Let's see:
Pros:Spectacular view. Nice outdoor terrace when the weather's good. Service was alright, the first time around.

Experience:
The first time I tried M...I was disgusted. The food was terrible, felt like it was prepared two hours ago and left sitting under the heat lamp. Pork was dry, steak was rubbery. I couldn't believe I was putting "fine dining" quality food in my mouth it seriously tasted like _____.

I understand it's hard to train Chinese staff, especially in the kitchen, they just cut corners and "forget" what the chef teaches them. Yes, I know about this work attitude and sometimes it can't be helped. ESP since the chef wasn't in town, ok. Legit. I get it.

Thankfully the dinner wasn't completely ruined. It was saved by the manager with pavlov. Amazing stuff, you brilliant Australians. Thank you manager for offering that comped.

Second time around.

Someone mentioned that M offered afternoon tea. I've been trying to find afternoon tea that could match Smith and Hsu in Taiwan or the Scarlet Tea Room in LA, I still haven't found a nice cozy spot with decent scones and teas.

The high tea set was mediocre at best, the only thing I liked was lemon meringue tart, the scones were cold and rubbery, and the tea. My god. The tea.

Chat chat chat. Time to go to dinner. Check please.

Me and Server
Why am I paying for 3 pots of tea when you gave me two pots? Ok free refills. That's nice. Still why did you give me 2 pots of tea and you're telling me I have to pay for three. It's your policy? Your policy doesn't make sense at all. You agree with me but there's nothing you can do. I want to speak to your manager.

Me and Manager
So because my companions ordered the same tea, Chamomile, someone decided we only needed one pot. I ordered three pots of tea, so I should have three pots right? That's besides the point? EVERYONE of your PAST CUSTOMER knows your policy? So you're saying that because it's free refills...it's not about the pots? So if i wanted to get a refill on that pot you would've given me a new tea bag too? Yea...see you're not making sense. So it's the server who took our order's fault? She didn't explain things? All of your customers know your policy. Ok...what about new customers like me? It's on the menu? Clearly it was on the menu, because I didn't see it in Chinese OR English. Blah blah blah...thank you for comping one tea.

It always confused me when after I express myself to the server, the manager comes to argue with me. I'm very effing sorry, I was in the service industry before and yes, "customers are always right" even if they're wrong. When I have to speak to the manager, it should be " I'm sorry you were not satisfied with the service, I'll take care of this." I'm not trying to weasel my way out of paying USD 5 dollars for a pot of tea, for essentially a crappy tea bag. But if you don't give me 3 pots when I ordered 3 pots, then I'm only paying for the two pots I got.

It's not hard to just say oh, I'm sorry, let me take care of that for you.

Yes, I shouldn't expect much, but you are suppose to be fine dining. I expect a little more. JUST A LITTLE MORE.

Another perfect night at M’s. To cool for the terrace unfortunately as this really is the best view of the Bund, while still feeling the Bund atmosphere.

Staff were warm, smiling, reservation confirmed and table waiting. A suggested aperitif on the terrace was a great idea to start the evening. Dinner menu had some new dishes, the Fish Soup was creamier than expected but hot and tasty, Fois Gras terrene very good. Three of us had the Duck, sliced breast and a leg which might have been confit – great. Took the dessert medley, had a bit of everything and oh so good, this is meant for two people but was enough for four of us. We all agreed that M’s food is good quality that leaves you feeling satisfied.

Wine prices not bad for Shanghai, chose a good white burgundy for RMB 358 and Chilean Red for about RMB 450. Iced water poured without question, I like restaurants where you’re not gouged by bottled water at silly prices.

Service throughout was attentive, gracious and welcoming.

Best in Shanghai. Food quality and quantity is up, consistency is great, the lamb is tasty... nice terrace, good views. You pay a lot, but for what you get it's reasonable.

An Ode to M

Every guidebook knows your name
Every city hears of your fame
But I don't quite understand
How the waiters, they stay sane
In this cacaphonic room
Where you must shout like a loon
To make them comprehend
Your brilliant table tune...
The food is quite so sooo
For that price you should orgasm too
But that view is quite sublime
And my date, we made out in the loo...

M is a great place but I don't think the food warrants the prices. I'll take my parents there, but not my friends.