High on Himalayan fare

Sorry about the quality of the photos. Buffalo Wilbur insisted we try Deer Horn (Tel: 3484-3095) out for dinner, despite my protests that my crappy camera phone won't do the food justice. But hey, tummy ruleth all, as Buffalo Wilbur's dad loves to say, so we went anyway.

The restaurant still looks a bit bare (a few photos won't come amiss) but the welcome was warm. Pushpa, who owns it, is Nepalese and has lived in Lantau for more than a decade. Her chef worked in an Italian restaurant for quite some time, hence the slightly schizophrenic pairing of Nepalese/Italian food on the menu.

We took a table by the window, which was a mistake as it was also partially on the uneven wooden boards. So every time someone walked on the boards, the table would tip on one side and threaten to topple our curry. But that's probably just teething problems.

I am sure the Italian bit was good but we zeroed in on the Himalayan specialties.

The food was yummy. We tried the chicken momo (HK$55). The dumplings came with a home-made tomato-soybean chutney. They tasted almost like Shanghainese xiao long baos but the skin was a lot chewier.

Buffalo Wilbur loved the Nepalese lamb curry (HK$75). It was more watery than Indian curries but spicier than the local ones.

Halfway through our meal, Terry from The Bookshop walked in with a friend. He offered to let us try some of the yak's milk cheese that they'd ordered. I thought it would be strong tasting but it was actually a bit like a smoother cheddar. Must try the fried yak's cheese fritters next time.

Opening up

Lantau Outlet, the shop at Scenic Crest selling bits and bobs you never thought you needed, is closing down. But never fear, you'll still be able to get your ceramic pine trees and lengths of chain.

It's just moving a few doors down, says the woman in the shop. She also says the vacated space will be taken up by an Italian deli.

I really hope it's true. Ever since the deli in Mui Wo Centre closed down, I haven't been able to assemble a decent sandwich.

But what's even better is that it hopefully heralds the start of Mui Wo becoming more happening. It will be great if the waterfront up to Sea Crest starts opening up with shops and restaurants. At the moment, it's a bit of a dead space past Wellcome.

In place of the old deli is Deer Horn restaurant and bar. Initially, we watched the sign going up and thought it was going to be some Scandinavian joint serving stuff like ice beer and vodka.

But no, Buffalo Wilbur popped his head in while the renovations were going on and found out it's actually going to serve Nepalese/Italian place. I'm not sure where the deer horn bit comes from (perhaps there are lots of deer in Nepal?) but I am game to try out a new spot.

Deer Horn opens today. Will keep you posted.