Michelin-Starred ANDŌ Reopens With Ocean-Inspired Tasting Menu

Michelin-starred restaurant ANDŌ has reopened in Central, Hong Kong, following a significant renovation that includes a refreshed interior and a new culinary concept. Chef Agustin Balbi, known for his "Personal Cuisine," has introduced a narrative-driven tasting menu inspired by the ocean's varying depths. The restaurant's redesign at its location on the first floor of Somptueux Central incorporates bespoke ceramics, updated staff uniforms, and thoughtful keepsakes for guests, all contributing to a more intimate dining experience. Balbi's culinary style continues to blend influences from Argentina, Spain, Japan, and Hong Kong.

The newly unveiled tasting menu is structured into four distinct chapters: Sunlight, Twilight, Midnight, and Seaweed & Salt. Each chapter is designed to represent a different oceanic depth and a stage in Chef Balbi's personal culinary journey. Signature dishes featured on this menu include a Tomato Tart with Caviar, an Ama Ebi Tartare served with Kristal Caviar, and the restaurant's well-loved Squid Caldoso Rice. This particular dish is a tribute to Chef Balbi's grandmother and is prepared using local Yi-O rice, chorizo, and thinly sliced squid. While the menu predominantly focuses on seafood, a premium Kagoshima Nozaki Wagyu dish is available as an alternative for diners who prefer meat.

To visually enhance the narrative of the ocean depths, the custom ceramics used throughout the meal transition in color from light to dark, mirroring the descent into the sea as the courses progress. This deliberate design choice aims to deepen the storytelling aspect of the dining experience. Complementing the innovative cuisine is a new wine pairing program curated by Carlito Chiu, who previously received a MICHELIN Sommelier Award. Chiu's selection highlights wines from high-altitude vineyards in regions such as Yunnan in China, the Tarija Valley in Bolivia, and Tenerife in Spain. These locations are characterized by extreme climates and significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations, which contribute to the production of wines with remarkable purity and precision. This adventurous approach to wine pairing aims to complement the unique flavors and textures of Balbi's ocean-inspired dishes.