When people talk about excellent Chinese food, Conrad Manila’s China Blue, more often than not, dominates the conversation. Small wonder, because world-renowned celebrity chef Jereme Leung sees to it that every patron in the restaurant indulges in an exquisite epicurean adventure that only he can easily whip up.
So, when I heard that this premiere restaurant was staging a limited engagement Legendary Chef Series featuring the culinary masterpieces of Chef Leung, I dropped all the other chores and headed there.
A culinary visionary, Chef Jereme presented an extraordinary set menu meticulously curated to captivate everyone’s discerning palates. The symphony of flavors combined Cantonese kitchen traditions and gastronomic innovation, something he has mastered since age 13 when he began his kitchen career in Hong Kong.
the appetizers
The epicurean spectacle began with an enticing appetizer of marinated lobster accentuated with coriander lime jelly dressing and crispy bean curd sheet, accompanied by deep-fried kataifi seafood and otak-otak (fish cake) with lemongrass. The delectable journey continued with soup made of rich and flavorful double-boiled merry fruit peach gum, with sea cucumber, black chicken dumpling, and dry moon clam Matsutake mushroom.
The flavorful kitchen repertoire continued on to the succulent flavor of steamed sea garoupa embellished with sun-dried ginger and red chili black bean paste. This exquisite dish was served together with the tenderness of slow-cooked (2.5 hours) beef short rib, coated in luscious green pepper barbecue sauce. As in all Chinese gastronomic spread, rice was served last and this was black sesame fried rice with dry scallop seafood and spring onion egg white pearl.
To cap this heavenly meal, Chef Leung served us a harmonious blend of Hawthorn ice cream, Chinese sweet vinegar caramel, and the delightful traditional onion pancake, creating a perfect end to a luncheon feast of heavenly Oriental flavors.
Conrad Manila General Manager Fabio Berto was delighted to see guests enjoying Chef Leung’s gastronomic creations which further highlighted the reputation of China Blue as the foodies’ first pick when it comes to exceptional Chinese cuisine.
Something to look forward to is the hotel’s next feature in its Legendary Chefs Series. They will soon have Chef Valerio Pierantonelli from Basilico, Conrad Singapore Orchard’s highly sought-after Italian restaurant. He is expected to bring to Manila’s gourmets the soulful flavors of Italy. He will be at China Blue from August 7 to 15 and, as early as now, reservations have already been piling up.
For seat reservations, contact +632 8833 9999 or +63 917 650 3591 or email them at MNLMB.FB@conradhotels.com
For feedback, I’m at bobzozobrado@gmail.com
