Anyone who knows me will know that I cringe at the mere thought of eating at a buffet restaurant. Its not that I am a food snob you understand, although I think I may be, it is more the fact that the food on offer is woefully substandard. It all looks so very unappetising, dry and far too often, simply awful.
Many a year now I have wondered, “can it really be that difficult to have high end, quality buffet eating”. Well rest assured my followers I have finally found such a place. My recent visit to the Sunday buffet brunch at the St Regis in Beijing has shown me that there is a way to combine the buffet concept with good quality cooking.
I went with high hopes of having me prejudices regarding buffets quashed and I was certainly not disappointed. As you enter you are greeted by an array of tables and cooking stands all proudly displaying some of the best fish, pasta, cold meats, Chinese delicacies and desserts that you could ever hope for. Every item looked fresh and inviting. All was presented in a manner that enticed you in, drawing you back for more and more. Once you turned away from one stand or dish you were immediately greeted by another that looked just as nice as or even better than the one you had just selected.
The layout follows that of a typical meal. At the front of the room are starter type foods, which then give way to the main course then dessert. The shear range on offer is mindboggling. I started with some delicious Italian hams and salamis; followed with some lovely lobster, king prawns and sashimi tuna and salmon. After that it was time for some freshly made pasta and then some Beijing Duck pancakes and spring rolls. To finish with, I had a selection of fresh fruit before finally succumbing to a chocolate soufflé. To partner the food we partook in the free flowing Veuve Cliquote that was on offer along with a rather nice bottle of Chianti.
With the amount of time I am spending in Beijing seemly increasing by the month at the minute I shall defiantly be back. In fact, I may even set up camp there every other Sunday. When you consider its just £35 (or £45 if you want Veuve Cliquot on tap all afternoon) it would be a shame not to.
