Last night, I brought a group of my favorite people to Asana, the delux restaurant inside Boston’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel. I wish I could afford to live at the Mandarin Oriental. The place just oozes luxury and we were treated like kings and queens.
I had done a food photo shoot at Asana in late February, and wanted to go back to sample the food and bask in the wonderful service and warm lighting. Naturally, I let the chefs know that we were coming. I wanted them to know that I liked their place so much I would be bringing a group. Let me tell you, they responded with such incredible generosity and hospitality that there are almost no words.
Unfortunately, I didn’t bring a camera last night – I was off the clock – but I had already shot some of the luscious desserts we were served, so I can still share! Aren’t they beautiful? We actually were served 8 desserts altogether. Eight! There were only 4 of us. You can imagine we stumbled out of the restaurant in a delicious sugar-infused haze.
Sadly, I don’t have pictures of the delicious entrees and apps we were served, since they were all new to me. But I will say the scallops, served with potato puree and cranberries, absolutely melt in your mouth. The clam chowder is among the best around (and we all know there’s plenty of competition). And the vegetable risotto is flavorful and rich (even high-end vegetable risotto is usually tasteless and bland so this was especially exciting.)
Kudos to Executive Pastry Chef Nelson Paz, Executive Sous Chef Damian Zedower, all of the kitchen staff, our server Jing, and the managers and bartenders who make Asana a fabulous restaurant. If you’re looking for a luxurious dining experience, this is the place. I can’t wait to go back.