Aqua Restaurant Group (the people behind Aqua, Hutong, and Dim Sum Library, among other restaurants) are bringing a little London to Hong Kong with a three-month pop-up that sees Spanish restaurant Aqua Nueva from London take over British restaurant Statement in Hong Kong’s Tai Kwun.
Running from October 22 onwards for three months, the pop-up restaurant will offer the same contemporary Spanish tapas that has made Aqua Nueva continuously popular in London since 2009.
With a menu created by Aqua Nueva’s chef Yahir Gonzalez, highlights will include their signature crispy, yet creamy croquetas which come in five different flavours including manchego and black truffle, Ibérico ham, Boston lobster and bisque, wild mushroom and black seafood. Tapas to be shared will feature spiced crab tostadas ($148), beef short ribs and potato gratin with chimichurri ($138) and of course, the ultimate tapas item: patatas bravas ($98) which the team make mille-feuille style with layers upon layers of potato topped with black garlic and tomato sauce. For something a bit more substantial, Bacalao, which is a Portuguese salt cod stew, with taramasalata and cured yolk ($318) will be the perfect belly warmer, while the Ibérico pork fillet with Pedro ximénez sauce, lentils, and chorizo ($388) are sure to please meat-eaters.
From November 7 onwards, the pop up will offer a weekend brunch which features a five-course menu ($358) with choices of starters, tapas, and platters of meats and cheeses. There will also be sharing plates such as a seafood black paella and peppered rib eye with piquillo and baked potatoes. A full vegetarian option is also available, along with a two-hour Veuve Clicquot Champagne free-flow (starts from $100/person).
Cocktail wise, Aqua Nueva will be bringing four Spanish inspired drinks from London to Hong Kong, including the refreshing Mi Casa Su Casa ($98) – which is a Spanish saying referring to the act of making yourself at home – made with Grey Goose pear vodka with honey, lemon, pineapple juice, and a crack of black pepper. Meanwhile, the Formentera Colada ($108) – made with Ciroc Colada, coconut cream liquor, Manzanilla sherry, zesty lime, and pineapple – is another solid choice, as is the Nueva Spritz ($98) a thirst-quenching number made with vodka, elderflower cordial, and ground pepper, topped with sparkling Spanish Cava and lime. Salud!