Since the day it opened, I’ve held a very special place in my heart, for Wing Lei.  The upscale gourmet-room at Wynn Las Vegas holds the distinction of being America’s first Michelin-starred Chinese restaurant; and until she moved to Austin, it’s where we’d have Christmas dinner with my mom (because, as I’ve often said, nothing says “Merry Christmas!” like a table of Jews supping on Kung Pao Chicken and Peking Duck).  But this article is about the Dim Sum Brunch that Wing Lei (by way of Wynn’s Far-East Marketing Department) offers for one week, each year, honoring the Chinese New Year.

To honor the Year of the Rooster, Wing Lei – under the watchful eye of Chef Ming Yu, who’s been with the Forbes Travel Guide’s Four-Star-winning restaurant, since its opening, and has risen to the position of Executive Chef – offers the Dim Sum Brunch, from 11am to 3pm, daily; at a price per person of $68.88* for adults, and $58.88* for children under six.  First, lemme tell you what you won't find, here.  There's no Sweet & Sour anything. Nor are any of the dishes attributed to a Quing Dynasty military leader.  But trust me, what there is will fill you with the fragrant flavors of Cantonese, Shanghai and Szechuan cuisine.  And isn't that so much better?

The Dim Sum offerings, served in bamboo steamer plates, on a shiny gold cart, are scrumptious, and live up to their name (“Dim Sum” is Cantonese for “heart’s delight”).  Some – like the “Good Luck” Siu Mai (Pork and Dried Oyster Siu Mai topped with Black Moss), and the Feng Zhua (Chicken Feet, literally "Phoenix claws") – are a bit out of my culinary comfort zone; but I tried them, for the sake of soaking in the spirit of the holiday, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Others, like the Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings), Siu Mai (Pork Shitake Dumplings), Lo Mai Gai (Sticky Rice in Lotus Leaf), and the Jian Dui (Sesame Seed Balls, filled with Red Bean Paste) are gourmet versions of the Dim Sum you might otherwise encounter, in your local Chinatown; albeit presented in a more deluxe fashion and setting.  My favorites have been the Xiao Long Bao (Shanghai Pork Dumplings), the Basil-crusted variety of the Char Siu Bao (Barbeque Pork Bun), the Dan Ta (Egg Custard Tart), and the Ma Lai Go (Malay Steamed Sponge Cake).

The buffet offers a rotating trio of soups, presented in shining sterling silver urns, and on various days these have included Dan-Dan Noodle Soup, Lobster Bisque, Sea Moss and Fish Ball Congee, She-Crab Soup, and Dried Oyster and Sea Moss Soup.  There are also giant sterling silver chafing dishes, that are filled with a cornucopia of vegetable dishes (that I skipped over), and various meats, poultries, and fish.  Some of my favorites include the Shanghai Prawns, Ginger Beef, Curry Chicken, Braised Oxtail, and Beef Tenderloin in Black Pepper Sauce – all of which were so tender I was able to focus on eating and conversing, never once having to waste precious time reaching for my knife!

And while the culinary offerings at the Dim Sum Brunch are for the most part Chinese; there’s also a Sushi Station, as well as an enormous copper pot that’s filled with ice, upon which a beautiful array of crustaceans (specifically, Crab Legs, Lobster Tails, and Shrimp) is displayed.

Furthermore, there’s a Carving Station, with a hot entrée that rotates daily, and has thus far featured Bone-in Prime Rib, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Beef Tenderloin, and Roast Suckling Pig – each with the full assortment of accoutrements and fixings.  While I’m very familiar with the first three of these (all of which were pretty fantastic), this was only my second foray into the world of Roast Suckling Pig, and I’ve gotta say, it was sensational!  Tender and succulent and flavorful – Mmmmmm! 

By the time you read this, it will have vanished until next year (like a culinary Brigadoon): I hope you availed yourself of it.  Gong Xi Fa Cai!

2018 Dim Sum Brunch
Wing Lei | Wynn Las Vegas
Offered through Wednesday, February 21st
Click HERE for info

Get into it!
#WingLei

[*Editor’s Note: Prices are inclusive of neither tax nor gratuity.]

Related Articles:
Dim Sum Brunch
Michael, I realize this is a past post, but can you edit it to say this is the year of the Dog? Love all your work, and you. Ellen
By EllenLV

The world’s greatest hip-hop collective returns this weekend with the second edition of the history-making WU-TANG CLAN: THE SAGA CONTINUES… THE LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY