The brunch's set-up is themed in pink. Photo provided to China Daily

Smaller stomachs might have flagged at this point. Certainly I was beginning to struggle, but that dessert table beckoned. Happily, the desserts were far from an afterthought. Beautiful presentation was followed up by expertly made cakes and oven-fresh pastries.

A rich chocolate mousse cake, fluffy, cream filled pastry and two strawberries dipped in chocolate later, I'm beat. The buffet had won, there was nothing for it but sit back and sip the free-flowing Moet ... oh, and nibble on a small plate of cheese and antipasto.

It's all about excess after all.

If you go

Le Meridien

Where: 789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai

When: Every Sunday, noon to 3 pm.

Price: 398 yuan without champagne, 528 yuan with Moet Brut, 598 yuan with Moet Rose. All prices subject to a 15-percent service charge.

Contact: Call 3318-9999, ext 7007 for reservations.