Mandarin Beluga Caviar, which was chilled in an exquisite art deco ice container together with various tiny bites of pancake, bread and crackers. Simply divine.

Risotto of truffle and foie gras. The combination of two of my favorite delicacies proved to be the best risotto I have ever had, although it was a little heavy for an eight course meal.

Grilled lobster with herb butter, sounded simple but in my book "simple" is best. And I can never pass on a good lobster.

Wild turbot gillet and roast crayfish tails on parsley and Chanterelle creme with mashed potato. Bit of a tongue twister - just as well I didn't have to order each dish separately - but this symphony of seafood was just... too good for words.

Beef tenderloin with pancetta and foie gras terrine. By the time this came out I was pretty much done. But you can't let food go to waste, particularly when not only does it taste this good but the atmosphere is great too, which doesn't often happen. We ordered it medium, but terminology aside it was quite well done.

I must say the desert was as sublime as the whole experience. We finished off with cheesecake, cr¨¨me brulee with cassis glazed cranberries and the most unforgettable Desert Extravaganza (it was just bloody amazing!). We also finally managed Laris chocolates (which we find ourselves lusting over, pressed against the dismissive glass of Laris's chocolate room, on martini Thursdays).

Foie gras featured quite heavily in our chosen menus, but who's complaining? Needless to say each course was exceptionally presented and served elegantly by our personal butler. Every detail with each course, the smells, the presentation, the service and above all, the taste was not only thought through but was accentuated to its highest levels. Wine pairing is also available. Just remember eight courses is probably too much for most people, so don't be shocked if after such a large, romantic extravaganza you can't muster any energy for loving...

Cupola
Address: 7 Guang Dong Road, 7/F, near Zhongshan Dong Yi Road
Tel: 021-63230608

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