Old and new meet in Wanchai
In a city that struggles with the battle between progress and preservation, with progress often emerging victorious, it is refreshing to encounter Cafe Post. The all- day dining restaurant for Hotel Indigo, it has a direct view of the colonial Wanchai post office built in 1912. That, coupled with being near the historic Blue House off Queen’s Road East, gives the site a flavor that is reflected in the restaurant’s interior design and menu.
I arrived at the 52-seat restaurant and was immediately struck by how open, bright and airy it is. The entry is simply a change in flooring from the elevator lobby to the restaurant. Sunlight streams through the glass doors leading out to a 16-seat terrace overlooking the post office and leafy trees.
Cafe Post is more like a comfortable family kitchen than a restaurant. Local firm Aedas was responsible for the building’s architecture and the restaurant’s interior design. A bar where guests can help themselves to the breakfast buffet becomes a communal dining table at lunch and dinner time, lit by a medley of pendant lamps. An island counter lets chefs prepare hot dishes in front of guests while the rear wall with its colorful mosaic tiles and exposed brick wall was inspired by the neighborhood’s architecture.
I could immediately smell the White Rabbit coffee courtesy of local brewer Rabbit Hole Coffee and Roaster. The slightly acidic flavor of its coffee is its signature attraction, and I was glad that there are now more places to enjoy it.
I loved that attention was paid to the little things. Even the menu was well designed, covered with fabric reminiscent of mail bags and with its logo overlapping an impression of a postage stamp. Inside, sidebar notes highlight specialty dishes for visitors who may not be as familiar with Hong Kong’s delicacies.
A quick glance at the wine list showed that its half a dozen whites, four sparklings and nine reds featured mostly Australian with some French and Italian vintages. For those needing a sugar rush, there is also a selection of fresh juices.
Cafe Post offers a wide selection