The Gardens by Lotus has opened in Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour, Sydney, in time for Chinese New Year celebrations.
The new venue from Lotus Dining Group is a modern interpretation of a traditional Chinese Teahouse by day and a localised Sichuan Restaurant and events space by night.
The Gardens menu compliments its location, offering a contemporary interpretation of a traditional Chinese high tea, as well as a weekend Yum Cha menu.
Guests can expect to see traditional Chinese dishes with highlights including squid ink dumplings, pork xiao long bao; pan-fried lamb; leek pancakes; Hainan chicken; salt and pepper tofu salad and mango pudding.
From 6pm a Sichuan menu takes its place, featuring dishes such as cured duck with garlic shoot and celery; chicken fillet with mustard seed and triple chilli; and a new Lotus signature, fried chilli mud crab as well as Lotus’ iconic dumplings.
“The Gardens is an exciting new challenge for Lotus Dining Group but one that brings a truly rewarding experience both for the Lotus Dining team and for our valued guests,” says Michael Jiang, founder of Lotus Dining Group. “We are honoured to be located in the iconic Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney and to be able to share our interpretation of Chinese cuisine with a modern Australian touch, a true reflection of this multicultural space.”
The Gardens also offers private dining space for events, functions and special occasions.
“In addition to the exciting restaurant opportunity, we have included a private function and events space which we have named, ‘The Blue Room’,” Jiang says. “In Chinese Culture, the colour blue symbolises immortality and advancement, and is a special inclusion to our offering, providing the opportunity to host events in a spectacular setting — a truly memorable experience”
Created by Jiang in 2012 Lotus Dining Group has grown from one to seven restaurants.