Dishes on offer at the restaurant. Photos: Courtesy of the restaurant
The Chinoise Story, part of a group of restaurants by the same name, originating in Shanghai, is located on the mezzanine floor of one of Wuhan's finest 5-star hotels, the Jin Jiang International. Conveniently located in the CBD (Hankou) at one of the city's most prominent intersections, and set next to a beautiful lake, Xibeihu, central to the district.
Entering The Chinoise Story we were magnanimously welcomed; the staff, decor, and aromas wafting through the air made immediate impressions, all of which were nice.
Staff were all stylistically dressed, attractively coiffed, with presentable hands and nails. All had a pleasant, confident, professional manner and did not appear to be rushing around. Kitchen staff were attired in clean and smart apparel.
Dishes on offer at the restaurant. Photos: Courtesy of the restaurant
The decor (part of but not equal to "ambiance") is sublimely noble. Brightly lit glass display cases spanned the entryway walls filled with bottles of wine. The interior walls were a nice dark wood with Chinese influence. The total area was relatively small, comprising perhaps 150-200m2. Small can be good, as in this case, lending a tinge of intimacy to the ambiance. Add some drapery and foliage touches to accent. Against the back wall stands a glass food prep area where one can watch the chef and entourage prepare dishes, a nice touch lending again to the overall feeling. Four private (VIP) rooms skirt one side with ornately carved wooden doors.
A delectable bevy of aromas co-mingled, hanging delicately in the air, gently assuaging the senses contemporaneously to the aforementioned, a hopeful portent of things to come. All of the above sensations occurred in a matter of moments, and together compounded and complemented the initial impression.
We began with a lovely tea (da hong...?) and assorted small vegetable dishes preparing the palate. A decent California wine (cabernet) was selected, opened, left to breathe. They suggested some dishes and we chose some ourselves. There were seven dishes, a nice variety of fish, assorted meats, and vegetables.
Our starter was a pumpkin soup, followed by a salad dish. Next up were the "entrees." The fish was not too oily, the shrimp, the sweet and sour pork ribs, all of the dishes were very good.
The interior of restaurant. Photo: Courtesy of the restaurant
Presentation was excellent, each dish beautifully arranged and brilliantly garnished. Regarding the great taste, remember that The Chinoise Story has roots in Shanghai style (Hangzhou sub-style) cuisine. Meaning it tends toward the sweeter rather than the spicy end of the culinary continuum. The wine was nice, contrasting yet complementing the sweetness of the food.
Service was very good, the staff were attentive without hovering, both sharp and professional in appearance and approach.
Ambiance was delightfully pleasant and intimate, ideal for upscale business and social gatherings.
Wuhan is arguably the best food town in China with many restaurants representing several Chinese and other Asian styles well. We welcome The Chinoise Story and rank it in the top 10% of dining venues with its excellent location, fine food, and other outstanding features.
Service quality: very good
Food quality: very good
Price per head (RMB): 100-200
Environment: very good
Add: 2F, Jinjiang Hotel, No.707 Jianshe Da dao, Wuhan. 武汉汉口建设大道707号锦江国际大酒店2楼
Tel:027-85791717