In the heart of Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, a vibrant and contemporary Chinese restaurant called Yingtao is captivating food enthusiasts with its unique approach to traditional Chinese home cooking. With an infusion of elevated culinary techniques, owner Bolun Yao has curated an eight-course tasting menu to honor the arrival of the Lunar New Year and pay homage to the Year of the Dragon.
Drawing inspiration from Chinese beliefs and symbolism, Yao has designed a menu that features dishes symbolizing good luck and strength. The festivities begin with an appetizer of fresh oysters complemented by a tantalizing hot and sour mignonette. This is followed by a delightful combination of smoked steelhead trout and aonori milk bread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Indulging in rich flavors and textures, the main courses diverge from traditional Chinese offerings, incorporating unconventional ingredients. From wagyu and octopus creations to buttermilk-infused yellowtail with a sprinkle of Sichuan pepper, the menu combines unexpected flavors to create a remarkable tasting experience. However, the showstopper is undoubtedly the dumpling dish. A unique twist on the classic dish, Yao’s dumplings blend Berkshire pork and black truffle, offering a remarkable and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
But it’s not just about the food at Yingtao; it’s the personal touch that makes this place truly special. Yao’s inspiration for opening the restaurant comes from his grandmother, who would lovingly prepare handmade dumplings during the Lunar New Year. In honor of her, an entire wall at Yingtao is dedicated to her mosaic portrait. It is a heartfelt tribute and a testament to the deeply-rooted traditions that define Chinese culture and cuisine.
To conclude the magnificent feast, Yingtao presents two delightful desserts. Tanghulu, a delightful skewer of sugar-coated fruits, provides a sweet and refreshing treat. Meanwhile, a walnut and coconut Nian Gao, also known as a rice cake, offers a satisfying and flavorful finish.
The Lunar New Year menu at Yingtao will be available until Saturday, February 17. Located at 805 9th Ave in Manhattan, it is an essential destination for anyone who seeks to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates Chinese heritage with a contemporary twist.
Yingtao – Contemporary Chinese Restaurant in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen
FAQ
1. What is Yingtao?
Yingtao is a vibrant and contemporary Chinese restaurant located in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. It offers a unique approach to traditional Chinese home cooking.
2. What is the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year is a traditional Chinese festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year based on the lunar calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year.
3. What is the significance of the Year of the Dragon?
The Year of the Dragon is one of the twelve Chinese zodiac signs. It is believed to symbolize good luck, strength, and power.
4. What is included in Yingtao’s eight-course tasting menu?
Yingtao’s tasting menu includes a variety of dishes symbolizing good luck and strength. It starts with an appetizer of fresh oysters and a hot and sour mignonette, followed by unique combinations like smoked steelhead trout with aonori milk bread. The main courses feature unconventional ingredients such as wagyu and octopus, and a standout dish is the dumplings made with Berkshire pork and black truffle. The meal concludes with two delightful desserts – Tanghulu, a skewer of sugar-coated fruits, and a walnut and coconut Nian Gao (rice cake).
5. What is the inspiration behind Yingtao?
Yingtao’s owner, Bolun Yao, was inspired by his grandmother’s handmade dumplings during the Lunar New Year. He wanted to create a restaurant that pays homage to Chinese culture and cuisine while adding a contemporary twist.
6. Where is Yingtao located?
Yingtao is located at 805 9th Ave in Manhattan, New York.
7. How long will the Lunar New Year menu be available?
The Lunar New Year menu at Yingtao will be available until Saturday, February 17.
Related Links:
– Yingtao Official Website
– Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Website