Quintessential French bistro & bar in Hong Kong
January 24th, 2013
Pastis has been one of the favoured gathering places for Hong Kong’s vibrant French expat community, and like-minded Francophiles, ever since its opening in 2009. Located on the street front of the mega-popular SOHO dining and bar zone adjacent to the Central business district, Pastis is a carefully created replication of the classic Parisian sidewalk cafe- both in design detail and also in the offerings of the kitchen and bar. Open all day and late into the night, Pastis serves a traditional French bistro cuisine for both lunch and dinner, and a complete beverage service of French wines, beers, aperitifs, and cognacs.
Occupying a compact pavement level space, the cozy bistro interior features the classic timber-faced bar, with the kitchen at the rear- viewable through a timber framed partition. The decor exudes the casual atmosphere of a typical sidewalk cafe in France- with simple, yet elegant furnishings and a bright and airy atmosphere. Fully open to the exterior pavement, the focus during the daytime particularly, is outwards onto the passing street life. In the evenings the bar at Pastis buzzes with an exuberant crowd, spilling out onto the pavement until late in the night.
With the French owners’ mothers taking a leading hand in the formulation of the recipes for the menu, the authenticity and heritage of the food is assuredly French. The menu changes seasonally to match the four seasons of France, and is a concise collection of the best of French cafe cuisine. Standout dishes include Terrine de Foie Gras Maison- Homemade Foie Gras Terrine with Balsamic Reduction, Green Salad & Grilled ‘baguette’; Escargots de Bourgogne au Beurre d’Ail (6pcs)- Garlic Butter Snails from Burgundy; Confit de Canard- Confit Duck Leg with Carrot Mash & Creamy Mustard Sauce; and the definitive bistro dish– Entrecôte Frites, Sauce au Poivre- Prime Ribeye with Peppercorn Sauce & Frites. The dessert temptations include Crème Brulée- Traditional Crème Brulee; and Plateau de Fromages Français- Cheese Platter (Livarot, Bleu d Auvergne, Camembert, Pont-l’Évêque, Gruyère du Jura).
The well-formed Wine List at Pastis offers an excellent selection of exclusively French wines at very reasonable prices. For wines by the glass, there are 14 different labels available- including champagne, red, white and rose. Bottled wines feature varieties from the leading wineries, representing the major grape producing regions of France.
Pastis opens daily (closed Sundays) from 12:00 pm, serving a popular Set Lunch Menu from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and the A La Carte menu served both at lunch time, and for dinner from 6:00 pm, with last orders at 10:30 pm.
Pastis has an open frontage to the street pavement- with high tables either side of the entrance ideal for comfortable people watching. An extendable awning offers protection from the daytime sun, or inclement weather.
Red leather banquettes with accompanying high tables span the wall opposite the bar. Red and white patterned wicker barstools- the classic Parisian sidewalk bistro style- add authenticity. Antique French liquor brand posters decorate the walls.
A feature of the bar is the antique brass bottle and glass rack- suspended from the ceiling above the bar counter.
The bar serves exclusively fresh Stella Artois draught beer.
Antique Pernod poster displayed adjacent to the bar.
The Wine List at Pastis features a well-crafted selection of exclusively French labels. Alluring highlights include
(L) Perrier-Jouet Blason Rose 1.5L
(C) Domaine Ott, Chateau de Selle 2011
(R) Chateau d’Esclans “Whispering Angels” Magnum 2010
Premium cognacs and Red Wine-
(L) Chateau Laubade X.O. & V.S.O.P.
(R) Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Robert Comte 2009
Pastis Bistro Francais, Hong Kong
Address: G/F, 65 Wyndham Street. Central. Hong Kong
MTR: Central station – Exit D1 – 5 minutes walk.
Enquiries: +852. 2537 5702
Website: www.french-creations.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/pastis.frenchbistro.1
Opening hours:
Monday – Saturday 12:00 pm ~ 2:00 am
Lunch– 12:00 pm ~ 3:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm ~ 10:30 pm
