A Future Perfect
By Caroline Rowe, Dec 2nd, 2005 | In Dining
In their book, A Future Perfect, Micklethwait and Wooldridge (of The Economist, no less) argue that, far from becoming one big shopping mall, the world, as it grows smaller and more connected, is becoming a generally far more pleasant place to live. For every KFC in the Forbidden City or closed trouser factory in Arkansaw on the lips of the news community in the West, there is a Moganshan lu, a set by Deep Dish at Babyface, or a Zhang Ziyi out there. I first remember thinking something along these lines when Arch appeared, way back a few years ago, in the truly international (and truly inspirational) *Wallpaper magazine. Shanghai wasn`t trying to recapture the past; it was looking at creating a better future. Suddenly it all clicked into place. Things have changed in the last couple of years, and now this city is heralded as the most exciting in the world on the cover of Time, has it`s own Vogue, and simply can`t get off the pages of *Wallpaper. The dynamism and energy of a young (or rather, reborn) city is palpable in the air. With so much creative energy flying around, why wouldn`t one of the shareholders of Arch see fit to grace the city with their second location?
The formula is the same as Arch, friendly, relaxed neighbourhood cafe/restaurant/bar/lounge/garden space which thoughtfully serves up simple products made to please. This is a home from home for people who like things done at least as well as they would do them themselves. The flavours on the menu here are as international as the management team with everything from simple salmon steaks to lobster, to hamburgers and a good range of hearty pasta dishes. The drinks are good quality and well made, the wine list is fine, and quite reasonably priced. The design, as you might expect, is quirky and slick, with a mindful attention to detail; funky embedded logos on each custom-made table, the comfiest seats well, anywhere, and slouchy-chic outfits for the friendly and amiable staff.
The best bit has to be the outdoor terrace bar and seating area; homely bakery smells meet Barbarossa`s pimped out garden furniture, gorgeous lighting and an oh-so relaxed vibe. When summer comes this is going to be a little piece of heaven, which just goes to prove that the Future really just might be Perfect.
A Future Perfect - all details here
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