Price: $$
Cravingness: ★★★☆☆1/2
Seems like the popularity for the renowned Ritz-Calton the Chocolate Library has never gone down since the day it grandly opened, the queue is still crazy even on the weekdays. We went today at 1.30pm and were informed to be seated at around 4.30pm - 5pm. Since we have been here, we'll go shop around before dinning in.
Despite the queue, there is strict dresscode at Chocolate Library.
The area is pretty spacious and the decor is grandly furnished. Since it is on 103/F, the side window view is amazing, particularly when the weather is great. Specific server was assigned for different tables, service was warming but the efficiency was bad - 1) We were seated at a corner which no body could see us, it took us around 15 minutes whenever we wanted an attention; 2) Food delivery took forever, the tea set took an hour to arrive; 3) We waited our Chocolate Souffle for an hour before knowing it was not ordered. I was extremely discontented about their service. We didn't complain but they offer us some compliment chocolate gift boxes possibly for the unacceptable wait.
Back to the tea set, we ordered the Chocolate Library Afternoon Tea at $238 to share between 2 people, as people says the 1 person's portion is enough for two. The presentation was quite interesting, but the box was rather huge which pretty much block our vision. We had to peek through the gaps in order to look into people's eye sitting opposite to us when chatting.
Mint Bread, Smoke Salmon, Herbs Cream Cheese
The Min Bread had a mild mint taste but the bread itself was a bit dry. Salmon was cut in thin slice which I personally reckon can be a bit thicker. It would also be nicer if there is some sauce on top.
Curry Bread, Rosemary Ham, Mini Cress, Tomato Chutney
Interesting Bread with strong curry taste. Taken together with the sweet ham had made the bread very savoury. Love the cute sushi like presentation.
Cocoa Oils Chocolate Bread, Duck Foie Gras Terrine
Smooth and sweet overall with a chocolate bread with dark chocolate bits.
Chocolate Framboise Tart
Raspberry was very sweet with a tint sour taste. A very smooth chocolate paste with 65% sweetness - sweetness was just right with the loving sweet raspberry taste.
White Chocolate Berries Shot
The mousse was very creamy but a bit overly sweet with a tint of sourness. Not until I read back the description, I realised the cream was made of white chocolate, that comes its sweetness
Chocolate Orange Confit Macaroon
The Macaroon had a strong but lovable orange chocolate taste. I used to hate orange tasted chocolate but this one was very acceptable and delicious. The middle paste had a rich chocolate taste and a thick texture like Nutella.
Chocolate Madeleine
The Madeleine was not moist enough when compared to other brands. It had a very strong chocolate taste and also some melting chocolate bits within the Madeleine. A very filling pastry indeed.
Marble Cheesecake
Never thought it would be a cheese cake simply by its look. The Cheesecake was mildly tasted with a light and creamy texture. The cheese taste fused nicely with the chocolate taste. The crumbly base was also very nice and matching.
Chocolate Mille-feuille
Processed a very strong hazelnut taste and chocolate taste which was extremely sweet. Would prefer some black coffee to go with this pastry but I had English Breakfast Tea instead. (Regretted!) A Pastry with solid chewy base with macadamia nuts, topped with a crispy layer and chocolate mousse.
White Coffee, Chocolate Tart
Absolutely love the cute mushroom look. The white chocolate coffee cream was very smooth and yum. There are chocolate bits and chocolate cream in the middle. Overall it gave a great mouth feel but a bit sweet as well.
Signature Hot Chocolate
The Signature Hot Chocolate was a lovely drink to go with the tea set. The chocolate taste was mild, light and smooth. It was made with 3 different kinds of chocolate with names I forgot, but its a must try.
Overall the pastries were on the sweet side, so my sweet tooth friends you have to come here and try their pastries out. I figured they used a lot of raspberry fruits in nearly half of their sweet pastries, the server told me the Chef reckons raspberry matches great with chocolate. I personally love raspberry so I wouldn't mind but would love to see more twist in their pastries. The portion isn't necessarily big, but it is on the sweet side so its more filling. Order 1 person each if you can take the sweetness. Service-wise I would not want to visit again, but my visit was on a weekend. So may be a weekday visit would be better.
The Chocolate Library
Address (E) 103/F, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Address (C) 香港尖沙咀柯士甸道西1號環球貿易廣場(ICC)香港麗思卡爾頓酒店103樓
☏ 2263-2270
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 12nn - 10.30pm
Reservation Available? Yes
Walk In Possible? Yes
Website: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong
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