And so one afternoon I found myself at Glasshouse, a sparkling restaurant located on IFC Hong Kong rooftop with a stunning harbor view and a terrace. The location is great during those sunny, winter lunchtime like the day I was there for a work meeting.
The design of the Glasshouse Hong Kong takes its inspiration from potting sheds in old country houses; a room filled with wheel barrows, rakes and terracotta pots. Though Glasshouse tries to be laid back, it certainly exudes an upscale vibe.
The menu – a fusion of Asian cuisines with a Western touch (and some vice versa) – looks really promising. Even before my lunch guests arrived I have already made up my mind on what to order. If the food taste as good as it looks in the menu, I am in a for a treat.
Oh, what a naive assumption that was.
The Korean beef style steak sandwich was disappointing. The bun is a dry, without that level of moisture nor the crispiness that could have turned this simple dish around. The steak could be more tender. The combination was just below average for me.
I really like the look of Pandan Leaves & Coconut, but arrived at my table was so different than pictured. Instead of a tall glass of milky sweet goodness (diet be damned) I was served with 1/3 of the drink, in a short fat glass. You know, like those whiskey glasses, only rounded? I dare not say for sure but I think the drink was priced the same anyhow.
Dessert was one novelty item – Candy Crush. Just as its (game) name suggested, you “crush” a combination of sweets, Oreo cookies, M&M’s, rice crispies, ice creams and fruits to your taste, to be shared between two person. To be honest this was more gimmicky than a real treat.
Glasshouse is indeed a beautiful place, certainly great lunch spot. I would return for its location but would hesitate to do so for food. Am I too quick to judge?