Straight from China | | by
Ana Luz Velázquez - May 7, 2001. |
 His
favorite dish is the "huachinango sarandeado" (that's a specially prepared
red snapper...) He describes it to us with great difficulty because he doesn't
speak very much Spanish, but his eyes and his hands tell much, describing the
dish in such a way that we can practically see it on the table. He smiles, enjoying
it too.
Miguel, the chef and owner of Peking Restaurant-Bar,
received us in his elegant restaurant at midday. The place only opened recently.
It is quiet and comforting. No matter where you are here, whether it is on the
terrace or inside, there is a beautiful view as you are surrounded by the decorative
vegetation of Plaza Neptuno. The main hall exudes an essence of Chinese culture,
enhanced by its beautiful light fixtures, chairs and red tablecloths. The ambiance
is completed by music from that faraway land. At one end, extraordinary pieces
of art are displayed for the public's enjoyment, pieces that reveal the exquisite
and delicate manufacture of Chinese artisans, pieces like chopsticks, toothpick
holders, silk shawls and samples of little faces painted in the tradition of the
Chinese Opera, the ancient Chinese theater. Miguel, whose
name in Chinese is Xu Ji Feng, arrived here 3 years ago as chef of Chang Cheng
(The Great Wall) Restaurant, the former name of this place that now belongs to
him. Ever since then, he has dedicated himself to offering dishes that no other
local Chinese restaurant offers.  We
can mention as examples the Kum Pao chicken, accompanied by a spicy peanut sauce
that is truly a delicacy, the very special Hot & Sour soup from a very secret
recipe, the Chinese dumplings stuffed with meat accompanied by a vegetable salad
with "special dressing", and the wonderful shrimp in sweet & sour
pineapple sauce...
And Miguel added: "Chinese food
isn't just Chow Mein or Chop Suey or rice. Chinese food is extremely varied and
vast. In our restaurant, we offer dishes that are only offered in restaurants
in China." These are dishes from his own recipes, product of over 25 years'
experience in restaurants in his country. There are about 40 dishes from which
the most demanding palate may choose. And diners are personally attended to by
Miguel who is helped by his wife, An Yu Feng and sometimes also by his son Antonio
(Xu Di). The gastronomic experience of Pekíng is
something that shouldn't be missed. You will find this exotic site at Plaza Neptuno,
Local F-10, at the entrance to Marina Vallarta. Open from 13:00 to 22:00, tel.:
221-0420. analuz@pvmirror.com |
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