Middle 8th: The New Sanlitun Village Location Has Creative Zest
- BEIJING
Smack in the middle of Sanlitun Village, the new location of Yunnan restaurant favorite Middle 8th intimidates with a massive menu of modern Chinese food, but thankfully there are more hits than misses. The Yiliang duckwith matsutake mushroom and tender bamboo shoots (RMB39) is a delicious starter. Rich mouthfuls of tender duck meat and crispy skin taste great between palate-cleansing bites of sweet pickled bamboo shoots. Unfortunately, the roasted Yunnan ham with wild herb salad (RMB35) is a complete disaster, overdressed with a liquid reminiscent of Pinesol.
Among the wonderland of mushroom dishes on the menu, we were drawn to the “assorted mushrooms dance”(RMB48). Our taste buds did dance happily to the flavors of tart pineapple cutting through meaty fried mushrooms, helping them taste fresh instead of greasy. Even the non-mushroom lovers were pleased. Although it looks appealing on the menu, the Yaogui cabin chicken (38 RMB) comes out much too sweet.
The red maple steamed mandarin fish (RMB158) is juicy and succulent, with a light floral fragrance and a subtle firmness of a fish that has just been swimming around. Be sure to snag the most prized piece of meat under the eyeball. The green gourd tips (RMB36) is an exploration in interesting textures and definitely worth a try. The jasmine flower omelet (RMB28) is tasty, but not as floral as the rendition at In & Out. For a different take on soda, try the vanilla Sprite (RMB8). Zesty notes of lemongrass, mint and lime are crisp and refreshing.
Although not as polished as the original location, the new Middle 8th leaves an impression with its fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
Our rating: 3.5/5 stars
DETAILS
What: Middle 8th
Where: S8-40, Bldg 8, Sanlitun Village South, 三里屯路19号院三里屯
Tel: 6415-8858
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