So one day I found myself to be at Festival Walk for a work lunch, the restaurant of choice was Dan Ryan’s. I have only been to Dan Ryan’s once – and that was at Pacific Place for a drink – so I didn’t really know what’s in store for me.
I do like the ambiance at Dan Ryan’s. The whole upscale, American diner yet laid back experience was something that I could sink into, with its cozy counter seats and warm lighting.
It has been slightly more than two years since I moved out from Sheung Wan, and it is increasingly evident that the moment I move out of a place, restaurants and cafes will start to pop up all over my ex-neighbourhood, like mushrooms after a rainy season. While it certainly heartens me that so many hip places are opening in Sheung Wan, it maddens me somewhat that the trend did not happen while I was living there.
That was a long preamble.
I was trying to tell you about a new cafe in the neighbourhood which I visited earlier this year. A touch of New York City has arrived in the form of the Big Apple’s comfort food and authentic Italian dishes, all at very reasonable prices.
I have been to Brat once before with my previous better half last year. I remembered the occasion very well; we had an unsatisfactory lunch somewhere (I won’t name names), and the (previous) better half remember a TV program which showcases a great place for sausages at Soho.
We went in, I was impressed, and we walked out. For the life of me I don’t know why I never blogged about Brat before, but hey it is not too late!
Brat, lovingly known as the purveyor of awesome sausages, was just that. I am not a sausage aficionado per say, but even the amateur me recognised the high standard of sausages being served here. It was a set meal for us, so we ordered a Brat each. Gracing the table for the afternoon was Frank (with mustard, paprika and onion garlic) and Sun Dried Tomatoes Mozzarella (with just like its name sakes).
The Frank.
You know how they say that within two hours after your workout, your body is at its most absorbent, so it is the prime time for you to take supplements such as protein shake.
It is also the worst time for you to consume fatty things and empty calories… which happened to me one fine Sunday.
I couldn’t help it. It was the weekend before my annual Europe holiday, I was tired out from some physical and mental exercise at the gym (it was one of those days), so when Chris and Liren said they’ll be happy to have a Sunday beer, I jumped at the chance.
It does seems like I have a craze for American-style diners recently. Okay, technically the Happy Valley Classified is no diner, just feel like one, but the one at Jerry’s is definitely a diner.
But truth to be told, I was at Green Waffle Diner recently because… just because. I was in the area, and we needed dinner which while doesn’t burn a hole in the pocket, will give us a satisfactory food for the hot, humid night. After missing out one gathering of #HKSocialButterflies (hi guys!) here, finally I got my hand on its signature dish.
Fried Chicken & Waffles (HK$82)
At last! I first heard about this odd-sounding dish on Twitter (hi Greg!) and have been itching to try this out. Two deep-fried chicken drumsticks served with a full waffle and a healthy portion of homefries. The chicken was surprisingly dry; it almost felt like it was refried or reheated. It was surprising because from the look (and smell!) of it, they do appear to be good. The skin is, of course, delicious, but that’s wholly missing the point, right?