(That's Shanghai)
Updated: 2007-04-20 09:55

If you're in search of a calming, cultured and classy Cantonese dining experience, Ai Mei provides it all.

Entering through the purple-tinted aquarium is a visual delight and sets a tone that is simultaneously elegant and playful. Our sense of culinary adventure was piqued first by the roasted crispy pork belly (RMB 58), though to our dismay, it was overly fatty. Meanwhile, the wok-fried kale with salty fish (RMB 60) lacked a necessary crispiness. However, the chef's recommendation, sauteed fillet of ostrich with preserved vegetables (RMB 78), was perfectly seasoned and tender, with a velvety texture.

While the dishes did not completely satiate our Cantonese cravings, the ambiance itself satisfied our '3 C's' and made for a pleasant evening.

Ai Mei 
Location: Le Royal Meridien Hotel, 8/F, 789 Nanjing Xi Lu
Tel: 021-33189999 ext 7700
Cost for two (excluding drinks): RMB 289. All cards.
Open: Daily 11:30am-2:30pm; 5:30-10pm.