Banned since 2003, US beef finally made its return to the Chinese mainland earlier this year.
Courtesy of Chef Willmer Colmenares and his culinary team, CHAR at Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund – the winner of the 2017 That’s Shanghai Food & Drink Awards Steakhouse of the Year – has recently introduced a special ‘Tour of the Americas’ menu that features beef from five nations – Canada, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and, of course, the US – where diners can travel through North and South America with their taste buds.
As one of the first restaurants in the city to serve US beef after the ban was lifted, CHAR sources theirs from Greater Omaha, a brand that has been in the business since 1920 and is known for their commitment to being at the forefront of innovation and humane treatment of animals.
Selecting the highest quality ingredients for his dishes is something that Chef Colmenares takes very serious. This isn’t just about the beef – everything from the fresh oysters, tuna tartare, lobster bisque, down to the desserts are made from items that had been carefully chosen by the chef and his team.
In addition to the USDA Greater Omaha New York strip that’s full of fatty, juicy goodness, there’s the Argentinian grass fed tenderloin, a leaner cut that offers a burst of pungent natural beef flavors. Those who prefer well-marbled beef can opt for the Canada AAA grain-fed strip loin, while Wagyu enthusiasts can choose between the Uruguay M6 and Chile Full Blood M7+ varieties.
With so many different types and cuts of beef available, the best way to learn about them is by signing up for the CHAR Beef Master Class. Every second and last Saturday of the month, Chef Colmenares will take several guests inside the kitchen of his restaurant and show them the characteristics of beef from different countries and various cuts, as well as the best ways to cook them – and of course you’ll be able to taste them as well. Reservations for the CHAR Beef Master Class are mandatory.