Jamrock Jerk Chicken
COCONUTS HOT SPOT – Amid all the chaos in Hong Kong over the last couple of weeks, I almost forgot about the fantastic sneak peek scoff I enjoyed at fresh and funky Central hot spot Rummin’ Tings last weekend. The new baby from the owners of firm Hong Kong foodie favourite Fatty Crab, this loosely Caribbean-inspired restaurant and bar was bound to live up to the buzz.
Rummin’ Tings interior
Packed to the rafters despite the Occupy commotion just down the hill, the small-plate dining and drinks joint on Hollywood Road scavenged us a table as soon as as they could while we enjoyed the delicious (but pretty pricey at HKD90 and up) signature cocktails at the bar. Though I wouldn’t recommend drinking all night here if you’re on a budget, I do recommend at least trying the refreshing and zingy Dove, shaken and stirred with tequila, homemade grapefruit cordial and lime.
signature cocktails
Having spied something occupying the realm between meatball and burger on another’s table, I searched the “soft opening” menu for the most likely suspect. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the Jamaican Beef Patties (HKD60) I wagered on – these were patties of the pastry pocket rather than the meat morsel variety.
Conch Salad
The only other slight disappointment of the night was that the tiger prawns in the Conch Salad (HKD80) were hardly discernible in the finely chopped ceviche styling, and not the big, juicy, crying-out-for-a-finger-bowl fellas I was hoping for. Although rather small, the Stuffed Sole (HKD90) with crab meat, bell peppers and herbs was however to die for, almost tempting me to order a second portion straight away… but I refrained, knowing there was indeed more to come.
Rummin’ Tings Stuffed Sole
The highlight of the meal was greedily claimed by the Sticky Island Ribs (HKD120), a hearty portion of sweet and succulent duroc baby backs with a dipping sauce you wouldn’t be ashamed to be seen licking off your wrists – at least, I wasn’t. If you can handle some heat, the Jamrock Jerk Chicken (HKD80) with tamarind aioli is also a good bet – charred and sticky on the outside and just the right amount of greasy on the inside – but don’t say I didn’t warn you about the spice!
Rummin’ Tings Sticky Island Ribs
Promising much more to come both food and drinks-wise as it ramps up from its starter menu in the weeks to come, Rummin’ Tings is definitely one I’ll be frequently frequenting, and I’ve no doubt it’ll be a mainstay on Hong Kong’s mid-range foodie table, just like its fat and crabby big sister.
Rummin’ Tings, G/F, 28 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong, Tel: (+852) 2523-7070, Open 12pm – 2am daily.
