Pudong Al-fresco

1 Photo

by Raphael Seghin
on Friday, September 16, 2011 12:00 AM

Across from the Science and Technology museum, a short distance from century park, runs a small canal that might or might not be part of the Huangpu. Surrounded on both sides by parks, trees and greenery, this area seems a breath of fresh air when compared with the usual Shanghai neighborhood. JinYan road, running parallel to the waterway, is a quiet little street lined with restaurants, all in the same architectural style. These modern-styled structures, with a seemingly suspended second floor, appear to glide over the water. For an architectural firm, this seemed like the perfect location to set up shop. The developer, however, only wanted restaurants on his waterfront.

CKC stands for two different things, depending on who you ask. Clear Kon Classic architecture, a small independent firm, is located on the second floor. To get around the developers' request, they turned to Rebecca, who, as well as managing the architectural company, also used to own a bistro in Paris. The result was the creation of CKC French bistro, occupying the ground floor and a vast patio surrounding the building. Opened since April, the restaurant's style bears CKC's clear influence. Wood dominates, along with a distinct European feel.

So far, the restaurant has relied on the architectural firm's clients, as well as curious neighborhood residents, to provide the clientele. The food itself is your typical selection of Western cuisine, with a distinct French penchant. Amongst the ceasar salads and the pastas, omelets, moule frites, crepes and an option of goose liver dishes dot the menu. As an appetizer, the Escargot Snails baked with Herbs Garlic Butter (RMB48) provided chewy snails, marinating inside their shells. Considering the rarity of the dish here in Shanghai, the snails fared well enough, although not much for presentation. The Pumpkin Soup (RMB28), on the other hand, was a bowl-full of tasty, creamy, orange goodness. For the main course, a Pan-fried Australian Beef Fillet Mignon topped with Goose Liver (RMB158) was served along with baked potatoes and asparagus. While the beef itself was juicy and flavorful, the goose liver had been overcooked, overwhelmed the dish and was unfortunately not of high quality. One would be much happier choosing from their assortments of sweet and salty crepes. A selection of French wines and extensive choices of Belgian beer provide the drinks.

In truth, the bistro's clear appeal is its patio. From a garden area around the restaurant to a stepped terrace leading to the water, the space is wide enough to allow each patron a sense of privacy. The area is quiet and the riverbank is littered with willow trees, its long slender branches dipping down to the water below. Due to its proximity, CKC provides an ideal place for an aperitif on the waterside after a day spent in Century Park or in the adjacent museum.