iChina: Gourmet Chinese Dining Links Past to the Future

If you’ve ever been to the Far East, you know Asia’s high-end restaurants are visual cornucopias. Similarly, at iChina, you may find it hard to believe that you’re in a suburban mall. At Westfield Valley Fair in Santa Clara, CA., you leave the confines of the cotton candy-scented shopping center, and suddenly you’re transported to another time, inside an imperial, fine dining establishment with jade-hued glass, floor-to-ceiling windows, silver batten ceilings, and gilded accents.

iChina: Inspired by Ancient Imperial Places

In the restaurant’s JiuBa cocktail lounge, the bar lights up like a jewel box at night. The whopping 9,600-square-foot dining room on the second floor showcases pendent lights, bird cages, and custom wallpaper.

“For the interior design, our goal was to transcend the ordinary by immersing guests in an awe-inspiring atmosphere with stunning visuals at every glance,” said Tiffany Wu, General Manager.

The owners spared no expense in the decoration with elements such as lavish lanterns and turquoise leather walls. A painstakingly executed custom décor shifts into hyper-drive here led by HHD Hong Kong East Holiday International Design, a group that curates seven-star hotels. Art Deco touches are noticeable in the geometric shapes in the carpet and the streamlined lighting. The Chinese lucky colors of red, gold, green, and royal blue combine to complete the theme. And there’s a magnificent bathroom for both sexes festooned with mirrors, gilt, and jade colored glass throughout.

The VR Room Experience

Silicon Valley innovation inspired the VR Room. Colorful animated scenarios displayed on the walls create an immersive experience like the current trendy museum ones. An animation projects on the table as dishes are brought to the guests. Groups choose from themes such as an ethereal bamboo forest, a pond, a cherry blossom garden, a mosaic wall, and a water lantern festival. Have something to celebrate? If you want to book the VR Room and impress your friends and family, know that it costs a minimum of $4500 which includes food for up to twelve guests.

On the Menu

For dinner, dive into Cantonese-style steamed fish, crab garlic noodles, and the stellar A5 wagyu beef. Chef Eddie Lam took the executive helm when the restaurant opened last August. Now, one year later, he continues to deliver on inventive dishes that burst with tantalizing flavors culled from both land and sea.

He puts an artful spin on shrimp dumplings which are topped with yellow, orange, and black flying fish roe. They resemble dainty light green purses set atop a circle of house-made vinegar soy sauce. The five-course tasting menu features winter melon and kohlrabi soup. We grinned after one sip. Flavors infused with snow crab and bay scallops were so fresh they were practically swimming in our mouths. Accompanied by jasmine tea, our refreshing dessert featured chilled melon soup with muscovado gummies floating around, mango and guava gelée, and a type of lychee pudding in the center. Kudos to executive pastry Chef Eunice Lee for her artistry and talent in the kingdom of sweets.

So exactly how much does a meal at iChina set you back? Entrées range from $18 to $108. Figure at least $100 to $150 per person with a cocktail if you want to thoroughly enjoy a multi-course dinner without skimping. “My goal at iChina is to take guests on a journey to discover Chinese flavors as they’ve never tasted before,” says Chef Lam. And when you begin to share this chef’s tasting journey, you’ll certainly agree.