The Place
Wholesome edibles crafted with organic ingredients have gained traction in Guangzhou over the past couple years, with diners in the city taking an increasingly health-conscious approach to dining.
Slow Life Kitchen popped up last summer to cater to this growing market, and this month we are excited to announce the brand is expanding with the opening of Slow Life Kitchen Elite.
Image via Slow Life Kitchen Elite
We assumed the word ‘elite’ in the name of the restaurant, housed in an office building near K11 mall, represents a focus on the well-heeled, white-collar folks that prowl Guangzhou’s CBD. But it turns out the slight change of name simply reflects an upgrade of ambience, which we credit to comfortable furniture and swanky tableware.
The Food
Much like Slow Life’s first restaurant, Elite aims to introduce patrons to the ‘rarity’ of authentic Western fare through an array of well-crafted, eye-pleasing dishes and a delectable array of tapas.
Highlights from the tapas menu include the highly-recommended Spanish-style garlic shrimp (RMB75), a full-flavored dish with thumb-sized crustaceans steeped in a sour and spicy soup, as well as the roasted asparagus and scallops with truffle cream sauce (RMB90), which mashes up flavors to deliver a juicy yet delicate mouthful of shellfish.
Image via Slow Life Kitchen Elite
For appetizers, the roasted root vegetables and avocado with Italian aged balsamic vinegar (RMB50) stands out for both its presentation and preparation: baby carrots, mushrooms, greens and avocado are paired with an appetizing vinegar that leaves diners craving more.
Image via Slow Life Kitchen Elite
Like its predecessor, Slow Life Elite leans toward the Spanish palate and classic seafood paella (RMB228), which must be ordered in advance, is hard to miss on the menu. It’s priced at RMB228 for two reasons: the rice dish is big enough to feed four grown adults, and the amount of seafood topping the dish is generous.
Image via Slow Life Kitchen Elite
Meat lovers should go with the roasted New Zealand shin beef with black vinegar, mushrooms and garlic butter (RMB168), which just might delight your palate with its rich flavor. Plus, wait staff will offer to cube it for you.
For RMB55, we recommend finishing your dinner with an epic dessert: the pistachios genoise, pistachios mousse, raspberry jelly and white chocolate ice cream.
Image via Slow Life Kitchen Elite
On the boozy side of things, a selection of fine, Spanish, French and Italian wines – red and white – are on offer. Or, cruise up to the bar top and ask the eatery’s handsome mixologists to make you a Slow Life (RMB58).
The Vibe
Set in a large, open space, the restaurant at first glance resembles a high-end cafeteria for office workers. But don’t let that fool you, Slow Life Elite is a well-appointed and laid-back place to stop and smell the scallops. And when compared to the rushed scenes outside, viewed from its floor-to-ceiling windows, diners are sure to appreciate the restaurant's ‘slow’ enjoyment of life even more.
Price: RMB150-200
Who’s going: the downtown white-collar, businesspeople
Good for: a taste of Spain, slowing down
Nearest metro: Huacheng Square (Exit B), 5 minutes
Open daily, 10am-10pm; see listing for Slow Life Kitchen Elite.
[Cover image via Slow Life Kitchen Elite]
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