It was more than five months since Shanghai’s last event in December. The pandemic lockdown and social distancing had forbidden the organisation of events in China. It had certainly dampened the enthusiasm for dining out.

However, in view of the improved public health situation in China, especially in Shanghai, we organised a welcome back party. For our ‘debut’ we chose the Calypso Restaurant & Lounge at the Shangri-La Hotel Jing An.

The theme was “Welcome back - a taste of the Shangri-la Jing An”. Designed by Davide Mastrangeli, Calypso’s Executive Chef the menu was composed of signature dishes from four of the hotel’s dining options: Summer Palace, Calypso, 1515 Steak House and Tsuru Japanese Restaurant. Truly a feast of the best restaurants in the Shangri-La as well as being a global culinary journey.

Despite the rainstorm plus additional security to ensure that all guests were safe, nothing stopped 109 members and guests from coming to this party.  People started arriving at 6.30pm, greeting each other everyone cheered up with champagne and DJ music. The long absence had really made our hearts grow fonder!!

RECEPTION

Calypso Restaurant
Vitello tonnato
Cherry tomato, burrata heart, basil pesto

1515 Restaurant
Lobster bisque cappuccino

Summer Palace Restaurant
 Crispy Tempura, wasabi dip, mango
Vegetable spring roll

Tsuru Restaurant
Chicken and leek yakitori, lime teriyaki sauce

Champagne G Rennesson & Fils

MENU

Summer Palace Restaurant
Atlantic scallop tartare, lily bulb, sesame, keta egg
Vermentino Di Sardegna ‘Cala Silente’ 2018
Cantina Santadi

Calypso Restaurant
Olive-crusted cod
fregola risotto, chorizo, clams, green peas
Domaine de La Clapière ‘Cuvée Gatefer’ 2016
Vin de Pays d'Oc

1515 Restaurant
Roasted prime beef
morels, shallot, black summer truffle
Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba 2015
Luigi Baudana

Tsuru Restaurant
Green tea mousse sphere
sake jelly, rice crispy, yuzu sorbet
Niepoort 10-Year old White Port

All dishes were superbly prepared and presented. Each was paired with great wines much praised by everyone.  During dinner everyone was so excited, even after a long champagne pre-dinner session, that every chance to talk and drink with each other was taken!

We celebrated with five members who recently had birthdays. Everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to these birthday girls and boys!

Then we moved to the 2nd floor bar continuing to enjoy the evening. We revelled in continuing to enjoy the wines from the dinner or a good bottle of whisky, perhaps a great cigar too but certainly dancing to the DJ’s tunes with our fellow Chaîne members.

Everyone had enjoyed the long-awaited party with many continuing into the early hours.  So much so that some members are already asking when is the next event!

Allen Wong
for and on behalf of Chargé de Presse Steven Weathers