Blue lobster from Brittany flambéed with Douglas fir and rosemary served with coral beurre blanc, glazed carrots, pine buds and nasturtium coulis © Groupe PIC
Chocolate souffle with black garlic © Groupe PIC
Mediterranean Denti barbecued and glazed with pastis, herbal dashi, kaffir lime and marigold, served with shellfish and broccoletti variations © Groupe PIC
Situated in Gloucester Tower, LANDMARK Hong Kong, the much-anticipated Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic — open as of 17 November 2023 — is the latest addition to the Forty-Five complex, joining other successful establishments such as The Merchants (Shanghai restaurant), Kaen Teppanyaki (Japanese teppanyaki), Cardinal Point (bar and sky terrace), and Gloucester Arts Club (private members club).
Crafting a seamless blend of Baccarat’s pursuit of excellence and the restaurant’s artistic vision, the interiors of Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic reach extraordinary heights. Designed by the renowned Paris-based studio Gilles et Boissier, the restaurant’s aesthetic offers a captivating blend of elegance and innovation. With a limited 40 seats, guests are afforded the privilege of immersing themselves in a culinary sanctuary while enjoying breathtaking views of the iconic Victoria Harbour.
Under the collaborative leadership of Gerald Li and Kevin Poon, co-founders of Leading Nation Hospitality, and the expertise of Anne-Sophie Pic’s team, Cristal Room promises an exceptional experience, seamlessly combining impeccable craftsmanship, inspirational design, and panoramic vistas.
Upon entering Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, guests are enveloped in the enchanting world of Baccarat. With meticulous attention to design details, the restaurant invites guests to partake in a multisensory experience celebrating French joie de vivre, gastronomy, and the art of celebration.
The open kitchen at Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic
The journey commences at the entrance with a mesmerizing “Zenith” chandelier seemingly immersed in fire, setting the stage for the alchemy of the elements – fire, air, earth, and water – that lie at the core of Baccarat’s creations. Custom-designed for Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, this exceptional piece captivates with an optical illusion, as mirrors reflect luminous reflections, creating the illusion of a complete chandelier split in two. A testament to the skill and daring spirit of Baccarat, this radiant masterpiece showcases the mastery of artisans transforming materials into works of unmatched purity, using their breath, hands, and eyes.
Furthering the Baccarat experience, the private salon features the “Flou, je te vois flou” chandelier, a creation by Philippe Starck. Blending clear crystal, pink, mist, and frosted pendants, this chandelier bathes the space in a unique glow, creating an impression of blur and impossible focus. Its ethereal presence, liberated from chains, adds an air of magic and refinement to the surroundings.
In the main room, “Octogone” vases pay homage to the iconic pendants of Baccarat chandeliers, evoking a truly unique light and ambiance. Additionally, the “Harcourt” glassware, a symbol of Baccarat’s heritage and royalty, graces the tables for moments of celebration and elegance. These meticulous Baccarat design details throughout Cristal Room intertwine with the culinary journey, enhancing every aspect of the dining experience with a touch of unparalleled craftsmanship and beauty.
Interior of Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic at night
Chef Anne-Sophie Pic
The Baccarat Chandelier at Cristal by Anne-Sophie Pic
The restaurant’s menu, meanwhile, takes guest on a gastronomic odyssey guided by the exceptional culinary artistry of internationally acclaimed chef Anne-Sophie Pic, whose inventive take on traditional French cuisine guarantees an extraordinary dining experience. Diners can delight in signature creations like Les Berlingots ASP, a moreish dish featuring sobacha pasta filled with 24-month-aged Comte, accompanied by a mushroom consommé infused with coffee and sobacha — an iconic representation of her culinary prowess.
The dinner menu invites guests to indulge in the flavors of Yunnan Province with the elevated Chinese Pea, featuring geranium rosat leaves and sake lees, complemented by Tsukudani and Gyokuro for a nuanced blend of tastes. Experience the perfection of roasted organic Salsify from Eric Roy, infused with honey, beer, and lardo, and served with a refreshing yuzu and black sesame sabayon. Transporting the essence of Provence to Hong Kong, the Blue Lobster from Brittany is prepared over embers with rosemary and Douglas fir, accompanied by lobster coral beurre blanc.
The St. Marcellin Cheese, coupled with iced mochi infused with smoked Madagascar vanilla, presents a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. Concluding this exceptional dining experience, the Chestnut Baba dessert, soaked in Talisker whisky, is served with velvety vanilla Chantilly and a burst of citrusy mandarin confit—an exquisite balance of richness and freshness. Another dessert highlight, the Conference Pear, paired with forest cep caramel, shiso sorbet, and crispy leaves, offers a symphony of textures.
Le Berlingot ASP sobacha pasta filled with Brie de Meaux A.O.P served with a Koicha matcha and oolong-infused broth © Groupe PIC
Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage creations, an extension of Anne-Sophie Pic’s culinary style, are meticulously crafted in collaboration with Paz Levinson to create a symbiotic relationship with the dishes. The diverse selection includes spirits, wines, and cultural beverages from various countries. Sake, spirits, creative beverages, as well as the finest teas and coffee, are all integral to the restaurant’s diverse offerings.
A standout among the cocktails is the White Rose Seaweed, artfully designed to complement seabass caviar. This exceptional creation is characterized by its fragrant and textural qualities, featuring an outstanding aromatic expression that harmonizes delicate saltiness and floral aromas. For those opting for a non-alcoholic option, the Clear Tonka, made with milk-washed oolong tea and tonka beans, promises a unique and refreshing taste experience.
Anne-Sophie Pic’s cuisine at the restaurant guarantees a true feast for both the palate and the senses, where each dish showcases her mastery of flavors and unwavering commitment to culinary excellence.
Pigeon from Bresse marinated with baiju, osmanthus and sakura wasabi bonbon © Groupe PIC
Sea bass with caviar © JFM
Conference Pear with forest cep caramel, shiso sorbet and crispy leaves © Groupe PIC
To find out more Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic and book, visit the links below:
Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic
Gloucester Tower
Landmark
Forty-Five
Central
Hong Kong
Web: cristalroombyasp.com
Tel: +852 3501 8580
Email: reservations@cristalroombyasp.cpm
Online Bookings: sevenrooms.com/reservations/cristalroombyasp
Instagram: @cristalroombyasp
Facebook: @CristalRoombyAnneSophiePic