IN early 1980s, people would line up to get a seat in the Red House Restaurant and quite often they would sit on the stairs because they were too tired from waiting too long.

Today amidst the stylish Western restaurants that have mushroomed in the past decade, the Red House looks a little bit forlorn.

Established in 1935 by a Jewish man and a French woman, the restaurant was renowned because it provided a place for foreigners to enjoy genuine Western food and spread the novelty among the local residents.

It's located on L'avenue Joffre, now Huaihai Lu, in the old French Concession, and it was noted for its French dishes. And it was inclined to combine the Western food with some local flavour.

Decorations inside this old restaurant are the same as those popular in the 1930s, especially the tables and chairs.

The menu offers a wide selection of French dishes, such as the French Onion Soup Au Gratin and Chicken Bordelaise Au Grand Marnier. Then, what are the tastes? It's more like Chinese food.

For the Grilled Mustard Pork, the sauces were stewed deep into the meat, just like Chinese pork ribs braised with soybean oil, and it's different from the Western food in that the sauces usually cover the surface while the inside remains tender.

The restaurant uses little cheese in dishes, so that the dishes will not be too creamy to be accepted by Chinese.

The price here is low and it's usually within 100 yuan ($12) for one who takes appetizer, a main course and dessert.

It can't be called a Western food restaurant now, although it has forks and knives. At most, it's the memory of it with Chinese characteristics.

Add: 845 Huaihai Zhonglu

Tel: 6437-4902