(smartshanghai)
Updated: 2007-02-13 08:57

Look up... way up and you'll see from far and between a bubble-topped, space ship looking building in the city's downtown core. Relax, it's not affiliated with NASA, it's actually the Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World on 88 Nanjing Lu (W). With a name like the Radisson, its Epicure Restaurant has big shoes to fill. When I think of hotel restaurants, the same image pops into my head; upscale, fluffy design, expensive yet uncommunicable items on the menu among others. However, Epicure on 45 was not what I expected. Yes, you have to walk through the billion dollar lobby, which feels a bit intimidating, but wander all the way to the back elevator and head up to the 45th floor. What awaits you is an interesting mesh of classic and contemporary architecture and design schemes in a circular, revolving hub.

During the day, you can enjoy a set lunch for 120rmb (plus 15% surcharge) and look out over the entire city as the restaurant revolves, with the view oddly looking like a scene from the video game "Sim City." At night, when Shanghai turns into Vegas with mobs of people and bright neon lights, you can just relax and grab a bite from the a la carte or set menu and enjoy the sights from afar.

The food on the set menu isn't intimidating, which is a nice change. I ordered the equivalent of a BLT sandwich, which came with potato wedges, the best coleslaw I've had in Shanghai and a tasty chocolate brownie with vanilla sauce.

The a la carte menu is vast and includes appetizer and main course sections for tastes of China, Japan, Europe and India. There truly is something for everyone; from marinated salmon on eggplant, Shanghai vegetable bean curd, fettuccini, Australian beef tenderloin, sword fish fillet and Tandoori quail. A nice bottle of white wine will set you back 680rmb and red from 580rmb. They also have a great section of funky cocktails with even funkier names. Sky Track (Gin, tequila, crème de cassis, pineapple juice, grenadine) and Ice and Fire (Sambuca, Grand Marnier, vodka, peppermint green and pineapple juice) are my picks for 68rmb each.

Epicure Restaurant is the perfect place to bring your boss or to hold a meeting, especially if you need to gain some face or make an impression. It revolves and the food is good, what more can you ask for? Bon appetit!

Valentine's Day!

Unless you're Romeo with a huge bank account, I'd stick to the more traditional Valentine's Day hotspots, but if you're looking to impress your fair Juliet with a view of the entire city, book a table at Epicure Restaurant. Epicture offers lovers a 6-course Romantic set menu for 1,688rmb per couple plus 15% service charge including 1 glass of champagne for each person on arrival.

Call 63599999 ext.4210/4212 for reservations.

Epicure on 45
Address: 45/F Radisson Hotel Shanghai New World, 88 Nanjing Xi Lu.Phone