Dinner @ Jaspa's

Jaspa's是一間價錢合理，環境舒適的西式餐廳，主打多國菜（包括意大利及西班牙菜）。 位於跑馬地的分店更像一家感覺親切熟悉的社區餐廳（neighbourhood restaurant)，服務態度友善，桌上還提供蠟筆給小客人在餐桌的畫紙上畫畫。它的 Fettuccine Carbonara ($130)可觀可口，芝士和煙肉的分量比例處理得相當好，值得推介。可惜其他菜式如Pizza等都只是過得去，水準參差。要注意餐廳每週一和週二也有"half-priced dinner"優惠，所以晚餐每人只需大概＄100 到＄150，是不錯的西式餐廳選擇。

When our friend, Lil, visited from Singapore last month and requested a budget Italian meal (consisting of pizza and pasta), we wonder what quality but affordable Italian restaurants fit into those requirements in the heart of Hong Kong.   When we didn't have to look at the prices, it was always tempting to think of the Michelin-starred restaurants.  But those are expensive and hence, out-of-the-question.  So it's a small blessing that Jaspa's, a modern fusion western restaurant chain, offers a very reasonably priced menu and has multiple locations in Hong Kong.  We went on a Monday night and were pleasantly surprised to find out that Jaspa's was doing "half-priced dinner" for its main dishes every Monday and Tuesday. 

Located on a quiet slope in Happy Valley, it was a long walk from Causeway Bay (about 20 mins) and it was certainly not easy to find, but we were happy to arrive at the colourful signboard of Jaspa's. It was not a big space, but with its large windows, Jaspa's had a charismatic and homey neighbourhood feel. The lighting was comfortable and the staffs were welcoming. We were excited when we saw that crayons were provided for us to draw on the paper sheets on the table. With the special discount, dinner was reasonably priced at around $100 to $150 per person.

(1) Since Lil was super hungry, she decided to order the Nachos ($100) to start with.  Although it was not part of the "half-priced dinner" deal, all of us were completely over the moon when we saw the huge portion of nacho chips and the generous toppings of cheese, avocado, sour cream and salsa sauce.  The nachos were sheer deliciousness and the combinations of toppings were an excellent symphony of flavours, hitting all the right notes! 

(2) The Fettuccine Carbonara ($130) was served with pancetta bacon, cream & parmesan Cheese and it was a truly satisfying dish. The taste of the carbonara was just beyond reproach, with the right amount of cheese and ham.  To our amusement, the dish successfully balanced the level of softness and bounciness of the pasta and its generous portion made it a delightful and pleasant main dish. 

(3) The Linguine Salmon with Provencal Sauce ($150) served with fresh salmon infused with tomato sauce and fresh herb was not everyone's favourite.  C found that the pasta was a bit too soggy perhaps due to the under-temperature oil.  The salmon was also a bit too scarce to find underneath the linguine. 

(4)  For pizzas, we ordered the All you can Meat Pizza ($135) with ham, sausage, salami, pepperoni and meatballs with mozzarela and oregano.    The pizza crust seemed to be a bit burned and dry.  The toppings formed by layers of different kind of meat were in want of some nice seasoning and Es found that it was filling but not particularly tasty. 

(5) The Parma Pizza ($145) with fresh rocket and basil was another disappointing pizza. The pizza dough could be more airy and moist.   Sam also thought that the taste of the pizza was overwhelmed by its high degree of saltiness.  The parma ham did not have the unique succulent taste we were expecting.  Instead,  we were all in need of a glass of water after having a slice of it.  

Overall remarks: Dinner at Jaspa's is casual, comfortable and laid-back, though it's a shame that not all of its dishes,  particularly its pizzas, are as fantastic as the environment.  But for the price it's charging, perhaps this could all be forgiven.  It is not the most delicate and traditional Italian fine dining restaurant; it is a family western restaurant that sits in your neighbourhood that could win your heart, not because of what you eat, but because of what you don't.  It's there that Jaspa's aura, that sense of coziness and heart-warming colors, is full on display.  Ultimately, we were happy that Lil was satisfied both cuisine-wise, budget-wise and of course, tummy-wise. 

Food: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Ambience: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Service: ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

INFO

Jaspa's
G/F, 18 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley 跑馬地藍塘道18號地下
Telephone: 2575 7730