Lan Kwai Fong surprises us with its authentic Tuscan food new comer — complete with chunky steak pieces, charcoal grill, oversize canned olive oil, ham slicer, fresh herbs and import tomato. The chef and waiters are in squeaky white uniforms, no less. Claiming itself as the first authentic Italian steak house and opened only two weeks ago, it is no wonder that Butcher Dario Cecchini (Anthony Bourdain, celebrated presenter and chef, also visited his store in Panzano) works as its consultant, as well as Chris Mark (who worked at Tokyo Grand Hyatt among others) as executive chief chef. While Bistecca is down-to-earth like a good old traditional Italian steak house, its attention-to-detail is very much like a fine dining house.

Tuscan cooking is considered to be derived from ‘Cucina Povera (peasant cooking)’, which is straight forward and rid of excessive seasoning or cooking techniques. Fresh meat and fish are cooked on large charcoal grill, locking tasty juice inside to keep the meat tender, while the outside is crispy; and then lightly cooked with Tuscany wild herbs and olive oil. Bistecca specifically chooses Malaysian charcoal for its grills, which is clean, endures high volume cooking flames and adding extra flavour to the dishes. Australia-origin Wagyu beef is displayed in the restaurant’s fridges, for customers to choose their own. One could also buy pieces with half the marked price on the menu, and create Tuscan dishes at the privacy of one’s own home.

Text: Carmen Lee | Translation: dilettante
Photo: Kimio Ng
Update: 30 Sept 2009

BISTECCA
2/F, Grand Progress Building, 15 Lan Kwai Fong, Central, Hong Kong.
+852 2525 1308
www.diningconcepts.com.hk