Sad news for Shanghai’s F&B scene today, as Botanik is set to shut down.
As we noted in our five-star May review, the open-air restaurant is defined by its seasonally-influenced, ever-changing menu focused on local products, many of which are grown in the garden surrounding the dining area.
Image by Cristina Ng/That's
Image by Agata Holland/courtesy of Botanik
Image by Cristina Ng/That's
Since arriving in Shanghai, chef Elijah Holland went to work planting over 100 varieties of edible plants on The Plump Oyster’s formerly underused rooftop. The former head forager at Noma’s Australian pop-up in Sydney, and the chef who once told us that foraging was like shopping, introduced Shanghai diners to the concept via 12-course tasting menus.
Elijah Holland. Image by Agata Holland/courtesy of Botanik
READ MORE: Foraging Chef Elijah Holland Talks Sourcing in China
The atmospheric rooftop pop-up is currently in the midst of its (now abbreviated) extremely well-received second season. Once it wraps, the team is heading in a few different directions. That means Australia for Elijah Holland, Agata Holland and Joshua Maroney. The team’s mixologists Zander Boshoff and Julie Markina are joining Dining Concepts in Hong Kong. Lastly, Lynnea Pearson will return to the family business in Seattle, Taylor Shellfish Farms.
The Botanik team on the rooftop. Image by Agata Holland/courtesy of Botanik
According to a press release sent out today, the restaurant will close September 1. Botanik will be open every Thursday to Sunday until that date, but we recommend you make bookings quickly (WeChat ID: botanikshanghai).
Here’s the statement from chef Holland:
“After three years in China, the team has decided to part ways and journey on for new opportunities. It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ve had the greatest pleasure to work alongside my very talented friends and colleagues.
“Battling the elements has been a challenge, a fun but sometimes tiring one. We had this outdoor space, and we put in our all, and turned it into something beautiful and unique.
“All good things must come to an end. We are sad to leave Botanik, but it has been an unforgettable journey. We are all looking towards the future. Don’t ask us why, ask us what’s next!”
Meanwhile, it’s business as usual at the Oysterlicious Group’s other venues (C Pearl, Osteria, The Plump Oyster, Daiichi Hotpot and Yaku).
[Cover image by Agata Holland/courtesy of Botanik]
Read more Food & Drink News
0 User Comments