Shanghai Food & Drink Gossip: July 2017
By Betty Richardson
New Restaurants
Incoming from the capital, we’ve spotted the first branch of Moka Bros in Shanghai on Xiangyang Lu. Not yet acquainted with the Beijing-based bros? They’ve made a name for themselves for healthy but hearty dishes that are geared towards healthy eaters. Expect plenty of plant-based whole foods, protein bowls, salads and brunch fare too. Opening anticipated sometime in September.
If that sounds intimidatingly virtuous, what’s opening next door might be more your thing: a second branch of Beef & Liberty. If it’s anything like the OG branch in the Shanghai Centre, expect riotously juicy burgers and decadent sides like deep-fried mac ‘n’ cheese sticks. Opening also expected to be in September.
On Nanjing Xi Lu, a second expression of French patisserie and boulangerie Bread Etc. has opened. Like the first branch on Xiangyang Lu, expect plenty of carbohydrate indulgence and casual bistro-style eats.
From the folks behind Bistro Burger comes Crafted, a new eatery specializing in ribs, burgers and seafood. Situated in an enclave off Hengshan Lu, the place boasts a spacious rooftop terrace and a brunch menu that is already off to a promising start.
Meanwhile at Yong Yi Ting, the Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Chef Tony Lu has prepared a Jiangnan-style feast in the form of a new summer menu. Think chilled noodles with shredded chicken and sesame chili sauce, and braised bean curd with shrimp and roe (below).
New gelato and sorbet comes from Buco – a street-side window inside Donghu Lu Italian restaurant Gemma. Buco sells eight flavors (fig, chocolate, pistachio, hazelnut, straciatella, blueberry, peach, and bacio), all made in-house with imported ingredients and a fancy Carpigiani machine. We say pistachio flavor is the reigning champ!
In equally sweet news, Shanghai Bakery is back on the scene again at a new location: the street-side gatehouse of La Maison. Find all the old favorites – namely freshly baked breads, savory and sweet pastries, and literally our favorite hot chocolate in Shanghai.
New Bars
In Found 158, Boteco, a cheerful looking Brazilian bar is filling up the far side of Shanghai’s favorite subterranean outdoor complex. We hear that what it lacks in al fresco it makes up for with caipirinhas that ain’t too shabby.
Three on the Bund is also anticipating a new lounge bar resident this year: Club3 1/3. Devised by local PR guru Mimi Tung, the venue's name is a nod to its Bund-site address (obviously), and the experience will channel party culture of the mid-20th century. Interiors come courtesy of New York interior designer Michael Hsieh. Opening September 2017.
Over in Jing’an, news of a closure: Italian eatery Salotto G, which is in the process of being turned into a "bar with lots of wood," as reported by our man on the ground, Logan R. Brouse. Stay tuned for news on what replaces it.
Alternatively, for imbibers who aren’t keen on leaving the house, BottlesXO has added a big old range of bottled craft beers to their delivery service. We found ourselves particularly fond of the Master Gao IPA.
Rumors also persist of an incoming large batch delivery of Jing A’s coveted seasonal ‘Beijing Bikini’ watermelon beer, the last shipment of which at The Hop Project practically lasted all of five minutes. Our mole from within the organization hinted the drop could be some time in late July, and they will be distributed to multiple venues in Shanghai.
The Cut Rooftop is also opening again once this bloody plum rain season nonsense is over. Having become a popular week-night party favorite, the spacious rooftop bar perched on iapm will apparently boast all-new interiors that riff on a galactic night sky theme...
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