HotelsMag September 2015 | Page 28

Sierra Mar
F & B : Great Hotel restaurants

Sierra Mar

Post Ranch Inn Big Sur , California
Executive chef : John Cox
Year opened : 1992 Meals served :
Lunch and dinner Seats : 50
Average dinner check : US $ 180 Menu focus : Inquisitive , seasonal creations focused on a sense of place and the culture of Big Sur Signature dishes : Local red abalone in preparations including an abalone-miso broth poured over hot jade stones and a classicstyle heirloom tomatoabalone doree with brown butter , Meyer lemon and basil Standout design features : The restaurant sits atop the cliffs of Big Sur , overlooking the Pacific Ocean . Guests approaching Sierra Mar are greeted
by the restaurant ’ s living roof , which merges into the cliffs . Its artistically sculptured interior architecture provides an infinite vista , embracing the coastline and its surrounding natural landscape . Floor-toceiling windows bring the outdoors in , and a contemporary palette of wood , slate and steel reflect the changes in weather and time of day . What makes it great : The room is nothing less than stunning , and the food perfectly echoes the romance of Big Sur while still retaining a laid-back vibe .

Zijin Mansion

Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Average dinner check : US $ 72 Menu focus : Cantonese Signature dishes : Diced spicy Wagyu Beef ; crispy rice in tomato seafood broth ; Cantonese-style suckling pig Standout design features :
Zijin Mansion showcases decorations with a traditional Chinese pattern and a persimmon color scheme . Canary paintings bring in the beauty of spring blossoms , summer shades , autumn leaves and winter snows . Legle design
plates and red sandalwood chopsticks are custom-made while French-designed porcelain represents the blend of East and West . What makes it great : Old and new come together in cuisine and design in a distinctive way .
Executive chef : Menex Cheung Year opened : 2014 Meals served : Lunch and dinner Seats : 114
26 HOTELS September 2015 www . hotelsmag . com