An impressive dragon-shaped yee sang and a romantic setting heralded the Chinese New Year sneak preview at Le Mei Chinese
restaurant, Le Meridien Putrajaya.
The cosy affair saw pretty lasses in qi pao greeting us at the door with tempting pineapple tarts, mandarin orange macarons and peanut tartlets along with mocktails. With Valentine’s Day four days after the first day of CNY, the hotel's novel idea seemed timely and appropriate. The multiple course CNY Tuan Yuan (reunion) set menus
featured Chef Lim Kian Meng and team’s traditional and contemporary
specialities. Available now until 25 February 2024, Yee Sang selection is
priced from RM60 – RM388 depending on portion sizes. Splendour and Luxurious
set menus for table of 5 are at RM1,590 nett with a complimentary bottle of
wine.
Our preview got off to a rousing start with everyone
stirring up the dragon-shaped yee sang laid out; a boisterous experience
as we all stirred and tossed the fresh salad with joyful shouts wishing for
prosperity, abundance and fortune.
Sampling the Salmon, Tosaka Nori Green and Butter Fish
Yee Sang, we found the well-balanced dish teased our palate with a mélange of sweet, tangy
and refreshing flavours. The various crisp, crunchy and succulent textures
melded cohesively.
The heartwarming Double Boiled Silkie Fowl
Soup with Dried Scallops, Dendrobium and American Ginseng packed a bittersweet
punch at first sip. My palate was instantly awakened but perhaps some diners may find it too strong for their liking. However, the hotel team had taken note of this feedback and once the amount
of American ginseng used is adjusted, we are sure the nutritious soup should
hit the spot.
You have to be a fan of interesting smooth and slippery textures with the epicurean speciality of Braised Whole 6-head Abalone with Fish Maw and
Goose Web in Premium Oyster Sauce.
Although some may baulk at eating goose web,
try and appreciate its soft supple texture and collagen-richness. Along with the marble-smooth and succulent fish maw and the toothsome chewiness of abalone, the entire ensemble is all about textural mouthfeel. Also, the nuanced marine flavours of the
lustrous, savoury sauce packed so much depth it almost induced us to lick the plate clean. A mutedly zingy black pepper sauce amped up the appeal
of Wok Fried Australian Lamb Rack with Black Truffle. We like how the wedge
of caramelised onion's crisp sweetness lent a subtle counterpoint to the meaty richness.
Lending a healthy spin to the festive menu was Fried Organic Brown Rice with Quinoa, Seafood and Sakura Shrimps. Slightly
nutty with abundant savoury-sweetness coming from the seafood inclusion, this
creation was a shoo-in palate-pleaser.
Old-school dessert of Double Boiled Almond Tea with
Honey Locust Fruit, Snow Fungus and Black Sesame Dumplings brought the curtains
down. The dessert broth's distinctly nutty accent could be a tad
strong for non-almond fans but I personally enjoyed the interplay of
different textures amidst the delicate creaminess.
For elevating good luck and prosperity, don’t pass up
the chance to sample Deep-fried Golden Spring Roll of Glutinous Rice Cake,
Yam and Sweet Potato. Crisp on the outside, the roll proved enticing with its
filling of gooey- and powdery-soft textures. For tables of 10 persons, Le Mei offers four set menus
priced at RM1,988 nett, RM2,688 nett, RM3,688 nett and RM3,888 nett.
Instrumental music performed live during weekends for dinner whilst a lion
dance will be held from 12 noon onwards on the first day of Chinese New Year at
Le Meridien Putrajaya porte cochere.
For reservations at Le Mei, call
tel: 03 8689 6888 x 6868 or email: dining.lmputrajaya@lemeridien.com. More information at this link: https://lnk.bio/hDlm