“Hi, I am Kiss Bottle, your mouth’s sexy partner,” proclaims the fuchsia placemat neatly centered before our seat. It’s either an excellent icebreaker or terribly awkward way to start a date, but one thing’s for sure: our tongues are in for an adventure.
Plopped behind Happy Valley Mall and the Happy Monk, Kiss Bottle’s vibe is much what you’d expect from a place sandwiched between optimists day after day. Cool, confident and with a hint of underlying attitude, waitresses are clever and pay close attention to water glasses.
Outside, an airy patio is strewn with black wicker furniture and oversized, hot pink lamps. The place is classy but not enough to warrant spending a fortune, so thankfully prices aren’t steep.
A loud menu (written in neon caps) screams of ‘SNACKS’ like mixed fried chips or an organic vegetable platter (RMB48 each). The spring rolls with prawn, potato and mustard mayonnaise (RMB48) are the way to go though, awesomely presented as long tendril-like crisps with tangy dipping sauce.
Kiss Bottle is, like so many newcomers to Guangzhou, a hodgepodge of international cuisines. We’d say it adheres to a Western theme if not for the seafood lasa (RMB68), Hainanese chicken rice (RMB78) and scattered curries. But there are also fusion options like the intriguing foie gras, wagyu mince and caviar fried rice (RMB78).
On the front veranda, a number of patrons bring slices of thin-crust pizza to their lips, so we conduct an impromptu poll of their favorites. The organic pumpkin, feta and mozzarella cheese (RMB75/95) comes out on top, followed closely by the Parma ham, salami and mozzarella cheese (RMB75/95).
Moving on to the sandwich and panini section, we find everything from French toast (RMB38) to Mortadella with pistachio nuts, Brie cheese, tomato and rocket leaves on a warm bun (RMB68). The opened sandwich with gravlax, butter lettuce and avocado dressing (RMB78) is infused with fresh dill and served with, wait for it, waffle fries! The sun brightens on cue, and we’re ready to call it a positive review.
Inventive desserts (champagne jelly (RMB33), anyone?) and a series of healthy smoothies (try the banana mango bliss, RMB39) lock in positive feelings.
You can’t play spin the bottle without booze, and Kiss Bottle knows this. The beverage list is on point, featuring classic rum and Coke (RMB42), a special mojito (RMB58) and bloody mary (RMB58). The canba has also crafted a few concoctions of its own, including the Japanese slipper (RMB42), mixed with Midori and Grand Marnier, and ‘Do Whatever You Want’ (RMB68), filled with orange and carrot-flavored whiskey. And if it’s wine you’re looking for, KB ships them in from France, Italy, South Africa, Argentina, Portugal and Chile.
Stylish, breezy and blessed with what must be a very experienced chef, Kiss Bottle’s food far surpasses its name. Stop by for a spin and prep your mouth for some serious action.
Price: RMB150
Who’s going: the more clean-shaven shoppers of Happy Valley Mall
Good for: fine appies, solid cocktails and Instagram likes
0 User Comments