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2010-08-04
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Wanted for a long time to visit Zuma. Partly for the experience, partly for the novelty, partly for the allegedly good food. Took the lift from Landmark G/f to 6/f. But our table was on the 5th floor. The waitress led us down a long winding staircase, into this magnificent high-ceiling space which was a combination of the dining area and the open kitchenS. The first thing I noticed is that there are many many seats. And that almost all of them were filled, except the sushi bar seats. There was a
Took the lift from Landmark G/f to 6/f. But our table was on the 5th floor. The waitress led us down a long winding staircase, into this magnificent high-ceiling space which was a combination of the dining area and the open kitchenS. The first thing I noticed is that there are many many seats. And that almost all of them were filled, except the sushi bar seats. There was also a very nice outdoor dining area with large umbrellas.
And so we sat down. Surveyed the menus. Decided to order a couple dishes to share between us, instead of ordering set lunches. The set lunches were bloody expensive. see for yourselves (from my photos). Turned out to be an excellent decision.
Food:
1.steamed baby spinach w/ sesame sauce 8.5/10
Not quite what I expected at first, but very delicious. The wilted spinach was mixed in a thick sesame sauce (with white sesame sprinkled on top). Those who like sesame (which includes basically everyone, i believe?) will love this dish. A must-try, to me. The portion is not large. perfect size for 2 diners.
2. spicy fried tofu with avocado and garden herbs 8/10
The flavour was quite interesting. Spices were very strong but not too hot. Sadly a bit too salty for my preference, and the tofu wasn't smooth (滑) enough. It was rather lumpy in fact. I'd have expected a crisp shell with a smooth heart. But the avocado + green salad on the side complimented the spicy bean curd perfectly. Mmm. I can't exactly name the leaves though. Not my favorite. didn't really love the tofu, but it was quite special.
3. Pan-fried pork and shiso dumplings 8.5/10
Thin skin (good). Juicy filling. (even better) the special thing about this dish is, there was this fresh, citrusy leaf wedged between the meat paste and the skin. The taste was special. something i'd never tasted inside a dumpling. Tasted like lemongrass something...? Not sure. Tasty. Special. Slightly oily but who cares. It's just 5 dumplings. Forget about the calories.
4. takana pickle fried rice 9/10
Upon recommendation by the waiter. We didn't order any soba/udon/fried rice so the waiter asked us whether we'd want some boiled plain rice. He then recommended this fried rice. Turned out to be quite delicious. The rice grains were plump and chewy. They weren't sticky. The ingredients were interesting too - the takana (a savory, salty vegetable), seaweed and white sesame. If you go you should try.
5. hokkaido sweet corn tempura 8.5/10
Who would expect that sweet corn could be tempura-ed? The corn was sch-weet! so sweeeeet. It was juicy and slightly savoury. lots of corny juices. Delightful sensation in mouth. First crispy, then soft, then mushy. Recommended too.
6. grilled teriyaki salmon sliced pickled cucumber 9/10
You can see from the photo that the salmon has been cooked in a very special way. There are no lines on the steak. It is much smoother than the usual seared salmon. Also, the edges are charred. I love charred food. It was fatty (but not unacceptably so), fresh, delicious and flaky. (flaky is good).
Conclusion:
Great. Come here for the ambience, the food, the atmosphere, the exclusivity...everything. (but the price). That is it.
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