Jasmine
Coffee, Cream
Cantonese Turnip Cake, Deep Fried Shrimp, Baked Milk Custard, Coconut Rice Cake, Baked BBQ Pork Pastry, Sugar Cane Shrimp Ball, Almond Cookie, Fish Pudding
Century Egg Congee, Siu Mai, Vegetable Steam Dumpling, Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Steam Bunny Dumpling, Squid Ink Salty Egg Yolk Steam Bun, Har Gow
Peking Duck, Char Siu Pork, Bao Bun, Cucumbers, Scallions, Hoisin Sauce, Egg Custard Tart
Foie Gras Torchon, Spice Bread, Mandarin Chutney, Sushi, Spring Roll, Ahi Tuna Cone, King Crab, Jumbo Shrimp
Abalone Tart
Beef Tenderloin with Black Pepper Sauce, Braised Oxtail with Red Wine, Supreme Soya Noodles, Squid Ink Salty Egg Yolk Steam Bun
Chai Tea Mousse, Mango Sticky Rice, Strawberry Mochi, Egg Custard Tart, Baked Milk Custard, Coconut Rice Cake, Chocolate BonBons, Hazelnut BonBons
Peking Duck, Bao Bun, Cucumbers, Scallions, Hoisin Sauce, Egg Custard Tart
In the era of Social Media and Public Relations it is rare to see any sort of dining event kept “secret,” but for two weeks each year Jasmine at The Bellagio quietly opens its doors during daylight hours for a Dim Sum Brunch celebrating the New Year, first in a global sense and then to commemorate the Chinese version.
Unadvertised save for a colorful board outside the Restaurant, this year spanning January 22nd to the 29th from 11:00am until 2:30pm, it is approximately fifteen minutes prior to opening etched doors that guests begin queuing, never mind the fact that most have reservations but rather for the chance to sit with an unobstructed view of Bellagio’s famous fountains.
Attended for the first time since 2020, a cost of $88.88 per diner and just $20.00 for children far lower than Jasmine’s equally splendid dinner, it was after seating by familiar staff that most guests stood to begin perusing some ninety choices spread across a variety of Buffet and Live Stations.
Truly a grand display, traditional Dim Sum and Chinese Barbeque lined up alongside items decorated in everything from Foie Gras to Abalone, it would not be long before most early arrivals returned to their table with plates full, fresh Oysters and Crab Legs a popular choice amongst the largely Asian crowd though many also gravitated towards a display of baked and fried Dim Sum that this year included Steam Bunny Dumplings, Coconut Rice Cakes and decorative Gelatin.
Moving slowly and eyeing variety, Shellfish and Sushi tasted alongside items less commonly experienced in such a setting, it was as a young woman played the guzheng that additional plates were enjoyed, Puff Pastry Custard, Turnip Cakes and Squid Ink Custard Steamed Bun all highlights necessitating repeat tastes.
Sipping Coffee, Jasmine Tea and Fiji throughout a ninety minute stay, The Fountains at Bellagio dancing outside floor-to-ceiling windows, cold items including Spring Rolls and Duck Liver Terrine were both exquisite while Peking Duck and Char Siu with traditional condiments remains a must.
Focusing next on silver steam trays lining the center, left and right mirrored to create a seamless flow of traffic, it was as the fountains again danced outside that steamed and baked Buns competed for stomach space with Noodles and Beef, the bold flavors only rivaled this year by luxurious Congee featuring Century Eggs.
Always evolving Dessert, the aforementioned Puddings and Custards aside, Egg Custard Tarts rival any in Sin City while Sesame Cookies, Chocolates and Mochi this year found themselves served alongside Chai Tea Mousse and Mango Sticky Rice.
www.bellagio.com/en/restaurants/jasmine.html
