Bistro 321 VILLA LE BEC — Restaurant in Shanghai

Villa LeBec is undoubtedly Shanghai’s best French restaurant for the cuisine, encyclopedic wine list and rear garden, which is the best restaurant garden of many capital cities (and M. LeBec knows all this). Nevertheless most of his Chinese staff are pleased to serve you and do so well. The menu has old favorites, but is changed every season so it is well to try the seasonal offerings. I chose the baked foie gras to start (with a glass of Sauternes of course - and they serve d’Yquem by the glass from a jeroboam if you can believe it). It was perfectly cooked, but served with an intense raspberry sauce and fresh raspberries so it was a little too sweet for me. My dining partner had the white asparagus which was perfect. My lamb rack was medium rare and beautifully tender. It was delicious. Unfortunately, each piece was cut off the rack and served on a bed of vegetables. I should have thought to ask them not to do this, which is now common in Western restaurants in Shanghai assuming their clientele will share their meals as if it were Chinese food. Again the sauce with the lamb was too sweet for me. The lobster, an old favorite, was delicious I am told, but was missing one claw. The bill, with unremarkable dessert, a half bottle of champagne and a good bottle of Nuits St George was RMB4,572. Would I prefer to spend €600 on a good meal for two in France? Yes of course, but when you are here and looking for a place to spoil yourself for a special occasion, I hope you will not be disappointed. It certainly deserves more than Google 4stars so I am giving it 5/5 despite the...

Shanghai has apparent locations that remind us of Paris, much as many other places in the world. Few stores, meanwhile, are able to convey the spirit and taste of Paris as well as Épicerie & Caviste 62 Le Bec on Xinhua Road. Here could be a bakery, a bistro, restaurant, or a sophisticated grocery. In addition to selling wine by the glass, this store features over 500 different types of wine on its walls. It is ideal whether you want to enjoy a romantic dinner with your significant other or just a drink with your besties. However, the major focus remains on French wine. In addition to wines from well-known wineries, there are several specialised production areas and grape varieties. The wine list sold by the glass changes every month, enticing customers to come in and sit for a while. The duck liver jelly (cognac half-cooked duck liver) was one of the most impressive things I tried. A row of almost a dozen slices was perfectly arranged on the dish while some duck livers appear smooth and delicate as silk. This duck liver jelly has a rich wine scent and melts in the tongue. The flavour is very mild, so you won't feel greasy if you eat too much. Perfect pairing for the wine. Recommended for those who like to drink some wine, eat some snacks and enjoy a...

After you have been showered with so much Local Chinese kindness and hospitality, here’s some 100 years old post colonial business that still exists in modern Shanghai, if it interests you.

No matter where you from, what language you speak, who you are, you will only be judged by your OUTFIT. Be care for of what you present yourself I this place. The dress you put on, the shoe you wear and the designer hang bags you carry (remember to show the BRAND to the front desk!!) is everything you get treated. And that is a little bit of what Shanghai is. Unfortunately condensed in this...