One of the hottest openings in 2008 has to be the launch of Bonnie Gokson's restaurant venture, Sevva (pronounced Savor) last month. The glitterati, high power businessmen and ladies descended upon the impressively spacious 22,000-square-foot restaurant on the opening day and in the months to come, Sevva should be a guaranteed to see and be seen establishment. Renowned for her good taste and her contributions to the luxury and lifestyle industry in Hong Kong, Gokson has brought back a 21st century version of the much-missed Joyce Caf, in a stunning environment.

Sevva covers the entire penthouse floor of Prince's Building, designed as a home away from home, ensuing that customers feel relaxed in this luxurious millionaire home. Designed by Calvin Tsao of Tsao & McKown Architects in New York, with an impressive record including the design of the New York Cipriani Club and Mercer Hotel, Sevva mixes high glamour with stylish comfort. The lush dcor includes an indoor garden wall, a baby grand piano, design books stacked on low tables, as well as modern artworks, such as pieces by renowned photographer Candida Hoffer.

The entire establishment is comprised of five distinctive areas, the Harbor Side, the Bank Side, the Taste Bar, Cake Corner, and the Terrace. The Harbor Side serves up an east meets west menu in a more relaxed and casual environment, while the Bank Side, obviously with a view of the HSBC headquarters, caters to high power business men looking for a high power menu and fine dining environment. The cuisine at Sevva aims to serve up a mixture of non-fussy, uncomplicated Asian and Western comfort foods, using the finest and freshest ingredients. The kitchen sources many of the ingredients from around the world, including chemical free chicken from organic farms in Australia, and Poilane bread from France.

Dishes on the Harbor Side menu draws its inspiration from many Joyce Caf favorites, so those who have been lamenting the closing of Joyce Caf can now indulge in the good ole' signature dishes, Pasta Named Desire, the Thai-inspired Minced Chicken, Chili and Basil Rice, as well as try out new soul-satisfying dishes such as the Korean-inspired BBQ Short Ribs Burger, or the Wagyu Beef Cheek and Ox Tongue Pot Pie with Porcini Fries. The menu on the Bank Side boasts fine-dining comfort food at non-comforting prices, with entrees such as a HK$320 Macaroni and Triple Cheese Bake with Truffles, or a bun-less Burger with Fried Egg.

The Taste Bar, consisting of a line of cushioned sofas, is ideal for happy hour lounging, as it serves up sexy drinks and quality light bites. Health conscious customers can choose from organic fruit juices or flavored dessert vinegars, while the hedonist can indulge in the Truffled Scrambled Egg and Bacon on Poliane Sourdough Toast, and the famous Original Crunch Cake, frequently displayed in the Cake Corner. Fashioned out as candy shop counter, the Cake Corner is heaving with pastel colored meringues, cookies and candies, while the cakes displayed in the counter are available to be ordered and taken away in fantastically beautiful boxes.

Last but not least, the highlight of Sevva is, without a doubt, the Terrace which wraps itself all around the restaurant. With an impressive 360 degree view of the Hong Kong skyline and harbor, the Terrace is the perfect solution for al fresco dining, and late night drinks, a much welcomed spot for cigar smokers. Diners can lounge on the cushion-filled large sofas, designer chairs, and order from the Harbor Side menu.

Given that Sevva has only been running for a month, service is good but with room for improvement. Overall, the staff are eager to please, but a tad slow in execution. All in all, Gokson's new venture has all the winning elements to make this new restaurant a resounding success, but one crucial factor which cannot be overlooked is that luxury all comes at a high price today. If money is no object, then Sevva really is the best home away from home to dine, hang out or simply to lounge under the moonlit skies.

(HK Edition 04/17/2008 page4)