Terracotta
There are only three things that could get me out to Lamma Island on a Monday night after the work day – the promise of warm pita generously sprinkled with spoonfuls of za’atar, a creamy, smoky labneh, and a group of high school friends who make every second feel like a bit out of a 90s sitcom.
A short journey on the ferry talking complete nonsense led us to the cosy, neighbourhood-like exterior of Terracotta. Once you walk through the narrow hallway past the kitchen, the space gives way to an idyllic Mediterranean terrace, decorated in woven wicker and warm almond linen – probably the only place that could contain our high-spirited peels of laughter as the breeze carried the sounds across the dark island waters.
Opting for the titled Feed Me Menu because everything sounded too good and we couldn’t make a decision (even though only one of us was a Libra), we sat eagerly in the comfortable oceanside humidity ready for the pile of plates that were coming our way. And they kept on coming.
What’s pictured here is only about two-thirds of what we ate. From the smaller spiced dips and bite-sized anchovies to the generous servings of burrata with an endive salad, crispy calamari, perfectly golden fried cauliflower, heapings of seabass, marinated eggplant, and roasted chicken from the charcoal grill - we only got more determined to finish everything when dessert arrived. Who could say no to a melt-in-your-mouth olive oil cake and panna cotta?
Influenced by the familiar rustic ease of the group behind Shady Acres, warmed by the bright and sultry flavours of the Middle East, and carrying an unmistakable air of hospitality that was as sweet as maple syrup, I was in no way surprised to learn that Head Chef, Richard Solnik, was a fellow Vancouverite.
Happily stuffed, the night was just the sumac-dusted whipped cream on top that made our Monday night feel like the start of a dreamy, delicious summer getaway.
Terracotta Lamma • Hong Kong
G/F, 47 Yung Shue Wan Main St, Lamma Island