We'll start with the most obvious gossip this month: The Michelin Guide. The notorious little red book rained down stars on 26 restaurants in total, with a selection that ranged from the obvious – fine dining institutions like Sir Elly's (one star) and Ultraviolet (two stars) – to more, er, unusual choices (Madam Goose, anyone?).
Next up, we have very good intel that Daimon Bistro, the second, more affordable eatery (think RMB350-500 per person) from self-professed 'Demon Chef' Alvin Leung, will open October 15. Described as "innovative Cantonese food with Asian elements," the interiors are an homage to Hong Kong's controversial Kowloon Walled City. Rad.
Also slated for a mid-October opening is the brand spanking new JZ Club at Found 158 (AKA Datong Mill AKA The New Yongkang Lu AKA the phrase that just won't die in the That's office). Stay tuned for more deets on the opening later this month.
We’ve also been hearing rumors that a third restaurant from Coquille and Scarpetta restaurateur John Liu and Le Baron boss Cody Allen will also open soon. Named 'Highline' (a nod to the famous New York City railroad?), the restaurant is situated in Ascott on Huaihai Lu, and will have a bloody great big terrace that will probably be lovely.
In less fabulous news entirely, A Da Congyoubing (阿大葱油饼), one of the city's most iconic scallion pancake makers (if that doesn't sound like a big deal to you, this literal hole-in-the-wall regularly has a two-hour line outside it), has been forced to shut down after 34 years thanks to an "expired license," reports Shanghai Daily.
Rumors are flying that disgruntled neighbors prompted the authorities to inspect his shop. Luckily, said authorities are helping the quintessentially Shanghainese vendor obtain a new license and shop nearby – we're guessing they don't do that for everybody, eh Yongkangers?
More sad news to follow: cosy veteran bar The Chalet is to close at the end of September. However, the cheap and cheerful spot is survived by sister restaurants Chalet Plus.
Also riding off into the sunset is Southern Belle on Changle Lu. The Southern American bar and restaurant has been open for seven years.
Well timed for the changing seasons, there’s been an influx of bakeries into the city, and cold weather is a perfectly legitimate reason to carbo-load if you ask us. In addition to Al’s Bakery, there’s now Lost Bakery, owned by the Lost Heaven groupand situated in the same building as Lost Heaven Silk Road.
Meanwhile on Jianguo Xi Lu, another new bakery, Bread Etc., has popped up. Run by French Israeli expat Stephan Laurent, this spacious yeast temple sells fresh breads, patisserie, and coffee, in addition to a very enticing brunch menu.
Sadly, the coffee pot is off the boil at Sumerian; they’ve had to temporarily close the beloved café due to hazardous crumbling bricks from the building’s facade. Yikes. Here’s hoping for a swift reopening.
Funkadeli might have had to close their Yongkang Lu location, but the city can also expect to see a new, larger outpost soon, this time on Fumin and Xinle Lu next to Tepito. The opening is anticipated for late September.
That's all for now folks, check back for more salacious, and not-so-salacious gossip next month.
Read more Food & Drink Gossip
0 User Comments