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farewell feasts at maiyango, leicester.


After many years, Leicestershire renowned Maiyango is closing its doors for an exciting new foodie venture for 2017. To say a foodie farewell, the St Nicholas based restaurant put on a variety of taster menus, as well as wine pairing, cocktail and gin nights. I went along to sample the dishes they're most proud of, the best of the best, if you will. Apart from work parties, I actually hadn't had the chance to dine from their full menu, so this seemed like a fitting way to round off an institution.


Pork Cheeks 
Slow braised pork cheeks, poached king prawn, watercress, sweet potato

“Picnic Terrine” 
Spiced ham, quail egg, cheddar mousse, apple sausage, bacon jam, rustic loaf

Seared King Scallops
With sambal, samphire, coconut and lime leaf

Seabass
Steamed wild sea bass, spiced coconut laksa, bok choi, chilli, coriander and mint relish

Five Spiced Duck 
Gressingham duck, celeriac, fig, duck rillette, purple potato crisps, honeycomb

"Rhubarb Crumble"
Poached rhubarb, caramelised puff pastry crumble, dehydrated yoghurt, custard foam



Myself and my dining partner both went for the regular menu, although there was a vegetarian menu available too. Maiyango were always known for vegan and gluten free options, and would be happy to accommodate. I wouldn't be surprised if the new restaurant has the same ethos. 


On the table were sesame seeds and seaweed to dip with premium olive oil and warm bread. Something different from salt and pepper, you got the saltiness from the seaweed and a nutty sweetness from the sesame. It stuck to the olive oil soaked bread in a rather satisfying way.


First up were the king prawns (plus my partner doesn't like prawns - more for me!) The pork cheeks effortlessly fell apart and went well with the textures of crispy sweet potato. Unfortunately we found it really hard to order drinks, so I actually ended up going to the bar for a bottle of white after the first course.


Next up was the "Picnic Terrine" and scallop with sambal and samphire. I hadn't tried sambal before, but thoroughly enjoyed the piquant chilli flavours alongside coconut and lime. The terrine was a fun idea and was well seasoned with wholesome spices. I loved the runny egg, though don't think the bread was needed here.


Onto probably my favourite course; the seabass. Again with subtle Asian influences, the fragrant steamed wild sea bass was married with a spiced coconut laksa and wilted bok choi. The chilli, coriander and mint relish gave a certain uplift to the meaty, white fish.


The duck was equally delicious, with a whole host of flavours, textures and layers to get your teeth into. A mouthwatering crispy skin and slightly pink Gressingham duck breast went well with the aromatic celeriac and chewy, sweet honeycomb. Each course was served at the same time as other diners, as you'd expect from a tasting night, and the vegetarian options looked tasty too.


The dessert was an unusual one for me, as I'd never choose a fruity pudding. I can see what they were going for, and the puff pasty crumble and custard foam totally made sense. It was clever and well presented, but not something I would choose.

Overall it was a great night, showcasing some talented dishes that deserved their top spots. The six courses were £40 a head, with a Prosecco cocktail on arrival and nibbles. Although you sadly can't try this menu for yourself, it won't be long until the closing of Maiyango beckons for a new gastronomical adventure. Watch this space!

www.maiyango.com

I was invited for a complimentary meal in return for an honest review. 

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