The Bund, the beautiful...and the Oriental Pearl

Lining the majestic Huangpu River, the life-blood of Shanghai, and the demarkation point between Puxi and Pudong, the Bund signifies everything that the Puxi side is...brash, bold and beautiful.  Known in Shanghai first as the English settlement and then later as the "International settlement" (how thoroughly cosmopolitan), the Bund became the major financial hub of East Asia at the end of 19th century and beginning of 20th century, reaching its glamourous best in the 30's and 40's.    Much of that Shanghai has disappeared but on the Bund today, you can still enjoy a taste of that elegance, albeit newly reinvented, and partake in world class food, drink and, I must say, company, in authentically  swish deco surrounds.  In fact, I was most fortunate to enjoy the wonderful hospitality of one such culinary establishment, M on Bund, and experience wonderful victuals and the wonderful views across the river to that amazing structure that is the Oriental Pearl.   How could I top an experience such as that... by settling in at a similarly swish cocktail bar of course, right in the middle of Shanghai's Dolce et Gabanna store, a mere hop, step and stagger away on the Bund.  I can't think of a more perfect place to enjoy a jaw-dropping Nicolas Feuillatte Cuvée Palmes d'Or 1996 champagne.  As I have said before...anything is possible in Shanghai.

Oysters for all in Whitstable...shucks!

The amazingly diverse county that is Kent! Castles, cliffs, Canterbury...and Whitstable. A charming seaside community of some beauty.  Quaint...yes...boring never. One only needs to wander down the shingles and over the groynes  to the Old Neptune or "Old Neppy" to those in the know, to partake in a pint or four and a rousing knees-up to one of the many bands that get the place jumping.  A fabulously mad construction, it stands out on the shore, weathering all attempts of storms to blow it down, a beacon to the libation of Neptune himself.  Its proximity to the village centre makes it a great place to whet the whistle before a short stroll to the many renowned seafood restaurants along the harbour.  You simply can't beat the voluptuous and milky oysters that Whitstable is so well known for.  Many partake of these pearly wonders with a sparkling, fruity Champagne but, I prefer an ice cold shot of Vodka for this pleasure... the exciting Jewel of Russia Classic turned out to be the perfect choice; clean, smooth and delicious...and so versatile. One can also enjoy it with caviar!