The newly launched Great Grills at Chez Manon opened just in time to celebrate US Independence Day and gave Kathleen Shea the opportunity to check out the bars, restaurants and a barbecue on the terrace
When I was a child, we had neighbourhood cookouts frequently throughout the year. The image of mum standing at a giant gas grill in the middle of a snow-covered backyard amuses me to this day.
Yet at this time of year, when the warmth of early summer begins to transform into scorching, unbearable heat, I always have a few things on my mind – beach, beer and BBQ! While there is no beach within easy driving distance, I do have access to beer and BBQ to my heart's content at the newly launched Great Grills at Chez Manon in the Hilton Ha Noi Opera hotel.
When I was a child, we had neighbourhood cookouts frequently throughout the year. The image of mum standing at a giant gas grill in the middle of a snow-covered backyard amuses me to this day.
Yet at this time of year, when the warmth of early summer begins to transform into scorching, unbearable heat, I always have a few things on my mind – beach, beer and BBQ! While there is no beach within easy driving distance, I do have access to beer and BBQ to my heart's content at the newly launched Great Grills at Chez Manon in the Hilton Ha Noi Opera hotel.
Away from the bustle: Great Grills at Chez Manon in Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel. Quiet and tranquil, the terrace offers a true summer barbecue experience. — VNS Photos Truong Vi
And what a week it was to launch, just in time for American Independence Day! To be honest I wish they had started in the last week of June so my fellow Americans would have known about a great opportunity to consume copious quantities of grilled meat with a beer to celebrate our nation's birthday. For me the only thing missing was the fireworks! But I suppose every day is a good day to fire up the grill.
As we walked into the Hilton, we were greeted by a vast array of hors d'oeuvres beautifully presented in "shot" and martini glasses, and small decorative plates and bowls. Not shy about sampling the delectable delights, we filled our plates with hors d'oeuvres and walked away with a plate in each hand.
Our palates salivated to a variety of flavours – from simple black rice and a beautiful caprese salad on a skewer inside a tall shot glass, to shrimp cocktail and a spicy noodle salad. My favourite, by far, was a salmon tartar with a creme fraiche foam topped with salmon eggs. I probably had more than my fair share of that one!
After enjoying the delicacies and a few sips of red it was time for the main event. The array of imported BBQ options was exceptional: beef tenderloin, lamb racks, sesame-coated tuna, steak, scallops, sausages and so on. So that I could provide a solid overview of the offerings, I wasn't shy. I tried almost everything!
One of the things I miss most from home is scallops. When prepared correctly they're sweet and tender, buttery and juicy. I promise you, Chef Roland at Chez Manon knows what he's doing! Perfectly caramelised on the outside, soft and lovely on the inside, I could barely force myself to move on to the other offerings.
But move on I did... to the beef tenderloin and the racks of lamb which were grilled to a perfect medium rare, pink on the inside and grill marks on the outside. I ate slow to make the evening of decadence last as long as possible and certainly ate more meat than anyone should in one sitting. But, oh was it worth it! In fact I'm salivating as I write this.
In addition to the mains, there were a few sides, such as fried potatoes, green salad, rice and a beautiful assortment of bread. I wish there had been more sauces to drizzle over the meat. I only saw mustard, a sweet BBQ sauce and some kind of buttery sauce but, that said, my favourite items were delicious on their own.
We went on a stormy night so we were not able to dine on the outdoor terrace overlooking the Opera House, but I did take a peek and it's truly beautiful. Quiet and tranquil, the terrace offers a true summer BBQ experience.
You can watch the chef prepare your selections on an enormous outdoor grill and get a whiff of that quintessential smell of summer while sipping on a complementary beer.
If you're craving a truly leisurely summer evening, I highly recommend a trip to Chez Manon for your fill of summer treats. Whether you choose the terrace or the restaurant, which has a play area to keep the kids entertained, you'll no doubt walk away stuffed and satisfied. — VNS
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Chez Manon Restaurant
Add: Inside the Hilton Opera Hotel, 1 Le Thanh Tong St.
Tel: 04-3933 0500
Price: VND680,000++ for all you can eat the Great Grills. Kids 6 and under free.
Website: frontofficeadmin.hanoi@hilton.com frontofficeadmin.hanoi@hilton.com
Comment: All you can eat BBQ to celebrate the wonders of summer!
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