The Peninsula shanghai
SHANGHAI

No 32 The Bund, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road
+86 21 2327 2888

The approaching World expo will boost a number of new hotels in shanghai – with the Peninsula being a recent one that marks the return of classic luxury from the olden days. Built in the style of 1920s and ’30s art deco and enjoying stunning views of The Bund, The Peninsula shanghai has 235 rooms including 44 suites. There is an elevator large enough to deliver a limousine to the ballroom and a custom-made 1930s schindler cage, making the hotel something really special. not to be missed are traditional afternoon tea in the lobby lounge and tea dances once a month.

ASIAN PALATE
ASIA

Price: US$98
Asset Publishing and Research Limited

Wine lovers should not miss asia’s first Wine master Jeannie cho lee’s Asian Palate, a 220-page hardback coffee table book introducing the prominent role of wine in the dining scene across 10 major asian cities. The book summarises typical dishes with recommended wines to pair with them, as well as giving suggestions on the best wines to accompany different types of meals and banquets, both formal and informal.

mandarin orienTal
BANGKOK

48 Oriental Avenue
+66 2 659 9000
www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok

Ayurvedic is a system of traditional medicine native to india, with the use of herbs, massage and yoga as exercise or alternative medicine. mandarin oriental Bangkok is now offering a life Balance ayurvedic twoday package (room rates from us$1,259 per night) until 31 march 2010, which includes an array of spa treatments that will bring harmony to both body and mind in the hotel’s authentic ayurvedic Penthouse.

Manila
WEEKENDER
馬尼拉的周末

By Mariano Garchitorena
Director of Public Relations, The Peninsula Manila

At the end of a busy Friday, I loosen my tie and go for a cold San Miguel Light at The Bar of The Peninsula Manila (1226 Makati City, +632 887 2888 ext 6740) before heading for dinner with friends. We usually end up at La Regalade (820 Arnaiz Avenue, +632 750 2104) for its uncomplicated French brasserie food. On Saturday mornings, I check out Salcedo Village Weekend Community Market (along Paseo de Roxas) for its organic and regional food that you can’t get anywhere else. Next I head to Emerald Garden (1170 Roxas Boulevard, +632 523 8510) for a late dim sum lunch. In the evening, after a relaxing dinner at home, we may check out Saguijo Café + Bar (7612 Guijo Street, San Antonio Village, +632 897 8629), where unsigned bands and indie groups perform. On Sunday morning after church, I drive out to Antipolo to check out what potter Lanelle Abueva has cooked at her restaurant Crescent Moon (Sapang Buho, Ascension Road, +632 630 5854) and pick up a few hand-turned bowls at her studio before making a detour to Pinto Gallery (1 Sierra Madre Street) to say hello to top Philippine neurologist and gallery owner Dr Joven Cuanang and for a look at his latest painting and sculpture.

chengdu
AFTERHOuRS

By Ren Wei
Advertising Sales, E & C Communications

Situated inside a private courtyard, the family-run Old Courtyard Restaurant (31 South Sect 1, 1st Ring Rd, +86 28 8545 8844) is the place to go for home-made Sichuan food. Cold beer and friendly service make this place exceptional value-for-money. If you never had high hopes of finding true Italian food in Chengdu, head to Peterpan Italian Restaurant (8 West Xiaotian St, +86 028 8557 7058) and surprise yourselves with their ‘Al Dente’ pasta prepared by Italian chef Claudio Bonfatti.

Wine lovers should be pleased with the wide selection of red and white in Paramount Wine Shop and Bar (20-5 East Tongzilin Rd). However, any bottle under RMB50 is not recommended. The hip Panda Bar (143 North Kehua Rd, +86 028 8638 4685) is where people go when they feel like dressing up; there is a dance floor with good house music and beers and cocktails run from RMB20.

The famous SOS Club (5/F, Bailian Tianfu, 9 Middle Kehua Rd, +86 028 8528 7766) playing decent electronic and sometimes hip-hop, is the best place to experience the Chinese nightclub scene without too much culture shock. If you prefer live music, check out the live rock music evenings at the funky Cotton Club (22 Fengde International Plaza, 6 Hangkong Rd, +86 028 8521 2115).