Just by the looming Oriental Pearl TV Tower behemoth is a newly-installed
park complete with artificial waterways and resident geese. If this sounds
cheesy, rest assured, it's not.
To complete the other-worldliness of this verdant garden, a few classical
European-style villas are being built within the compound. One already-
completed building houses the perfect representation of this safe haven within
the business district. The Golden Atrium Garden Restaurant is quite unlike
anything one has come to expect from the city's freshly-flush property
developers. The villa is tasteful, inviting and homely - a far cry from some
of the hideous monstrosities that have spawned from the ground below in recent
times.
In fact, the building looks like it belongs in a painting, a fact not lost
on the establishment's proprietors. "We were looking to find a special
peaceful place in Pudong," said Phylia Wang, co-founder of Golden Atrium.
"This place, with the Pearl Tower in the background, is quite unique."
The restaurant owners were interested in a few key factors. Firstly, the
surroundings had to be pleasant. That they certainly are. Despite the premises
being located deep within the park, prominent signs on the main road point
diners in the right direction.
Secondly, the interior had to be done to their satisfaction. "We didn't
want it to look like it was done for the nouveau riche," the Chinese Taiwan
resident said. "That meant no gaudy ornaments or glaring chandeliers."
The restaurant is wonderfully understated. The interior, which received
the bulk of the US$1 million investment, would not disagree with minor
European aristocracy. Simple, elegant furniture and quality finishing prove
this to be money well spent, and not squandered on ostentatious ornamentation.
The art theme, which is the third leg of the owners' strategy, is central
to the overall strategy. Wang, who is in the IT business, is also a massive
art buff. Her refined manner of dress reveals her gentile manner; she is
clearly a lady of exquisite taste. As such, her selection of the art work that
hangs in the 140-seater continues her theme of simplicity wonderfully.
The top floor of the three-story building is a dedicated event space, with
works on display by one-man-shows that rotate every few months. Until December
16, local artist Xu Wenhua's piece de resistance can be appreciated. The floor
can hold about 90 people, and is perfect for basic events, business
conferences or for wine tastings.
All this is jolly and good, but the basis of any restaurant is its food.
Here, the Chinese Taiwanese chef delivers fare that is as grand as the
building itself.