Every day seems to bring conflicting advice about the foods we should consume – and avoid – in order to maximise their health benefits. Whether you’re trying to cut out gluten or dairy or just want to minimise the nasties on your plate, Café Gray Deluxe’s Revitalising Menu is the perfect option for those inspired to make more conscientious culinary choices.
Set on the top floor of The Upper House, Café Gray is at the pinnacle of the Hong Kong dining scene: chic and elegant, with panoramic views of the harbour to wow even the most seasoned social butterfly. Whilst I have had the pleasure of enjoying some of the other menus at Café Gray (the bubbly afternoon tea being one of my favourites), I was intrigued by this carefully crafted vegan offering that aims to promote the well-being of guests by providing organic, non-GMO and sustainably sourced ingredients. I recently popped in for a Friday lunchtime treat with a very healthy twist.
First up was a tartare of organic button mushrooms combined with lotus root and cornichons and infused with mustard. This is definitely one for fungi fans, but I found it to be light, flavoursome and the perfect introduction to Chef Gray Kunz’s refreshing fare. Instead of a basket of bread for the table, we had crispy rice cakes dipped in a tangy cauliflower purée, leaving plenty of room for the main and dessert courses.
Next came the dish that I was most looking forward to: whole roasted cauliflower, sprinkled with spiced dukkah and a tart lemon coulis, on a bed of quinoa and millet. This was very impressive and bursting with tastes and textures. I was worried that I would leave unsatiated by the Revitalising Menu (hello, hanger), but after the main course, I was full and content. The roasted cauliflower option would be an excellent alternative for a veggie roast (or Christmas!) dinner too.
Never one to turn down a sweet – especially one that’s guilt free – I tucked into the grapefruit sorbet with hojicha tea mousse, slices of clementine and crunchy buckwheat crumble. To me, this was something like a deconstructed fruity cheesecake with all the pleasure but a fraction of the calories! Coffee or tea comes with dairy-free and refined sugar-free chocolate mendiants, which are sure to curb any remaining cravings.
Verdict
The Revitalising Menu is as aspirational as it is ambitious, challenging the norm of overindulgence with healthy, thoughtful choices. If you’re interested in cleaning up your diet while still still enjoying your dining experience, this is a wonderfully balanced and beautifully presented option. For those committed to the cause, the menu regularly changes depending on the availability of seasonal ingredients, so you’ll never get bored.
The two-course menu is priced at $395 and the three-course menu at $445, available for lunch (weekday only) and early supper. The four-course dinner menu is priced at $680.
49/F, The Upper House, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2918 1838
