CHERI CHERI

Thankfully, this unique French gastro-bar departs from the generic look of most venues in Hong Kong. Cheri-Cheri’s décor is an exercise in surrealism with its painted white radios, inverted chairs hanging from the ceilings, posters that appear to be melting, and an S&M Barbie stuck in a birdcage.There are white linen tables, low couches with an eclectic array of chairs, candlelight, flowers, dried branches twisted into artworks and potted plants. Despite the eccentric décor, the venue still manages to have an elegant, romantic and homey atmosphere.

The menu features delicious yet simple French fare. The first thing that came out was a cutting board with three different types of freshly baked bread. For starters, we tried the perfectly seasoned sautéed wild mushrooms in an au jus and wine reduction sauce. Delicious! We also had the roast half chicken with lemongrass. It was a healthy choice which was full of flavor. It came on a bed of perfectly salted and spiced roast potatoes. "It's just like grandma's recipe" the owner, Thiery says.

Some of the other favorites on the menu include the mint prawn rolls (an appetizer), the sirloin beef and the daily fish. The time we went there, the fish of the day was sole with fruit chutney and roast potatoes. The menu is written on a blackboard and is subject to frequent change depending on the seasonal cuts and what is fresh. Cheri-Cheri also has a fantastic wine-list to compliment the meals.

This venue is fairly new as it opened in August. Cheri-Cheri is equally as popular as a bar. There's a proper bar and lounge area where you can enjoy a decent glass of wine, cocktails or champagne. The crowd, as expected, is fashionable with a big contingent of chic Frenchies and arty locals.

They are hoping to open up the terrace for brunch and daytime coffee very soon! Yay! At the moment there's still construction in the building, so they are putting that off till the renovations are done.

The service at Cheri-Cheri is welcoming and personal. However, there are only two people servicing the whole place so don’t be in a rush. Though it’s chic and unique, Cheri Cheri still has the warmth of a family-run neighborhood bistro.