A Western restaurant located at Nina Hotel Kowloon East in Kwun Tong, the three-star ESR I-O-N specialises in innovative Chinese-Western fusion cuisine and provides a wide selection of healthy delicacies. Under the leadership of Chan Kin-man, Jeff, the Chef de Cuisine, the restaurant redefines healthy Western cuisine through natural herbs, spices, fresh vegetables, and precise culinary techniques.

Mastering Seafood Flavours through Baking and Slow-cooking

The restaurant offers a range of “EatSmart Dishes”, which have become favourites among health-conscious diners. Take “Garlic-baked Seabass with Cajun Roasted Vegetables” as an example, the seabass, which is low in fat and high in protein, is seasoned with garlic, Italian parsley and a touch of Cajun spice to lift the overall aroma and bring out the umami of the fish. This cuts down on the need for high-sodium seasonings while adding depth of flavour to the dish. Another signature dish, “Lobster South France Fish Stew”, inspired by the classic seafood soup from the South of France, features lobster, seabass, salmon and clams as its main ingredients. To make the stock, Jeff starts by pan-frying the fish bones until they are fragrant, then adds vegetables and fennel and stir-fries them until they become tender. Lastly, he adds saffron, tomatoes and orange flesh, and leaves the ingredients to simmer to completely draw out their natural flavours.

Cooked-to-order Fresh Fish for Authentic Taste

To ensure the umami of the fish is preserved, Jeff explains that he only uses freshly caught fish. Preparing the seafood and the fish stock separately, he adds the fish stock to poach the seafood just before serving. This effectively prevents the seafood from being overcooked. He also mentions that turning the fish as little as possible can help the natural juices stay locked in, ensuring the fish is tender and succulent.

Sticking to the “EatSmart” Philosophy

Jeff observes that the public has been paying more and more attention to healthy eating in recent years. That is why the restaurant has taken the initiative to join the ESR Star+ Campaign, informing customers of the origins and quality of the ingredients while promoting its philosophy of healthy eating. The goal is to serve healthy and delicious food while enhancing the brand image and credibility of the restaurant.