Modern French cuisine from celebrated chef Vicky Cheng and cocktails by creative mixologist Antonio Lai
March 30th, 2016
VEA Restaurant & Lounge combines formidable culinary and mixology talents to create an ambitious concept of modern fine dining – with the creative marriage of cocktails and cuisine. Established in late 2015, VEA occupies the top two floors of a new Central office building, with the luxurious dining room located on 30th floor, and separately, the Lounge and bar on the floor below. Heading up the VEA culinary team, Chef Vicky Cheng artfully utilises seasonal Asian ingredients with his celebrated modern French cooking to create an 8-course tasting menu – with the option of pairing with either cocktails or fine wines. At the chic Lounge, renowned local mixologist Antonio Lai has teamed up with Polish chef-bartender Leszek Stachura (ex-NOMA chef) to further elevate the imaginative integration of culinary ingredients and mixology to create intriguing and flavorful beverages. To accompany the drinks, a bar menu featuring Asian-style bites offers further pairing possibilities. VEA represents the latest innovative concept by the Tastings Group, joining their other acclaimed Hong Kong venues including The Envoy; Origin and Quinary.
29/F Lounge At the Lounge, the decor palette of warm timbers, brown marble and bronze finishes imbues a comfortable retro-chic vibe. Idiosyncratic design elements include customer light fixtures and ceiling-mounted arrays of vintage tennis racquets, while the long brown marble-topped bar and impressive backbar exude the functional essence of VEA.
Cocktails & bar cuisine Melding the Asian and European mixology influences of Antonio and Leszek, the cocktail list features four categories of flavour profile – Sweet, Savoury, Sour and Strong. Signature cocktails include infusions of Asian culinary ingredients, while classic cocktails are elevated with barrel-aged spirits and well-balanced taste profiles. The bar snack menu offers examples of Chef Cheng’s creative cooking with a focus on Asian cuisines.
30/F Dining Room Sleek and luxurious, with a contemporary sophistication, the dining experience is centred around the main marble 25-seat counter that faces into the open kitchen. Several intimate tables settings are also available, while an opulent private room offers both privacy – and a view into the kitchen through a large electronic privacy window.
Modern French cuisine The VEA culinary team serve an 8-course tasting menu of Chef Cheng’s consummate Modern French cuisine – updated weekly – and created from the freshest local and seasonal produce. Prepared in front of guests, the exquisitely presented dishes can be paired with Antonio Lai’s individually created cocktails – each with taste profiles that complement specific dishes. Alternatively, guests can choose wine pairings selected by the VEA sommelier – underscoring the VEA concept of the refined marriage of food and beverages.
VEA Restaurant serves dinner only – Monday to Saturday – bookings are essential. At the Lounge, beverages and snacks are served from 5pm, table bookings are also available. Check the VEA Facebook Page for menu updates and special culinary and mixology events.
VEA Lounge
VEA Cocktails
VEA bar cuisine & cocktail pairing
VEA Restaurant
VEA Modern French cuisine
(food images courtesy of VEA)
