It’s the first time I’ve ventured to SoHo (south of Hollywood Rd) on this trip. I’m meeting my dear old friend Nou for dinner. She selects a Spanish restaurant for tapas and some wine. The SoHo area came about only a few years before I left Hong Kong so I’m not too familiar with it. It takes me a while to find Iberico & Co, right off the Mid-Levels Escalators, under the longest outdoor escalator in the world.
Nou has been waiting for me, since the taxi driver dropped me off way too early and I have to ride the escalator and find myself asking for directions several times. I don’t know the name of the red she is drinking, but it is good, so I order one, as well as some tapas to share.
Peppered Rare Beef Salad (HK$98/USD12.65) is rather tasty. Slices of well-seasoned beef sits atop a bed of greens with wild mushrooms, Manchego cheese and a drizzle of white truffle oil. Even though the truffle oil is not overwhelming, it is unnecessary. The beef is tasty enough and the mushrooms offers additional flavor to the dish.
Marinated Octopus (HK$98/USD12.65) is tender. The bowl comes with bits of octopus with red onions, yellow and red peppers, parsley, chile, lemon and olive oil. I love the tartness level and the ingredients meld well together to create a well balanced concoction. It definitely would have been nice had they drained some of the liquid before serving.
Panfried Portuguese Shrimp (HK$98/USD12.65) is rather lovely possessing a nice snap. There is a relish of onions, chile, parsley & white wine which is delicious. It resembles a cross over of tapenade and chimichurri but without olives.
Grilled Sea Bass Fillet (HK$97/USD12.50) is delightful with pieces of moist, flaky fish swimming in a tomato-based broth seasoned with chorizo and coriander. The fresh baby pea shoots add a fresh component to the dish.
Both of us loved the Spicy Meatballs (HK$90/USD11.60) enveloped in a rustic vine-ripened tomato sauce. It is hearty, flavorful and very satisfying.
We finish with Churros (HK$72/USD9.30), served with a 72% coca chocolate sauce. The churros are decent but not fantastic. They are not as light as those I’ve eaten in Mexico, but they’re not bad.
Spanish food comes in all forms in Hong Kong. At Mijas, it is enjoyed at a leisurely pace in beautiful surroundings. At Iberico & Co, it is reminiscent of the hustle and bustle of Barcelona where often, customers will stand to eat their pintxos and sip on wine.
Iberico & Co
18 Shelley St
Central
Hong Kong
+852 2752 8811
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