The Fizztastic Sunday brunch at Vasco’s is a smaller and more relaxed brunch than some of the more excessive offerings at other Beijing hotels. The fifth floor dining room is swathed in cream and gold, a light and airy space in which to while away an afternoon. The buffet offerings cover a range of both Chinese and Western fare. We decided against the Champagne option, instead choosing a very nice Sauvignon Blanc to accompany brunch. As most expats have fled Beijing for the summer, it was very quiet, but the singer and keyboard player were still there to provide a nice musical backdrop.
The poached eggs, smoked salmon, bacon, and cold-cuts are very good indeed and sit alongside a large selection of cheeses. The sushi and sashimi was plentiful and fresh, and paired well with the fat juicy scallops. Meats included roast duck and pancakes, chicken teriyaki, BBQ pork, and braised beef. Vasco’s serves up a surf and turf dish to your table, albeit a quite decadent version. Half a lobster sits alongside a juicy piece of steak and a puree of sweet potato. The lobster had been cooked slightly longer than it needed, but the flavor was good. The highlight of the brunch was the whole baked salmon. It was cooked to perfection, wonderfully soft and so full of flavor.
The desserts included zongzi, to celebrate Dragon Boat Festival. There was a dessert that looked like a tomato, but was in fact red bean paste covered with something akin to Play-Doh. It wasn’t for me, but the green tea gateaux were light and moist, with a lovely hit of green tea. The stand out dessert was the chocolate molten cake, a moist chocolatey sponge served warm and filled with oozing chocolate sauce. Paired with the home-made vanilla ice cream, it made for a substantial but delicious ending to a great brunch.
The kid’s play area had been moved further to the back of the restaurant, which meant we had to make the trek up and down several times to check on the kids. It was also pared down of its usual toys and kids snacks. I was assured this was because of the time of year, and that after the summer it would again have all the games and activities that younger kids enjoy.
Vasco’s
Sunday Brunch 12-3pm. RMB 368 free-flow soft drinks, RMB 458 wine and beer, RMB 498 Champagne, plus 15% service charge.
5/F, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, 8 Wangfujing Dongjie, Dongcheng District (5812 8888)
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: Sally Wilson
