Thursday, April 12, 2012

WALDORF ASTORIA SHANGHAI; THE WORLD'S YOUR OYSTER

KEE@FSWMAG.COM

THE BEST HOTEL IN SHANGHAI AND POSSIBLY THE BEST IN ALL CHINA (WHICH IS SAYING SOMETHING) HAS NOW ADDED AN OYSTER BAR TO ITS CELEBRATED LONG BAR, ONCE THE WORLD'S LONGEST BAR AT 34 FEET. BACK IN THE OLD DAYS OF 1930S WHEN YOU COULD TELL THE PECKING ORDER BY THE POSITION WHERE THE MEN STOOD/SAT AT THE BAR! THOSE AT THE TOP END WERE FROM THE UPPER ECHELONS WHILE THOSE AT THE FURTHEST END WERE GRATEFUL THEY WERE ALLOWED TO BE THERE AT ALL!

REMEMBER THERE WAS EVEN A PARK WITH THE INFAMOUS SIGNBOARD 'DOGS AND CHINESE NOT ALLOWED'! MIND YOU, DOGS CAME AHEAD OF THE CHINESE! OH WELL, THE GOOD OLD POLITICALLY INCORRECT DAYS COULD BE SO AMUSING!

Today, all you need is money! All doors open before you by white gloved porters, bellboys and doormen as long as you wave wads of renmimbi.

Long Bar 1-1.jpg
The Long Bar, once the social hub of 1930s Shanghai and now 2012!
Oyster Bar 6 (2).jpg
Fresh oysters on ice
Oyster 2 (2)-1.jpg
Freshly shucked oysters
Oysters (2).JPG
Wine pairings make the experience more delightful
Oysters (2).JPG
Oysters from Sydney



A BAR WITHIN A BAR – THE LONG BAR’S MARBLE OYSTER BAR PRESENTS DELUXE OYSTER VARIETIES AND SOMMELIER SPIRIT PAIRINGS

A Shanghai social institution since 1911, The Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund encapsulates the spirit of Shanghai’s art deco heyday. The exquisite lounge features a precise replica of the famous 34-metre bar counter, once the longest in Asia. It also restores another icon of the original Long Bar – its marble Oyster Bar. Presented on ice, the Oyster Bar offers a variety of freshly shucked oysters from around the world – the perfect accompaniment to fine wines and spirits.

The Long Bar’s premium oysters are flown in from around the world, ensuring the ultimate freshness. Among the varieties on offer, selected according to the season, are Fine de Claire and Gillardeau oysters from the prime oyster-growing region of Marennes-Oleron on the western coast of France. Upon maturity, these deluxe oysters are refined in open-air salt-water basins, which give them their purity, plumpness and delicate taste. During select seasons, the Oyster Bar imports special Pink Gillardeau oysters – only seven dozen of these premium oysters are available per month during their prime season.

Australian oysters include the large Pacific oysters from the pristine, cold waters of Tasmania and the smaller, creamy Sydney Rock oysters. There is also a variety of succulent Canadian oysters from Fanny Bay and Effingham Bay, plus the smooth and fruity West Coast Kumamoto oysters.

To enhance the connoisseur experience, The Long Bar’s Whisky Sommelier Stephen Notman has developed unique pairings of fine whiskies matched with different oyster varieties. UK-born Notman is considered one of Mainland China's leading independent voices on whisky. Notman and Long Bar Manager Christoffer Backman have curated a prestigious collection of revered whiskies, cognacs, rums, brandies and Champagnes, which has seen the Long Bar join an elite group of ‘Fine & Rare Spirits Collection’ global destination bars.

“Texture and balance are two things connoisseurs look for in a whisky. Oysters match these qualities beautifully. The oysters’ creamy, light-brine notes can complement certain whiskies in amazing ways,” says Stephen Notman, Whisky Sommelier at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.

One such whisky and oyster combination is the Talisker 10 (Islay) paired with Fine de Clare. The Talisker’s renowned sea salt and peat overtones match well with the indulgently fleshy Fine de Clare oysters, balanced with a dash of lemon and red wine vinegar.

The Long Bar’s experienced bartenders can also suggest other memorable pairings based on each guest’s preference from the cocktail, Champagne and fine wine menus. In each case, the drink should be sipped first before the oyster is consumed to get the full effect of the pairing.

About The Long Bar

The Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund was recently named in a select group of global Fine & Rare Spirits destination bars on account of its premium collection of wines and spirits, plus dedicated Wine and Whisky Sommeliers. Nightly live Jazz entertainment creates an inviting evening ambience for connoisseur drinking, business entertainment and chilled party gatherings accompanied by an array of fine wines, spirits, malt whiskies and Cuban cigars.

- ### -

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf,

each hotel & resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 92 years, Hilton

Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,700 hotels and 600,000 rooms in 82countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, please visit www.hiltonworldwide.com.

No comments:

Post a Comment