I was fortunate to have been invited to lunch at Crystal Jade yesterday. I remember feeling excited a couple of weeks prior when I got the email request. It was to be my first time in the restaurant. Per my conversation with Ms. MK Dy Marketing Manager, Crystal Jade is on its 5th year , a mean feat considering the volatility of the restaurant industry. Its a testament to how Crystal Jade Dining In continues to wow its loyal patrons with its amazing food. Upon entering Crystal Jade, you will immediately notice the posh surroundings, the high ceiling, the suit-clad maitre d, the hush vibe so unlike the typical Chinese casual restaurant that had poor acoustics. They have alcoves with tables of 12 and elegant curtains to shield those who want to have privacy from prying eyes. They also have two VIP rooms upstairs that can accommodate 100 persons at one time when combined. 
The whole restaurant sits on a 300 sq meter sprawling space and has the maximum capacity of serving 158 people. Service was alert and cheerful albeit respectful. Servers were knowledgeable and generous with information about the food being served. Chef Lam Pui Hung flown in from Hongkong, is at the helm of the conceptualization of Crystal Jade’s menu. Note that Crystal Jade is actually an international franchise from Singapore. Although the collaterals are strictly adhered to per Ms. MK , the menu follows the classic authentic Cantonese fare started by the mother branch in Singapore with a little flexibility to delve into a little bit of Western influences here and there when the Chef feels like it. Today we were served a 7 course Chinese New Year menu and a dessert.
PROSPERITY SALMON TOSS SALAD “YUSHENG” Below are the ingredients and their significance :
Raw fish aka salmon represents abundance
Lemon juice for good luck good profit smooth sailing
Dash of pepper and 5 spice inside those red envelopes were there
to attract more money and valuables
Oil to make your business capital profit 10000 times
Plum sauce to make your life sweet like honey
carrots for goodluck
cucumber for eternal youth
tulips and sesame seeds for prosperity in business and promotion
peanut crumbs and golden filo fried chip to fill your house with gold
The tradition calls for the family or people at the table to toss the salad with special long chopsticks (for long life) while shouting “Lo Hei” 7 times. The higher the tossing, the better. Never mind the mess. The idea is to toss higher than the rest and shout louder than the rest for prosperity for the whole year.
Taste : Without the plum sauce, the salad was already sweet from its original dressing. Salmon are eaten raw like sashimi with all the other ingredients. I tasted sweet from the carrots and noted the crunch from the tulips, sesame seeds, peanut crumbs and chips. It was refreshingly good and filling. This is already an all-in-one meal that has your protein, carbs, fats, in one plate. It was so satisfying. 
SUCKLING PIG WITH PRAWNS IN BLACK TRUFFLE SAUCE
This was a different take from the usual suckling pig I have tasted before. It looked like big sushis sitting on a biscuit. Im amazed at the creativity and the artistry that went into this dish. The pork skin maintained its crunchiness while stuffed with that delicious prawn-black truffle sauce filling. So good!
STEWED BLACK CHICKEN SOUP WITH FOUR TREASURES “SUBIT”
I read somewhere that black chicken soup are used as aphrodisiac or at least as healing soup. True or not this broth was simple but rich in flavor. The exotic black chicken lend a richer flavor to the broth akin to our native chicken.
BEEF RIBS WITH RED WINE
I was surprised when I saw this dish. Surely this does not fall under the category of Chinese cuisine. Ms. MK agreed. She further expounded that Chef Lam is known to serve Western dishes when he feels like it.
Not that Im complaining. The presentation was simple, straight forward and pretty elegant. The huge bones which served as the platform for the beautiful meat caught my attention.
The beef were tender and although meaty, melts in your mouth. The carnivores would love this.
PIGEON IN EGG WHITE WRAPPER “POMEGRANATE STYLE”
It sat on its own sauce with a crown of orange dots of roe eggs like a fat little princess. The verdant green of the broccoli provided the beautiful contrast to the whole dish.
Taste : This was the first time I tasted pigeon meat. “Kalapati” in tagalog, I initially had qualms about eating the gentle bird. But I set aside my misgivings and gave free rein to my foodie side, appreciating the pigeon stuffing inside the eggwhite wrapper. It was not gamey at all. It tasted like minced chicken.
EGG WHITE WITH FISH MEAT AND CRAB RICE SERVED IN WINTERMELON
I wished I ate the Eggwhite-fishmeat concoction with the wintermelon. The brocolli were fresh and crunchy which were a joy to eat. Truth be told this is my least favorite among all dishes served today. Do not get me wrong. It tasted good. The other courses that preceded this are just better-tasting.
FRIED RICE IN ABALONE SAUCE WRAPPED IN LOTUS LEAF
I can eat this by its lonesome. The rice was sticky and delicious. It was quite addicting really. It went well with the beef in red wine sauce. I had to restrain myself from eating more. It was so good
FORTUNE FLOURISHING DOUBLE FISH GLUTINOUS RICE
If only for its beautiful presentation, this dessert is a winner. The rather plain tikoy I know leveled up to this amazing fish shape. Alas they had to cut it up and fry it as is traditionally done. I must say it is chewy outside and soft inside. It can be ordered ala carte at P880.00 Price : Set Menu A Good for 6 persons P10,800+ Set Menu B Good for 8 persons P13,800+ Set Menu C Good for 10 persons P15,800+ Other items served : 
SALTED EGG YOLK BUN P310 6 PIECES
The color of the bun was a vivid orange. For a few seconds there, I thought it was orange fruit I was looking at. The bun itself was beautifully smooth and rounded. It was fluffy and the first bite gave me a taste of the sweet (ish_) salted egg yolk inside.
FRESH AVOCADO SHAKE
The real deal – delicious and refreshing
XIA LONG BAO
Scrumptious! Looking forward to ordering this again
Summary : Over all Crystal Jade’s Chinese New Year Menu is a foodgasmic adventure indeed. Every course served was scrumptious and special, it will be difficult for me to pinpoint a favorite. The price is justified by the quality of the ingredients, the meticulous attention to detail, the creativity of Hong Kong Chef Lam , the impeccable service and the elegant ambiance. You only get to celebrate Chinese New Year once in a blue moon , so make it extra special . Crystal Jade in BGC is ready for you. Note that the Chinese New Year menu will be available beginning February 2. Be sure to reserve a table for your family and friends.
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| L-R fseated The author (@piggingoutonsundays, 2chefmitchyu, Ms. MK Dy (Crystal Jade Marketing Manager ), @marylovesiy , Ryan
Standing : @boyeatworldph and @ilovetoeatph |
CRYSTAL JADE DNING IN C2 Bonifacio High Street Central 7th Avenue BGC Taguig City 028085233