2-Michelin starred Écriture suddenly closed without warning last month, shocking everyone including even executive chef Maxime Gilbert himself, who wrote a heart-wrenching good-by on his personal Instagram account.
Opened in 2018, Écriture shot to fame with its intricate and luxurious dishes. Chef Maxime Gilbert (formerly at Amber) applied French technique to Japanese ingredients (totally up my ally), using top notch ingredients. The restaurant achieved 2 Michelin stars within a year, and is a favorite among many food enthusiasts.
![](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_1536.jpg)
We had the opportunity to go twice this past year, the first time with friends who know Chef Maxime well. We had no idea what would soon happen . . .
Below is a reflection back on that special meal.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06304.jpg)
Gougère - Hay cream with caviar
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06305.jpg)
French Mussels Yakitori: charred mussels from Mont Saint Michel, smoked with pine needle
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06306.jpg)
Signature dish "Tartatouille" consists of gorgeous paper thin layers of zucchini, eggplant, and red peppers. Truly an exquisite dish.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06307.jpg)
Iwashi on French Toast (made with brioche) with tomato compote.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06308.jpg)
Amaebi "à la cuillére": Shrimp "mousse" that reminded me of a savory creme brulee.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06309.jpg)
Cucumber Flowers: leek confit, kiwi + cucumber jus dressing, tonka beans, and pickled cucumber. This refreshing cold dish reminded me of a similar Japanese/Taiwanese quick pickled cucumbers my mom makes.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06315.jpg)
Another signature dish: Caviar and Uni Tart: is a supplemental add-on to the menu. It's made with Roval Caviar Club schrenckii, Hokkaido sea urchin, and celeriac puree in a buckwheat tart. It's delicious, absolutely decadent, and worth trying at least once (though it is very pricy!).
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06316.jpg)
Uni foie gras custard and coffee cooked in a passion fruit shell, "like a chawanmushi".
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06317.jpg)
Jamon Iberico bellota fat torched fish in a consomme of sorts.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06319.jpg)
Red Mullet, mint, and fresh almond stuffed in a trompette zucchini flower.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06321.jpg)
delicious breads.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06322.jpg)
A delightfully refreshing dish, tomato stuffed with paper thin layers of summer squash and served with basil oil and another sauce.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06325.jpg)
Line Caught Turbot: fava beans and "fraise de veau" ragout, concentrated turbot sauce infused with tagette.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06327.jpg)
Pork shoulder?
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06328.jpg)
This beautiful garoupa fish head was not on the normal tasting menu, but we got to enjoy this special extra course because our friends knew Chef Maxime well.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06331.jpg)
This next course is made with Brittany crab that has never been refrigerated, thus giving it a very clean flavor. The crab leg meat with served with a spicy peach jam and a Brittany curry sabayon.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06335.jpg)
Basque Country Milk-Fed Veal Chop roasted in tobacco leaf and served with a potato dashi sauce.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06336.jpg)
Delicatessen potato (delicious!) served over roasted apricot and verbena. The dish was fantastic, a bit spicy with a sweet and sour kick.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06347.jpg)
Charente melon, freshly baked madeleines, and several other desserts.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06340.jpg)
Citrus: Timut pepper meringue and coconut sorbet
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06341.jpg)
Gariguette strawberries and basil panna cotta and Moshida tomatoes
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06344.jpg)
Les Gourmandises: Classic French Flan.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06348.jpg)
This is what it looks like cut.
![Ecriture Hong Kong](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/20220813-dsc06343.jpg)
Also, a chocolate tart with Miyazaki mangoes (not pictured). Finally, to finish, freshly-baked brown sugar madeleines (So. Good.)
Farewell Ecriture
We barely got to know you. Even though the restaurant's been around for 5 years, we just discovered it this year. After this meal in 2022, we went once more for Valentine's Day in 2023. The menu was similar, but with a few changes. Both times it was done very, very well. Little did we know that the Valentine's Day meal would be our last at Ecriture.
![](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_4719.jpg)
I'm sure Chef Maxime Gilbert is not done. I do hope he stays in Hong Kong so that we can continue to enjoy this talented chef's ideas and creations.
![](https://tinyurbankitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IMG_1571.jpg)