Offshoot of acclaimed NYC tapas restaurant exhilarates with authentic Catalan cuisine & sociable vibe
November 19th, 2013
Update: February 2016 – Boqueria has closed – new concept by Black Sheep Restaurants to launch in Spring 2016
One of New York’s hottest tapas bar and restaurants since opening in 2006, the Boqueria experience was brought to Hong Kong last year by local restaurant group Black Sheep Restaurants. Taking its name from the famous el Mercat de la Boqueria– the central market of Barcelona, and inspired by the “market fresh” tapas bars located within the market. The sustained success of the first Boqueria in NYC has led to subsequent expansion with new branches opening in New York’s hip SOHO district, and more recently in Washington DC. In Hong Kong, Boqueria is a polished representation of the NYC flagship restaurant- also serving seasonally market fresh, authentic Catalan-style tapas dishes in a casually sophisticated, vibrant and sociable setting.
Occupying prized floor space in the prestigious LKF Tower- one of central Hong Kong’s most glamorous dining destinations- Boqueria enjoys a large following of enthusiastic diners and casual drinkers- enticed by its consummate execution of authentic classic and contemporary tapas dishes, together with a lively bar that encapsulates the vibe found in the tapas bars of Barcelona. Boqueria regularly host special events and promotions, in addition to the popular “Spanish Happier Hour”– nightly Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 8pm (see details below), and the “Segovian Tuesdays” – when the culinary team cook to order whole-roasted suckling pigs for sharing among small groups of dinners.
Boqueria is open daily- serving lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday, and dinner only on Sundays. With its solid popularity, reservations for groups are highly recommended for the evenings- single diners can usually find a barstool at one of the counters.
Boqueria decor
The interior design of Boqueria in Hong Kong follows closely the template of the flagship restaurant in NYC- exuding an understated luxury that features a pared-down contemporary elegance- polished concrete floors, blond timber wall paneling, white marble bar counters, highlighted with plush dark brown leather high bar chairs and patterned ceramic tiles on some wall surfaces. Utlising an open-plan floor layout, the substantial square-shaped bar greets guests on entry to Boqueria– its gleaming white marble counter blending comfortably with the blond timber facing and large menu blackboards overhead. The main dining space features a series of high tables crafted from dark timber- designed for communal dining or small groups of up to 8 diners. Further tables are arranged around the perimeter- in the form of luxurious beige leather banquette settings. And at the rear of the main space, a semi-private room can accommodate around 20 patrons.
Authentic Catalan tapas cuisine of Boqueria
Chef de cuisine David Izquierdo, originally hailing from Valencia, deploys his firm grasp of technique, preparing an unmistakably authentic Catalan tapas cuisine, created from a menu designed by New York based Boqueria executive chef Marc Vidal- an appetising blend of classic and contemporary dishes. Supplementing the splendid regular menu, chef David assembles a seasonal market tapas selection every fortnight, showcasing the best in local and imported market ingredients. Signature dishes at Boqueria include the uber-popular Bombas de la Barceloneta- a dish comprising two juicy Wagyu beef and potato croquettes with salsa brava and garlic aioli; and the traditionally prepared Paella de Mariscos- features an array of seafood delicacies such as monkfish, sepia, squid, shrimp, clams, and mussels, served with classic Bomba rice prepared in lobster stock, with saffron and salsa verde. Other specialties of Boqueria include a broad selection of Spanish cheeses that pair sympathetically with the acorn-fed aged Iberico hams (showcased hanging above a market table adjacent to the bar) and selections of chorizo.
A true tapas experience is incomplete without a vibrant bar, and at Boqueria, the sleek bar stands prominently at the entrance to the restaurant, an exuberant and sociable focal point. The beverages dispensed include Spanish draft and bottled beers, a compact list of signature cocktails, generous pourings of the signature sangrias, and an enticing selection of Spanish wines and cava.
Inside Boqueria
A series of high communal tables extend through the middle section of the main dining room space, with the open kitchen & counter in the background.
Seating options in Boqueria include high communal tables of dark timber, with soft beige leather banquette and blond timber settings spanning the wall of windows across one side of the space.
A long white marble topped counter separates the main dining area from the open kitchen counter.
Counter seating at the open kitchen.
An elegant private dining section – adjacent to the impressive walk-in wine cellar.
Beige leather banquette with blond timber table setting melds harmoniously with the pared-back decor of polished concrete floor, blond timber wall paneling, and white marble counters.
A rack of Jamon Iberico hanging above the boxes of fresh produce on the market table evoke the essence of the famous La Boqueria market in Barcelona.
Blocks of Quesos (Spanish cheese), and Beef Tomatoes – fresh from Spain.
David Izquierdo- Boqueria Hong Kong Chef de Cuisine
Spanish Happier Hour- nightly at Boqueria bar
Unlimited draft Estrella and Red Sangria- together with platters of daily market tapas- Monday to Saturday from 6pm to 8pm at the Boqueria bar
Daily selections of market tapas arrayed across the bar counter.
Selections from Boqueria bar & kitchen
Lanzarote- pineapple juice, Knob Creek Bourbon, molasses and lime zest. Signature cocktail.
Red Wine Sangria
Tabla de Quesos – a selection of Spanish cheeses: Valdeon (Blue cheese made of cow, sheep and goat’s milk cheese), Tetilla (cow’s milk cheese) and Rosemary Manchego (sheep’s milk cheese).
Gambas al Ajillo- shrimp, garlic, Guindilla pepper in olive oil.
Bombas de la Barceloneta- Two Wagyu beef and potato croquettes, salsa brava, garlic allioli.
Albóndigas- Lamb meatballs, tomato sauce, sheep’s milk cheese.
Chorizo Frito al Vinto Tinto- Sautéed Chorizo in Rioja wine reduction.
Boqueria Spanish Happier Hour
Boqueria- Bar de Tapas & Restaurante in Hong Kong
Address: 7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central. Hong Kong
MTR : Central
Reservations: +852. 2321 8681
Website: www.boqueria.com.hk
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BoqueriaHK
Opening Hours:
Monday to Wednesday 12:00 pm ~ 02:30 pm & 6:00 pm ~11:00 pm
Thursday to Saturday 12:00 pm ~ 02:30 pm & 6:00 pm ~late
Sunday 6:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm
Promotions:
Spanish Happier Hour– Monday to Saturday 6 pm ~ 8 pm Unlimited draft Estrella and Red Sangria, platters of market tapas for HK$188
Segovian Tuesdays– traditional whole-roasted suckling pig- HK$888- serves up to 8 diners
