Fine French cuisine with a casual vibe at Lala restaurant, opening in Hong Kong

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.

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.