VUE Restaurant & Bar
Add: Hyatt on the Bund, 30/F, 199 Huangpu Lu, near Wuchang Lu 黄浦路199号, 外滩茂悦大酒店30楼, 近武昌路
Tel: 6393 1234
Hours: 6~11pm
Website: www.shanghai.bund.hyatt.com
Price: [dinner] 450+ RMB + 15%/person
Visited on: 2012-08
Please note that this is an arranged tasting.
There’s nothing mind-blowingly inventive about the dishes at VUE at Hyatt on the Bund, but old time favorites like Caesar salad, lobster bisque, sirloin steak, and crepe suzette are done very well. The cherry on top? A ridiculous view of the Bund and the Lujiazui financial district.
The restaurant is designed based on the concept of a residence – there’s a living room, dining area, library, and kitchen, all whimsically decorated with related knickknacks.
On the day of our visit, Vue happened to be offering a special porcini mushroom menu, so we started off the meal with this Porcini tartare, Angus beef carpaccio, Parmigiano reggiano (160 RMB).
Pan-fried scallops, grilled porcini, green pea puree, sun dried tomato pesto (180 RMB).
Cappuccino, porcini, black truffle (110 RMB). This one I particularly liked for its resonating tang on the tongue – highly recommended for those who love dishes that are high in acidity.
We also tried a few classics like the Caesar Salad (120 RMB) and Boston Lobster Bisque (160 RMB), both prepared perfectly table-side.
On to the mains and continuing with the porcini theme, here’s a Angus Beef Tenderloin, Breaded Porcini, Thyme Jus (270 RMB). I didn’t care much for the breaded porcini, but the steak itself was done very well – medium rare as requested with a lovely caramelized exterior.
I was a little worried when the Pan-Fried Norwegian Salmon Filet, Porcini, Roasted Potato Salad (180 RMB) arrived because the fish looked quite dry. Upon slicing it open, however, I realized I had nothing to worry about – the filet was tender, succulent, and seasoned just right.
Our sweet course started dramatically with Baked Alaska, Berry Compote (95 RMB), a classic dessert made of ice cream lined with slices of sponge cake and topped with meringue. The whole thing was set on fire at the table, then dressed with berry compote – very theatrical, and very tasty. The portion is huge so I’d recommend sharing this among two people.
Another all-time favorite – Crepe Suzette, French Vanilla Ice Cream, Citrus Salad (95 RMB).
For something light, try the Sherbets – Mandarin, Lemon-Campari, Peach Bellini (80 RMB), served with crispy almond cookies.
After dinner, we went up to the 33rd floor for the open rooftop at VUE Bar. In addition to the stunning view (again), VUE features an open-air jacuzzi, daybeds, and a selection of signature cocktails and the likes – perfect for lounging around in the afternoon or after dark. The only downside is that the terrace is so popular that it’s almost always packed.
Vue – Vodka, Triple Sec, Mango Puree, Lime Juice (80 RMB).
Lycheeni – Vodka, Lychee Liqueur, Lychee Puree, Lemon Juice (80 RMB).
Or, try one of their specialty shots: Crouching Tiger – Tequila, Lychee Liquere; Orgasm – Amaretto, Bailey’s, Kahlua; Zipper – Tequila, Triple Sec, Bailey’s (60 RMB each).
Voilà voilà.
so yummy ~~