Shane Osborn is known for opening Arcane and appearing on Netflix’s The Final Table, and his all-day-dining restaurant Cornerstone is one of my favourite modern bistros in town. I have fallen in love with the ingredients and execution, and I like how often they change the seasonal menus. With a bold wine list complementing fresh sharing plates, all set in a laid-back, minimalistic space, nothing disappoints here.
The young head chef at Cornerstone is Neal Ledesma – he’s just 30! – a born-and-bred Hong Konger who has worked with Chef Osborn since 2011, first at now-closed St Betty and then at Arcane.
Most times, I head to Cornerstone at the weekend, preferring the à-la-carte menu in order to try more options, but the weekly set dinner menu ($488/person Monday–Wednesday; +$288 for wine pairings) is ideal for a delicious, fuss-free meal during the workweek. Chef Osborn champions plant-based dining, so vegetarian options are also available for this menu if you ask.
Japanese cherry tomato: creamy stracciatella cheese and sweet, punchy Japanese cherry tomatoes are served with croutons, providing a welcome contrasting crunch. The smoky bits of thinly sliced aubergine add an earthy touch to the dish, balanced by a rich avocado sauce on the side. Refreshing, tangy, creamy and savoury – a great way to start the meal.
Mushroom risotto: earthy girolle and morel mushrooms feature in this creamy risotto. Soft whipped mascarpone crowns the dish, which is accented with lemon, giving a zingy touch to a very comforting plate.
Braised Wagyu beef cheek: generous in portion, the tender braised Wagyu beef cheek doesn’t require a knife, with the meat peeling straight off with a fork. This one was devoured in seconds! The whipped mashed potato contains a pleasant hint of mustard. Maitake mushrooms, Swiss chard and baby onions are served with the beef, lending some freshness to the dish.
Milk chocolate mousse: this dessert is a strong finisher. The hazelnut dacquoise and thin, crunchy meringue steal the show, enhancing the flavour of the mousse, which is topped with vanilla Chantilly cream. This small glass is the perfect size for a weeknight indulgence!
Verdict
This weeknight set menu is simply wonderful. Whilst Cornerstone is much more casual versus its fine-dining counterpart, Arcane, it’s still one to put on your go-to list, especially for a wallet-friendly meal out. There’s no denying the quality of the seasonal dishes.
49 Hollywood Road, Central, 6809 9771 (WhatsApp), book online
This write-up is based on a complimentary media tasting provided in exchange for an honest review and no monetary compensation. The opinions expressed here represent the author’s.
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