Paris dreaming in downtown Hong Kong

One of my favorite Parisian memories is lounging at an al fresco cafe enjoying an ice cream after spending the morning checking out the Pompidou's latest exhibitions. It was a warm day in mid-October, and it seemed like the entire city decided to play hooky, soaking in the sunshine and people-watching at the city's ubiquitous terraced outlets.

Now I can approximate the same experience in Hong Kong at the bistro Metropolitan.

Designed by local food-and-beverage guru Kinney Chan, about one-third of the restaurant is devoted to a large tiled terrace with tiny marble tables behind a weathered metal gate. Inside, the length of one side is devoted to an open kitchen and bar, with chef Frank Lebiez darting back and forth overseeing his sous chefs.