Vicky Cheng, the culinary force behind the Chinese-French finesse at VEA and the Cantonese flair of Wing, is no stranger to accolades—Tatler Dining’s 2024 Chef of the Year, no less. But his latest venture, located on Wellington Street in Central, directly opposite the venerable Lin Heung Tea House, takes a distinctly different approach.
Medora and Liz & Tori, Cheng’s double-concept venue, trades in the grand gestures for an experience more approachable, yet no less thoughtful. Shifting his focus from tasting menus to a more relaxed affair, Cheng offers a space where diners can enjoy his talent without the fanfare, offering a side of Cheng that feels refreshingly unguarded.
Medora: Western comfort food, made to share
The first half of Cheng’s new venture, Medora—meaning “mother’s gift” in Mediterranean tradition—offers a distinctly Western menu with European and American influences. This isn’t fine dining; it’s Cheng’s take on family-style dining, a place you can come with friends. Deliberately relaxed, yes—but still executed with Cheng’s signature precision.
The menu opens with classic appetisers, such as the USDA prime beef tartare, topped with smoked quail egg, and a fresh shrimp cocktail, served with shrimp heads and a housemade cocktail sauce. There’s also a French onion soup filled with gougère croutons and a slice of baguette to soak up its hearty, slow-cooked broth.
Fresh shrimp cocktail
USDA prime beef tartare
Moving to heartier options, Medora offers dishes that blend familiarity with indulgence. Highlights include the Mediterranean red prawn linguine, and the crispy skin, BBQ chicken made with locally raised Three-Yellow chicken.
For larger groups, Medora’s sharing plates take centre stage. The roasted whole sole, served alongside razor clams, combines oceanic flavours and textures. Another standout is the grilled king crab leg, or sometimes, whole lobster, which arrives with garlic escargot butter sauce and grilled lemon, perfect for diners seeking a more indulgent seafood experience.
Dessert options include the likes of a barely baked chocolate tart, featuring a warm filling encased in a crisp tart shell, and the berries and cream, a twist on the classic sundae, topped with chewy mochi.
Cheng, working with mixologist Antonio Lai, has ensured that the drinks menu is equally unpretentious yet inventive. From gin and tonics infused with shiso and lemongrass to refreshing highballs. For wine lovers, there’s a roster of 40-plus reds, whites and bubbles that promise to cover every pairing needed without dragging you through an exhaustive list.
Medora’s caeser salad
Langoustine roll
Liz & Tori: family inspiration in gelato form
Handcrafted gelato at Liz & Tori
Upon entering the new space, you’re greeted by Liz & Tori, Cheng’s gelato shop dedicated to his daughters, Elizabeth and Victoria. But don’t expect an ordinary ice cream counter; this is Cheng at his most playful, swapping his usual savoury expertise for a hidden sweet side. Liz & Tori offers a daily rotation of ten flavours, both classic and inventive, each made with the freshest ingredients.
Among the highlights, Hazelnut Crunch is a rich, nutty indulgence, layered with candied hazelnuts and feuilletine for added texture. Strawberry Cream Swirl, inspired by a strawberry jam Cheng created for his daughter’s birthday, is topped with freeze-dried and semi-dried strawberries, delivering a multi-layered strawberry experience. For a lighter option, the Mango Yoghurt Swirl combines the tartness of yoghurt with the tropical brightness of mango. Each flavour is served in housemade waffle cones or cups, with options changing seasonally to keep things fresh.
Ambience with personality
The refined yet relaxed design of Medora
No white tablecloths here
Liz & Tori is designed to evoke the carefree joy of a summer ice cream parlour. The walls feature a subtle waffle pattern, while a glossy finish adds a hint of playful sophistication. Contrasting black-and-white floor tiles create an eye-catching backdrop, adding a classic touch to the lively colour scheme, perfect for snapping photos.
In contrast, Medora’s interiors take inspiration from the Mediterranean with a refined yet relaxed aesthetic. Earthy tones, natural textures, and floor-to-ceiling windows bring warmth and an airy feel, while eclectic tilework nods to sun-drenched coastal villages. Together, these elements create a space that invites diners to unwind, offering a welcome retreat from the bustling streets of Central Hong Kong.
Medora and Liz & Tori is Cheng’s way of offering Hong Kong a taste of his culinary vision in “a space where families and friends can come together, enjoy and share”. There’s no need for fine dining formalities here; instead, it’s about good food that’s thoughtfully prepared and approachable.
As Cheng puts it, he wanted to create “an atmosphere that feels welcoming and warm”, reflecting the love and community he’s felt in Hong Kong. This new venture shares his story with the city—not just on a plate, but across two venues, a cone and a smile.
Medora and Liz & ToriAddress: G/F, 111 Wellington Street, Central, Hong Kong
留言 0