We’ve been looking forward to the opening of Apollo since Chef Frederik Rasmussen did a pop-up at Pelikan in March. The Latin American restaurant has soft-opened on Anfu Lu with a sharing menu and a cocktail program driven by spirits such as pisco, dark rum, mezcal and tequila.
Over on Panyu Lu, the Colombia Circle complex should be opening any day now. Inside, you’ll find The Parlour, Seesaw Coffee and a two-story, multiple venue concept by the people behind Oha Eatery, and one of those is a relaunch of Blackbird. There's also talk of a rooftop garden and chef's table, watch this space for more info. Also in new openings, Lokal by Wagas has taken over the former Grains space on Wukang Lu.
Sichuan Citizen is in the process of relocating from Donghu Lu to Ferguson Lane and Saturday, May 5 was the official last day. When they reopen on May 18, it will be with new addition, Bar Basil. Taking cues from this popular signature drink, new cocktails will incorporate fresh ingredients that complement spicy dishes. French brasserie La Rue has made way for the second coming of Roosevelt Prime while 800 Show is home to a relaunch of Masse, which now serves Southeast Asian food.
In less pleasant news, the deal to bring Michael White’s renowned NYC restaurant Marea to Shanghai has fallen through, while Happy Buddha, Sprout Lifestyle and Lizzy’s All Natural in the Healthy Hub are all closing at the end of May, due to landlord issues. Vegan eatery Happy Buddha has temporarily moved to Bordertown until they find a more permanent home.
Moving onto something sweeter, Pie Society Canteen has dubbed May and June the ‘I Love Rhubarb’ month(s). They will be incorporating the pink vegetable in cocktail and food specials including a gorgeous butter scone with clotted cream and strawberry rhubarb compote (pictured above).
There’s big news for beer drinkers this month. First off, American brewed, Belgian witbier Blue Moon is available on Shaanxi Nan Lu with food by Urban Diner. Fans of hoppy, West Coast-style craft beers will be happy to know that Stone Brewing on Yuyuan Lu is slated to open in mid-June. In sadder news, all of the Kaiba locations are closing in the next few months. Rest assured, AB InBev will continue producing bottled Kaiba beers, which you can find at your local 1919 or on their website.
In FUNKA news, soon after closing down Funkadelino on Xikang Lu, the group soft-opened their newest concept, FUNKA del Sur on Yanping Lu in The Sailors’ old spot. Cocktails and food are South American. Incidentally, a bar called ZED has replaced Funkadelino.
We smell more changes coming in Jing’an, as Le Café des Stagiaires on Wuding Lu recently closed.
One of the most fun openings in a while comes courtesy of RIINK, a space you might remember as Inferno. Instead of a metal bar, it’s now a roller rink with drinks by Geo Valdivieso (The Captain) and food by Austin Hu (Diner, Madison Kitchen). Ting Ting Liang of Inferno is also involved as manager/part owner.
Another bar with a connection to Inferno, is rockabilly bar, The Hoy Hoy, which has taken over the old Grumpy Pig spot on Maoming Lu. Cocktails are classic with a few Tiki options and the music is old-time rock ‘n’ roll.
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