Affordable Beef and Lobster Specials at Waldorf Astoria
You know how we've felt about the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Beijing, located in the hustle and bustle of the tourist-laden Wangfujing area since its opening in 2014: pretty great. And we're not alone, seeing as it was named the city's best hotel by the Travel + Leisure magazine in July, thanks to its “central position,” “intimate atmosphere [that] feels decidedly boutique,” and the “exemplary staff.”
Now, the Waldorf looks to build on its already impressive reputation with a pair of fantastic new set meals. Starting on August 1 and continuing until September 13, a beef set on Tuesday and lobster set on Wednesday will be provided at Brasserie 1893, the hotel's elegant French dining establishment, and at Zijin Masion, its modern-yet-traditional Cantonese restaurant. Both are offering the specials, and we were fortunate enough to be invited back to sample most of the dishes on the new lobster menu at both restaurants.
Crustacean butter poached Boston lobster is like a lively painting
The meal kicked off with two starters from Brasserie 1893, prepared by Executive Chef Benoit Chargy – the avocado and feta cheese salad, featuring baby tomato, cucumber, olives and bell pepper confit, and the crustacean butter poached Boston lobster, with purple roasted beet, shredded green cucumber, passion fruit dressing, and pistachio crumble – both breathtakingly colorful and rich in flavor.
Sweet and sour pork ribs, and seasonal vegetables
Next up were sweet and sour pork ribs and seasonal vegetables from Zijin Mansion, provided by new Chinese chef James Wang. The pork ribs were topped with deep-fried shallots, while the seasonal vegetables included bean sprouts, carrot, and mu’er, with a fiery kick from the spicy sesame oil and served on a sprinkling of white powder (don't worry, it's just sugar). Zijin Mansion also provided two soups: a hot and sour seafood soup with chili oil that will make you sweat, and double-boiled aged chicken soup with ginseng and dendrobe, representing the essential spirit of hearty Cantonese soups.
Whole Boston lobster thermidor
Our favorite main course was Brasserie 1893’s whole Boston Lobster Thermidor (grilled with butter and cream). It came with broccoli, baby carrots, and snow peas. The lobster was grilled to perfection – tender, flavorful and seasoned with dill. We were amazed at how the lobster was shelled, with all the meat in the claws extracted perfectly. The dish's presentation was stunning, thanks to the French executive chef Benoit Chargy's experience as pastry chef at Patisserie Grodenie in Cannes. The Cantonese rendition from Zijin Mansion, wok-fried Boston lobster with truffle paste, was heavier in flavors of earthy mushrooms and black peppers. As if that was not filling enough, Zijin Mansion's dish comes with additional vegetables and rice or noodles.
Summer vanilla parfait with stone fruit flambé in peach liquor
You can’t call a meal complete until it is rounded out by dessert, especially at the Waldorf Astoria, which has won best dessert in our Restaurant Awards more than once. The summer vanilla parfait with stone fruit flambé in peach liquor is an impeccable summer dessert. The parfait was creamy yet cool, the slices of peach soaked in peach liquor and providing a soft texture and sweet flavor, while the raspberry added some acidic and fruity notes to complete the palate.
“Brasserie 1893 and Zijin Mansion epitomize the elegance and timelessness of the Waldorf Astoria. The exquisite dining experience does not always come at a high cost. We are committed to offering exceptionally high-quality food at very reasonable prices that allow guests to celebrate and treasure every simple moment in their family, work, or personal life. Our sharable dining concept, prominent in both restaurants, goes hand-in-hand with little or big celebrations – cherish closing that business deal, hearing your baby utter their first words, reaching your monthly fitness goals, and more. Guests don’t need to be members of the global elite to enjoy such frivolous moments at two of Beijing’s finest restaurants and the warm and welcoming service staff at Brasserie 1893 and Zijin Mansion will certainly treat guests as such,” Waldorf Astoria Beijing General Manager Brian Tong said.
At Zijin Masion, guests can choose six out of ten courses for RMB 268 per person (plus a 15-percent service charge, minimum two persons), or RMB 238 per person (plus a 15-percent service charge, four persons). If heading to Brasserie 1893, choose three out of six courses for RMB 268 per person (plus a 15-percent service charge). All the aforementioned dishes can be used for reference as you decide which restaurant you want to dine in.
Scan the QR code to buy tickets
Did we mention they have the movie screening on every Friday and Saturday (7.30-10pm)? For RMB 228 net, you can enjoy free-flowing white and red wine, beer and soft drinks, various canapés, and an Oscar-winning film at their exclusive hutong courtyard villa. For more information or to make a reservation, call 85208989 or visit waldorfastoria.com/beijing.
Photos: Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Beijing, Tracy Wang
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