Dealers' House

We had yet another Cantonese dinner at another clubhouse in Central last month (after this, this and this which happened earlier). Our friend T managed to organize this for our big group and sorted out the menu before-hand. We didn't know what else is in the clubhouse of "Institute of Securities Dealers" but the dining area is no different than just any typical Cantonese restaurant. 

And we ended up with a 10-course menu with many of the classic Cantonese dishes. We began with a couple hot appetizers - prawn toast was typical, done with a piece of large-sized prawn deshelled, battered and deep-fried with a piece of white bread underneath. The fried pancake reminded me of the Chiuchow-style Popiah, with meat and vegetables wrapped in a thin piece of crepe-like wrapper dough and pan-fried. Both were well seasoned and delicious. 

Stir-fried Pigeon was done with young ginger roots, onions and bell peppers and finished with a thickened gravy sauce. The meat was tender and juicy, though I personally prefer one with less sauce. We approached the end of summer season so this is probably the last time for the seasonal winter gourd soup this year. It's done with all the traditional ingredients (pork, straw mushrooms, seafood and night fragrant flowers) and served in a hollow gourd. I love the comforting flavor. 

The sauteed star garoupa came with generous amount of fish fillet (coming from two fish each weigh over 1kg) and finished with green vegetables underneath. My only complaint was they parboiled the veggies before stir-frying so the texture was a bit off. The remaining bits of fish were turned into a second course of casserole with tofu and pork. That and the sweet and sour pork which came right after the fish courses, were all very decent and came with generous portion. Crispy chicken was another "benchmark" Cantonese dish and it certainly passed our judgment with the crispy, well-basted skin. 

The Fuzhou Fried Rice was another beauty, served with pine nuts on top for the crunchy texture and plenty of other ingredients tossed in for the flavor. Some might think the dessert of walnut cream was too sweet, but I thought it was just right, with the smooth and creamy texture and rich nutty flavor. Oh there's a cake too, courtesy of my dear friend. 

Went with an all-French wine flight this time, and coincidentally many from Pomerol. The 2006 L'Evangile was my favorite this time, right at its peak with expressive dark fruits and silky tannins. 

When? October 16 2021
Where? The Institute of Securities Dealers Clubhouse, 19/F Regent Centre, 88 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong
Menu Highlights? Traditional Winter Gourd Soup
Drinks?
Champagne Vouette & Sorbee Blanc d'Argile NV
2007 Chateau la Conseillante Pomerol
2001 Chateau Leoville Barton Saint-Julien
2006 Chateau l'Evangile Pomerol
2016 Domaine Michel Noellat Vosne-Romanee Premier Cru
2018 Domaine Antoine Jobard Meursault "Les Tillets"
2013 Vieux Chateau Certan Pomerol