Ciao Chow (Hong Kong, CHINA) ★★☆☆☆

As someone who isn't into alcohol, I am certainly coming to Lan Kwai Fong way too often these days but with LKF buzzing again following the opening of the new California Tower, it's exciting to be back around here. Tonight, I am here to check out Ciao Chow, a brand new pasta and pizza joint on the ground floor of California Tower, right next to Jinjuu.



At 6:30pm, the bar is already packed, I meant completely packed and the vibe is simply amazing just like old times. 



But to the contrary, the dining area is more than a little lonely.

So I decided to kick things off with some veggies but this kale salad ($118) with pancetta breadcrumbs, pine nuts and honey garlic dressing was kind of disappointing. There's just not much there other than the kale and pine nuts (Where's the honey garlic dressing by the way?).



A little better was the spaghettini with creamy sea urchin sauce ($198). The sauce was indeed creamy but not much sea urchin flavor there I am afraid.



Roasted duck breast with red cabbage ($228) was an off menu item and it turned out to be a lifesaver for us. This was the only dish that came with a decent portion. The duck breast, although a little overcooked, was meaty, flavorful and quite tasty (although a little more than just those two dots of sauce would be more than welcome).



Dessert, a traditional tiramisu presented in a slightly unorthodox manner, provided the only bright spot for us tonight.



This was very very light, which was the way I like it. Perfect portion of liquor too. It's nicely done.



It was a disappointing outing without a question. I will definitely have a tough time convincing myself to be back anytime soon.

Food Rating: 4/10
Price: $$$
Address: G/F, California Tower, 30-32 D'Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong
Closest Metro Station: Central
Tel: +852 2344-0005
Website: www.ciaochow.com.hk