Legend Taste

by Juliann Kirkland
on Monday, May 11, 2009 12:00 AM

Chef Tang Dechao, formerly of local favorite Lost Heaven fame, opened his own Yunnan inspired restaurant called Legend Taste. Located on a recently renovated section of Kangding Rd in the Jing'an District, this colorful restaurant is decorated with earth-tones and Yunnan handicrafts such as the typical bright hand-made table cloths and seat covers. The resulting atmosphere of his quaint restaurant contributes to an inviting, and intimate feeling.
My dining companion and I started the evening with a nice light tea from Yunnan Province and a few dishes, one being a delicious Sautéed Chicken in Hani Ethnic Group Style (48RMB) providing just a hint of the spiciness this cuisine if typically known for. Another was the Fish Filets (56 RMB) with herbs and vegetables in a nice light sauce that has limited amounts of bones and falls apart at the touch of a fork. The spiciest dish of the evening had to be the Dai Tribe Beef Jerky (48RMB) served on a bed of lettuce. It was absolutely wonderful, but I would highly recommend ordering the Spicy Potherb Country Style Cake (26 RMB) to cool your mouth between bites. My favorite dish of the evening was the Boletus Stewed with Yunnan Ham in a Snowy Highland Village Style (68 RMB). It was a delicious mix of vegetables, mushrooms, and ham giving it an overall salty taste. Finally we ended the evening with Rice Steamed in a Hollowed Pineapple (36RMB). This beautifully presented pineapple containing sweet desert-like rice leaves a memorable aftertaste of an evening well spent.
The Bottom Line: A colorful, intimate venue serving up delicious, authentic Yunnan dishes from a well -known Shanghai chef.