The Bahamas Guide.com Review
China Beach at the Westin: Asian Cuisine Meets the Bahamas
Located in the Westin Grand Bahama

The Island of Grand Bahama boasts four Chinese restaurants—none of them compare to Westin's China Beach. Upscale, classy and elegant, one feels like you just stepped into the luxury of Asia--the restaurant has Chinese with a Bahamian flare!

Located by the Serpentine Pool, at the west end of the Westin's Breakers Cay, China Beach is a jewel among the other restaurants offered at the hotel. There are gorgeous views of the beach from almost any table within the colorful Asian décor of the restaurant. But one cannot miss the hub of the restaurant, its centralized show kitchen, where you can observe each and every meal being prepared by the restaurant’s talented chefs. Culinary traditions from the Pacific Rim await you. The air-conditioned building has lofty ceilings, yet no matter how many persons happen to be dining the place seems to absorb sound well enough so that dinner conversation is easy.

Our waiter for the evening, Mr. Alison Bain (pictured right), has been working at the restaurant since its opening five years ago. Attentive and generous to tell us all about the best choices of the day, Alison was unobtrusive when serving us. We started with a bottle of Sake (rice wine), something I have always drank warm, but this time my companion suggested it cold. We drank the sake in lovely little china tea cups. Interesting… it goes down better and compares to a fine Pinot Grigio, but much lighter.

We started with sushi maki (sushi means fish on rice, and maki means roll) as our starter, something I love to eat, but cannot get readily in Freeport. I highly recommend the Volcano roll, a crab-cucumber-avocado roll topped with a warm spicy mayonnaise sauce.

The Caterpillar Maki Roll – a sushi roll with avocado and rice, topped with generous portions of barbecued eel (unagi), all arranged into the shape of a caterpillar-- was just as heavenly and a favorite of my companion who really did try to share.

For our main course I ordered Cantonese Lobster in a black bean sauce, while my friend ordered the Sweet and Sour Prawns with vegetables accompanied with dishes of fluffy rice. Although I prefer my seafood without a batter (easier on the calories too), the taste was light (not greasy) and the batter was similar to a tempura. We oohed and awed over the presentation of the food, which we both agreed, was spectacular. Each dish was a delight for the eye as well as the palate. The portions were medium sized and are ideal for sharing.

Leaving room for dessert and still enjoying our sake, my companion ordered the Green Tea Cheesecake (a China Beach special) and I had the Crispy Fried Banana Delight, a favorite of mine, but sadly the only disappointment of the meal. The batter on the banana was just too thick and hard, and not at all light and luscious as this dessert should be. The Green Tea Cheesecake was perfect--a lush cheesecake laced with a green tea infused frosting, and garnished with strawberries served on a glass platter with a side of sake soaked blueberries.

With our bellies full we walked out back into the Bahamian night feeling as if we’d just landed from a far east trip, thankful these chef’s were able to bring us a taste of the finest gastronomic traditions of the Pacific Rim. Service was impeccable and prices were reasonable for a restaurant of this quality. Smart casual attire required.

Phone for reservations: 373-1333 and ask for China Beach at the Westin/Sheraton.

Click here for the China Beach at the Westin/Sheraton's menu.

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