Epicurian escape
6/1/2006 9:13
Shanghai Daily news After New Year's Eve, many people
might be a little over the pubs and clubs scene. Given the obligatory couple of
days "de-tox" and then a severe reluctance on many people's part to venture out
for a night on the sauce, there seems to be a need for a venue that is a little
more toned down and if possible, something that doesn't bring back too many
memories of recent big nights out.
For those that find themselves in this
position, there is a new wine bar/gourmet food outlet at No. 98 Xinle Road that
may be tailored to your recent needs.
Epicvre opened one and a half months
ago and is slowly but surely finding its feet.
One thing that has to be said
for Epicvre is that it is classically French and this translates into some very
impressive wines. While Epicvre is not styled like a bar, it doesn't make you
feel as if you are having a glass of wine in a deli either.
There is a huge
selection of French wine available at the back of the small "wine bar" and there
is seating for around 14 people.
"We didn't want this to be somewhere people
come in, buy a bottle of wine or some cheese and just leave," said Epicvre's
Managing Director Eric Mommessin.
Mommessin of Marseilles has made a name for
himself in Shanghai through his work at Ashanti Dome and Planet Shanghai.
Now
Mommessin's plans for Epicvre are turning it more towards a "buy and try" wine
outlet - there are roughly 200 varieties of French wine at Epicvre that range
from 98 yuan (US$12.10) to 17,000 yuan. Patrons can buy a bottle and drink it in
the wine bar for no extra charge. This is handy because Epicvre serves a gourmet
cheese plate that comes with Epicvre's own sliced baguette for 88 yuan. And of
course, all the cheeses are French.
Epicvre also serves red or white wine by
the glass along with 1664 beer and espresso.
All in all, Epicvre is not a
real option when considering a bar.
However, if it is a quick and classy
glass of French wine with some gourmet cheese that you are looking for, Epicvre
is perfect.
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