I was lucky enough to attend the opening celebration for La Chine, a gorgeous modern gem of a restaurant located on the Waldorf’s lower level. As expected at such a legendary hotel, La Chine is elegant from top to bottom but has a distinctly modern flavor.
The restaurant officially opened on November 3 and it is already booked up for weeks in advance. If you have never checked out fare from Guangdong, Shaanxi and Shandong before, this is your big chance! If you like sophisticated takes on provincial Chinese fare, you need to make a reservation now.
The cherry blossom patterned wallpaper is a real head turner and there are Chinese motifs everywhere you look. There are deep blue and gold jewel tones on the banquets and chairs and the lighting is very modern.
What also sets La Chine apart from other luxury Chinese eateries is the fact that they offer special touches you cannot get anywhere else. The cocktails crafted by Leo DeGroff include hints of Chinese flavor and themes. There is a seafood raw bar (rare at high-end Chinese restaurants) and all teas are sourced from China.
La Chine’s culinary team visited provincial Chinese regions to curate a menu of traditional dishes and flavor–and to keep things as authentic as possible. Ingredients from the Waldorf’s 20th floor beehives and garden complement classic Chinese dishes, such as the Berkshire Pork Collar With Top Of The Waldorf Honey Glaze and Liquid Nitrogen Crust. (I tried this dish at the opening party and it knocked me out–there were dozens of spectacular flavors going off in my mouth at once!
You will find the most artistic presentations in all of the city here (that is just my opinion, but check it out for yourself and see if you don’t agree with me). To make a reservation or check out the phenomenally original menu, go to www.lachinenyc.com.
I will be going back to try six or seven dishes and will report back. I am especially curious to see what sort of beautiful creations they will come up with for dessert! I know that several include the wonderful aforementioned Waldorf rooftop honey!
