"We have a problem in that people usually think of us as just a Vietnamese restaurant," said FCC Manager Jerome Le Carrou. "Most people have heard of Club Vietnam but not the Terrace. We were originally going in a single direction, but then we met chef Alexandre (Moilina) and decided that in addition to Club Vietnam on the third and fourth floors, the first two levels, The Terrace, would serve Mediterranean French food."

It would be a shame if diners were to miss the lower-floor offerings. Much has already been said about the contemporary white post-modern design; the French terrace house built in the 1930s overlooking a park was already a magnificent structure. The work done by Italian design firm Kokaistudios, however, demonstrated how an old space can be given a refreshing makeover.

The firm had previously been awarded UNESCO's Award of Distinction for its work on the historical Bund 18 building and the firm has kept up its top standard with FCC.

The building's second-story terrace is an uncluttered, relaxing area that should prove quite handy in the warmer months, while the open space of the ground floor dining area makes for a clear flow of energy and great natural lighting during the day. The color scheme also makes the place appear lively.

The decor adds a soothing touch to the ambiance. While a number of quality restaurants around town have such a foreboding atmosphere that each visit feels like a trip to the dentist, The Terrace, in contrast, is a reasonably-priced venue that is ideal just to chill out.

The lunch menu is attractively priced. The chef from Nice can whip up a simple chicken Caesar salad for just 55 yuan (US$7.10). The FCC Signature burger is worth a go at 68 yuan, offering 200 grams of ground beef on a bed of fresh lettuce, pickles, tomato and onion and covered in a tangy Mediterranean-style tomato paste. The bun is a delight, with tasty sesame seeds and enough vigor to hold the package together.

FCC are leaving nothing to chance with its breads and pastries. Besides baking in house, it also operates a patisserie supplied by Eric Perez's Visage. Some breads are also from the city's other well-known bakery, the House of Flour.

Another lunch dish worth sampling is the risotto primavera (68 yuan). This "spring-style" dish has just the right amount of cheese to give a creamy texture to the rice and asparagus. Risotto is a great dish in this rice-centric nation; why do most restaurants limit their version to a vegetarian dish?

The upstairs area is just as appealing visually. Housing the H2O bar and serving Vietnamese cuisine (complete with Vietnamese chef), the two floors are decorated in French Indochine-fashion - an essentially timeless look.

The Vietnamese fare should please those who lament the demise of previous occupants Cochinchina, while the 35 brands of bottled water is a first locally, picking up on a concept that is popular in Paris, London and New York, among other cities.

Diners can expect to pay 350 to 400 yuan for dinner at The Terrace, and 250 to 300 yuan upstairs in Club Vietnam. Each outlets can seat about 120, with two VIP rooms on the top floor and a central garden in the middle of the ground floor.

Foreign Culture Club
Address: Building 11-12, 889 Julu Road
Tel: 021-64458082