MERCEDES ME

One doesn’t immediately think of cars and food going hand in hand, but at Mercedes Me that’s exactly what diners will find. A Mercedes-Benz welcomes diners at one entrance, while an open kitchen and dining area completes the set-up, offering booths as well as high tables—the venue is a popular after-work drinks spot. The menu blends Japanese, Peruvian and Spanish cuisine; load up on the tapas-style starters where quality seafood shines, such as in the Australian Big Eye tuna ceviche with cucumber and ponzusesame sauce, instead of saving calories for desserts that fail to inspire. The beetroot tartare with goat’s cheese and mango egg yolk, and the duck egg yolk with black truffle, shimeji and onion compote are rewarding choices. The latter, served in its shell, the duck egg yolk contains a delectable hit of umami The wine list is reasonable, but we suggest you eschew it in favour of sake, which pairs well with the cuisine on offer, or a selection from the creative cocktail menu. Everything is served with a smile.

At the helm of Okra Kitchen is Max Levy, who is something of a poster boy for modern Japanese cuisine in Hong Kong