Gonna cut this post between my New Zealand Trip posts for a little change.
So, I was fortunate enough to be invited for a sneak peak banquet at the newly opened restaurant in The Star - The Century on 19 July...thats 3 days before anyone yo!
Since it was a VIP banquet, the food was Served in small portioned plates rather than in communal dishes in Asian countries. I went again the following Wednesday and it was back to normal.
I was late so I missed the cocktails and canapes :( but don't worry, I got all the entree, mains and desserts so it's all good.
The Century
The entrance have massive tanks filled with crazy amounts of live seafood including head sized abalone and monster crabs.
Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc
No night out is complete for me without drinks so a couple glasses of nice wine is great way to start dinner.
Chinese Tea
They had a little candle lit so it kept the tea warm!
Appetizers
Cantonese Style Barbequed Pork
Braised Bamboo Shoots
I love braised bamboo shoots as its got an unique crisp texture.
Eggplant Cubes Drizzled with House Made Sauce
Eggplant covered in a light batter, Fried then covered in a drizzle of sweet home made sauce. It is slightly crunchy on the outside but moist and juicy on the inside.
Salt and Pepper Fried White Bait
Northern Style Cucumber with Garlic and Sesame Vinaigrette
The Northern China family's must have dish (sometimes it is mixed with shrimp). It's really easy to whip up but super healthy and delicious. It has the crunchy texture of the cucumber, the fragrance of Sesame and a little punch on the taste buds from the garlic.
Tasting Menu
Drunken Prawns
Marinated with fragrant Chinese Rice wine, it has real alcohol content. Some light weight guests on my table was slightly flushing after this dish...WEAK!
Seafood Roll
Live Pipis Stir Fried with XO Sauce
One of my favourite and must order dish at the old Golden Century. I was slightly disappointed with the dish as I think they tried to alter the flavours a bit to try cater for Western customers on the day. I returned the following Wednesday to give this dish a second chance and it was back to its original deliciousness. Phew!
Peking Duck with Pancakes
Halved Live Lobster with Salt and Pepper
Interesting way to cook lobster this way as usually I have half lobsters with mornay - salt and pepper is usually served chopped up and in a huge bowl.
Steamed Live Coral Trout with Ginger and Shallots
The Century Fried Rice
I was so full and about to burst at this stage but fried rice is served for the still hungry...if there are any. I only ate the condiments on top which was some sort of deliciously crunchy fish? and roe.
Desserts
Black Sesame Sticky Rice Ball
Seasonal Fruit Platter
The glass Fruit platter was brought out steaming with smoke and a carved watermelon feature. The fruit bowl consists of two layers; on the bottom, liquid nitrogen was poured then a plate with slits is placed on top to let the smoke seep through and fruit is laid on top to create the most impressive platter.
The Century - 金唐薈
Location: Harbourside - Entry on Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009
Opening Hours: Lunch: 11.30am-3pm, 7 days Dinner: 5.30pm-11pm, 7 days Supper: 11pm-2am, Friday & Saturday only
Phone: 02 9566 2328
Website: http://www.star.com.au/sydney-restaurants/signature-fine-dining/Pages/the-century.aspx
