Hasta La Vista, Baby

by Stephanie Sherrill
on Friday, March 12, 2010

My days of "enjoying Shanghai" are quickly evaporating. Before relinquishing this column to the next foodie willing to indulge to the max in food and wine, I must pass along two important numbers: "Mean John" at Eternity Fitness' Bootcamp (6215-1519) and Synapse Pilates studio (5876-3307). Both have helped me maintain my "enjoyable" lifestyle without packing on the pounds.

Instead of leaving you with a list of top restaurants, I have compiled an assortment of favorite dishes. These memorable meals will keep me reminiscing long after I've departed Shanghai.

Although not on the regular menu, the foie gras-ccino whipped up by Chef Albert at La Verbena is perhaps the best dish ever. Served in a clear espresso cup, the light foie gras froth mixes with the rich beef consommé as you imbibe it, creating a savory hot drink.

While I generally limit unnecessary carbohydrates, David Laris has taken my love of the potato to an incredible high. At Laris, he has transformed this ordinary starchy tuber and elevated it to the level of pure idolization, topping thick potato foam with foie gras, pancetta and truffle oil.

Dining at Sushi Oyama is to experience a delicate slice of Japan in Shanghai. The quaint dining room, highest-quality fish and great sake create an intimate environment perfect for relishing the chef's masterfully prepared sushi.
Downstairs at El Willy, I'll sink my teeth into anything prepared with beef cheek (the menu changes seasonally). It's guaranteed to be an orgasmic experience.

Because I'm American, and sometimes crave real red meat, the tender butler bone-in filet at Roosevelt's always fulfills my carnivorous cravings beyond capacity - it's a whopping 16 ounces. But to be honest, it's really the truffle mac and cheese side dish that I look forward to the most. Taking this perennial comfort food and dousing it with a luxury addition is purely sinful.

When I'm feeling not quite as highbrow, the juicy cheeseburger sliders at Boxing Cat Brewery or the smoked chicken wings at Bubba's are just right for a binge banquet. Another simple pleasure I'll long for are the spicy Soong prawns at Fountain Bistro's Executive Floor. Enjoyed along with a pint of beer, these crunchy crustaceans are addictively delicious.

Ultimately though, it's the guy on the street corner selling jian bings every morning that this foodie will miss the most.