Revisit the old Macao at the Clube Militare de Macau
It's no secret that lots of big names have opened outposts in Macao, venerable institutions like Robuchon, Don Alfonso and even hip contemporary brands like Roka all want a piece of this new Las Vegas. In the midst of this international culinary boom, Macanese Portuguese food still holds strong against the onslaught of these new flavors. For those on the look out for the old style Macanese Portuguese food, then a visit to the Clube Militare de Macau should bring back a taste of Macao from the good 'ole days.
 Roast pork leg is a favorite dish at the Military Club. |
Located behind the new Lisboa casino, the Military Club is an obvious visual contrast to the gleaming gold and flashy exterior of the Grand Lisboa. Quiet, pink, a colonial beauty, the Military Club building is a sharp contrast to the fast-paced bling in Macao.
Created in 1870, the Macau Military Club was the private recreation center and gathering spot for the military officers of Macao at that time. With the change of times, the Military Club has since relaxed some of the private club restrictions, and it opened the doors of its restaurant to the public in 1995. Currently, the rest of the club is still off limits to non-members, but a visit to the restaurant is well worth a trip down this colonial lane.
A sense of calm prevails as you amble up the steps of this old building and through the doors into the lobby. Located in the front part of the building, the dining room itself has an air of grace, with white washed walls, tall ceilings, wood flooring and lazy ceiling fans. If you're lucky enough to be seated next to the large arch windows, you will instantly agree that the elegant colonial dor is one of the biggest draws at the Military Club.
A favorite destination for overseas travelers, especially Japanese tourists, the Military Club is, in fact, not a tourist trap. Food here is the real deal. The weekday lunch buffet is a popular event, but the best choice is to sacrifice the buffet and go a la carte. The menu is extensive, with pages filled with many old school favorites. On top of all this, a good list of Portuguese wines helps with the decision making.
To start off, ordering the essential bacalhau, and the Caldo Verde - Portuguese green vegetable soup - is a must. To those who are used to the usual watery potato soup served at generic Macanese restaurants, this hearty soup wins a big thumbs-up at the Military Club. The thick potato soup is served in front of the diner, piping hot, onto a bed of greens, olive oil and diced ham. Another specialty is the Portuguese sausage, served with hot toast drizzled with olive oil for that intense blend of flavors.
Moving onto the main courses, the classics are a sure win. Daily specials are worth looking into, and the Roast Pork Leg and Suckling Pig can induce a feeling of euphoria. Enveloped by a crispy skin exterior, the Pork Leg is cooked to perfection and served up on a sea of potatoes and onions, including the cannot-be-missed drizzling of olive oil. No doubt a grave hearty dish, satisfying to both the body and the soul. Other equally stomach-enriching options include the African chicken, or the Seafood Rice, stewy and bursting with the taste of the sea.
The Macau Military Club experience is food for both the body and the mind. Diners can take a nostalgic trip down with good food, as well as friendly service. Far from being stuffy, the staff here are helpful with the menu choices and efficient, and even those initially intimated by the surroundings, should soon be put at ease. It then comes as no surprise that, given all the great things about this Club, reservations are essential. But planning ahead is well worth it, so make time for this old grande dame next time you visit Macao.
(HK Edition 11/05/2008 page4)
Source: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/hkedition/2008-11/05/content_7174271.htm
