North-American-inspired flavours will arrive at the Hilton Shanghai's splendid Leonardo's restaurant this Saturday, May 27, accompanied by a variety of fine California wines and entertainment by US a cappella group, "The Yale Alley Cats."

The menu, which has been designed specifically for the dinner, would excite any gourmet. It includes typical US food recreated by the chefs into a more refined culinary style, with a more delicate presentation.

Oysters and Chardonnay wine cocktails will be the ice-breaker for socializing before dinner begins.

The appetizer will be ocean prawns steamed with rosemary ginger on ice. According to Emmanuel Souliere, executive chef of the Hilton, this dish, which is a popular US hors d'oeuvre, will have a lighter taste than usual.

Also on the lighter side is the dessert -- Whisky Blueberry Tart. Blueberries are often used in US-style desserts and on this occasion they will be served with a nutty crumble topping, ice souffle (made of egg white that is beaten to a froth) and whisky cream, said Emmanuel. He promises a not-too-sweet dessert that will be refreshing due to the liquid.

The ultimate US food, the burger, will also appear at this feast, although not the huge rounds of meat dripping with grease and condiments found in many US restaurants. These will be small, served with white asparagus with morel cream and foie gras.

The main course will be the US invention, Surf and Turf, which usually combines steak and lobster. Hilton chefs will prepare it as two separate dishes -- roasted Maine lobster in sage American sauce followed by premium beef tenderloin with truffle sauce. Emmanuel said the presentation makes the course more delicate in appearance.

Every course will be accompanied by a specially selected wine from California.

"Generally speaking, North American food is a mix of different regional cuisines and tastes a bit sweet," said Emmanuel. The French chef will lead a team of 18 from different countries to prepare the special dinner.

The North American-themed dinner will be served at Leonardo's restaurant May 27, 29 and 30. The dinner is priced at 888 yuan (U$109) per person.

Hilton Shanghai
Location: No.250, Huashanlu
Tel for reservation: 021-62487777 ext 1140