Yee Sang: Usher the Year of Snake @ Ee Chinese Cuisine 颐, Eastin Hotel Petaling Jaya

While Chinese New Year is a time for toasting, let's not forget the most famous dish for the season that is Prosperity Toss, or 'Lo Hei'. Recently I am back to my favourite Chinese fine dining restaurant, EE Cuisine at Eastin PJ for their latest prosperity set menu to usher the Lunar New Year of Snake!

To celebrate the season, EE has put on a whole new image so that the guests will be greeted with festive sparks upon entering the restaurant. Lanterns, red packets, Chinese hand fan and calligraphy art are among the few decors here to lighten our mood during spring.

#1 Prosperous Salmon with Rice Crackers Yee Sang 

(三文鱼腩捞起)

Better known as Yee Sang, the most popular variety by far is of course the salmon Yee Sang. Thick, succulent slices of fresh salmon are drenched in refreshing lemon juice before being incorporated in the colorful plate of condiments. 

Featuring strips of crunchy jellyfish, daikon, carrot, pickled ginger, and liberally tossed with vinegar, plum sauce and sesame oil, the dish is complex in flavour and texture, but the leading flavour is subtle sweetness that does not taste overwhelming at all!

Juicy salmon slices are delicately presented in petals, so pretty like the spring blossoms.

Without further ado, let's toss for the best of the year 2013!

"Yee Sang" platter is individually sold at this restaurant, priced from RM98++ per portion and there are more than 8 varieties to choose from including the Abalone, White Tuna, Smoked Duck, Salmon, Sea Bird's Nest, Mango as well as the luxurious Australian Lobster Yee Sang! Available now until 24 February 2013, for both dine-in and take away.

Following the tradition of we Chinese, no prosperity toss is perfect without a pair of extra long chopsticks. Just when we use it for tossing into the air as high as possible, the different colours of the yee sang have blended into one vibrant mix. May it brings lots of luck, health and wealth for the brand new year!

 #2 Braised Superior Shark's Fin Ball in Superior Broth 

(黄焖鲍翅球)

Next, Chef Yong Kam Wah and his culinary team has crafted a delectable dish to whet our appetite. At the first glance, it appears to be a thick pumpkin soup with fish ball. Who on earth could have expected this plain-looking broth is actually a treasure of seafood! Specially made from the essence of old chicken, poultry bones and parts, the broth is aromatic, with just the right consistency, and not to forget the health benefits in every spoonful of the soup!

Taking a closer look, there is no sight of fish paste, but instead it is a shark's fin ball, with an slow-poached egg enveloping the chunks of crab meat and shark's fin. Truly a symbol of wealth, luxury and prosperity, to usher the year of Water Snake!

#3 Steamed Farm Chicken with Chinese Wine (西施清远鸡)

The premium farm chicken steamed in aromatic rice wine is the dish to come next. Light and clear, one can choose to sip the wine on its own or have it with the tender bird. Unlike many drunken chicken I've sampled, this is smoked after being steamed, while retaining its moisture and firm meat. However, it could be a winning taste if the Chinese wine gives a heavier note on the chicken.

#4 Combination of Stir Fried Prawns with Macadamia Nuts and Bacon Roll 

(夏果碧录虾球烟肉卷)

Next is a pretty platter showcasing stir-fried prawns with capsicum and macadamia nuts in a noodle basket, surrounded by petite bacon rolls accompanied by fine cubes of strawberries and honeydew. As soon as I take the first mouthful of caramelized bacon roll, I'm truly impressed by the crispy glazed bacon layer, followed by the bouncy fish paste. Apart from that, the sweet sauce coating is lightly enhanced by vinegar to bring out its sweet savoury flavour to the porky bites.

#5 Braised Abalone with Sea Cucumber, Dried Oyster and Vegetables

(鲍片海参发财沙井蚝士蔬) 

Lunar New Year braised abalone sea cucumber, mushroom and black sea moss is another favourite dish. It is a dish with strong personality but ultimately healthy and good to go with a bowlful of steaming hot rice or by its own. Don't forget to take more 'Fatt Choy' (Sea Moss) in this auspicious dish for better wealth and luck throughout the year!

 #6 Stewed Claypot Rice with Assorted Waxed Meat 

(瓦煲腊味饭)

A must-have during the season is the claypot rice with waxed meat, and Chef Yong's version is a nice variation from the usual pot I have, with both meat and rice mixed together and stewed in a claypot. Here they are served separately, and the stewed claypot rice turns out to be slightly soft, but equally aromatic with the soy sauce, chef's specialty sauce as well as finely chopped spring onions.

The colorful assortments comprise of preserved sausages, duck, and pork, accompanied by cubes of cucumber to complement with the heavy flavours. Served with the lightly stewed rice, this heartwarming and comforting dish is very popular among the diners of the evening and extremely fast to whip up.

#7 Sweetened Dried Longans, White Fungus and Snow Lotus Seeds

(元肉银耳炖雪莲子)

To end our "Sou Gong" Chinese dinner on a sweet note, we are delighted with the crowd's favourite chinese dessert which is said to have soothing benefits to the body, as well as the chef's specially crafted dessert of the evening.

#8 Chef's Choice Dessert 

(精美甜品)

We save the best of the last. The pumpkin mochi surprises us with its attractive exterior that wraps the Chinese glutinous rice cake, or better known as Nian Gao (年糕). The coating of shredded coconut adds a biting sensation to the mildly sweet dessert. Definitely a unique creation of the year.

For group and family dining, EE has set up beautiful private rooms with the seasonal decors that lift up your mood upon entering the dining area. What's more is the pretty bouquet that takes the centre stage on the dining table.

"Sou Gong" Set Dinner

Duration: NOW until 8 February 2013 (From 6.30pm onwards)

Price: From RM1388++ per table of 10 persons

Reunion Set Dinner on CNY Eve

Date: 9 February 2013, Saturday

Price: From RM2388++ per table of 10 persons

Chinese New Year Set Dinner

Duration: 11 February - 24 February 2013

Price: From RM538++ per table of 4, RM988++ per table of 6, RM1388++ per table of 10 persons

For reservations, please call 03-7665 1111 ext 183/137/320 or
log on to www.eastin.com or email info.pj@eastin.com

Verdict:

1. This year, Ee Chinese Cuisine is back with more surprises during Chinese New Year, and I enjoy 6 out of 8 dishes served in the Sou Gong set dinner menu. 

2. Recommended: Braised Superior Shark's Fin Ball in Superior Broth and Combination of Stir Fried Prawns with Macadamia Nuts and Bacon Roll 

3. Pricewise, it is definitely a steal, for a luxurious reunion dinner within the vicinity of PJ.

Ee Chinese Cuisine 颐 

Lobby Level

Eastin Hotel 

13, Jalan 16/11, 

46350 Petaling Jaya, 

Selangor.

Contact: 603-7665 1111
Email: info.pj@eastin.com

Website: www.eastin.com

Facebook: fb.com/eastinhotelpj

Business Hours
Lunch:
12noon - 2.30pm (Mondays to Saturdays)
10am - 2.30pm (Sundays & Public Holidays)
Dinner:
6.30pm - 10.30pm (Daily)