MIRROR!

Note this name, it will soon become the "Talk of the Town" among foodies. Fergus and I were invited to a splendid dinner at this brand new concept restaurant located in Wanchai. The brainchild of 3 friends ie a Chef, a Designer and a Hotel Operator, its operating philosophy revolves around VATS ie to be the Best in Value, Ambience, Taste & Service. Mirror's goal is "to offer their guests with an unforgettable dining experience" and they did precisely that last night, in a big way.

One of the partners is Jeremy Biasiol the Executive Chef. The Biasiol name is of Italian origins even though Jeremy, who hails from Lyon, is as French they come. Offered a job by Alain Ducasse at 17 his culinary career has spiralled up since. Not unlike other extremely successful chefs of global repute, Jeremy has worked with a litany of Michelin restaurants in the key cities, and of course award winning chefs including; Paul Bocuse, Georges Blanc, Le Mere Brazier, Pierre Orsi and Ducasse with whom he spent 11 years.

The menu was classic French, complete with meticulous attention and flavor layering as taught in cooking schools. The discipline was unmistakenly loud, and clear, a real joy for discerning diners who, in addition to tastes, care about how their food is prepared. While the tasting menu was pervasive, the following were just brilliant ... so look out for them.

* Mirror salad, especially the aubergine puree, in truffles vinaigrette
* Frog legs in a thin cream of garlic & watercress veloute
* Roast scallops with crayfish & cauliflower sauce

Jeremy has been in Hong Kong for almost two years, and thanks to a thorough baptism by his local partners, he talks like a HK belonger. He was teaching at a cooking school and the team of young men behind the pass is made up of his best pupils. Knowing what I know now about the hardships of a cooking career ladder, I hope they know how terribly fortunate they are, at more or less the same age as their boss when he started with Ducass. Watching them work, and watching those smiles despite the sweat & stress, I think they know, I am sure they do.

MIRROR : 6F Tiffan Tower 197-199 Wanchai Road Wanchai (852) 2573 7288