A Flavorful Night at Fire Lotus

A new restaurant has opened in Sha Tin, and my friends and I couldn't wait to check it out! We had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed the food. This Japanese restaurant, located on the top floor of the Alva Hotel by Royal in Sha Tin, is uniquely named Fire Lotus. It specializes in grilled seafood and classic Western dishes, which perfectly suit my taste. The restaurant's high-floor location, paired with floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a stunning view of the Shing Mun River. Inside, the restaurant is filled with a variety of fresh seafood, which was a delight for a seafood lover like me. Guests can choose between tableside grilling by the staff, freshly prepared dishes from the kitchen, or grilling the food themselves. Naturally, we opted for the staff's service! We started with a bottle of Cadanza Prosecco DOC Brut NV ($368) to set the mood. The evening began with a trio of appetizers! The marinated garlic was crisp and flavorful, and its preparation ensured no lingering aftertaste, allowing us to enjoy it freely. The yuzu radish was refreshing and tangy, with the citrusy aroma of yuzu peel making it a perfect palate cleanser. Lastly, the soy-marinated burdock root had a subtle soy aroma and a light, delightful taste. For oysters, we were treated to selections from France and Australia. The French oysters had a pronounced metallic and briny flavor, which was quite appealing. However, the Coffin Bay oysters from Australia won me over! They were plump, crisp, and sweet with a balanced salinity, perfectly matching my palate. Next came the five-piece sashimi platter, featuring botan shrimp, chutoro, amberjack, scallops, and soy-marinated akami. The scallops, flown in from Hokkaido, were thick and succulent, enhanced by a touch of black truffle sauce for added depth. The botan shrimp was tender and sweet, with the shrimp roe in the head adding a rich, aromatic flavor. The amberjack was incredibly fresh and firm, with a delightful fish oil aroma, further elevated by a crispy garlic sauce. Chutoro, one of my favorite sashimi cuts, had a perfect balance of marbling, leaving a lingering richness. Lastly, the soy-marinated akami, with its leaner texture, was soft and flavorful, showcasing a unique umami taste. For grilled dishes, we started with the crab miso-stuffed crab shell, expertly prepared tableside by the attentive Andy. The aroma during grilling was irresistible! The combination of crab roe, crab meat, and egg was divine, and it paired wonderfully with crispy toast, seaweed, or even rice. The seasoning was spot-on, offering a rich, sweet-savory flavor without being overly salty. The grilled unagi, sourced from Japan, was plump and flavorful, with a homemade eel sauce that was sweet, savory, and utterly delicious. Next, we were treated to a whole fresh Canadian lobster, grilled to perfection to retain its natural juices. Andy's skillful preparation ensured the lobster was tender, bouncy, and bursting with its original sweetness—absolutely mouthwatering. For the hot pot course, we had a choice of Japanese beef or Spanish pork belly. Since I don't eat beef, I opted for the Spanish Iberico pork belly, which was paired with a bonito broth and a medley of vegetables. The pork's fruity aroma and rich fat complemented the vegetables, enhancing their flavor and sheen. For beef lovers, the Japanese Naebo Wagyu, with its fine marbling, paired with kombu broth, was undoubtedly a treat. The meal concluded with Nagasaki herb chicken and mushroom rice cooked in a clay pot. The herb chicken, a specialty of Nagasaki, is raised naturally and certified by the Japan Poultry Association, ensuring its quality. The chicken was tender and flavorful, and when paired with the soft, sticky Japanese rice, it was simply delightful. For dessert, we enjoyed seasonal fruits, including green grapes, blueberries, pears, and melons. All were sweet, fresh, and of high quality, providing a refreshing end to the sumptuous meal. The tasting menu is priced at $1,888 for two (plus service charge). Given the quality and experience, it's excellent value for money. Highly recommended, especially for seafood lovers!