SHANGHAI, CHINA and MCLEAN, Va., Sept. 13, 2018 Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, the iconic luxury brand of Hilton (NYSE:HLT), announced on September 12 the debut of an exquisitely curated seven-course French menu inspired by Chinese imperial cuisine at Waldorf Astoria Beijing.
Birthplace of Iconic Culinary Inventions
The luxury hotel brand, which began in New York City with a single property in 1893, has been a century-old symbol for timeless luxury and culinary excellence around the world. Credited as the birthplace of iconic culinary inventions such as the classic Waldorf Salad, Red Velvet Cake and Eggs Benedict, culinary expertise continues to be a key component of today’s Waldorf Astoria brand.
Continuing Waldorf Astoria Brand’s Culinary Legacy
“Each of our legendary Waldorf Astoria hotels continues the brand’s culinary legacy by focusing on new ways to bring authentic dining experience to our guests to allow them to enjoy our culinary expertise in an unforgettable way,” said Wendy Huang, Senior Vice President and Commercial Director at Hilton Greater China and Mongolia. “This time, in line with our creative spirit, we have chosen to work with one of the pioneers of the Chinese culinary world, Ivan Li of Li’s Imperial Cuisine, as well as our very own award-winning Chef Addison Liew, Chef de Cuisine at Waldorf Astoria Beijing’s Brasserie 1893, to curate this special French menu inspired by the traditional and authentic imperial cuisine from the Qing Dynasty.”
Originally from Malaysia and passionate about French cuisine, Chef Addison spent over 14 years working with world-renowned French chefs and Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. At Li’s Imperial Cuisine, Chef Ivan continues the recipes and time-honoured cooking methods originated by his great-grandfather, Li Shunqing, who oversaw the imperial kitchen in the Forbidden City during the Qing Dynasty.
“East-West fusion cuisine is one of the food industry’s big market trends, and this partnership has given new meaning and flavour into traditional French cuisine. As a member of the Waldorf Astoria culinary team, I am proud to be part of this collaboration with Chef Ivan to create such a culinary delight for our diners.” said Chef Addison.
“Waldorf Astoria brand has a long and illustrious history in the culinary world and is committed to offering unparalleled culinary experiences to its discerning guests worldwide,” said Chef Ivan. “I am extremely honoured to partner with the brand to pair our century-old Chinese imperial recipes with contemporary French cuisine so that diners can gain a new understanding of both cuisines.”
The Exquisitely Curated Seven-Course Menu
The seven-course set includes highlights such as an Auspicious Jade amuse bouche with New Zealand King Salmon in “Balik” style with Scallop Paste, Ocietra Caviar and Sea Urchin as a modern interpretation of one of Empress Dowager Cixi’s favourite dishes, as well as a Classic Duck Foie Gras Terrine starter with Port Wine and Cherry Marmalade inspired by Emperor Qianlong’s favourite duck liver recipe and served with crispy “Man Tou” from northern China. Other reinvented dishes include a Four Ministers Consomme with Britany Blue Lobster, Nostoc, Fish Maw and Winter Melon, a Kinki and Oyster Temptations with Japanese Kinki, Buchot Mussel and Smoked Ancelin Oyster, and a Duo of Venison featuring what was considered as one of the most precious ingredients back in the Qing Dynasty — venison saddle and tendon served with Autumn Mushrooms in a Royale sauce. With a sumptuous pre-dessert of Wuliangye’s Blessing, a classic Creme Brulee made with China’s favourite Baijiu (Chinese white spirit), bird’s nest and Osmanthus Flower as the twist, the final flourish to the exceptional menu is a dessert of Waldorf’s Ruyi, a baked mild cheesecake with Yoghurt and Liquid Nitrogen “Frozen” Yuzu.
The innovative French menu inspired by Chinese imperial cuisine represents yet another new milestone in line with the Waldorf Astoria brand’s legacy of culinary expertise. Since the brand’s entry into China, the three Waldorf Astoria hotels in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu have also become iconic landmarks in the world of culinary journeys, serving the discerning tastes of their international clientele with authentic and unforgettable gastronomic experiences.
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