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Be transported to Paris in the heart of Ship Street at the family-friendly Atelier Vivanda, where Michelin Star Chef Akrame Benallal runs the show smoothly and in style.
Calling all meat-and-potato loving mamas! Chef Akrame Benallal brings the winning formula of his Paris flagship to Hong Kong’s very own Atelier Vivanda: an affordable fixed-price brunch menu featuring quality ingredients, with a modern take on all your favourite French classics.
It’s nice to find an intimate brunch space, and mamas, you might prefer this if you find the larger brunch spots a bit much when you’re with the little ones. I love the stripped back black and white interior and wooden fittings, along with the rustic countryside butcher studio backdrop. Meanwhile the kids will love watching the chefs work their magic in the open kitchen.
We begin with the Bread Basket, an old school paper bag filled with just-baked sourdough that’s so fresh it’s still warm, along with croissants and pain au chocolat. I have struggled to find legit sourdough on par with what you get in Sydney – here it is! Even better with Akrame’s pineapple and vanilla jam and butter. We washed this down with a couple cold-pressed juices from Akrame’s very own brand, Water Juicery. I often find cold-pressed juices to be overpriced and a bit same-same, but one juice here is only a $35 add-on, and the Pineapple Power – with coconut water and zingy tarragon – is worth it.
Starters are unlimited and for sharing: the Duck Leg Terrine isn’t our thing (although a dish you either like or you don’t), but we love the Baby Tomatoes Confit with ricotta and olives, Soft Boiled Eggs (rolled in something crunchy and delicious), and the light Vegetable Carpaccio; just the right amount of crisp and not at all soggy.
For mains, we had a choice of several premium meat cuts. The boyfriend went for the Black Angus Persille, medium-rare, and I ordered the Yellow Chicken Breast for something lighter. The chicken is is good, but nothing on the steak; we can’t believe this generous, tender, melt-in-your-mouth cut falls under the reasonably priced set menu, and I stole more than my fare share of bites.
Unlimited portions of house potato specialties came with our mains; not usually a fan of rich potato dishes, I stuck to the Sauteed Potatoes, while the boyfriend tried a bit of everything, from the mash to the Pommes Dauphine (think potato puffs, which the kids will go crazy for).
The desserts weren’t ones we’d typically order (chocolate is our thing): the Fig with Custard is nice and light although a bit bland for us, but we end up scraping the vanilla and almond Crème Brulee clean (this one sells out every day). The Avocado Cream with Muesli and grapefruit sorbet is refreshing and the perfect palate cleanser after the rich meal. Your little one can munch on a Madeleine, the iconic French pastry that’s a cross between a biscuit and a cake; try one for yourself with an espresso to mark the end of the meal.
At $398/head – plus the House Wine Free Flow option we went for at $138/head – I’d say this is one of the best value brunches in Hong Kong…but you won’t just come here because it’s reasonable; you’ll come here because it’s top quality and damn delicious. Get the steak and thank me later mamas! Did I mention kids under 12 get 50% off the brunch menu? ‘Nuff said.
Atelier Vivanda, 9 Ship St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, 2109 1768; www.ateliervivanda.com.hk