A Happy Surprise, Outstanding Service & Flavour!



I love exploring cuisines with Chinese food when I am out traveling and I came across this restaurant while searching for a real good one . Bacco Sticks & Sum is one of the several businesses that deserves attention; the brand new restaurant under the ownership of Hugo which opened its doors the last week of December is doing real well just as it deserves it.

 
Situated in the heart of Paceville, coming from the Hilton was a pleasant walk.

 
While here I had the pleasure to meet and chat a lot with the owner, the man behind the legend of his empire. Hugo, an ambitious gentleman with a strong will, a TRUE professional, in capital letters. 

Through the years he managed to build up his empire on a foundation of loyalty and respect towards his staff with the result of a strong working relationship with his employees. The same respect counts for clients and customers who find excellent food & drink, value for money, hi-end quality and of course brilliant customer service. This unique style of respect seems to have become synonymous with Hugo himself .


 
 
As for the location it is the unique for such business. The area is popular for its nightlife and I could easily imagine what the place would look like after sunset. Perhaps the next time I come here I arrange to have dinner too. Surrounded by fabulous restaurants, café bars and clubs, it is only a few meters from the beach.


 
The interior with an indoor and outdoor option is enormous however the restaurant at the moment lacks the atmosphere I expected. The open kitchen with chefs cooking within view of diners is a great idea and perhaps part of the "show" of dining out.



The Menu is varied including steamed, grilled and deep-fried dim sum, as well as varieties of noodles, soups, skewered meat and a few 'chef specials' .


 


I noticed several tempting choices and it was not that easy to decide so I relied on the owner this time, but I assume no matter what you decide to have it won’t disappoint you. Have in mind that the term ‘dim sum’ stands for ‘touch your heart’ and this is the intention here….each choice is a surprise and I bet you will enjoy as much as I did this trip to the traditional Chinese cuisine. The little bite-size dainty morsel are not only tempting but superb in every way.


In the capacity of a Food critic I nibbled on signature dishes comments of which I state below.

We started off with Hanoi. –Vietnamese Prawns marinated with garlic and fish sauce on skewers which are a ‘must’. Flavoursome and exquisite! €7 .95.

 
Pairing wine the Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc was the perfect choice, intense and alive with myriad of exotic flavours! €28.95.



 
 
I loved the following four choices of dumplings, differing in colour, taste and flavour, but all with great taste!

The Scallop and Prawn dumplings with potato starch, Prawn & Chinese cabbage with translucent pastry, Prawns & Caviar with potato starch. Finally the Octopus and potato starch. They can be spotted easily on the menu –numbers 2, 10, 13 and 15. Four pieces the portion at €6.25 each.

 
Comparing the BBQ Chicken Gua Bao, with the Chicken Basil Dumplings, I go for the latter as I love vegetables more than meat. Ginger and Spring onions in the latter give the filling the perfect spicy, a bit savory and peppery taste I expected!

 
The Chicken & Mushroom Bao exceeds in presentation but the taste did not excite me however the Beef & Black pepper with potato starch was a flavoursome dainty morsel . €5.25, and €6.25 respectively.


 
I was so full and totally satisfied with all the above and decided to skip dessert. I replaced it with a Lemon Sorbet instead, leaving my friend the full pleasure of enjoying her Chocolate Fondant which she truly honoured!


 
If you ask me if I want to return I would say YES! If I recommend it….Absolutely! Don’t hesitate to come and try the Chinese delicacies which are served here daily from noon till 11:00pm. I can’t wait to come back!