Here are all the new restaurant openings we featured in our May 2017 issue:
New Restaurants
Brez'n
Brez’n, the Bavarian word for pretzel, is the young and chic sister to German eatery Paulaner Brauhaus and has already garnered a following here in Guangzhou for its hearty Bavarian food. A recent addition to the brand-new Kingold International Financial Center located nearby Zhujiang New Town Metro Station, Brez’n, brightly lit by natural light and antler-shaped pendants, is housed on the first floor beside the Happy Monk’s newest branch.
Dishes are as prettily presented as displayed on the menu which, on top of classic pork knuckles, meatloaf, beef goulash and sausages, offers the appetizing Brotzeit platter (RMB168 for two), a starter comprising various cold cuts and cheeses. A main dish could be the sea bass (RMB118) wrapped in juicy bacon or, for a party of four, a Brez’n platter (RMB398) consisting of an array of sausages, pork knuckles and ribs alongside salads and potatoes – both of which will see the once-famished leave satisfied.
Price: RMB100
Who’s going: white-collars upstairs, German expats hunting for a taste of home
Good for: Bavarian eats, classic ‘Emperor’s pancakes’
Read our full review here. See listing for Brez'n.
Cocina
We’re big on tapas, especially exotic ones. You get loads of delightful variety, and as Mama always says, sharing is caring. By the masterminds behind Le Saint Maxime, this part restaurant, part lounge, part nightclub on the sixth floor comes blessed with expansive, uninterrupted views – reason enough to turn heads. Its varied, modern menu is designed to share, as is most of Cocina’s food, which we quickly realized is as stimulating to the eyes as it is to the palate.
Down some anticuchos (skewers) to whet your appetite for more solids – try the salmon cubes (RMB48/2) drizzled with a peppery sauce (amazing), followed by some of the most delicious ceviches you could imagine this side of town. Highlights are the Pescado (RMB48): fish of the day served in a small bowl with peppers, onions, corn and micro herbs in a bath of leche de tigre. It sounds strange, but we would fish and/or swim across the Pearl River just for one bite.
Price: RMB200
Who’s going: those with trained taste buds
Good for: ceviche, tempting tapas and late-night patio parties
Read our full review here. See listing for Cocina.
The Locksmith
Situated in the charming dining area of Lingnan Tiandi, The Locksmith’s exterior vaulted façade draws one’s attention first. The impressive deco design originates from Australian firm Studio Y, and is just one indication that The Locksmith is pushing the boundaries of the F&B scene in Foshan. Australian chef E.J. personally cures eye-of-round, as well as dry-ages beef, pork, chicken, goose and pigeon himself before cooking it in a Josper oven from Spain – one of only five in China.
For a main, try that giant river prawn (RMB58) and the somewhat ominously-named ‘Leather Jacket fish’ (price varies by size), both of which are excellent. The fish, though somewhat bony, is doused in a creative mix of spices and garnish that has us eagerly pining for the very last bits of meat on the platter.
Price: RMB200
Who’s going: foodies in the know, anyone visiting Foshan
Good for: a classy evening out, home-grown produce and herbs
Read our full review here. See listing for The Locksmith.
Pizza Marzano
You might know this Italian eatery by its former name, Pizza Express, which sounded more like a fast-food joint than a family restaurant serving platters of dainty mushrooms stuffed with pesto, mozzarella and sundried tomatoes (RMB59). Pizza Marzano, on the other hand, is a classy enough moniker to feel at home in glitzy malls like IGC, which is exactly where the chain’s latest branch opened shop. For starters, try the aforementioned stuffed mushrooms, which arrive toasty and dripping hot, aromatic olive oil. Those seeking a dose of veggies should opt for the avocado salad (RMB58) over the superfood salad (RMB68), as the latter disappoints with three single pieces of roast pumpkin and canned beets on a bed of tough, bitter spinach.
Pizza is a must-order here, and Marzano has its bases covered with classic Italian toppings and local interpretations like the Peking duck pizza (RMB88). The Alba and Calabrese (RMB108) are the way to go, though. Order two different varieties on one pizza if you want, just know the final price will be dictated by the more expensive flavor.
Price: RMB150
Who’s going: Chinese families with kids, 30-somethings
Good for: some of the best pizza in Guangzhou, casual dining
Read our full review here. See listing for Pizza Marzano.
New Club
The One
The One blends the appeal of a high-energy nightclub and a modern lounge, and is set to redefine nightlife in a city that hasn’t quite warmed up to it yet. Young people dancing and putting their hands up, multicolored confetti, an after-party crowd celebrating whilst the sun comes up – all of this contributes to what is termed a ‘Top 100 Club.’
Meeting the technical specifications and other requirements to invite top DJs, The One has played host to world-class names like DJ Slushii, Adam Trigger, Wolfpack, Diego Miranda, Rehab, JP Candella, Tujamo, Tommy Walker and Timmy, with more slated to come. These heavyweights are residents in cities like Ibiza and Las Vegas, getting crowds pumped till the wee hours. And now, it’s all at your doorstep – if you can make your way to Beijing Nan Lu, that is.
Price: RMB60
Who’s going: night owls
Good for: big name DJs, late-night hangouts, electro house and techno beats
Read our full review here. See listing for The One.
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