ONE MICHELIN-STARRED CRISTAL ROOM BY ANNE-SOPHIE PIC INSIDE FORTY-FIVE INTRODUCES NEW SEASONAL LUNCH AND DINNER MENUS WITH A CONTINUOUS ESTABLISHED FOCUS ON BEVERAGE PAIRING EXPERIENCE

A fusion of elegance, gastronomy, and luxury in the heart of Hong Kong’s newest iconic location, by Leading Nation Hospitality, Baccarat, and the world’s most MICHELIN-starred female chef

For high resolution images, please click HERE to download or at https://shorturl.at/jozCO

<<Hong Kong, 9^th May, 2024>> – Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic*, a collaboration between Leading Nation Hospitality, Baccarat, and celebrated French chef Anne-Sophie Pic, is proud to unveil its latest lunch and dinner dégustation menus featuring expertly curated wine, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage pairings. Recently honored with one MICHELIN star in the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2024 and the Best Design Award by SCMP 100 Top Tables 2024 despite only having opened in late November 2023, the restaurant continues to set the standard for exceptional culinary experiences.

Exquisite French Gastronomy at Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic*

Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic* presents a menu carefully curated by the world’s most decorated MICHELIN-starred female chef, Anne-Sophie Pic. Spearheading the kitchen operations is Head Chef Marc Mantovani, leading a skilled team to deliver culinary excellence. Restaurant Managers Irina Iacinschi and Janet Anna Sue ensure impeccable service, whilst the sommelier team oversees a stellar beverage program crafted together with PIC Executive Sommelier Chef, Paz Levinson.

At the Cristal Room experience, Chef Anne-Sophie Pic and her team aim to bring a French touch to the culinary scene of Hong Kong and offer guests her interpretation of Asia while preserving the DNA of her cuisine, deeply rooted in French tradition yet open to the world.

New Voyage and Escale 8 & 6 Course Dinner Menu Experience

The Voyage dinner menu offers 8 courses priced at HK$2,880 + 10% per guest, and the Escale dinner menu features 6 courses priced at HK$2,380 + 10% per guest. Guests may opt for the optional alcoholic beverage pairings at an additional HK$1,588 for Voyage and HK$1,388 for Escale. Alternatively, the zero-proof non-alcoholic pairings are priced at HK$888 for Voyage and HK$688 for Escale.

Highlights of the menu includes Green Asparagus from Provence marinated with marigold, barbecued with green shiso, and accompanied by combawa (kaffir lime) ice cream. Chef Anne-Sophie Pic crafted this dish to evoke the essence of French spring in Hong Kong, combining her affection for asparagus and local marigold with the invigorating combawa ice cream. The dish is paired with the 2022 Bonnigal-Bodet, Touraine Amboise “Clos de Beauce” Chenin Blanc from Loire Valley, France. Guests opting for a non-alcoholic pairing can savor the refreshing clarified green asparagus beverage infused with verjus.

Guests are invited to savor the latest iteration of Chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s iconic creation, Les Berlingots ASP©️. The pasta parcels are filled with 24-month aged Comté, voatsiperifery pepper, and champignons de Paris consommé steeped with tangerine Pu’er tea. Inspired by her travels to Taiwan, Chef Anne-Sophie Pic integrated the tangerine Pu’er tea into a kohija infusion for the consommé, creating a perfect harmony with the berlingots. The wine pairing is the 2015 Josko Gravner – Robolla Gialla from Friuli, Italy for its robust orange wine characteristics. For a non-alcoholic option, guests can enjoy a drink combining Jin Jun Mei black tea from Fujian with beeswax, voatsiperifery pepper, and aged yuzu peel.

Chef Anne-Sophie Pic’s seasonal presentation of Blue Lobster from Brittany fuses Provencal flavors with a touch of Hong Kong. Cooked over smoldering embers, the lobster is served with coral beurre blanc infused with Douglas Fir oil and rosemary, alongside glazed carrot, pine buds, and nasturtium coulis. The wine pairing showcases the rare 2021 Roberto Conterno “Nervi” Rosato – Nebbiolo from Piedmont, Italy, a rosé by esteemed Barolo producer Roberto Conterno, harmonizing with the dish’s smoky, piney, and acidic notes. The non-alcoholic pairing is an innovative blend of amazake, green peas, mint distillate, rosemary infusion, and pine vinegar.

White Asparagus by Sebastien Coudray combines both Chinese and French culinary styles. Featuring XO sauce, a uniquely Hong Kong ingredient, Chef Anne-Sophie expertly incorporates Shaoxing wine, offering hints of walnut that is akin to French yellow wine, enhancing the richness of the dish. The dish is paired with the 2007 Winter Poems Shaoxing Wine from Zhejiang, China, an exceptional single-vintage wine known for its deep complexity. For non-alcoholic option, guests can savor the intensely mineral twice charcoal-roasted Da Hong Pao tea from Fujian, China.

The Line-Caught Turbot with pea gnocchi and crispy leaves is served in a dashi broth infused with geranium rosat and lovage. The turbot is treated to a unique marinade of roasted kombu and geranium rosat, enhancing its marine essence and freshness. Chef Anne-Sophie Pic combines the vegetal notes of pea gnocchi and a summery touch of lovage for a harmonious blend of flavors. Paired with the 2020 Domaine Pattes Loup “Vent d’Ange” Chardonnay from Chablis, France, the wine provides an elegant accompaniment to the turbot. Alternatively, guests can enjoy the rich and smooth Gyokuro tea from Uji, Japan.

Another new dish, Aveyron Lamb is marinated with cinnamon and eucalyptus leaves, served with baby eggplant and olives from Drome. Chef Anne-Sophie likens the combination of the bitterness of cinnamon and the freshness of eucalyptus to a gentle “hug” for the lamb.  The dish pairs beautifully with the 2011 Lopez de Heredia “Vina Tondonia” Gran Reserva from Rioja, Spain, a legendary red wine that highlights the black olive elements. For the non-alcoholic pairing, guests can indulge in an Ethiopian coffee bean and fresh mint infusion, meticulously prepared over 48 hours to enhance the lamb’s herbal notes.

The Rhubarb from Essone and Sake dessert is a fusion of poached and confit rhubarb with ginger, rice pudding ice-cream, and Swiss meringue, showcasing subtle regional influences. The interplay among the tartness of rhubarb, spiciness of ginger, and sweetness of Japanese rice pudding ice cream come together for an alluring flavor profile. This intricate dessert is paired with the NV Eric Rodez “Maceration” Rosé from Champagne, France, a sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, known for its vibrant and nuanced character. For a non-alcoholic option, guests can enjoy a refreshing and aromatic drink of hibiscus, rhubarb shrub, and Seedlip spice.

New Découverte (Lunch) Menu

Discover the Découverte Menu at Cristal Room by Anne Sophie Pic*, offering a selection of 3, 4, or 6 courses priced at HK$888, HK$1,280, and HK$2,380 (with 10% service charge per guest), respectively. Elevate the experience with optional alcoholic beverage pairings starting from HK$588 or non-alcoholic pairings from HK$328.

Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic* is pleased to introduce its latest highlight dishes for lunch, starting with the Nishimera Trout marinated in licorice and yuzu, dressed in a lactic vinaigrette infused with kombucha and smoked pine oil. Chef Anne-Sophie’s vision of balancing Japanese rainbow trout’s fattiness with zesty licorice and yuzu shines through this creation. Complement the dish with a perfect wine pairing of JB Becker-Rheingau 2018, Riesling Spatlese Trocken, or opt for a non-alcoholic Buddha Amacha almond-washed drink.

The stunning Challans Duck from the Vendée region of France is marinated with eucalyptus and coffee, served with butternut squash and goji berries chutney. Chef Anne-Sophie’s expertise in meat marination is showcased in this dish, where the freshness of eucalyptus and coffee beautifully enhance the duck’s succulent flavors. Pair this exquisite creation with Christine Vernay, Côte-Rôtie, Blonde du Seigneur, 2018, or enjoy a non-alcoholic Chemex Geisha pairing.

Delight in the barbecued and glazed Line-Caught Mackerel, accompanied by dashi infused with matcha and Jerez vinegar. This dish seamlessly merges French and Japanese culinary influences, where the smokiness of the dashi, bitterness of matcha, and touch of Jerez vinegar enchants the palate. This is paired with the exquisite Jade Gross, Rioja, Chiguitta, 2023. The alternative non-alcoholic option is a refreshing Longjing soda to complement this culinary masterpiece.

Experience the Herbaceous Tulakalum Chocolate dessert, infused with pandan, vanilla panna cotta, Thai basil, and Mexican tarragon ice cream. Chef Anne-Sophie’s creative flair takes center stage as she blends spiciness with sweetness in this indulgent chocolate creation. Enhance the experience with a creative beverage pairing of Riesling, white vermouth, Thai basil, and a hint of absinthe, or opt for the non-alcoholic pairing of Yabao wild white tea, coconut oil, Thai basil, and verjus.

The second choice of dessert, White Millefeuille is a classic Anne-Sophie Pic creation, featuring Tahitian vanilla cream, jasmine jelly, and voatsiperifery cloud, delicately layered to create a visual masterpiece. The monochromatic aesthetic invites diners to explore the layers of flavors hidden within. Pair this dessert with NV Georges Laval, “Garennes” Demi-sec Meunier & Co wine or opt for a non-alcoholic Copenhagen Sparkling Tea “Bla” from Denmark.

Delight in a gastronomic journey that promises to enchant the palate and elevate the dining experience at Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic. Full menus can be viewed here.

Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic: A jewel of French elegance in the heart of Hong Kong

Upon stepping into the Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, guests are immersed in the enchanting world of Baccarat. Crafting a harmonious union between Baccarat’s passion for excellence and the artistic vision of the restaurant, the interiors of the Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic are elevated. Designed by the Paris-based architecture and interior design studio Gilles et Boissier, the space embodies an enchanting fusion of elegance and innovation. With 40 seats available, guests will immerse themselves in this culinary universe while indulging in stunning vistas of the iconic Victoria Harbor.

Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic is open for lunch from Tuesday – Saturday and for dinner from Monday – Saturday. For reservations / bookings at Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, please visit website at HERE.

<<ENDS>>

About Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic

Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Baccarat, the iconic crystal manufacturer and creator of enchanting worlds, Anne-Sophie Pic, the world’s most Michelin starred female chef, and Leading Nation Hospitality in Hong Kong. This remarkable restaurant, opened in mid November 2023, seamlessly blends the realms of hospitality, design, and gastronomy. Conceived by Gilles et Boissier, the renowned Paris-based architecture and interior design studio behind Baccarat Hotel in New York, the 40-seat venue offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour and showcase the culinary know-how with the open kitchen.

Anne-Sophie Pic, acclaimed for her culinary finesse and renowned for her concept and cuisine philosophy of “Suffusion”, brings her unmatched exquisite sensibilities, perfect balance, and striking flavour combinations to the Cristal Room. Throughout her unique creations, together with her head chef Marc Mantovani, she invites guests to savor dishes that reflect her French identity while showcasing Asia as a re-appropriation of her own traditions. Beverage creations, extension of Anne-Sophie Pic signature, are imagined with Paz Levinson to create a symbiosis between dishes and drinks. In the same pursuit of perfection, Anne-Sophie Pic and Eric Verbauwhede, created artful expressions of the chef’s culinary philosophy in the realm of pastry.

At the entrance, guests are greeted by a mesmerizing chandelier engulfed in flames. This stunning display symbolizes the harmonious fusion of the four elemental forces – fire, air, earth, and water – that serve as the foundation for all Baccarat creations.

About Forty-Five

Forty-Five located in LANDMARK is the most exciting art, culinary and lifestyle destination in a generation. The sprawling space atop Gloucester Tower houses five new experiential concepts, including The Merchants, Kaen Teppanyaki, Cardinal Point, Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, and private members’ club, the Gloucester Arts Club.

Address: 43/F Gloucester Tower, LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road Central

About Leading Nation Hospitality

Founded in 2016 by entrepreneurs Gerald Li and Kevin Poon, the Hong Kong-based hospitality group Leading Nation specialises in eclectic F&B with a focus on éclat and design, all of which combine to craft unique culinary experiences. Young, dynamic and with a proven track record of world-class operations, Leading Nation’s award-winning portfolio of concepts including Elephant Grounds, The Diplomat, Wagyumafia, and more, have grown from Hong Kong to cities including Chengdu, Guangzhou, Manila, and Tokyo.

About PIC and Chef Anne-Sophie Pic

Anne-Sophie Pic, the world’s most Michelin starred female chef, is known for her exquisite sensibilities, perfect balance, and striking flavour combinations, which achieve superlative equilibrium between powerful tastes and their delicate expressions. Her unique legacy is founded in grace and audacity – a bold openness to the world and a reverence for the earth and those who cultivate it.   At the heart of Anne-Sophie Pic’s creativity is her concept and cuisine philosophy called “Suffusion”.  Suffusion happens when aromas enter a new flow, expressing themselves at their very best, through astonishing new tastes and sensations, through the use of different techniques from the French culinary tradition such as marination, infusion, steeping, or smoking.

Anne-Sophie Pic holds 3 Michelin stars in her gastronomic Pic*** restaurant in Valence, France where the family house has been located for three generations. With Anne-Sophie Pic in charge of the creation and David Sinapian, her husband, at the head of the company, they turned Pic into a group dedicated to luxury restaurants and high-end F&B experiences. They opened 9 restaurants around the world. Follow the Pic universe on social media @annesophiepic @pic-valence @ladamedepicparis

About Baccarat

Founded in 1764, Baccarat, alchemist of joy and creator of enchanting worlds, is the fruit of a group of daring artisans who have transformed the four elements of nature – earth, air, fire and water – into crystal of unparalleled purity. By crafting true masterpieces, Baccarat has never ceased to surprise the world, garnering numerous awards at World Fairs and international exhibitions. This is how the name of a small town in eastern France, Baccarat, has over time become a symbol of the art of celebration and French joie de vivre. From Paris to Moscow, New York, Tokyo, Miami or Hong Kong, the unique experience of Baccarat’s art de vivre can be found within its Houses, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Ahead of its 260th anniversary, Baccarat continues its international development, firmly anchored in its roots, and driven by the ambition to always fly higher. Discover the captivating world of Baccarat on www.baccarat.com and on www.instagram.com/baccarat.