ELegant traditions
Michael Taylor
G/F, China Hotel, A Marriott Hotel
122 Liu Hua Lu, Guangzhou
(86 20) 8666 6888 ext. 3123
www.marriott.com
The Four Seasons is one of Guangzhou's premier Chinese restaurants, offering fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. The menu focuses on traditional Cantonese cuisine, running from dim sum (pictured) and barbecued meats to double-boiled soups, fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, local favourites and Chinese-style desserts.
Braised sea cucumber stuffed with mixed grains - two types of millet, wheat and beans - is the signature dish, reflecting the obsession in Guangdong province for food that is nutritious and delicious. This particular dish is supposed to be good for the skin. Other featured dishes include a whole fresh abalone on ice, which is suitable for southern China's long hot summers. It is said to improve one's eyesight, and double-boiled fish maw soup with minced pork and dried mushrooms. The fish maw and dried mushrooms are said to offer many health benefits.
Leave some room for the mouthwatering barbecue pork pastries. Seasonal menus featuring fresh and local ingredients are usually changed every two months. The restaurant's wine list features vintages from around the world. Regional Chinese wines and grain alcohol such as Shaoxing Hua Diao Wine - great with hairy crabs - and Wuliangye Chinese spirits are also popular. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.