Alchemy is a place where culinary conventions are put aside, making for an exclusively sensorial experience. And with two levels, Alchemy isn’t just limited to one kind:
Upstairs – Alchemy Lounge
On the Ground floor level a bar will be open for casual dining and drinks at lunch, dinner, and for weekend brunch. A selection of small plates will be available tapas-style, as well as assorted hot & cold dishes and desserts, accompanied by an impressive wine list: Crispy Saffron Risotto with smoked duck & balsamic rocket (HK$ 98), Seared Duck Foie Gras with apple compote, celery, and home-made brioche (HK$ 138), Marinated Salmon with peppered macaroon, seaweed butter & Calamari (HK$ 138), Roasted Chicken & Sea Scallop with lotus crisp & XO sauce (HK$ 138), Vanilla Panna Cotta with Valrhona praline & salted butter cake (HK$ 98), and assortment of Mini Tarts – berries / chocolate / mascarpone / lemon / toffee / green tea – (HK$ 98).
Bar Manager Kevin Le Nabasque will be creating a new mystery cocktail each week, to be sampled alongside signature cocktails including Mascarade (HK$ 120), a mix of Chivas 12, strawberry & mint and Buddha’s Tear(HK$ 120) made of Absolut Vanilla, Coconut & Kaffir Lime.
Downstairs – Alchemy in the Dark
In an 850 sq. ft. room with no light, this setting has only 25 seats. Each guest is personally greeted and guided to their table by our team of ‘guides’ – visually impaired waiting staff – where diners will be forced to focus on the tastes and textures of foods presented only.
The theme of Alchemy in the Dark extends also to people. With no mobile phones and no light pollution, patrons are encouraged to interact with each other without distractions.
The Experience
On arrival, an orientation is offered where guests can ask questions of our team, in addition to sharing any allergies and dislikes they may have. Rather than select from a menu, the chef will then craft a three-course menu, with this menu remaining a secret until the end of the meal so guests can have fun guessing what is being served.
Chef Pascal
Chef Pascal Breant is from Normandy in northern France. His cuisine is modern French in style, but he makes sure to add international touches to his dishes. Chef Pascal says: “Asking diners to have blind faith in their sense of smell, taste and touch makes very important not to neglect the dish in any way. Dishes at Alchemy in the Dark will be presented as if they were seen; every detail is crucial.”
About the Space
Alchemy Lounge is designed to evoke a 19th Century boudoir or private study…but with a twist. The space is composed of contrasting textures: wooden parquet and monotone mosaics against blown glass globes and crystal carafes’.
In contrast to the aesthetic of the upper bar, the restaurant downstairs provides total darkness. Completely immersive, the focus is on putting guests at ease, allowing them to enjoy the experience that is immersive and sensory in all ways but the one we’re most accustomed to — touch.
Alchemy in the Dark will open from Monday to Saturday from 7pm to 11pm by reservation only.
Alchemy Lounge will open Monday to Saturday from 12 noon to 11pm.
Alchemy in the Dark will offer a 3-course menu at HK$500 per head, with the option of wine pairing at a further HK$ 700 per person.
No service charge will be applied to Alchemy Lounge and Alchemy in the Dark, gratuities are offered at the guest’s discretion.
For Reservation
G/F & LG/F, 16, Arbuthnot Road, Central, Hong Kong
(852) 6821 2801; https://www.facebook.com/alchemyconcepthk
