Welcome to 2016, readers. While you might have spend the last two weeks chilling out chez fam eating mom's spaghetti, time doesn't wait for Shanghai F&B – here's the month's latest openings of bars and restaurants.

Restaurants & Dining

Chez Maurice

Satisfied with their work at Al's Diner, consultant chefs (chefsultants?) Anna Bautista and Sean Jorgensen have moved on to incubate their latest project: Chez Maurice. Set in the new 'Taian 50' complex on Wukang Lu next to jazz bar Heyday, Chez Maurice is an upmarket French steakhouse sporting an impressive wine list and charcuterie selection. Upstairs is a compact little whisky bar for pre/post (or both!) dinner drinks.

Jalapeño

Meanwhile in Jing’an, Jalapeño, a new Mexican restaurant has just opened its doors. Expect a menu of Mexican Food 101, burritos, jalapeño 'poppers,' margaritas and the like. 

Cabra

Up on Wuding Lu, a cool new Spanish tapas joint is open. Named ‘Cabra’ (Spanish for ‘goat’), they’re serving fancy and often delicious gin and tonics, wine and simple tapas. 

Lobster X Chicken

Sure you've heard of burgers and lobsters before, but how about chicken and lobster? Cornering this decidedly niche share of the market is a new compact little eatery on Nanyang Lu by Xikang Lu, Lobster X Chicken. Better still, their lobster is perhaps the cheapest in town, reportedly RMB98 including soup, frites and noodles. What gives? Guess we'll find out in our forthcoming review. 

The Cut

In IAPM, the VOL group’s steak restaurant, The Cut, has undergone some "serious changes" (their words), more specifically rebranding to become a bistro-grill. They’ll still serve steak and fries, but also include dishes like lamb chops, peri peri chicken and burgers.

Bars & Drinking

Oji

Yet another speakeasy has hit Shanghai, although luckily this one is more substance than gimmick, thankfully. Opened by former Mardi Gras mixologist Naoji Oji, Oji Cocktail & Whisky is hidden behind a wall-mounted phone inside El Ocho and is well worth a visit. Dial ‘0’ and they’ll let you in. Here's a review of that. 

Limes

Jiashan Market also just got another laid back new watering hole. Named Limes, there’s a menu of basic good value classic cocktails for RMB60 each. Best was the whisky sour and caipirinha. Worst was the Manhattan.

Xun Bar & Bistro

Lei He, former Lady Bund bar manager and instigator of the roving drink stand L&R Bartender Corner, has finally got digs of his own. Titled Xun Bar & Bistro, the place will be equal parts bar and bistro. Located at Xintiandi Style on Madang Lu. 

> Feel free to email us any tips, gossip and rumours vicious or otherwise to dining@urbanatomy.com. 

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