By Aubrey Buckingham (Shanghai Daily)
Updated: 2007-07-30 09:59

 

Le Bistro has been a hot destination for diners since the 770-room hotel opened its doors last year. The convenient location just off the People's Square and the bountiful treats on offer have lured guests from all over the city. The special crab night is a dream come true for lovers of the sideways-walking seafood.

 

The ice buffet of blue, green, river, red flower and snow species is the perfect place to start. The quality of the crab, all brought in live from Alaska, Australia, Taiwan, Shenzhen and various locations within Zhejiang Province, stands out this way, free of sauce to distract the palate.

 

Diners can also enjoy an excellent tom yang goong, which is a Thai seafood soup. Hotel dinners have to be all things to all people, so the soup is not as spicy as desired, but it definitely has a sour kick to it.

 

The butter poached crab legs are also heartily recommended, although having a cracker placed on the table could be a handy addition. However, this is no problem prizing the meat from the black pepper red flower crab, the fiery sauce a delightful contrast to the sweet meat.

 

Southeast Asians particularly enjoy seafood, and great species can be found down there. The buffet provides a taste of their native style, serving Malay curry sea crab and fried green shell crab with tangy sambal chili.

 

Chinese cooking is not overlooked either, with steamed crab meatballs with cuttlefish, stewed tofu with crab meat and stir fried crab stick with asparagus.

 

The more adventurous can try a deliciously creamy crab au gratin, while those still hungry after this feast can enjoy a crab meat penne in tomato sauce.

 

The property's pastry chef is particularly skilled with his puddings, and his tiramisu just flies off the shelf. The buffet costs 218 yuan (US$29) plus a 15 percent tax, and includes a free flow of soft drinks, coffee and tea. Diners spending 300 yuan can park for free for two hours.

 

Le Bistro
Address: 789 Nanjing Rd
Tel: 3318-9999 ext 7008

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