After the sublime successes of ÉPURE (one MICHELIN star) and Arbor (two MICHELIN stars), Gourmet Dining Group is back with Ami and Wood Ear by presenting a unique “fine bistronomie” experience that celebrates elevated yet approachable Parisian cuisine and the finest whiskies in the world.
The word “bistronomie” is an etymological blend of “bistro” and “gastronomy,” echoing “French casual fine dining” as a meeting point between refined culinary excellence and a more friendly atmosphere. Ami’s concept is a reply to current lifestyle trends, where guests are seeking a more relaxed experience without sacrificing culinary quality. Along with Wood Ear, a dedicated bar that aims to become the city’s go-to destination for rare whiskies, Ami is equally at home with grand celebrations or as a daily meeting place for friends to unwind.
Helmed by the greatly experienced MICHELIN-starred Executive Chef Nicolas Boutin and Chef de Cuisine Eric Taluy, Ami’s menu represents two distinct dining experiences: First, an all-day a la carte menu that serves the best in Parisian fare through traditional dishes, shared plates and a spectacular rendition of the finest bar food in the city. Filled with approachable dishes you’d want to eat every day, this menu provides a slice of variety to the city’s fine dining scene. Secondly, an exclusive “Chef’s Inspiration” tasting menu that is constantly changing each month, reflecting the finest ingredients at their seasonal best. This premier tasting menu allows guests to experience world-class chefs at their creative peaks. Available only through booking the Salon or the Gallery (private rooms) at Ami, each meal promises to be a unique experience in haute bistronomie.
“France is a culinary wonderland of course,” says Chef Nicolas, “but the best of every region always finds its way to Paris. Our aim is to deliver that experience to Hong Kong through a dynamic but cosy bistro atmosphere, where diners can feel as grand as they want to that day.”
On the all-day a la carte menu, many of the more traditional “sit-down” dishes pay homage to Land & Sea, such as the sumptuous French Guinea Fowl paired with Octopus and a gorgeous caramel jus, or the fabulous Lobster and Duck Foie Gras harmonised with seaweed. A range of traditional French dishes with a contemporary twist are highlighted by the Hand-cut Heritage Beef Tartare, a succulently grand Challans Blood Duck Breast (on the bone), or the decadently heady 64% Chocolate ‘Concorde’ cake infused with whisky.
Expectations are often low for bar dining, but Ami represents a rare opportunity to experience the highest quality bar food prepared by a MICHELIN-starred chef. From a top-notch croque monsieur to perfect onion rings, delightful French fries to homemade pastas, duck rillettes to a spectacular Heritage beef croque burger, the all-day plates are not to be missed. Most are designed for pairing with whisky, and the reason is simple:
The Wood Ear bar is simply a whisky lover’s paradise. Sourced mainly from auctions and private collectors, over 400 rare labels are gathered mainly from Scotland and Japan, but also representing many other diverse regions. A “Whisky Journey” tasting experience will allow patrons to try a range of rare examples at one sitting by age and region. Rare single malt examples include Hanyu Ichiro’s Malt The Colored Joker and Glen Grant 1955, 60 Years Old, La Maison Du Whisky. Extra old vintage blended scotch labels include Martin’s 1960’s, 12-Year-Old Circa, and Langs 1940’s, Extra Special Old Liqueur.
The highest standards are demanded, down to sourcing premium waters that match the whisky’s region in order to activate the aroma perfectly. A range of whisky-based original cocktails will also be available for a lighter touch.
Renowned global design agency Yabu Pushelberg is back with their signature narrative-based approach in designing another spectacular environment. Friendship, trust and balance are key elements with the story of the Collector and the Stylist, characters raised in Hong Kong but bonded through their shared experiences of living in Paris. As such, Ami and Wood Ear work as a pair and lean into each other’s moods in a singular harmony.
A guest’s arrival begins with an automatic entrance in a blue wooden landscape, leading to a plush hallway that branches out to the Anteroom, Salon and Lounge. The Anteroom houses the owner’s renowned wine collection. The Salon is a cosy cocoon that represents metamorphosis with six sets of custom-made tables and sofas that can be interlocked into a single setting for 18 guests. The Lounge is the main casual dining area where the Wood Ear bar is located, and a rich amber glow evokes warmth, vibrancy and relaxed conversation. The art-adorned Gallery provides two private rooms (four guests and six guests) which, in the spirit of Ami, can be unified into a space for 14 guests. Outside, the Garden terrace provides a tranquil escape that is marked by a curvaceous extension of the Wood Ear bar and an immaculately landscaped focal tree.
Step into a world of friendship and balance, an urban oasis that is miles away from city life. Welcome to Ami and Wood Ear.
All-day Dining -12:00 (Mon-Fri), or 1 1:30 (Sat, Sun & Public Holiday) until late Lunch/ Weekend Brunch – 12:00 to 14:30 (Mon-Fri), or 11:30 to 14:30 (Sat, Sun & Public Holiday)
Dinner – 18:30 to 21:30 (last order)
Telephone/ Whatsapp: +852 3185 8396
Address: Shop 302, Alexandra House, 18 Chater Road, Central, HK
Website: www.ami-woodear.hk