by Patrick Maurer
Let’s face it folks. Humanity didn't spend billions of years clawing its way up the food chain just to eat vegetables, right? If you are a meat lover – or if you want to become one – then the Bar & Grill Restaurant is where you belong. Although a little out of the way, the Fourpoints by Sheraton Hotel can be reached either by a 10-minute walk down Guihua Lu from Futian Checkpoint metro station, or bus lines 618, 62 and 26 stopping at Free Trade Zone station. Taxi is still the best choice, as it will drop you off directly at the main entrance, where you just turn right and head up the spiral staircase to the second floor, reaching the main entrance to the five-star hotel’s fine-dining jewel.
Tastefully designed in monochromatic shades of brown and silver with hints of gold, the restaurant sets the perfect tone for either a romantic date or a casual business dinner in one of the two private dining rooms. The dimmed lights and relaxing background music contribute towards the relaxing atmosphere of the venue, together with the generous seating space, allowing you to focus all your attention on either your food or your date. As tough as this decision seems to be, it will get a lot harder once you look through the menu and have to choose from the wide range of premium beef, including Angus, Wagyu and grass-fed options. Different set-menu promotions of various beefs are avalable each month – we chose the current three-course Canadian Angus Beef set menu (RMB298 plus 15 percent) – which Swiss Chef de Cuisine SeverinHuerlimann chops into cuts of tenderloin, sirloin and short-rib.
While the chef heats up his genuine charcoal grill, there's plenty of time to start in on an appetizer. Hickory-smoked Angus beef with arugula, Parmesan cheese and balsamic reduction is served with a bouquet of homemade dark and white full-grain bread. The combination of the tender and flavorful bit of beef with arugula salad is very palatable, especially when paired together with a bottle of 2011 Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot red wine (RMB320).
Meat on meat might be hard for some to stomach, but for those that truly crave still-bloody hunks of cow, there's no reason not to follow up a beef starter with the Canadian Angus beef main (aforementioned). It's a divine indulgence, accompanied by grilled vegetables, truffle risotto and herb sauce. Every bite evidences the quality of the cut, and you can be certain that the chef will respect to the letter your requested level of cookedness. Evenly grilled, the residue of the smoky charcoal grill on the beef sets off fireworks in combination with the creamy risotto.
Though at this point the average diner will be feeling stuffed, it's worth saving a small space for dessert. The vanilla chocolate cake with strawberry and chocolate sauce is a bitter reminder that all the hours spent in the fitness center are as nothing to sweet temptation. The soft exterior crumbles apart to reveal a core of pure vanilla, leaving a lasting taste on the palate when dipped into the surrounding chocolate sauce.
All in all, the Bar & Grill Restaurant offers excellent service, great food and a comfortable atmosphere which makes paying the often irksome service charge completely worthwhile.
// 2/F, Four Points by Sheraton, 5 Guihua Lu, Futian Free Trade Zone 福田保税区桂花路5号 (8359 8662)
See Listing here.
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