Summer Special: Poke Bowl and Rosé

Adam White muses on two very different kinds of lunch at the FCC; but will he come undone on The Sweaty Steps of Doom? Film noir meets food review.

This August at the FCC, the poke (that’s “poh-kay”) bowl menu makes a reappearance. Hawaiian in origin, adopted by the rest of the world to the extent that, honestly, the name doesn’t really mean anything more than “chunk” aka “colourful stuff in a bowl with rice underneath”. It’s photo- and palate-friendly in equal measure, and ideal lunchtime fare. When ordering, the best thing to do is to stick to what makes poke good –toppings of marinated raw fish, in sauces that are subtle but zingy and fresh.

But of course, there are two kinds of lunch to be had at the FCC. The other might be found by sampling your way through the summer rosé menu – blush-pink, barely kissed by grape skins. Each is selected at a members’ Wine Social, and no bottle will set you back more than HK$280. Most glasses cost less than HK$50.

Each of these lunches should, of course, be taken on their own merits. Join me as we pursue two possibilities; two futures; two versions of YOU.

Which path appeals? Which is wiser? That is very much up to you. There is always the moment of choice. The road not taken. You will likely, at some point this summer, opt for one over the other. You will bear the consequences, good or bad. Were you right? Were you wrong? I don’t have the answer for you. You lived, friend. You should want nothing more.

The Poke Bowl menu runs for all of August. Catch the summer rosé menu anytime till 30 September. n

Hong Kong born and raised, Adam White is Associate Content Director at Cedar Communications, where he is in charge of content for Cathay He is a former FCC board member of slightly too many years’ standing and previously worked at the SCMP’s Inkstone and ran city-living bible HK Magazine.

Path the First Path the Second

Noon A good morning’s work. Time for a nice light lunch at the FCC.

12.30 pm o arr e oo me a fi a po e Bunker. A fresh lime soda, please.

12.40 pm Interesting – the poke bowl menu, on special offer at the main lounge through August. You feel like something light, refreshing, zingy. The ideal antidote to a sweltering Hong Kong day. Classic salmon for you.

1 pm Your poke bowl arrives. A bed of warm rice and quinoa, topped with a rainbow of things delicious: marinated salmon, edamame, coleslaw, avocado cubes, toasted sesame. The salmon is generously portioned, unctuous but not over the top. You mix well and dig in: a well-harmonised bowl of food, generous but not stuffening. This will earn a place on your lunch list.

1.30 pm A coffee and leisurely lunch over, it’s time to ea back o e o ce.

Noon A good morning’s work. Time for a nice light lunch at the FCC.

12.45 pm Held up by a colleague just before leaving, b o e em o o o . o arr e o fi e Bunker is full. Thankfully you nab a spot in the Main Bar, just by the Wall. What a superb exhibition!

1 pm Poke bowls, on special offer at the main lounge through August? Sounds lovely. Let’s do it. Shrimp poke bowl, please.

1.15 pm Your poke bowl arrives. Marinated cooked shrimp, edamame, Asian coleslaw, avocado cubes and sweetcorn kernels, sitting atop a bed of warm rice and quinoa, and with a tart sauce on the side. The shrimp is fresh, delicate, toothsome, with a lovely citric kick from the sauce. There’s a pleasing light crunch as you tuck in. The sweetcorn feels out of place, however.

1.30 pm A glass of something light to keep your lunch company seems like an excellent idea. The month’s rosé selection looks intriguing. Your colleague nods, enablingly.

Mirabeau Classic Rosé 2021, Provence

Dry and crisp, almost like a white. This will do nicely.

2 pm A couple of calls, a couple of emails, and the afternoon is off to a good start.

2 pm Perhaps another quick one for the road before we head back. There’s always time.

Kanonkop Estate Kadette Pinogage Dry Rosé 2022, Stellenbosch

100% pinotage grapes. Acidic and brightly fruity.

2.30 pm Final prep for that 3pm meeting.

3 pm cce f l mee o fi o r l invigorating meal has allowed you to throw off the usual post-lunch slump.

5.30 pm A solid, productive afternoon of work. You get your head down. You get the work done. You surprise o r elf o r e c e c . o o re oo a o r ob.

5.45 pm “God, you’re good at your job,” says your boss as he walks past. That pay rise is as good as guaranteed.

2.30 pm Balls. Don’t we have a meeting at three?

3 pm OK, managed to push it to tomorrow. Let’s celebrate with a bottle of something.

Domain de L’Herré, Rosé 2021, France Fruity and floral on the nose, gentle body and a light, dry finish. This is a lovely all-day drinker. It would be a shame not to drink it all day...

5.30 pm Time has passed. You and your colleague have set the world and work to rights. The solutions are here, contained within this lovely, crisp glass. Maybe you can even expense this afternoon. God, you’re good.

5.45 pm “God, there you are,” says your boss as he walks past. “Don’t you dare try to expense this.” You attempt to mollify him with a glass of something light and pink.

Domaine De La Berliere Cerdon Demi Sec Sweet and sparkling. An ideal evening-starter.

6 pm Time for a quick one. Back to the FCC for a snifter or two with colleagues.

6.15 pm The summer sun refuses to hide its radiance and you arrive at the FCC having hauled your leaden legs up the Sweaty Steps of Doom. You are owed something large, cold and pink.

Tenuta di Glacobbe Pinot Grigio Rosé 2021, Veneto Sharp, sweet, crisp. Perhaps not an all-day drink, but one to round off the edges.

7 pm As the light fades, a bottle and laughter shared. A day over, an evening commenced. Thank you, poke bowl.

Delas Côtes du Rhone Saint Esprit Rosé 2021 Crisp and very dry. Balanced with a floral bouquet. Good body and a tannic finish. A bottle to linger over.

6pm er fil er . ollea e fr e e k of people you nod at from across the room. Conversations to have. Reputations to be made, arguments to be lost, pointless hills to die on. The FCC comes alive.

8 pm That poke bowl was good. But does anyone fancy a curry?