A new three-storey, chic Barcelona style bar and restaurant The Optimist opens in Wan Chai on October 2
The concept is a creation of two friends, Christian Talpo and Manuel Palacio, who believe in great food, friendly service and simply having a good time.

“Guests come to The Optimist to indulge in an authentic taste of Spain which, for me, is the asador experience. You come here to eat your heart out, and never leave hungry. You might even make some new friends who share your love for good food,” says co-founder Christian Talpo.
The duo promise an authentic Northern Spanish experience when the eatery opens its doors, initially for dinner and by November 2 for breakfast and brunch as well.

 
In Spanish, ‘asador’ means a grill where meat, seafood and vegetables are cooked rustically over hot coals or wood, like it has been done for centuries. Most of the menu consists of asador-style grilled items, with options of sides as well as other traditional dishes from Northern Spain.

 
The Optimist consists of a bustling Barcelona chic Bar for drinks and all-day dining, upstairs the dining room hosts intimate dining and on the top floor The Grill serves grill-side casual dining and tables for larger groups. La Salita is a festive private space for up to eight people.

Manning the grill is Spanish executive chef Alfredo Rodriquez who has over 15 years of experience in the kitchen of top restaurants in Madrid, including Lobby Market, La Barra del Cacique and Caciquito.
“If you see it, we’ll grill it. With the market-like displays of seafood and selections of prime cuts presented by the grill, we guarantee the taste of grilled freshness,” says Rodriquez.
The new restaurant’s interiors were created by “young and daring” Spanish designer Rocío Martínez, in her first project in Hong Kong. The Optimist was designed to replicate the style and feel of a Northern Spanish eatery to Hong Kong.

 
Each detail is geared towards making customers feel comfortable in the spacious environment. Together with graphic artist Aleix Gordo Hostau’s mural and images throughout the space, stepping into The Optimist will transport customers to a traditional Spanish asador grill house. Feature lighting and themed artwork combined with strong metallic furnishings and natural textures set the scene for the centrepiece – the food, while climbing the stairs to each floor is a nod to the nostalgia of 1950´s Elsie de Wolfe interior garden remembrances.
The Optimist is located at 239 Hennessey Rd.