Cian | July 14, 2018
There I am. Staring at one of the biggest Tomahawk steaks I’ve ever seen. I hold my knife and fork in my hands as all those around me go as fast as they can to finish so they are served another steak. Upon the wall, the timer continues to countdown. I was going to have to go faster if I wanted to win the Steak Tomahawk Competition.
This wasn’t what I had expected when I was invited for dinner at the Grand Kitchen at the international 5-star Wyndham Grand. Then again, it’s not every day that they hold a Tomahawk Steak Eating Competition.
The Tomahawk Steak Competition was launched by Wyndham Grand last year. The concept was simple. Every evening, diners would be invited to join a steak eating competition. They would have thirty minutes to eat as much steak as possible. Those who ate the most would be able to enjoy their meal that evening free of charge.
After the promotion proved to be very popular with diners, it was brought back once more. Returning for its second year, the promotion is overseen by Executive Chef Teddy Li, who boasts more than 10 years experience in Western cuisine for hotels such as Marriott and Intercontinental. The competition is back and bigger and better than before. With even higher quality cuts of beef and more contestants competing, you won’t find many restaurants in Shenzhen doing anything like this.
The Grand Kitchen is what you come to expect from a restaurant from an international brand five-star hotel. It’s a stylish setting with an ambient atmosphere. On one end of the restaurant is where the stage has been set for the Tomahawk Steak Competition, and it’s where I am lead to join the others after agreeing to take part in the event.
It seems improper, a crime almost, to eat beef of this quality without stopping to appreciate it, but my competitive streak soon kicks in as I see the man sat next to me near the end of his first plate and that the petite girl across the table is even beating me.
Despite a spirited late effort, I’m unable to make up the gap between myself and the leaders. Even as the champions celebrate winning and being able to enjoy the rest of their meal for free, I still feel like something of a winner myself. By holding back in the steak eating competition, I can fully appreciate the buffet dinner I am about to enjoy.
Walking around the buffet, the eye is immediately drawn to the selection of seafood on display. A large area of the restaurant is dedicated to the cuisine, which includes New Zealand Oysters, Snow Crab Legs, Sea Yellow Snails, Monkey Shrimps, Tiger Crabs, amongst the other shellfish classics. There is also a sushi station, where the chef is on hand to prepare fresh cuts of salmon, tuna, and sea bream. Be sure to take a glance over the creatively crafted sushi items too.
That being said, there is still plenty else on offer for those who wish to enjoy something other than seafood.
Grand Kitchen offers diners a Teppanyaki grill, where a dedicated chef is available to prepare whatever you wish. Choose from a range that includes Roasted Oysters with Garlic, Bai Cang Fish, and Mutton String. The standout dish, however, is the New Zealand Lamb Chops. A must try for any lamb lovers.
There are also a number of complimentary dishes available including perfectly roasted potatoes with onion, buttery broccoli and cauliflower, and a choice of red wine and black pepper sauce to top it all off. Every night there is different specialty available at the pasta station and that evening, diners are treated to a faithful recreation of the classic Spaghetti Bolognese.
Grand Kitchen also pays respect to local dishes too and every evening you can find several of your favorite Chinese dishes. On any given night you can find Chongqing-style Fish Stew with Chili, Sichuan-style Beef Stew, Braised Pork Knuckle with Soy Sauce, and even Fried Squid with XO Sauce.
It’s a testament to the desserts that despite a steak eating competition and a full buffet, I still can’t wait to try the cakes and sweets when the time arrives.
The eye-catching desserts have been crafted into creative shapes and are full of vibrant colors. In particular, the mousses stood out with the blueberry mouse presented like a white popsicle on a stick or the heart-shaped raspberry mouse. In a city full of hotel buffets and dessert tables, this is one that stands out more than others. The taste does not disappoint either.
Oh, and if by some minor miracle you still have space for more, then grab a bowl or cone and head over to the Movenpick ice cream stand.
So, if you think you have what it takes to win the Tomahawk Steak Competition then head on down to the Grand Kitchen at the Wyndham Grand. If you win, then you can enjoy the rest of your meal free of charge. If you don’t, allow yourself the consolation of being able to enjoy one of the top hotel restaurant dining experiences around. It sounds like a win-win situation to me.
The Tomahawk Steak Competition takes place during the buffet dinner. The winning competitors can enjoy their meal free of charge. Dinner is served between 18:00 and 21:30. The promotion runs from the July 15th to the August 15th.
From Monday to Thursday, the buffet is RMB268, and RMB318 between Friday and Sunday. All diners are also welcome to enjoy one complimentary glass of wine. Prices are subject to 10% service charge and 6% VAT.
Address: 3rd Floor, Wyndham Grand Hotel, 2009 Caitian Road, Futian, Shenzhen (深圳温德姆至尊酒店三层,中国广东省深圳市福田区彩田路2009号 )
Tel: +86 755 8299 8888 (EXT 8560)
