The dining scene on Gerona street in Alicante welcomes a new protagonist with the official opening of Maison Li. This establishment is the latest venture from the China Crown Group, known for its Sushi Bar Tottori in the same area of the Traditional Center. Unlike its previous offering, Maison Li shifts its gastronomic focus to pay homage to imperial Chinese cuisine, one of the world's oldest and richest culinary traditions.
The restaurant is located at number 2 on Gerona street, in the premises previously occupied by the Italian restaurant La Traviata, and has a capacity for 72 diners. According to group sources, Maison Li is presented as a unique space «where tradition, culture, and gastronomy come together to offer an immersive experience».
“"Where tradition, culture, and gastronomy come together to offer an immersive experience."
With this opening, the China Crown Group strengthens its presence in Alicante and continues its commitment to «bringing Asian gastronomic culture closer to the Spanish public through concepts that combine authenticity, history, and excellence». Maison Li's gastronomic proposal is the result of extensive research by the Li Bao siblings, who have revived recipes that for centuries graced the tables of emperors.
The Maison Li menu combines iconic dishes with highly technical creations. Highlights include Imperial Rolls filled with shiitake, Crispy Prawns with bamboo and ginger, and Crispy Tou-fu flavored with five spices. The dim sum section also plays a prominent role, with specialties such as Xiao Long Bao—from the classic Iberian pork to more sophisticated versions with spider crab, truffle, or beef cheek—alongside items like Prawn Ha Kao or Iberian Wonton with Sichuan oil.
For main courses, the menu offers dishes such as 'Golden Mountain' Rice sautéed with beef sirloin and egg pearls, 'Kubak' Crispy Rice with seafood base and creamy egg, or Chinese Eggplant sautéed Yuxiang style with pickled chilies. In the fish and seafood section, notable preparations include Crispy Kung Pao Prawns in traditional Sichuan style with nuts, Steamed Sea Bass with chives and traditional Canton ginger, or Sautéed Lobster with golden sauce Hong Kong style.
The meat section includes Smoked Beef Sirloin with seasonal mushrooms, Sautéed Beef Picanha with Cha sauce, and the classic China Crown 1980s lemon chicken, which now evolves into a lime chicken in an updated version. However, the star of the menu is the Imperial Beijing Duck, a dish whose preparation and service are «a true ritual».
“"It maintains the original recipe from the 15th century, the same one that made this dish the most coveted by the Ming dynasty, rulers of the Chinese Empire between the years 1368 and 1664."
This dish preserves the original recipe from the 15th century, the same one that made it the most coveted by the Ming dynasty. Its preparation involves a slow cleaning of the duck, a lacquering process of over five hours with water, sugar crystal, honey, and spices to give it an intense and sweet flavor, and oven smoking to achieve the characteristic crispy skin.
The ambiance of Maison Li complements the experience with an elegant and enveloping aesthetic, featuring colonial-era inspired decor. «From the atmosphere to the service, everything contributes to creating a complete sensory journey that goes beyond the plate», note group sources. Additionally, the venue offers a private reserved space on the upper floor, ideal for organized groups and business meals.
