No longer is Hongkong Street controlled by the one speakeasy to rule them all. This month the street gives way to Spanish Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany’s new gastronomic tapas and cocktail bar FOC, helmed by heavyweights Jordi Noguera (formerly of Foodbar Dada) and mixologist Dario Nocentini (formerly of Catalunya).
FOC pushes out conceptual tapas dishes with a modern edge, including some Asian flavors. Expect dishes like braised beef cheek with homemade grilled steam bread ($16), black Mediterranean paella with seafood and garlic mayo ($22), and Galician-style octopus with paprika, olive oil and potatoes ($22).
Drinks-wise, don’t be surprised by Dario’s kooky creations with equally cheeky names. If Catalunya was anything to go by, he’ll no doubt pair incongruent ingredients to make one mean cocktail. The menu includes a twist on a Bloody Mary, the Bloody Jordi ($14) with tequila blanco, lemon, cherry tomatoes, celery vinegar, Kimuchi no Moto and smoked salt; and Lord Sidecar ($15) with Cognac, trois citrus, jasmine tea infusion, fresh sage, lime and egg white.
Judging by the playful interiors with lots of over-large sculpted faces, pepper mills and minimalist wooden furnishings, it’ll definitely be one place to add to the style and fun of the Hongkong Street atmosphere.
