Inspired by classic Parisian bistro concept of serving a singular main course- simply steak frites & green salad
December 31st, 2013
Taking inspiration from a concept that originally evolved in the 1930’s at traditional Parisian bistros, La Vache (French term for “holy cow”) introduces to Hong Kong diners for the first time a single main dish centric restaurant, with a menu choice of simply a fresh green salad followed by steak frites. The focussed approach at La Vache relies on serving up a consistently excellent, singular main dish- a generous cut of entrecote- cooked to the diner’s preference- and served with unlimited crisp fries. The only choices required from diners are what to drink – and a selection from the dessert cart. The intimately proportioned restaurant is well located within a lower ground floor space on the expanding fringe of Hong Kong’s bustling SOHO district- joining an increasingly vibrant neighbourhood of fashionable restaurants and bars. La Vache served its first steak frites in late October 2013- and with the concept being enthusiastically embraced by discerning Hong Kong diners- is fully booked most nights.
La Vache is the latest restaurant concept in the portfolio of the well regarded local Black Sheep Restaurants group- whose other notable restaurants include Boqueria– a modern Spanish restaurant and tapas bar; Motorino pizza; and the nearby Chom Chom Vietnamese kitchen and bar. Heading the kitchen team at La Vache is Chef de Cuisine Tony Ferreira- who brings an honest, straightforward approach to his consummate execution of the tightly focussed menu. La Vache opens daily at 6 pm for dinner- table reservations are recommended.
La Vache cuisine & drinks
Dining at La Vache is pleasantly uncomplicated- the fixed price (HK$258) two course menu of green salad and steak frites is preceded by freshly baked baguettes for each table, and concluded with a choice of sublime French pastries from the dessert cart. Perfectly complementing the steak frites is a concisely curated wine list of several well-priced Bordeaux and Bourgogne wines, starting at HK$288 per bottle, plus a couple of champagne and white wine options. The privately bottled La Vache House Wine (HK$388 / bottle and HK$78 / glass) features an agreeable blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Mouvèdre and Cabernet-Sauvignon. Consistent with the French culinary theme, aperitifs and cocktails are inspired by classic French libations- including several versions of Kirs (typically wine and Creme de Cassis); classic Pastis; and cocktails such as The Martinez– London Dry Gin, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, and Marasquin and orange bitters; and to complement the desserts- Chartreuse Yellow and Chartreuse Original.
Inside La Vache
The decor at La Vache channels the traditional Parisian bistro with red leather furnishings, oak panelling and brass fittings- albeit updated with an uncluttered contemporary style.
A long red leather banquette spans the back wall- with a full length mirror adding visual volume to the basement room. Tables are presented in traditional bistro style with red & white chequered tablecloths and white paper placemats.
The centrally placed bar seats 12 diners around it’s U shaped, grey marble counter.
A series of red leather booth settings extend across both sides of the room- hand-painted murals of Parisian landmarks evoke the spirit of the French capitol.
Selected classic French-inspired cocktails
Le Boulevardier- Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, Campari and orange bitters. A Negroni with a twist- using bourbon instead of gin.
21st Century- Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Elderflower Liqueur,Creme de Cacao, lemon juice. Smooth and sweet with a hint of sour.
Tarte Tartin cocktail- Calvados VS, Goslings Gold Rum, lemon juice, cloudy apple juice, cinnamon syrup & Tiki bitters. Inspired by the classic French dessert.
From the kitchen- steak frites- plus highlights from the dessert cart
USDA Prime Rib-eye steak is cut into slices in the kitchen, and presented at the table on a raised metal platter- warmed by a candle.
Trimmed and pre-sliced Entrecote steak “La Vache! ” – served with special butter-based house sauce, unlimited French Fries and Green Salad with walnuts.
Tarte Tartin- a classic French dessert.
Paris-Brest- choux pastry & praline cream.
Creme Caramel- with fresh raspberries & blackberries
La Vache- neighbourhood steakhouse in Hong Kong
Address: G/F, 48 Peel Street, SoHo. Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central- Exit D2 -take Mid-Levels Escalator to Staunton Street
Inquiries: +852. 2880 0248
Website: www.lavache.com.hk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lavachehk
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 6:00 pm ~ 01:00 am
Attire: Casual
