Food news: Pelikan, Madison, new cafés and more

Pelikan from Craig Willis and his team has opened on Xikang Lu, offering a range of Nordic-inspired dishes including scallops and cucumber (78RMB), tea-smoked raw beef and horseradish (98RMB) and whole turbot with a brown butter sauce (198RMB).

It’s early days for this newcomer, but if the other Willis group establishments are anything to go by, expect quality food, a nice dining atmosphere and top service.

Over on the corner of Huaihai and Fuxing Lus, the new Madison is finally happening! Chef Austin Hu has confirmed that the ground floor will be opening first, and will be operating as a deli with house-cured meats and preserves. The restaurant will follow, and although the exact opening date is still to be confirmed, you can probably start getting excited about brunch. 

Taian Table has opened from chef Stefan Stiller (formerly at naked Stables, and more recently at East Eatery in Tianzifang). It’s going for a private dining schtick, where you’ll only get the address upon reservation. When you do get there, you’ll have the option of two menus: a hefty ten courses at 988RMB, and an even heftier 14 courses at 1,288RMB. Ouch. Still, you can expect the cooking to be top class. 

Beijing-founded craft brewery Jing-A Brewing Co is coming down south, with their beers available during a summer-long takeover at newly opened The Hop Project, a partnership with toastie outfit Co Cheese. Beers include the Flying Fist IPA (with tropical vibes thanks to citra and simcoe hops) and the Worker’s Pale Ale, both priced at 40RMB. There’s also a range of imported bottles from the likes of Evil Twin, Mornington Peninsula and Goose Island breweries (from 50RMB), along with ‘gourmet cheese melts’ from 50RMB.

Replacing the original Miss Ali on Dagu Lu (the Fuxing Lu branch remains) is Wheat Healthy Eatery, serving a range of nutritious bites and beverages. Organic coffees start from 20RMB for an espresso, green juices at 40RMB, and protein smoothies at 50RMB. 

Maintaining the healthy vibes, Bowl’d has opened on Anfu Lu. Offering raw juices (from 26RMB for a small carrot, orange, apple, lemon and ginger juice), healthy smoothies (from 25RMB for a small ‘Jungle Lady’ juice with cocoa powder, cinnamon, banana and almond milk) and açaí bowls - this place is committed to quality ingredients. Bowls start from 26RMB for a small ‘Go Nuts’, with extra fruits (plus 5RMB) and ingredients (plus 3RMB) available. 

Speaking of new cafés, Coffee Academics (launched in Hong Kong in 2012) has opened a first Mainland China branch on the corner of Wulumuqi and Dongping Lus, just below glo London. The comfortable space has plenty of seating and quality coffee from early samples. Prices range from 23-38RMB for espresso-based options.

Over on The Bund, Glam has launched a new ‘Glam Hour’ where they’re offering a selection of eight drinks before 8.30pm for 38RMB each. There’s a Glam Hour G&T (with Beefeater Gin, Tonic, cucumber ice and chamomile bitters), Aperol Spritz and a Glam Hour Mule. You can also pick up a GlamTini and a truffle’d cheese toastie for 58RMB - the perfect way to kick off your evening. All prices are subject to a 10 percent service charge. 

In other drinks news, Le Baron's terrace is now open (from 5-11pm, Tuesday through Sunday). It's a chilled al fresco space with good tunes, tasty cocktails and fresh oysters. There's also a more relaxed entry policy in the evenings - i.e. you might not be so harshly judged at the door.

Finally, on Yueyang Lu, Mo’s Lounge, Restaurant and Bar has replaced Chelsea’s in the spot beside The Camel. The breezy space is offering Western dishes, including king prawns for 158RMB, seafood pasta at 118RMB, and a huge 1kg steak for 688RMB.