/ Reviews / Fusion
The ‘Executive Floor’
by Juliann Kirkland
on Friday, August 07, 2009 12:00 AM
A lot of changes have been taking place at Fountain Bistro in Xintiandi over recent months, starting with the introduction of a new European-based menu and now the re-launch of its second level as an ‘Executive Floor'. Elevated from the bustle of the Xintiandi courtyard, the relaxed space caters to discerning executives and wine enthusiasts as a place to gather for power meetings or after-work drinks.
While first-floor fare and drinks are available on the second floor, the reverse is not true. So if you wish to enjoy the new Spanish tapas menu or ‘Aperitivo Time' specials, you'll have to climb the stairs.
It's well worth doing so during ‘Aperitivo Time' from 5-7pm on weekdays, with a buffet spread of complimentary finger foods available when you purchase a Fountain Bistro specialty cocktail or bottle of wine. For recession-ista drinking in Xintiandi, you can't go past Fountain's current deal on bottles, whereby guests can choose from a selection of nine wines, ranging in price from RMB150-288, and receive a complimentary bottle of the same wine. If you are unable to finish all bottles purchased on that occasion, they'll store the remainder at Fountain Bistro and you can come back to polish it off any time throughout the following week.
The Executive Floor has also recently unveiled extensive tapas and cocktail lists. The cocktails created by Zac Mirza, award-winning bar maestro and director of Bartistry, are excellent - especially the Fountain Blue (RMB60), a blue vodka based martini; the Shanghai Eclipse 2009 (RMB60), a chocolate/coffee martini; and the Black Forest Mojito (RMB60), made-up of cherry vodka and chocolate bits. These pair nicely with the tapas selection, which includes Porcini and Pumpkin Arancini (RMB75), a flavorful rice ball stuffed with mushrooms and pumpkin then lightly fried; the Fountain Bistro's signature homemade Walnut Crisps (RMB40); and the Spicy ‘Soong' Prawns (RMB75), named after Chef Soong and coated in a trio of spices.
The Bottom Line: Fountain Bistro's redesigned ‘Executive Floor' provides discerning customers with tasty tapas, creative cocktails and well-priced wines in addition to the usual first-floor fare.
