Superb modern European cuisine served in the refined elegance and sophistication of an Art Deco styled room
October 11th, 2012
Sir Elly’s Restaurant and Bar occupies a privileged position in the top echelon of fine dining restaurants in Shanghai. Located on the uppermost floor of the luxurious The Peninsula Shanghai hotel, Sir Elly’s combines an elegantly sophisticated dining room, a series of exclusive VIP private dining rooms, and an intimate cocktail bar and lounge – all with fabulous views of the stunning Shanghai skyline. The Modern European cuisine created by Chef David Chauveau is served from both à la carte, and daily Tasting Menus. The creative, French-inspired cuisine is impeccably crafted from some exotic combinations of seasonally fresh produce- presenting dishes layered with colours and textures, and providing exquisite tastes. The restaurant serves lunch on weekdays only, and dinner every evening.
Sir Elly’s Restaurant was named after the original founder of the parent company of The Peninsula Hotels – Sir Elly Kadoorie. The Kadoorie family has had a long history in the Shanghai hospitality industry, operating four famous hotels in the 1920’s to 1940’s, before returning in late 2009 with the opening of the newly constructed The Peninsula Shanghai property. The hotel building was designed to recreate the luxurious glamour of the Art Deco period of Shanghai in the 1920’s and 30’s, when the city enjoyed the international acclaim of being known as “the Paris of the East”. The prominent location at the northern end of The Bund commands the most expansive, unobstructed views across the entire Shanghai skyline and Huangpu River environs- with Sir Elly’s location at the apex of the building providing the most exhilarating panoramic vistas.
The main dining room with high ceilinged, double volume central atrium- flanked by huge vases on black marble tables
The beautifully designed interior of Sir Elly’s expands on the Art Deco theme of The Peninsula Shanghai, with a rendition of the classic elements of Art Deco, overlaid with a sleek, contemporary chic style. Crafted with exquisite attention to detail, the materials utilised include black marble, and red lacquer panelled wall sections that blend harmoniously with the polished dark timbers of the dining tables, and the textured cream coloured wall coatings. A soft neutral palette is featured for the soft furnishings, with visual highlights provided by the art pieces showcased throughout the spaces, and the striking floral arrangements in the main dining room. Table settings of sterling silver cutlery, crisp white linen, and silver candelabra exude refined luxury. And incorporating the backdrop of the stunning views beyond the floor-to-ceiling plate glass makes for an exceptional and memorable dining experience.
In addition to the generously spaced tables of the main dining floor, a series of VIP private dining rooms offer additional privacy and exclusivity.
The entrance to the restaurant- with staircase to Sir Elly’s Terrace in the background
The elegant sophistication of the dining room- polished dark timber dining tables, silver candelabra, and with the floor-to-ceiling windows providing fabulous views.
The centre-piece crystal chandelier asserts an opulent presence to the room. Walls are finished in black marble and red lacquer panels.
A table setting featuring charcoal grey upholstered sofa and chairs, with display of antique Chinese ceramics.
One of the elegant VIP private dining rooms- seating 10 diners
SELECTION OF SIGNATURE DISHES
Chef’s Tasting Menu – 6 Courses
The Tasting Menus present discerning diners with the best way to experience the full repertoire of Chef David Chauveau’s culinary skills. The menus are created daily with selections from the a la carte menu dishes and seasonal specialties. Two Tasting Menus are offered- with a choice of either 5 courses, or 6 courses, plus a complimentary premium tea and coffee service.
The à la carte menu is a concise assemblage of signature dishes- featuring a selection of six appetizers ( including “Organic Beetroot Salad”– Cherry Tomato, Smoked Eggplant Puree, Petite Greens; and “Foie Gras Au Torchon”– Port Jelly, Cherry Coulis, Elderflower Syrup, Rosemary Brioche); and main course selections consist of five dishes from “The Seas, Lakes, and Streams” (“Maine Lobster”– Butter Poached, Toasted Vermicelli, Spiced Bisque; and “Turbot”– Pan Fried, Baby Artichoke, Celeriac Puree, Iberico Ham, Chicken Jus) ; and four from “The Land” ( “Wagyu Beef Tenderloin”– Marrow, Porcini, Gnocchi, Watercress, Bordelaise Sauce; and “Lamb Loin”– Roasted, Chorizo, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Mash Potato, Espelette Jus).
A “Gueridon Service” menu is also offered- with selections such as “Shrenkii Caviar for 2 Persons”; “Whole Roasted Lamb Rack for 2 Persons”– Lamb Shank Ravioli, Wilted Romaine; and “Organic Chicken for 2 Persons”– Ballotine, Risotto, Jus, Arugula.
The Wine List features extensive selections of fine premium quality wines sourced from the leading global wine labels. Wines by the glass are also available, but are not specifically paired with the Tasting Menus.
The Tasting Menus are priced at RMB 680 for the Five Course Menu ; and RMB 780 for the Six Courses selection.
Appetizer- “Cold Crab Raviole”– Marinated Daikon, Pickled Ginger, Watermelon.
Appetizer- “Foie Gras” – Seared, Summer Fruits Salsa, Cinnamon Pain-Perdu, Apricot Xeres Foam.
“The Seas, Lakes, and Streams”- “Black Cod”– Baked, Poutargue Shaving, Confit Potato, Provencal Bouillabaisse.
“The Land”- “Smoked Pigeon Breast”– Cromesquis Leg, Parsnip Puree, Black Garlic, Apple, Seven Spices Sauce.
Dessert- “Chocolate”– 72% Chocolate Sphere, Nutmeg Ice Cream, Chocolate Macaroon.
SIR ELLY’S BAR & COCKTAIL LOUNGE
The intimate Art Deco themed cocktail bar at the river end of the restaurant level
Seating in the cocktail lounge at Sir Elly’s is arranged along the full height plate glass windows and features lounge chairs plushly furnished with vibrant red-orange upholstery and low tables of black marble
The elegant glamour of the lounge settings- large contemporary ceramic vases add decorative highlights
The circular bar on the restaurant level – features stylish combination of black marble and red lacquer
The dramatic staircase leading from the restaurant level to the rooftop Sir Elly’s Terrace– the polished chrome railings and illuminated translucent glass adding a contemporary embellishment to the sophisticated Art Deco interior.
Sir Elly’s Restaurant & Bar- at The Peninsula Shanghai
Address: 13th Floor, The Peninsula Shanghai, No. 32 The Bund, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Shanghai. 200002. China
Metro: Line 2- East Nanjing Rd
Reservations: +86. 21. 2327 6756
Website: www.peninsula.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ThePeninsulaHotels
Opening Hours:
Lunch: Monday to Sunday 12:00 pm~ 2.30 pm
Dinner: Sunday to Thursday 6:00 pm ~10:30 pm; Friday and Saturday 6:00 pm ~ 11:00 pm
Dress code: Smart casual
See also our review article on Sir Elly’s Terrace- the spectacular rooftop bar
