Limewood: A Beachside Escape in Hong Kong
PUBLISHED July 8th, 2016 06:24 pm | UPDATED May 12th, 2023 05:17 am
The Limewood dining room conveys that it is a little more than a beachside eatery. The hard polished concrete floor is balanced with the softness of the wooden furnishings, comfortably warn leather backed chairs and a scatters of cushions and throw pillows. The banquette tables aren’t as spacious as the other tables and can be quite a squeeze to navigate in and out, but that’s soon forgotten as you stare out into the beautiful views of Repulse Bay or look behind you at the theatre of the raised kitchen.
As I settled into my little nook for the afternoon I was immediately drawn to their innovative list of margarita twists. The Kale and Coriander Margarita (HKD$115) may seem overly complicated at first glance with coriander infused tequila combined with kale, agave, cardamom and black salt, but each sip was refreshing, intriguing and most importantly, delicious. Looking for a lighter spike? Try the Chamomile Margarita (HKD$110). There are other tropics inspired cocktails, such as the Limewood Fresca (HKD$105), a cool and clean mix of gin, chartreuse and watermelon with hints of basil.
On the culinary side, Limewood boasts a mix of South East Asian and Carribean flavours centering on barbequed seafood.
The Pork Neck Salad (HKD$110) was first to arrive. Most pork neck dishes we’ve come across has feature tough, chewy and dry pieces of meat, but Limewood’s version sports succulent and juicy pork neck. Paired with julienne of cucumbers, garlic, chilli and tamarind, it reminds me of salads in the streets of Bangkok. The Compressed Watermelon Salad (HKD$95) is perfect for the beachside setting – a beautiful mess of watermelon, halved cherry tomatoes, as well as scatters of mint, peanuts and Thai basil. Rounding off the cold part of the afternoon, the Salmon Tartare (HKD$160), was enjoyable, but the Vietnamese Crab Salad (HKD$135) lost textures of crab in the abundance of dressing.
The Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken (HKD$235) is playful and fun, the dish lends itself to be more interactive as you build your own tortilla. The standout of the day would be the Charred Whole Sea Bream (HKD$320), smothered in green chutney and garnished with sprigs of crispy spring onions. As with most whole fish dishes, it is a little cumbersome to dissect but each bite was lucious and satisfyingly balanced with the side of dipping sauce. Don’t miss the Jerk Coconut Corn (HKD$75); drowned in jerk aioli and rolled in toasted coconut, the “snack” is moreish and delectable.
We were ready to be rolled out of the restaurant by this point, but, desserts. The Churros (HKD$95) is served with salty caramel and the most delicious coconut ice cream ever. I do warn you that the portions are not small. Those after something lighter can consider their homemade ice creams (HKD$45) that’ll satisfy any after dinner sweet cravings.
Limewood is a great escape from the cramp city life of Hong Kong. One can easily forget that a vibrant and buzzing city is on the other side of the hills as you are sipping on margaritas and digging into perfectly barbequed seafood. Take the afternoon off and sneak down to Repulse Bay, I’m pretty sure its what the doctor ordered.
Limewood is located at 103/104 The Pulse, 28 Beach Road, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, p. +852 2866 8668. Open Mon-Wed 12pm-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm, Thu-Sat 12pm-4pm, 6pm-10.30pm, Sun 12pm-4pm, 6pm-9.30pm. Open for drinks Mon-Thu 12pm-11.30pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-12am.
See here for gorgeous places to stay in Hong Kong and our weekend guide for things to do.
Top Image: Compressed Watermelon Salad
