Where’s Dundee?
A major new hotel, The Grand Oriental, opened here last week. We visited the other night for dinner, and it was another unique dining experience. It was certainly the most noteworthy that I have had in this town.
Now you must recognize that Dahlingshan is the industrial town of Dongguan. There are billboards tooting the fact that this is the biggest furniture center in the world. It has a right to that claim. And it is growing in furniture output daily. But it is not renowned for accommodations. Nor much of anything with taste!
But the new Grand Oriental Hotel is trying to capitalize on the businessmen visiting the area with new and better accommodations. It was certainly needed. The owners have even laid the groundwork for a new Hilton Hotel at a lake nearby in the industrial park at the Technical University of Dongguan.
The new Grand Oriental hotel is quite a gem. Impressive entry of high ceilings and multi-colored lights to catch your attention. Huge arrangements of flowers throughout the lobby. Attendants everywhere to open doors and assist in everyone’s visit.
We made our way to the Chinese restaurant. The décor was gracious and yet comfortable too. Heavy accents of wood and wide spaces made it very comfortable and entertaining. Bars for sushi and buffets were along the outer spaces. Massive glass display cases were ready for new decorations, not yet arrived. And the washrooms were as unique and up to date as any Kohler showroom. The urinals were even large pots. Not your typical Asian setting.
Like so many Chinese restaurants it also had a massive fish tank area. But this one topped even the best of Hong Kong. It was in an outdoor setting among trees between slate walks. Most tanks were like large wooden buckets. Massive pools behind the buckets were available for larger fish and “other”.
And “other” was the real surprise. There behind the tanks were two crocodile. Or maybe alligators. Who knows the difference. And I’m in Asia. Which do you have here? Whichever, these were huge! I mean really huge. They were at least six feet long!!
And nearby in a bucket, you could get your choice of beetles. Big, ugly black beetles. Who eats those things??
We passed on the croc and beetles………… Thankfully. Gator is good though. These crocs were just too big for our small group!
My guest, a designer from New York, on my second visit here, felt this was as fine as any restaurant in Las Vegas. It’s that good! And that beautiful! Come visit Dongguan. There is always a treat.
All photos available at:
http://www.dotphoto.com/go.asp?l=abrysoninchina&p=1A55&AID=2900669
posted by A Bryson (formerly) in China @ 7:43 AM
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