We’re spoken of my disdain for Sevva and how I was hoping that my opinion of them will change. Unfortunately, it doesn't look to change anytime soon. I was recently informed of Sevva’s “Sultry Summer Cocktails on Hong Kong’s Most Bespoke Drinks Menu.” First of all, I don't get the copy. What is it trying to say? "Most bespoke"? Anyway, enough English nitpicking. Let’s continue with why I’m a bit peeved.

These drinks start at HK$120, on par with what most fine-dining restaurants charge for appetizers. I assume their rationale for such exorbitant pricing is the fact that you get a lovely view on the rooftop but to get some perspective:

RED, IFC- dinner menu prices: beef carpaccio (HK$118); roasted chicken ravioli (HK$108); half pound burger (HK$138)
JW Marriott’s California- lobster bisque with cognac cream (HK$105); pan seared Nova Scotia scallops (HK$125); seared goose foie gras (HK$165).
Domani, Pacific Place- Potato cream topped with smoked capon and guanciale ham (HK$130); cuttlefish tagliatelle, nori seaweed pesto and fried quinoa (HK$160); amberjack carpaccio, scampi and cherry tomato essence (HK$180)
Harlan’s, IFC -Pastas (start at HK$138), lobster bisque (HK$108)

While drinks typically do cost a lot more than food, it still seems a bit excessive to charge so much for cocktail. Maybe I’m not being fair and that people do feel it’s worth a minimum of HK$120 (plus 10% service charge) to grab a cocktail there. For those who are interested, the new menu comprises of:

Kama Sutra: sweet-and-sour with fresh passion fruit, mango and lime with dark rum
Fennel & Red Pepper Martini with vodka and lemon.
Yakultini: Yakult, vodka, blueberries and a touch of honey.
White and Dark Valrhona Chocolate Martinis blended with Vodka
Straight To The Head: ice cold freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, lemon and Vodka

Sevva. 25/F, Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong

I never bought into the hype that was Sevva. Sure it’s a great place for drinks with a wonderful view but I never thought the food there as particularly great. There was such a big hoopla over Bonnie Gokson’s food yet I felt the food was overpriced and overrated. But then again, I think I have somehow evolved into a food snob because of all the fine dining I’ve had the opportunity to try out that very few culinary experiences wow me anymore.

With that in mind, I was pleasantly surprised to realise that I was tempted to try out Sevva’s new promotion: tapas with an Asian twist. The variations on the tapas theme includes vegetarian sushi rolls, Vietnamese rolls with crispy sole, golden fried prawn with salad & spicy mayo, a selection of bruschettas, either with escargots in garlic butter, Caprese-Mozzarella with tri-coloured tomatoes and basil, chicken a la king, ribs marinated in shrimp paste, classic Valencia garlic prawns and flame-grilled baby lamb chops. Maybe it’s because it’s almost lunch time, but I’m salivating just typing out what they have to offer. Maybe, just maybe, my opinion of the restaurant will be transformed.

Prices range between HK$160 to HK$220
Sevva. 25/F, Prince's Building, 10 Chater Road, Central, Hong Kong