Shanghai Valentine's Day oyster round up
Oysters have long been regarded as possessing aphrodisiac powers.
Whether or not testosterone and hormone levels are actually increased with each bite of the crustacean is still up for debate, but what we all can agree on is that they are delicious.
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We’ve found the best five places in Shanghai for you to enjoy this romantic shellfish with whomever you choose to spend February 14 with. Here’s our roundup:
The sounds of Barry White, and the tastes of Marc Johnson
What you’re eating: Oysters Fines de Claires from Brittany, France
“Oysters are regularly on the menu at Fulton Place,” says owner Nat Alexander, but for Valentine’s Day, he tells us that chef Mark Johnson will be preparing them with “shellfish espuma, caviar and fennel” to make them extra special.
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The restaurant’s “Smoove Lovin’ Valentine’s” meal will feature other delicacies like sauternes-poached foie gras with green apple and tapioca and scallop crudo with black truffle. The price for the five-course meal is set at RMB 1,088 per couple.
Make it even better: Because Fulton Place is set within one of the newest and coolest developments, explore Surpass Court with a pre-dinner drink at one of the city's newest lounges -- Brownstone, Lola or the Roof.
Fulton Place, 1/F, 570 Yongjia Lu, near Yueyang Lu 永嘉路570号1楼, 近岳阳路, +86 21 3461 1775
Neck a few oysters, then get a room
What you’re eating: Oysters from Washington State
Priced at RMB 1,299 per person, Pelham’s is offering a romantic seven-course meal on Valentine’s Day. Beginning with the heat-inducing Washington State Oysters with kataiki crust, the menu of foie gras, loin of Australian lamb, and different varieties of chocolate are sure to delight the tongue and, if you're lucky, get your guests in the mood.
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Make it even better: To kick this Valentine’s Day dinner up a gear, either bring your Valentine to the Long Bar to enjoy their myriad of oyster types from the United States, France or Japan before the meal, or once in the mood, heed the advice of the hotel’s manager, and “check into a Deluxe River room for just RMB 2,800 -- a special rate that is available until March 31, 2011.”
Waldorf Astoria, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu 中山东一路2号, 近广东路, +86 21 6322 9988
Take in a jaw-dropping views, then shuck some mouth-watering oysters
What you’re eating: U.S. oysters
Priced at RMB 800 per person, the Park Hyatt is an incredible place to bring someone for Valentine’s Day. While dining on oysters, truffles, fresh seafood and organic vegetables, you’ll also be able to take in one of the most romantic views of Shanghai’s historic Bund across the Huangpu.
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Sharon Shi of the Park Hyatt Shanghai says that the hotel has thought of everything -- including flowers for your date. In addition to doing dinner, "We are also giving guests a welcome glass of Champagne and bouquet of flowers on arrival,” says Shi.
Make it even better: Since you’ll already be at the Shanghai World Financial Center, dare to cross the tower’s glass Observatory Bridge on the 97th floor. If the oysters don’t get your heart pumping, the jaw dropping view sure will.
Park Hyatt Shanghai, 100 Shiji Dadao 世纪大道100号, +86 21 3855 1428
The early bird gets the deal on Valentine's Day
What you’re eating: Tasmanian oysters with a black truffle gelee
Jean-Georges is already in one of the most romantic and storied buildings in Shanghai, so as usual, they are expecting a large lovebird crowd on the February 14.
Their menu, priced at RMB 998 per couple, features creative twists on typical Valentine’s Day fare -- foie gras brûlé, Maine lobster with a Yuzu vinaigrette, beef tenderloin, and a dessert tasting, along with their oysters.
More on CNNGo: Interview with chef Jean-Georges
What’s even better -- though sanz crustacean -- is that if you dine between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. that night, dinner is only RMB 498.
Forget the worm, the early bird gets a grilled beef tenderloin with crunchy comte beignets and pear-horseradish puree.
Make it even better: After dinner (especially if you’re getting the early bird special), take a romantic stroll along the Bund’s renovated promenade, and buy a kite to fly over the river instead of the usual flowers.
Jean-Georges, 4/F, Three on the Bund, 17 Guangdong Lu near Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu 中山东一路3号4楼, 近广东路, +86 21 6321 7733
Enjoying oysters off the beaten path
What you’re eating: Local oysters
For those not wanting to burst their wallets and instead want to impress their partners with their bargaining skills, head over to the Tongchuan Seafood Market to purchase a few of these local shellfish to enjoy back at home.
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Or, if you bring your newly purchased oysters to any nearby restaurant, they’ll prepare them any way you’d like for a negotiable fee. Oysters can be had for as little as RMB 40 a jin (500g), but prices will vary considerably based on bargaining skills.
Make it even more special: Since the Tongchuan Market is a bit out of the center of Shanghai, make a day of it and explore the pagoda-roofed buildings along the small side streets and spend a few hours at the tranquil Zhenru Temple.
Zhentu Town, Tongchuan Seafood Market, Tongchuan Lu, from Lanxi Lu to Caoyang Lu 铜川路, 近曹杨路口
