No need to rely on luck to score delicious, authentic Chinese fare at City of Dreams Manila
City of Dreams Manila brings a beloved Chinese tradition to life through Crystal Dragon’s Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates three fundamental concepts: The gathering of family and friends, as well as the gathering of a bountiful harvest; giving thanks for the said gathering; and praying certain requests such as a child, a spouse, long life, or bright future. The festival is also famous for its commemoration of the full moon, as symbolized by the making and sharing of the iconic Moon Cakes as a cherished gift.

But at City of Dreams (COD), the festivities take a gastronomic turn as authentic and deliciously irresistible Cantonese dishes take center stage at Crystal Dragon — regional fare believed to usher in good luck, good harvest, harmony, and unity within the family partaking in the feast. And we have Crystal Dragon’s chef de cuisine, Chan Choo Kean, to thank for this unforgettable menu.
“Our dishes are inspired by beliefs that will bring prosperity and good luck based on Chinese traditions,” Eric Lim, City of Dreams’ manager of Chinese restaurants, told Expat.

Crystal Dragon will be offering the following authentic Chinese dishes to celebrate the festival until Sept. 15: Perfectly seasoned Wok Fried Boston Lobster Tails with Spices, Salt and Pepper. Considered as the “dragon of the sea,” this lobster dish symbolizes unity among family and friends.
The indulgent Steamed Marinated Pork Ribs with Pork Sausage and Mushrooms and Wok Fried Vermicelli with Shredded Pork, Vegetables and Foie Gras are not just tasty, but also believed to bring strength, wealth, and abundant blessing.

The tender and delicate Braised Sea Cucumber and Baby Abalone with Bean Curd in Clay Pot represents good fortune, as represented by the Abalone’s shape, which resembles a traditional gold bowl.
The Sauteed Sea Grouper with Mushrooms, Honey Beans and Celery brings prosperity, while the deliciously succulent and flavorful Taiwanese-Style Stewed Chicken with Chinese Wine Sauce signifies prosperity and togetherness.
 

The star of the festival takes a gentler and sweeter form with Crystal Dragon’s Homemade Snow Skin Moon Cake, which comes in several variants such as lotus root mousse, red bean paste, and custard. Their Chilled Sweetened Mango Sphere Coconut Mousse is another luscious dessert, which should not be missed.
As tradition suggests, special double egg yolk mooncakes filled with red bean paste — imported all the way from Macau — are also available for purchase in a beautifully elegant brocade box of blue and silver.
Crystal Dragon is located at The Crown Towers, City of Dreams Manila, Aseana Avenue, Entertainment City, Parañaque. They are open from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. (lunch) and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (dinner). For reservations, click “Make a Reservation” at www.cityofdreams.com.ph or call (02) 800-8080 or email guestservices@cod-manila.com.
Text and photos by CHING DEE