By Deepi harish (City Weekend)
Updated: 2007-08-16 09:35

We felt as if we had entered the chamber of an oriental imperial palace where character and class is enhanced by the use of dark wooden pillars, traditional folding screens and abstract, asymmetrical sh owpieces tastefully placed on each table.

We settled in with two crisp, dry martinis (RMB 40). The duckrolls (RMB 98 ) were tender fillets uniquely crescented within egg yolks and garnished with a peppery duck sauce and a vertical display of pickled cucumbers. Toasted eggplant in "autumn falling leaves" (RMB 78) carried an array of subtle flavors and was both soft and crunchy. Fried rice with vegetables and dace fish in lobster sauce (RMB 58) was light and airy with a mild black bean accent. Antiqued Oriental flare infused with a modern twist seems to be the motif of this prominent eatery.

We topped off our meal with regular coffees (RMB 25) and julienned cantaloupe slices, on the house. Perfect for: abstract art fanciers.

iS Restaurant
Add:4/F, Bldg 7, Tonglefang, 537 Huaifang Lu
Tel: 021-5213-5399