#003, saveur de france, 120110

company: E and S
conversation: iPod Touch playing, work, university and Hong Kong culture.

First off, I will admit to you here that we were on our way to finding another coffee shop when I realised that it wasn't open for the day. Having no backup, S and I just wandered around Soho for a good 30 minutes just marvelling at the many cuisines and store designs. We came to this one by chance (whilst debating with another, I guess, prettier store) and figured that it wouldn't hurt to try something French.

I had not heard about this store before, not even on my trusty and helpful Open Rice. The interior was welcoming in a light pea-green shade with a picture of the Eiffel Tower behind us as we sat. The waitress taking us to our table was cute and nice, and I thought about working there myself. We had arrived a couple of hours after the lunch rush so the restaurant was relatively quiet and mellow, the perfect atmosphere to indulge in some coffee and relax.

I will also tell you that I didn't bring my camera and the fact that my phone did have a camera did not pop into my head whilst we were there. I apologise for the lack of photos in this post.

I had a cappuccino, regular, HKD$30. S had a latte, regular, HKD$32. E had a Quiche set lunch, HKD$68+10%.

E's set lunch included a soup or dessert (she opted for the desserts as they were quite appetising), a choice of a tart or quiche and a beverage. It was prepared quickly and the portions were perfect for a quick lunch, although I would suggest that males might want to order something extra or prepare for a snack before dinner. With a small salad on the side, I noticed their simple but effective presentation.

Unfortunately, I was slightly disappointed with their coffees. Maybe this is how they make them in France? But even E exclaimed how sometimes we are very peculiar with our foam. Although the proportions were right for the cappuccino, it seemed as though the milk had not been frothed enough to create a smooth foam. It had peaks and many bubbles in it, and therefore was not as appeasing when scooped up and eaten (do you eat foam or do you drink it?). The flavour was not anything particularly special, if a bit bitter for my taste. But E and S both thought it was okay.

For dessert, E ordered an apple tart which was better than expected. The pastry was moist as well as buttery and was not too thick. Overall, a good way to end the meal.

Saveur de France, meaning "Flavour of France" lives up to it's name in the atmosphere and general friendliness of the waitresses (I have not been to France but these are my impressions). The food, although simple, was well-matched with the environment allowing guests to take their time and enjoy their meal. Something I'm sure a lot of business people would take for granted being near to the financial centre of Hong Kong.

The free Wi-Fi was an added bonus as all three of us took our iPod Touch out and began playing, unaware of the time ticking by. Looking up Saveur de France on Open Rice showed that only 9 people had commented so far. Meaning this store was only newly opened or that not many people knew of this little star. Being tucked under a bridge is not exactly geographically beneficial either. Just one thing to note was that once we entered, they spoke to us in English immediately. The menus were also completely in English. I found this interesting until I remembered where we were.

With strong competition all over Soho, Saveur de France could easily be overlooked. I think as long as all their food was similar to the style of the quiche and apple tart, and that maybe with an enhancement of their coffee skills, they could go a very long way.

address: G/F, 24 Hollywood Road, SOHO, Central
中環蘇豪荷李活道24號地下
phone: 2525 2028