SHANGHAIS GLITTERATI CONVERGE FOR 'NOBU CHARITY GALA --- Three on the Bund Culinary Preview at Fund-Raiser

Shanghais social elite will be out in force for a two-day charity event on March 28 and 29 hosted by Three on the Bund, the citys keenly-awaited 'contemporary fine-living concept.

Headlining the event of Shanghais social calendar this year is Nobuyuki 'Nobu Matsuhisa, the worlds most famous Japanese chef - with all proceeds donated to Save the Children.

Nobus new restaurant is slated to be a star attraction of Three on the Bund. But in the meantime he is teasing gourmets and glitterati with a seductive preview of his legendary cuisine. A sumptuous lunch on March 28 at the Portman Ritz Carltons Palladio restaurant, followed by a Gala Dinner on March 29 in the hotels Ballroom will treat serious foodies to a sneak preview of what he has in store for Nobu Shanghai.

Joining him will be Japanese A-list celebrity Norika Fujiwara, one of Asias most celebrated actresses whose most recent work includes hit movies such as China Strike Force" (Lei Ting Zhan Jing) and Shrek" (Japanese Version). She will exhibit her riveting photo-essay highlighting the plight of children in war-ravaged Afghanistan at the Gala dinner on March 29.

The showcase of talent by these famous Japanese personalities promises to attract a unique gathering of food lovers and glitterati from Shanghai and beyond," says Three on the Bund chief executive officer, Handel Lee.

Three on the Bund will donate all proceeds from a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items from Nobu, Robert DeNiro, Giorgio Armani, Evian Parc Royal Parc Spa among other select luxury brands to Save the Children.

The event perfectly compliments our Three on the Bund concept, which will embrace the best of culture, fine arts, cuisine, fashion and lifestyle to inspire a richer life for our guests," says Mr Lee.

Shanghais modern-day renaissance will see the re-vitalization of the entire Waitain Yuan area -- Three on the Bund is just the beginning. As Shanghais most exciting new development, Three on the Bund is on schedule to open in October 2003. The seven-storey former Union Assurance Company building is a classic remnant of 'old Shanghai in its heyday -- and was once the tallest building in the city.

It now promises to illuminate Shanghai's hospitality scene with a striking retail, art, dining and entertainment concept designed by internationally-renowned architect Michael Graves.

Were combining the best things in life to create an innovative, elegant environment appealing to Shanghais sophisticated residents and international visitors," says Mr Lee, adding that his project is the first foreign-owned company to be given the green light to develop on The Bund

Billed as an aesthetic expression of contemporary fine living" the first two floors of the neo- classical building will showcase an eclectic blend of world famous fashion designers and a Bernardaud Café.

The second and third floors are home to Shanghai Gallery of Arts, the only Evian Spa outside France featuring an amazing 35-metre high atrium, and an exclusive barbershop for men.

Four floors are dedicated to fashionable restaurants and bars, highlighted by two of the worlds most famous celebrity chefs -- Nobu and Jean Georges Vongerichten. Nobu, credited with revolutionising Japanese cuisine for non-Japanese tastes, partners Academy Award-winning actor Robert DeNiro with restaurants in New York, London, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Tokyo, Milan. Jean Georges Vongerichten is famous in New York and around the world for Jean Georges, Vong, Mercer Kitchen, Jo-Jo, Prime and Market.

On the 5th floor, Whampoa Room will take traditional Shanghainese cuisine to new heights, complete with private tea salons.

On the top floor David Laris, former Executive Chef of Mezzo in London, will offer Laris Restaurant and The Third Degree Jazz Lounge, a chic and lively rooftop eatery and bar featuring live music, superb food and an unparalleled view.

The Bund was the most famous and spectacular street in Asia in the days of "Old Shanghai", a symbol of its central role in finance and China trade. Nowadays, with its colossal edifices and elegant style, it remains the city's undisputed star attraction and is beginning to enjoy a revival of its exuberant and romantic past.

Top hotel groups, retailers and international brand names are returning to The Bund, creating a commercial and leisure environment helping to position Shanghai once again among the world's great cities.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: Susan Field/Wendy Lee

Impact Asia Ltd.

Tel: (852) 2521 1498

Fax: (852) 2804 6786

E-mail: sfield@impactasia.com/ wendylee@impactasia.com