This is my second visit to The Principal ~ when my best friend visited Hong Kong I took the opportunity to take her to our favourite Star street eatery. When I made the reservation I was told that their license has changed, and they no longer serve alcohol. Hugh? But OK - you can BYO. So off we went with a nice bottle of champers and an even nicer red ~ ready for a great evening!
We were warmly greeted and took our table in a booth. The menus have been revamped to a nice size, with a tasting menu and a la carte. We ordered two course and settled in for a great evening catching up.
I took a beetroot salad to start and a rice dish for the main. The presentation was sparce and delicate, with beautiful herbs and unique shaping. The beetroot dish was a little bland, and the rice was nice, but easily made at home. I had the feeling it was all presentation and imagination, but lacking a little oumph in the taste department.
We moved on to cheese and deserts which were interesting and very flavoursome. Again, the presentation on the plate was the stand out, however there were some very interesting ingredients and inspired combinations of tastes. The waitresses were very pleasant, but by this stage we were sensing a strange, manufactured vibe from the head waiter. That's OK - we were enjoying our own company!
In short, something at The Principal has changed. Despite the lack of alcohol license, the air feels different. I notice the maitre d from last time seems to not be on the scene anymore? It's still a very nice night out, if you choose the right company, however perhaps not as special as it once was.
Address: 9 Star St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2563 3444 - TEL
Web: http://www.theprincipal.com.hk/
We were warmly greeted and took our table in a booth. The menus have been revamped to a nice size, with a tasting menu and a la carte. We ordered two course and settled in for a great evening catching up.
I took a beetroot salad to start and a rice dish for the main. The presentation was sparce and delicate, with beautiful herbs and unique shaping. The beetroot dish was a little bland, and the rice was nice, but easily made at home. I had the feeling it was all presentation and imagination, but lacking a little oumph in the taste department.
We moved on to cheese and deserts which were interesting and very flavoursome. Again, the presentation on the plate was the stand out, however there were some very interesting ingredients and inspired combinations of tastes. The waitresses were very pleasant, but by this stage we were sensing a strange, manufactured vibe from the head waiter. That's OK - we were enjoying our own company!
In short, something at The Principal has changed. Despite the lack of alcohol license, the air feels different. I notice the maitre d from last time seems to not be on the scene anymore? It's still a very nice night out, if you choose the right company, however perhaps not as special as it once was.
Address: 9 Star St, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Telephone: +852 2563 3444 - TEL
Web: http://www.theprincipal.com.hk/
