This new contemporary Chinese restaurant & cocktail bar is hidden in the heart of Rotterdam. OX is the new project from Mess, already regarded for Biergarten, The Suicide Club and Ayla, and will be a speakeasy restaurant with international allure.
From october 15th chef Alexander Wong, hostess Nienke van der Neut and barman Jacopo Di Domenico welcome those who dare at the temporary location. It’s hidden somewhere between Biergarten, Annabel and the Hofbogen. OX can only be visited by reservation. After the confirmation the guest will receive further instructions where to be.
The culinary focus of OX is inspired by the Malaysian Chinese cuisine. Alex Wong brings his take on Chinese tradition which he has developed and refined over the course of his career. He studied at Culinary Arts Academy in Switzerland. Then he cooked in the kitchens of Michelin star restaurants La Pergola in Rome, FG Restaurant and FG Food Labs in Rotterdam and The Suicide Club. The inspiration for the menu comes from all over China. Creatively incorporating history, tradition and knowledge into dishes that have never been made before. The dishes are meant to be shared and range from handmade dim sums and steamed oysters to twists on classics like Babi Pangang and the three way egg.
The outspoken flavors can be paired with cocktails by Jacopo Di Domenico (known from Dr.) who is by inspired by Chinese culture. Through close cooperation with the kitchen team, the cocktails add a new dimension to the dining experience. The food can also be paired with wine from a extensive list. The list consists of more than 50 wines, an extensive mix of classics and exciting natural wines.
The meaning of OX
OX-power, also known as Niu-Li, is a Chinese proverb and Alexander Wong’s mantra. It means something like: “Hard work is rewarded”. From that thought, OX was born. A visit will be a chain of discoveries. The trip starts outside, looking for the entrance. A concrete staircase leads you through the rough hallway into the basement to the entrance of the restaurant. The restaurant itself is dark, exciting and full of intimate corners. This is enjoing the big city. As long as the evening lasts, you find yourself in another world.
OX is open from Wednesday to Saturday. Reservations can be made now at: www.ox-rotterdam.nl
