koutagawa
(2022.12.12) As winter approaches, the seasonal delicacy "Shanghai crab" is known for its high price and difficulty to eat, which may deter some people from trying it. However, as the season comes to an end, I decided to enjoy a lunch course featuring Shanghai crab miso.
I visited the Chinese restaurant "Tao Li" at ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka, where I was greeted by friendly staff and led to a table in a luxurious setting. The restaurant exuded a high-class ambiance with its elegant decor and serene color scheme.
The highlight of the meal was the "Shanghai Crab Lunch" available until the 25th of this month, which also featured other delicious ingredients from Nagasaki, such as Yunzen Akagyu beef, in celebration of the opening of the West Kyushu Shinkansen.
The meal started with a "TAO-LI Special Seasonal Cold Appetizer Platter" featuring tender duck meat, scallops with scallion sauce, jellyfish, salted shrimp, and cherry tomatoes, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Next, we enjoyed a "Seafood and Egg White Soup with Aosa Seaweed from Tsushima," which had a delicate broth with fluffy egg whites, tender shrimp, and the freshness of squid and scallops, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
The "Seafood and Seasonal Vegetable Stir-Fried with Shanghai Crab Miso" dish featured zucchini, water squid, scallops, and northern clams stir-fried with Shanghai crab miso, offering a rich umami flavor enhanced by the sweetness of the leeks.
The "Shanghai Crab Miso Xiao Long Bao" was a steaming hot dumpling filled with a flavorful soup and Shanghai crab miso, providing a burst of umami with a hint of spiciness from the accompanying chili sauce.
The meal continued with a "Yunzen Akagyu Beef Stir-Fried with Black Beans," showcasing the tender texture and rich flavor of Akagyu beef paired with black bean sauce, complemented by crispy tempura of young corn, shishito pepper, and cherry tomato.
The "Shanghai Crab Miso Sauce Fried Rice with Thick Sauce" was a savory fried rice dish topped with crab roe and crab meat, offering a satisfying end to the meal.
To conclude, a "Dessert Platter" was served with warm Oolong tea, featuring freshly fried sesame dumplings and refreshing almond jelly for a delightful finish to the meal.
Overall, I appreciated the opportunity to enjoy Shanghai crab in a more approachable and delicious way. The elegant ambiance, attentive service, and delectable dishes at "Tao Li" made for a memorable dining experience, and I look forward to returning in the future.