Winebuzz

The New Spoon at The InterContinental Hong Kong

Spoon is back with more fun and sophistication.

Alain Ducasse’s Spoon at the InterContinenal Hong Kong in Tsim Sha Tsui recently got a revamp and is back with its casual-chic interior that simply oozes French elegance, and a new seductive French menu of carefully selected modern dishes and an even more seductive extensive wine list.

And don’t be put off, just because it’s fine dining doesn’t mean it has to be rigid at all, Chef Sommelier of the Alain Ducasse Group, Gerard Margeon, and Chief Sommelier, Nicolas Deneux, have taken all the steps to give you a more friendly approach, working hard at putting together an impressive wine list and it shows. Lucky for us, we here at Winebuzz.hk got the chance to sit down with these two experts to review their choices and here’s what we found…

First of all, let us say that at a glance of the 650 references and approximately 6,000 bottles from all over the world, we quickly realized we were probably looking at one of Hong Kong’s most extensive wine lists! More than ever, Spoon has more French wines in its collection this time with Nicolas describing it as about; “70% French wines, the rest from Europe – Old World wines meet New World wines” – the perfect combination, we think you’ll agree.

Gerard and Nicolas went on to share with us their brand new concept of “fun dining” as opposed to fine dining at Spoon and, just as I was wondering what they were referring to, Nicolas brought out a huge 3,000 ml bottle of wine and a basket of three 25 cl carafes to whet our appetite! Gerard explained that this was to be the new service at the restaurant – instead of selling wine by the glass, Spoon has opted to sell it in their custom-made individual carafes, which carry more than a normal wine of glass so everyone’s a winner! They also serve wine out of their big 3,000ml bottle, which is a novelty for all and sure to get a laugh around the table.

Mr. Gerard Margeon pointed out that four elements that make the perfect glass (or should that be carafe?!) of wine: “the quality of selection, service by glass, oxidation and temperature.” These are all very well controlled with these specially designed carafes, which “you cannot find anywhere else in Hong Kong,” he assured us!

Gerard and Nicolas were then kind enough to pour us some of their best bubbly. We couldn’t help but notice the intricate design of the champagne glass, which turned out to be a creation by Mr. Margeon himself – a man of many talents! Inspired by the old-fashioned French glasses but with just a touch of a modern twist, we  love them and suggest you get down there at your nearest possible convenience.

And, with so many other worldly events going on at the Cultural Center nearby, this is definitely the place to go for a nice glass of wine, before or after that dazzling concert or dance performance.