Xintiandi Ark Live House

Ark at Xintiandi is currently offering customers the chance to dine with fans of famous Japanese band L'Arc-en-Ciel.

In the lead-up to L'Arc-en-Ciel's concert in Shanghai on April 19 at Pudong's Yuanshen Stadium, Ark has come up with a "L'Arcafe" concept. L'Arc-en-Ciel's past albums and pictures are on display in Ark as well as some costumes worn by band members in past performances.

L'Arcafe is an event by itself and will occur three times from April 18 to 20 between 11am and 2pm. Tickets to L'Arcafe cost 100 yuan each which entitles customers to entry, a drink and a set meal.

There are four different set meals from which to choose, mainly Western food, and they are named in honor of the different members of L'Arc-en-Ciel. The choice of food in each set meal reflects what each band member likes to eat.

"Some people who return to L'Arcafe more than once will probably order different set meals to try the different kinds of food. But there are some who are fans of a particular band member who will order that specific set meal each time they come," says manager Sun Yuqiang.

While the food is served at L'Arcafe, music videos and exclusive behind-the-scene clips of L'Arc-en-Ciel will be shown. With a maximum 200 customers being allowed into L'Arcafe each time, those who plan to visit should book in advance.

"L'Arcafe has been quite well received with an average of 90 people each time, the past three times it has been held," Sun says.

Address: House 15, Lane 181 Taicang Lu, North Block Xintiandi.

Tel: 6326 8008

Opening hours: 5.30pm-1am

La Aroma de Vida

Home is where the heart is and this restaurant tries very hard to capture your heart with the feeling of home.

Meaning "scent of life" in Spanish, La Aroma de Vida is centered entirely around the concept of a cozy house with home-cooked dishes.

The owner of La Aroma de Vida, Rachel Huo, started collecting furniture, light fittings and a multitude of knick-knacks, as a passion 10 years ago. She is now a professional interior designer and consultant and all the items in La Aroma de Vida are part of her personal collection. Interestingly, all items are also for sale.

La Aroma de Vida serves mainly Chinese food with a selection of other Western choices including sandwiches and desserts. It has a wide selection of alcoholic beverages including beer and cocktails.

Also on the menu is an unusual entry titled "Make your favorite fried rice," whereby you get to choose the ingredients you want in your meal. These dishes start from 20 yuan or 40 yuan depending on the size of the portion and the ingredients.

Besides having new dishes introduced to the menu every month, there is also a special 28 yuan lunch set which includes soup, a cold dish, two main dishes and rice or congee. The eatery is most crowded at lunch when the work crowd flocks in.

Address: 45-47 Anfu Road, near Changshu Road 

Tel: 021-5403-5266

Opening hours: 9am-11:30pm