Category Archives: Romantic dates

OUR LAST NIGHT IN SHANGHAI

17 June 2011 22 comments

Shook!
23 Nanjing East Road
Shanghai, China
PRICE: 元元元元元
RATING:

So as I was saying… I liked Shook! so much I decided to go back that same day for dinner – this time on a quiet dinner date with Chris. Co-incidentally, it was also our last night in Shanghai, so we wanted something memorable… hence the location at The Bund.

This time, Shook! was transformed into night time dining.. with mood lighting, much quieter ambience, and a different menu offering their full range of a la carte dishes. The menu is pretty exhaustive, and so tantalising that we had trouble figuring out what to order ;) It took a bit of back-and-forth and listening to the waiter’s recommendations before we finally decided on our choices. We were very fortunate to be allocated the best table there – a corner table right by the glass windows overlooking The Bund area. Gorgeous!

We were treated to a complimentary champagne with bubbling pearls. OK I think it had a much more eloquent name than this, but I forgot ;) It was fascinating to look at – the pearls going up and down the bubbling champagne, and they burst as we drank. Novelty!

We thoroughly enjoyed the dishes, which were all brought out beautifully presented. The portions are not large (considering the price), but enough so that we were full at the end of the meal. Fine food, lovely ambience, and good service – a nice way to remember our last night in Shanghai :)

Our table view at Shook!

Champagne with bubbling pearls

Our last night in Shanghai :)

Amuse bouche

Trio of crab

Lightly dusted cajun spiced seabass with pimento mayo, avocado, cucumber salad and a twist of chilli

Slow braised grain fed beef cheek with a humble mash, crisply cooked bacon, and caramelized grenadine onion

Sides of fries and mushrooms

Tiramisu with creamy white chocolate, marsala panacotta, and espresso

Lemon tart with mint sauce

Mint cocktail

Upstairs balcony area for drinks

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ICEBERGS DINING ROOM & BAR

17 October 2007 64 comments

Icebergs Dining Room & Bar
1 Notts Ave
Bondi Beach, NSW 2026
$$$$$

The last time I went to Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, it was with the Google guys for Christmas and also my first time there. The restaurant blew me away with the divine food, the spectacular views, and the impeccable service. I’ve never forgotten it and always yearned to go back.. but since it’s so friggin’ $$$ and super fine-dining, obviously I’ve never had the chance/occasion to. Until now, hee :P Chris asked me out for a dinner there and I was surprised because the restaurant was so different at night – it’s a lot moodier and darker, with a really lush, decadent ambiance.

Since we arrived early, we had a drink at their Cocktail lounge.. where I discovered the utmost best Pinot Noir I have ever tasted, but of course, I’ve forgotten the name ;) Then we adjourned to a table right by the glass window overlooking the water. Soooooo pretty! And the food? Top-notch, as expected. Icebergs just never fail to deliver – and we were delighted that they still had the Soft-shelled prawns fried whole with aioli and lemon. I’d had it the last time and was totally addicted ;) They’re perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside but sweet on the inside. It’s perfection. And I swear they gave us a larger serving since we said we were sharing?

I opted for the Ox Fillet (aged 30 days, 250 days grain-fed Angus beef) – char grilled, sliced served with 10 yr old balsamic, bone marrow roasted with garlic, lemon, butter for my main dish. It easily makes it to the very top of my list as the best steak I’ve had. Sure, it’s ludicrously expensive, but worth every cent IMHO! The meat is tender and packed with flavour, with the perfect bite and texture.

Chris had some Duck ragout pasta. OKay, when the waitress read it out, it sounded way fancier/nicer than that.. but I really can’t remember it :P I loved how the pasta was handmade and silky smooth, and the duck was really tender and melty. Only downfall is that it should have come in a larger serve ;)

Dessert was a shared Affogatto: vanilla ice cream, espresso, liquer, fine grated chocolate and coffee. Served in a tall, delicate glass, it was fun watching the waiter grate the chocolate at our table. The dessert was rich, but off-set with the sharp contrast of the espresso poured hot over the ice cream. Mmmmm….

Was a lovely night :)

Sourdough bread with Kallis organic olive oil

Soft-shelled prawns fried whole with aioli and lemon

Ox Fillet (aged 30 days, 250 days grain-fed Angus beef) – char grilled,
sliced served with 10 yr old balsamic, bone marrow roasted with garlic, lemon, butter