M on the Bund has won many accolades for its location in one of Shanghai's best neighborhoods and its upscale cuisine. Since its opening in early 1999, it has been patronized by many famous personalities such as the Queen of Holland, the Empress of Thailand, the Prime Minister of Denmark, and Chinese actress Gong Li. It has also been listed as one of the 100 best restaurants in the world by Conde Nast, an international culinary magazine. In a way, going to M on the Bund has become a status symbol. Michelle Garmaut, the restaurant's general manager, has more than 20 years of experience in food service and was the special chef at the Peace Hotel in Shanghai. She is responsible for pioneering some of the most exclusive dishes such as lamb with peppers and creamy meringue pie.