mayo
SALAD OF BURATTA & ROASTED BEETROOT- cherry tomato, olive cheeks, and a verjuice vinaigrette
THE GOOD WIFE SAUSAGE- Half metre sausage with brown onion sauce and mash
750 GRAM ROASTED PORK KNUCKLE– served with caramelised roasted vegetables
LAMB WELLINGTON- New Zealand Lamb Loin and mushroom duxelle pastry bake, on spinach and pine kernal sauté, buttered new potatoes.
APPLE TARTE TATIN – served with vanilla ice cream and calvados sauce (serves 2 )
Placemat Menu- click to enlarge
FRITES Beer Passport Promotion- August 2012
Frites Belgium on Tap, Central
Address: Shop 1 & 2, 1/F, Queen’s Place, 74 Queen’s Road. Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – Exit D1 or D2 – 3 minutes walk. Entrance from either Stanley or Pottinger streets
Reservations: +852. 2179 5179
Website: conceptcreations.hk/index.php/frites-central
Opening hours:
Daily : 12:00 pm ~ late
Promotions:
Express Lunch : Monday to Friday- Order between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm Three course lunch from HK$118
Express Dinner : Monday to Friday- Order between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm One course dinner including house beer, wine or soft drink from HK$138
