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The working week can be an arduous affair packed with tough challenges and choices, but deciding where to grab a business lunch needn’t be one of them.
Situated in Adliya is Meisei, a Japanese fusion restaurant that offers up aromatic Asian cuisine cooked to perfection and presented in style.
This hip, happening and elegantly-designed venue may have only been opened a year ago, but it’s already made a big impression thanks in no small part to the friendly and knowledgeable staff and, of course, traditional Asian food prepared with a modern twist.
Michael Sang-Kyu Lee, the restaurant’sdirector of food and beverage, is aiming to entice the kingdom’s busy business lunch crowd with a sumptuous selection of top quality fare at a reasonable price.
Chef Sang-Kyu Lee said: “The aim of ourbusiness lunch is to give customers not just a meal, but a dining experience that combines value, quantity and quality.
“Maybe you have limited time during your lunch break, but we can accommodate that, especially if you call to place your order in advance. We have three floors and there are areas that can be used specifically for a private business lunch as well as a tranquil rooftop area which is great for unwinding during a stressful day.
“Many people understandably want to stayclose to their workplace, the business area, Diplomatic and Seef, but I believewe offer something here that is worth travelling just a short distance further to.”
It’s hard to disagree with him after sampling the menu.
The best way to review a business lunch is to actually have a business lunch and fortunately the company’s marketing executive Fatima Jamal Buhassan was available to join me. Valid at lunch time only there is a complimentary soup and salad.
Our Miso soup arrived steaming hot and packed with flavour. I developed a fondness for this Japanese delight a few years ago and it’s a testament to the fact that healthy food needn’t be bland.
Next up was the Meisei salad, which was crisp, nutritious, beautifully presented and, predictably, it tasted as good asit looked.
Chef Sang-Kyu Lee says that presentation is an important factor in his dishes but the biggest draw is the ingredients used.
He said: “My philosophy, when it comes to cooking, is all about well-being – using natural fruits and vegetables, no MSG and no preservatives.
“Everything is made in-house and we only use the finest ingredients to ensure each dish meets our customers’ expectations.”
Next up was the seafood Cantonese crispy noodles (BD15), which include scallops, shrimp, squid, carrot noodles and assorted vegetables. This is a mammoth portion fit for the very hungry and I was glad Fatima was there to help me out. It was simply fantastic, infused with complimentary textures and tastes that leave you craving for more.
The crowning jewel of this lunch, in my opinion, was the Bento box (BD15), which comes with salmon, tuna, shrimp tempura, roasted vegetables and chicken dim sum. Since I’m not a big fan of sushi, Chef Sang-Kyu Lee graciously prepared me a meatier version, substituting the salmon and tuna combo for some Black Angus beef.
This item is perfect for diners wanting abit of everything in a timely fashion. The portion size was perfect and ideal to nibble on during a conversation.
After my meal, I found out that in Japanese Meisei means elegance, honour and integrity, a fitting name for the restaurant indeed.
For details or reservations, call 17007770.
