London’s Award-winning Spanish Tapas by aqua nueva Pops Up at Statement
You may not be able to travel, but aqua brings the best from London to you
London’s award-winning contemporary Spanish restaurant aqua nueva takes over Statement in Hong Kong’s Tai Kwun arts and entertainment centre in Central, for three months from Thursday 22nd October 2020.
aqua nueva (little sister to the famous and original aqua in Tsim Sha Tsui) hails from London’s exclusive Regent Street and has magnificent views over the city’s rooftops from its penthouse on top of one of the street’s elegant Regency buildings. The pop-up restaurant brings to Hong Kong the same winning formula of contemporary Spanish tapas, sharing platters and inventive cocktails which has made aqua nueva a consistent hit in London’s dining scene for the past decade.
Guests can savour aqua nueva’s award-winning signature Croquetas crafted by London’s Chef Gonzalez. Each croqueta, carefully prepared by hand, is rich and creamy on the inside and crispy on the outside – this winning combination has twice won the title of ‘Best Croquette’s in the UK’. The Croquetas come in five mouth-watering flavours. From the vast plateau of La Mancha in Spain, the Manchego and black truffle croquetas are made with 100% Manchega ewe’s milk aged between two months and two years old. The richness of the Manchega cheese and the black truffle’s alluring aroma offers a harmonious balance to the dish. Sourced from the heartland of Iberico pig, Badajoz in Spain, the Ibérico Ham croquetas flavour is intensely savoury and complex whilst the Boston lobster and bisque croquetas are exceptionally rich and creamy. Each croqueta uses the finest Spanish ingredients and is lovingly prepared over two days to ensure the smoothest inner centre which comes from hand-stirring the recipe for hours and then hand-rolling each piece in crispy, fine breadcrumbs to be cooked to perfection. The croqueta flavours include Boston Lobster and bisque, Manchego and black truffle, Ibérico Ham, Wild Mushroom and Black Seafood.
aqua nueva’s signature sharing tapas includes the innovative and crispy Spiced crab tostadas (HK$148), juicy Beef short ribs, potato gratin and chimichurri (HK$138) and the crowd-pleasing and must-order Patatas bravas (HK$98), made with delicate mille-feuille layers of potato topped with delicious black garlic and rich tomato sauce. For larger plates, enjoy the signature Bacalao, taramasalata and cured yolk (HK$318) and the smokey Ibérico pork fillet with Pedro ximénez sauce, lentils and chorizo (HK$388).
Complementing these exquisite dishes, aqua nueva is bringing from London four signature cocktails, inspired by the flavours of sunny Spain. The refreshing and zesty Mi casa su casa (HK$98), which translates to “make yourself at home”, blends Grey Goose pear vodka with a splash of honey, lemon and pineapple juice. Served in a rock glass, it is sprinkled with black pepper for a finishing touch. Another favourite is the Formentera Colada (HK$108), infused with Ciroc colada, coconut cream liquor, Manzanilla with hints of lime and pineapple. Made with HAIG Club Whiskey and chestnuts, Catalan Sour (HK$98) is blended with egg white, lemon and honey and served in a coupe glass with burnt custard sugar on top. Nueva Spritz (HK$98) is a harmonious blend of vodka and elderflower cordial, incorporated with three grinds of ground pepper. The concoction is made with sparkling Spanish cava, lime, and a garnish of refreshing cucumber.
On weekends, from the 7th November brunch goers can book a fabulous five-course Brunch Menu for HK$358, which includes choices of starters, tapas and Mediterranean sharing platters of meats and cheeses. For mains, choose either the signature Black paella with seafood or a delicious Peppered rib eye with piquillo & baked potatoes, before delectable assorted desserts. There is also a full vegetarian option available, and two-hour free-flow featuring Veuve Clicquot Champagne. Free-flow packages start from HK$100 per person.