Inspired by classic Parisian bistro concept of serving a singular main course- simply steak frites & green salad

la vache hong kong

December 31st, 2013

 

Taking inspiration from a concept that originally evolved in the 1930’s at traditional Parisian bistros, La Vache (French term for “holy cow”) introduces to Hong Kong diners for the first time a single main dish centric restaurant, with a menu choice of simply a fresh green salad followed by steak frites. The focussed approach at La Vache relies on serving up a consistently excellent, singular main dish- a generous cut of entrecote- cooked to the diner’s preference- and served with unlimited crisp fries. The only choices required from diners are what to drink – and a selection from the dessert cart. The intimately proportioned restaurant is well located within a lower ground floor space on the expanding fringe of Hong Kong’s bustling SOHO district- joining an increasingly vibrant neighbourhood of fashionable restaurants and bars. La Vache served its first steak frites in late October 2013- and with the concept being enthusiastically embraced by discerning Hong Kong diners- is fully booked most nights.

La Vache is the latest restaurant concept in the portfolio of the well regarded local Black Sheep Restaurants group- whose other notable restaurants include Boqueria– a modern Spanish restaurant and tapas bar; Motorino pizza; and the nearby Chom Chom Vietnamese kitchen and bar. Heading the kitchen team at La Vache is Chef de Cuisine Tony Ferreira- who brings an honest, straightforward approach to his consummate execution of the tightly focussed menu. La Vache opens daily at 6 pm for dinner- table reservations are recommended.

La Vache cuisine & drinks
Dining at La Vache is pleasantly uncomplicated- the fixed price (HK$258) two course menu of green salad and steak frites is preceded by freshly baked baguettes for each table, and concluded with a choice of sublime French pastries from the dessert cart. Perfectly complementing the steak frites is a concisely curated wine list of several well-priced Bordeaux and Bourgogne wines, starting at HK$288 per bottle, plus a couple of champagne  and white wine options. The privately bottled La Vache House Wine  (HK$388 / bottle and HK$78 / glass) features an agreeable blend of Cinsault, Syrah, Mouvèdre and Cabernet-Sauvignon. Consistent with the French culinary theme, aperitifs and cocktails are inspired by classic French libations- including several versions of Kirs (typically wine and Creme de Cassis); classic Pastis; and cocktails such as The Martinez– London Dry Gin, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, and Marasquin and orange bitters; and to complement the desserts- Chartreuse Yellow and Chartreuse Original.

Inside La Vache

la vache hong kong

The decor at La Vache channels the traditional Parisian bistro with red leather furnishings, oak panelling and brass fittings- albeit updated with an uncluttered contemporary style.

 

la vache hong kong

A long red leather banquette spans the back wall- with a full length mirror adding visual volume to the basement room. Tables are presented in traditional bistro style with red & white chequered tablecloths and white paper placemats.

 

la vache hong kong

The centrally placed bar seats 12 diners around it’s U shaped, grey marble counter.

 

la vache hong kong

A series of red leather booth settings extend across both sides of the room- hand-painted murals of Parisian landmarks evoke the spirit of the French capitol.

Selected classic French-inspired cocktails 

la vache hong kong

Le Boulevardier- Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Dolin Rouge Vermouth, Campari and orange bitters. A Negroni with a twist- using bourbon instead of gin.

 

la vache hong kong

21st Century- Vodka, Lillet Blanc, Elderflower Liqueur,Creme de Cacao, lemon juice. Smooth and sweet with a hint of sour.

 

la vache hong kong

Tarte Tartin cocktail- Calvados VS, Goslings Gold Rum, lemon juice, cloudy apple juice, cinnamon syrup & Tiki bitters. Inspired by the classic French dessert.

 

From the kitchen- steak frites- plus highlights from the dessert cart

la vache hong kong

USDA Prime Rib-eye steak is cut into slices in the kitchen, and presented at the table on a raised metal platter- warmed by a candle. 

 

la vache hong kong

Trimmed and pre-sliced Entrecote steak “La Vache! ” – served with special butter-based house sauce, unlimited French Fries and Green Salad with walnuts.

 

la vache hong kong

Tarte Tartin- a classic French dessert.

 

la vache hong kong

Paris-Brest- choux pastry & praline cream.

 

la vache hong kong

Creme Caramel- with fresh raspberries & blackberries

 

la vache hong kong

La Vache- neighbourhood steakhouse in Hong Kong

Address:  G/F, 48 Peel Street, SoHo. Central. Hong Kong
MTR:  Central- Exit D2 -take  Mid-Levels Escalator to Staunton Street
Inquiries: +852. 2880 0248
Website:   www.lavache.com.hk
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/lavachehk
Opening hours:  Monday to Sunday  6:00 pm ~ 01:00 am
Attire:  Casual