Hôntô: An experience

There are few moments in life that I truly value: among the list are nights that sparkle. What constitutes a night that sparkles, you ask? First things first, start it with a special dinner reservation. Choose somewhere you’ve never been before, somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Some place suited to your taste. Normally I’d say that it doesn’t have to be the fanciest place — but screw it, learn to treat yourself. Life is too short to not indulge yourself, so go ahead and pick the coolest place you can think of.

The second thing you’ll need? Well, that’s good company. Scratch that, you need great company. To have a stellar night, you need someone who you can truly be yourself around — there’ll be absolutely no faking it with the right person. Choose someone you can let your hair and your guard down with. That’s the way you’ll really sparkle.

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On a sparkly August night, a glamorous girl friend and I chose to dine at Hôntô, Brisbane’s hottest hole-in-the-wall Japanese restaurant located in Fortitude Valley, beside the iconic Wickham Hotel. From the second I walked into Hôntô, my senses were in overdrive. In all the best ways. My eyes strained in the darkness of the restaurant trying to place where my friend was sat. Dimly lit; the main room was filled in its entirety. The walls were grey-black in the darkness and there was a chandelier shining not too brightly. I was lead to the side room instead; but I preferred it that way. A little more private. My friend and I caught up in the dark whilst the bartender made us the sweetest drink he could think of, as per our request.

We started with lychee cocktails while we pondered the menu. We ordered the Ceviche Tacos with Wasabi, Salmon Sushi, the Kingfish, Wagyu sticks and a scrumptious Salted Caramel Dessert. Feast your eyes on these delicious dishes:

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Now on we go to continuing the recipe for a good time. The final ingredient for a sparkling night is, of course, a fine wine. Make sure to ask the sommelier for a little assistance if you can’t decide. The conversation will already be flowing, naturally, given the correct company (See above: Step two). Pick the colour of your poison to accompany the food just right. Personally, I can never pass on a glass of red.

What remains is quite simple: Just let the rest of the night do the talking.

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Oh — And be sure to end your night with a pretty view!