Picking the venue for today’s luncheon was one big challenge. It has to satisfy 3 major criteria imposed by the group of lady attendees. Firstly, it has to be Chiu-Chow cuisine centric. Second, the luncheon menu must also include Dim-Sum options. Lastly, the location has to be on the Hong Kong island side, convenient enough and preferably close to MTR access, allowing the ladies a handy and effortless departure.
The decades old ‘ Lippo Chiu Chow ‘, directly underneath the iconic Lippo Centre Towers and adjacent to the The Admiralty MTR station was a perfect fit!.
The quality and price point of the food at this culinary stalwart was more than respectable and fair. Most importantly, for me, the menu included a Chiu Chow Mixed ‘ Lo-Shui ’ meat platter that featured the rare and delectable ‘ Marinated Goose Liver ‘…for an added cost! If executed properly, these morsels can be heavenly, delicately soft, velvety smooth and packed full of umami yumminess……. in my mind, can even transcend Foie Gras in taste and enjoyment!! Lippo’s rendition was near perfection!
Amongst the other dishes ordered was one that sparked an initial skeptical doubt…..but ended up to be an unexpected delight! An unconventional offering of one of my favorite ‘Northern’ Dim Sum items that somehow appeared on a ‘Chiu-Chow‘ menu!.. ‘Shanghainese shredded Turnip’ Turnovers. The generous savory filling was juicy, well seasoned with added minced Chinese ham and highly flavourful. The cocoon wrapper, delicate, crispy and flaky. Well crafted and delish!
Other Dim Sum dishes like the pan fried Turnip cakes with sun dried Sakura shrimp topping, Stuffed chili peppers, ‘Duo Yellow Face’ crispy fried egg noodles…..etc were equally well executed.
Lastly, the full of wok-hay, stir fried Gai-Lan with diced sun-dried Tile Fish was cooked with perfect timing and reminiscent of the famed and much missed Richmond Hill ‘O Mei‘ rendition.
All in all, a pleasant and charming luncheon outing, surrounded by loquacious ladies who spend more time chatting than eating!
