Chinese New Year is widely celebrated in the Philippines because of our big Filipino-Chinese population. In fact, this annual tradition is so deeply rooted into our culture that even those with little or no Chinese blood take part in the festivities—may it be as simple as sharing moon cakes among families and friends, or watching the lively dragon dances on the streets. Just like the 1st of January, celebrations can vary from modest to extravagant, but I guess it’s safe to say that for the Chinese, a more generous revelry attracts more abundance and fortune for the incoming year.
This 2017, if you’re looking for a traditional Chinese New Year celebration set amidst elegant interiors and a stunning cityscape, you might want to check out Marco Polo Ortigas’ special promotions. At Lung Hin, the hotel’s Cantonese restaurant (also one of the top Chinese dining venues in the country), special “Yin” and “Yang” menus are created by Chef Raymond Yeung for everyone eager to celebrate on the last weekend January.
I was able to meet Chef Raymond and try his food a few months back—and the experience was unlike any other Chinese meal I’ve had. His skills and dedication shine through each of his dishes—from soups that take almost a whole day to cook to intricate dim sum and beautifully-plated desserts. I’m sure anyone who is fond of Chinese cuisine would love to try Chef Raymond’s food!
We were able to try the “Yin” menu last week, and this special 9-course set dinner will be available on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of January. Start with the ceremonial Prosperity Toss—believed to usher in luck for the incoming year. The Yu Sheng Salad—a Cantonese dish made of raw salmon and shredded vegetables—is thrown by participants into the air using their chopsticks. Each ingredient of the salad symbolizes something about fortune and abundance. It is believed that the higher your toss, the more prosperous you will get. Who cares if the table is messy right after the ritual?
photo credit: Food in the Bag
Next, have some of Chef Raymond’s Braised Pork Tongue with Dried Oyster and Black Moss, a slightly rich soup with silky, flavorful pork tongue, sun-dried oysters, and hair-like black moss or Fat Choy. In Chinese cooking, they typically combine these ingredients for the result is believed to bring in great fortune. The Braised Crabmeat with Dried Scallops and Asparagus is another tasty (and auspicious) dish, a fusion of creaminess, saltiness, and crispness. It was, however, the Stir-fried Prawns with Asparagus and Red Wine Pear that became my favorite; plump and juicy prawns offer a subtle sweetness, while sliced pear (soaked in red wine) renders a bit of acidity. Asparagus adds extra texture.
For the main dish, there’s Lung Hin’s Braised Sea Cucumber Casserole and Assorted Seafood Hotpot—laden with squid, shrimps, fish, and sea cucumber. If you’re allergic to seafood, worry not because the CNY menu has a pork-based entrée: the delicious Braised Pork Knuckles with Black Moss and Vegetables. Reminiscent of pata tim, the dish has a thick, velvety sauce cradling tender pork meat and knuckles. Both of these were perfect with the Fried Rice with Taro and Chinese Sausage.
Finish off with two simple yet satisfying desserts: the Sticky Rice Cake made with pan-fried coconut and brown sugar, and the Sweetened Cashew Nut loaded with sesame dumpling balls. Both had just the right amount of sweetness—the former delightfully chewy, the latter a bit addicting. If these sweets are not enough for you, order some of Chef Raymond's Snow Skin Mooncakes—probably the best version of mooncake I have tried. This is not part of the "Yin" menu and should be ordered separately, and in advance.
Lung Hin’s Chinese New Year “Yin” and “Yang” menus are available on January 27, 28, and 29 for PhP26,800++ and PhP29,800++ respectively (group of 10 persons). Call (632) 720-7777 to reserve.
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Lung Hin @ Marco Polo Manila
44/F Sapphire St. cor. Meralco Ave., Ortigas, Pasig City
+632.720.7720
manila@marcopolohotels.com
How do you celebrate Chinese New Year?
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