Newly opened casual French cafe & bar by celebrated chef Philippe Orrico
Picnic on Forbes has closed permanently
January 28th, 2016
Having opened in December 2015 in the increasingly gentrified Kennedy Town neighbourhood, PICNIC on Forbes becomes the third restaurant launched by celebrated French chef Philippe Orrico and his Nomad Dining group in the past several years. After the success of his two upscale French restaurants – Upper Modern Bistro and ON Dining Kitchen & Lounge – chef Orrico takes a new direction with PICNIC referencing French cafe fare in a relaxed and informal setting. Fresh, natural ingredients sourced from both France and the Asia Pacific region are cooked in classic French style with a focus on the signature Picnic Basket assortments of gourmet delicacies, French cheeses, and roasted meats. And in a further collaboration with leading Italian bar and vermouth entrepreneur Giancarlo Mancino, a range of signature highball cocktails have been created as the perfect complement to the PICNIC cuisine.
Design Conveniently located at street level adjacent to the local MRT station, PICNIC enjoys a tranquil outlook over the tree-lined roadway. A bold blue-tiled and full-height glass facade is accented with brass framed glass doors that fold back to open up the interior. Exhibiting a sleek contemporary design, the spacious, high-ceilinged interior features a casual chic aesthetic with predominantly blonde timber furniture and panelling, polished concrete flooring, while green-tiled columns add a pleasing visual contrast. An open kitchen and cheese counter flank two sides of the dining room, with the cocktail bar and wine cellar opposite.
Cuisine Referencing the casual dining experiences of a Parisian cafe, the approachable menu at PICNIC includes salads, cheese and cold cut platters, seafood and roasted French chickens – the “picnic” concept encapsulated in the signature Picnic Baskets. Available for table service and also popular for takeaway and as gifts, the Picnic Baskets are packed full of gourmet French delicacies – making then ideal for sharing. As with Orrico’s other restaurants, PICNIC offers an expertly curated selection of French cheeses – attractively served on wooden platters.
Drinks Especially created to match with the casual dining vibe, the signature Highballs at PICNIC offer refreshment with a reduced spirit profile. Served in exquisite Italian-crafted Wormwood glassware, standout Signature Highballs on the drinks list include the BETTER PALOMA with Reposado Tequila, Rinomato Aperitivo, pink grapefruit soda; and the CRYSTAL made with blackberries, mint, Crème de Cassis, soda water. A well-curated list of wines, classic cocktails and craft beers offer further rewarding drink options.
PICNIC on Forbes opens Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner, table bookings are recommended – particularly on weekends. A Set Lunch Menu with 2 or 3-course options is attractively priced at HK$188 and HK$228 respectively.
