French chef Franckelie Laloum spent his childhood surrounded by fresh food in Provence, in the south of France, where his father ran a bistro.
There was no such thing as a can opener, in their eyes. Food was eaten fresh, like the cherries that he devoured until his lips and clothes were stained red.
“Maybe I ate too many cherries as a child because today I’m allergic to them,” says Laloum.
Now Laloum is bringing that focus on quality fresh produce to Lala, a French restaurant he is opening near Hong Kong’s SoHo district on February 8 with hospitality visionary Michael Larkin.
Michael Larkin (left) and chef Franckelie Laloum are the team behind new restaurant Lala in Central, Hong Kong. Photo: Lala
Laloum’s respect for culinary traditions is reflected in Lala’s menu, which includes French classics such as vol-au-vent, pâté en croûte, and frog’s legs.
Other dishes include Angus beef tenderloin flambé with kampot pepper sauce, and charcoal grilled turbot with Hollandaise sauce.