Hot new eats
Sir David Tang’s China Tang, which opened in
Las Vegas’ MGM Grand in January, highlights classics from Cantonese to Shanghainese cuisine created by group executive chef Albert Au Kwok Keung (from three Michelin-starred
The Eight). Surround yourself with vibrant Art Deco elements and portraits evoking images of a romanticised Shanghai as you dig into the China Tang Signature Baked ‘Hammer Chicken’ (US$108/ S$142). It steals the show with an aromatic rosé wine flambé and dramatic unveiling of the succulent bird stuffed with pork belly slices and mushrooms.
Try the Mr. Tang (US$40), a rich tipple of Remy
Martin X.O., Cointreau Noi and a punchy Frey
Ranch Absinthe, served atop a smoke of Chinese botanicals. The restaurant livens up in the evening with a noodle pulling performance accompanied by traditional Chinese instrumentals. The District, MGM Grand, 3799 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89109, U.S.A. Tel: +1 702 891 3110
From the folks who brought us one Michelin-starred Trishna in Marylebone, London, comes Brigadiers, an Indian barbecue restaurant and bar. Set to open next month, it will join Danish restaurateur Soren Jessen’s Ekte Nordic Kitchen and award-winning chef Andrew Wong at London’s new dining destination, the Bloomberg Arcade. The interior takes inspiration from the army mess bars of India and includes seven themed rooms as well as an outdoor terrace. Besides the indulgent spread of grilled meats, like the Awadhi Wood Roasted Skate Wing, and an ever-changing list of international beers, don’t miss The Brigadiers Tandoori Chicken Club Sandwich. Pop by The Pool Room for the Whisky Vending Machine, which dispenses everything from rare malts to cocktails, like the Nitro Espresso Martini, with a tap of the Brigadiers card. 1-5 Bloomberg Arcade, London EC4N 8AR, U.K. Tel: +44 20 3011 1021
After an extensive renovation, the iconic Ambiente Ristorante at Aryaduta Jakarta, has re-opened its doors to become one the most talked about foodie destinations in town. The restaurant exudes a rustic, albeit sophisticated vibe, and is helmed by executive chef Matteo Meacci, who serves Tuscan signatures with a touch of creativity. Menu highlights include antipasto sharing platters such as Tagliere Toscano with Italian imported and homemade salumis and pâté (Rp225,000); and Carpaccio di Manzo, with raw beef marinated in roasted garlic, rocket, Parmesan and truffle oil (Rp110,000). Other popular choices include Braciola di Maiale Piccante alla Griglia, featuring a spicy grilled pork chop served with baby potatoes and Romesco sauce (Rp180,000); and the charcoal Ambiente Pizza topped with cherry tomatoes, smoked salmon, grilled zucchini and a touch of truffle oil (Rp115,000).
Aryaduta Jakarta Jl. Prajurit KKO Usman dan Harun No.44-48, RT.7/RW.1, Gambir, RT.7/ RW.1, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota, Jakarta 10110. Tel: +62 21 2352 1234
With a ‘live healthy, eat fresh’ motto, the new menu at Blue Terrace Café by chef Johan Kusnadi is brimming with nourishing fare. Choose between the soothing outdoor garden dining or the casual, indoor deli-style space and kick off the meal with infused water concoctions such as the Tarragon Citrus Splash (Rp70,000). There are healthy juices, layered fruit smoothies, and ‘tea tails’ such as Exotic Beautea with passion fruit syrup in chamomile tea (Rp65,000) too. Locally sourced vegetables and Asian spices are featured heavily in Baby Gems Wraps with roasted duck (Rp100,000) and the gluten-free Green Goddess Bowl with chicken salad, kale, avocado and quail eggs (Rp90,000). Create gluten- and dairy- free vegetable-based desserts at home with the café’s daily live cooking shows, using ingredients like yam, corn, sweet potato and beetroot.
AYANA Midplaza JAKARTA Lobby Level, RT.10/RW.11, Karet Tengsin, Central Jakarta City, Jakarta 10220. Tel: +62 21 251 0888