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Fire, Wine and the Table
Welcome to the World of Clarence
Left: Executive Chef Simon So
Right: Chef-founder Olivier Elzer
A Familiar Pair, A New Room
Executive Chef Simon So's path with Olivier Elzer runs from Seasons to L'Envol, and on to Clarence, where Simon led the kitchen when it was opened four years ago. Now the duo reunites, bringing the same shared vision and fresh energy to this new chapter.
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Simon chooses the cut, works the fire and gives everything the time it needs.
A decade beside Olivier has shaped his cooking: classic French technique, seasonal produce and a natural touch of Asian influence. It carries the Clarence character, balanced for Hong Kong's palate, and it is French cooking at its most generous.
THE FOUNDER
Behind Clarence is the French founder and mastermind Olivier Elzer. With some of the world’s greatest chefs such as Joel Robuchon, Jean Yves Leranguer and Pierre Gagnaire as his mentors, Olivier developed a strong foundation in traditional French cuisine. With his strong passion for innovation and drive for creativity, Olivier created Clarence, a new and modern French concept.
THE CUISINE
Fire in the kitchen, wine in the glass, friends at the table. Clarence Wine & Grill is built around the three.
1 —
FIRE
Flame is our first ingredient. Meat, fish and vegetables go over live coals and pick up the char, crust and smoke that no pan can give them. A jus that has reduced all afternoon finishes the plate.
2 —
WINE
Our list follows growers we know and bottles ready to drink tonight, with plenty by the glass. Some names you will recognise. Others are here because we tasted them and couldn't leave them off.
3 —
THE TABLE
Dishes are brought out to be passed around and second helpings are expected. The evening sets its own pace, from a first glass to cheese if the conversation is still going. It's dinner at a friend's house, if that friend had a grill and a French cellar.
THE SPACE
Clarence Wine & Grill seats 48 in an intimate dining room, where the walls display artwork Olivier personally loves. Step outside and there's a small garden, a quiet corner for a glass of wine before dinner or a last one after.
