l'atelier = love

From the moment I sat down for lunch at the tres chic bar of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon in Hong Kong's The Landmark on 18 August 2011...

Heaven on earth.

When they poured me a glass of Perrier and gave me my very own selection of warm bread in the most covetable bowl basket...

The view from my seat. Watching the action in the open kitchen. They were sooo-oo quiet.

 Accompanied by a dish of the most ethereal butter...

Only three pieces of bread. It took the greatest act of will to restrain myself.

After they served me the cutest amuse bouche...

Tomato gelée with avocado creme and basil pesto. Getting ready.

And the most sophisticated fresh, crisp, bright, earthy salad... 

Artichoke hearts, asparagus, arugula, oven-dried tomatoes, balsamic dressing. Oh, and that bacon.

Followed by the pièce de résistance...

Warm duck foie gras with cherries and fresh almonds. Food pornography.

God, you can take me now.

And the best ever lamb cutlets and the best ever mashed potatoes....

Lamb chops with smoked garlic and "zaalouk" salad. I ate with my hands.

I congratulated the chef Michel del Burgo for the mashed potatoes.

Over coffee and "pudding", as Hot Tuna would say...

Coffee. Simply excellent.

Choco-banana macaroon with cherry gummies and gold-covered mini Maltesers. Decadent.

The most spectacular lemon tart by pastry chef Tadashi Nakamura.

I couldn't help thinking, "I can't wait to come back."

Yez, I would go back in a flash, and I wouldn't stop going until I had tasted everything on the menu, dammit.

My lunch mates will be waiting for me.

The Miele Guide: 2nd place in Asia's Top 20 in 2010/2011, 1st place in 2009/2010, 2nd place in 2008/2009.

The 53rd best restaurant in the world in 2010, according to this.

L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon is located at Shop 315 & 401, The Landmark, Central, Hong Kong. Phone +852.21669000. I didn't have a reservation. I just walked in.