Shanghai Eats (and Drinks...) - News & Reviews

Domaines Barons de Rothschild-Lafite Dinner at Jade on 36

2007-02-27T07:08:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai - February 28, 2007) - How do you take an already incredible dining experience at Jade on 36 to another level? Invite the CEO of one of the world's most well-known wineries and throw a tasting dinner in his honor.

The quality of Château Lafite Rothschild needs no introduction. Situated in the great wine-producing village of Pauillac in the Médoc region to the north-west of Bordeaux, the estate has been occupied since at least the 14th century. Owner of Château Lafite Rothschild for five generations, the Rothschild family has been based in this Bordeaux vineyard since 1868.

And through numerous acquisitions, including Château Duhart-Milon, Château Rieussec, Château l’Evangile, Château Paradis Casseuil, Château Peyre-Lebade, the Chalone Group, and Vina Los Vascos in Chile, the winery is poised to maintain its position for at least another 700 or so years.

Starting at 7pm on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, Summergate Wines has arranged a night of delicious food and wine, along with one of the finest views in Shanghai. After dinner, Rothschild-Lafite's CEO , Chirstopher Salin, will briefly speak about the winery and answer questions from the audience.

For 2,488 RMB, you'll get to sample the following vintages paired with dinner:

2005 Legende AOC Bordeaux Blanc
2004 Chateau d'Aussieres, Languedoc
2004 Los Vascos Grande Reserve, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile
2003 AOC Legende Pauillac
1983 & 1990 Chateau Lafite
1998 Chateau Riuessec
Reserve Speciale Lafite Cognac

For more information, contact Mariel Meyer at Summergate by phone 6329 4433 x. 109 or email mariel.meyer@summergate.com.

What does $25,000 buy you these days?

2007-02-12T12:38:00.000+08:00

(Bangkok - February 12, 2007) What do you do if you've got an extra US$25,000 laying around, while at the same time battling the munchies?

Head to Bangkok and grab a once-in-a-lifetime meal at the lebua at State Tower Luxury Hotel with 39 other “Epicurean Masters of the World.” (that is, until the first US$100,000 meal is announced)...

Last Saturday evening, a 10-course menu was prepared by six world-class chefs and featured some of the world’s rarest wines (you didn't expect MD 20/20 did you?), all for a tidy sum.

For 25 big ones, you could have feasted on the following:

1st course:

Creme brulee of foie gras with Tonga beans
1990 Louis Roederer Cristal
Prepared by: Alain Soliveres from Taillevent in Paris, France

2nd course:

Tartare of Kobe beef with Imperial Beluga caviar and Belon oysters
1995 Krug Clos du Mesnil
Prepared by: Antoine Westermann from Le Buerhiesel in Strasbourg, France

3rd course:

Mousseline of “pattes rouges” crayfish with morel mushroom infusion
2000 Corton-Charlemagne, Domaine Jean François Coche-Dury
Prepared by: Alain Soliveres from Taillevent

4th course:

“Tarte fine” with scallops and black truffles
1996 Le Montrachet, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
Prepared by: Antoine Westermann from Le Buerhiesel

5th course:

Brittany Lobster “Osso Bucco”
1985 Romanee-Conti, Domaine de la Romanee-Conti
Prepared by: Jean-Michel Lorain from La Cote Saint Jacques in Joigny, France

6th course:

Ravioli with guinea fowl and burrata cheese with a veal and truffle sauce
1961 Chateau Palmer
Prepared by: Annie Feolde from Enoteca Pinchiorri in Florence, Italy

7th course:

Saddle of lamb “Leonel”
1959 Chateau Mouton Rothschild
Prepared by: Marc Meneau from L’Esperance in Vezelay, France

8th course:

Sorbet “Dom Perignon”
Supreme of pigeon en croute with cepes mushroom sauce and cipollotti
1961 Chateau Haut-Brion
Prepared by: Heinz Winkler from Residenz Heinz Winkler in Aschau, German

9th course:

Veal cheeks with Perigord truffles
1955 Chateau Latour
Prepared by: Heinz Winkler from Residenz Heinz Winkler

10th course:

Imperial gingerbread pyramid with caramel and salted butter ice-cream
1967 Chateau d’Yquem
Prepared by: Jean-Michel Lorain from La Cote Saint Jacques

Ladies and Gentlemen, please remember tax and gratuity are not included with the price of your dinner, so please tip accordingly.

And who said the Cupola was expensive?

Trader Vic's Hits the Shores of Shanghai

2007-02-10T00:18:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai - February 10, 2007) The world-famous Trader Vic's has opened its doors in Shanghai, just around the corner from Thai Gallery.

For those of you unfamiliar with Trader Vic's, think upscale South-Pacific beach bar/restaurant, with prices to match. Legend has it that the founder of Trader Vic's created the Mai Tai - a delectable concoction of rums, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and a few other ingredients.

From now through March 18th, enjoy a 20% discount on food only (valid for lunch and dinner) by printing this coupon.

Trader Vic's
Address: 598 Fengyang Lu (by Nanjing Xi Lu)
Phone: 5228 3882
Cards Accepted: All Major
Nearest Metro: Middle Henan Road

New year, new yè shanghai in new Shanghai

2007-01-23T23:59:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai - January 23, 2007) Shanghai culinary icon yè shanghai is crossing the river to the bright lights of Pudong for the New Year – and taking on a jazzy new look.

The newest yè shanghai is a reflection of the bold, energetic spirit of the new Shanghai, a sleek complement to the retro-glam of its famous sister restaurant in Xintiandi. yè shanghai Pudong has an elegant, contemporary look very much in fitting with its futuristic surroundings among Lujiazui’s stand of 21st century skyscrapers.

Located right on the Huangpu River in the landmark Citigroup Building, yè shanghai’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer picture-postcard views of the historic Bund and busy river traffic. Clean lines and black and white dominate the space, which is animated with splashes of mango and lavender. Despite its contemporary look, the new yè shanghai – like Shanghai itself – has its roots firmly in China. Its glossy walls of lacquered bamboo reflect the neon energy of the river and the sophisticated glow of the Bund; classic Ming-style wooden cabinets dot the room; waiters and waitresses glide by in uniforms reminiscent of the golden age of Shanghai dining.

The cuisine is the same yè shanghai food that has wowed customers and critics in Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo – distinctive interpretations of classic Shanghai dishes and the cuisines of the surrounding provinces of Zhejiang and Jiangsu. The techniques are age-old, but their interpretations are contemporary. yè shanghai fans will find all their old favourites in this sophisticated new setting: fried whole king prawns with XO chili sauce; double boiled superior sharks’ fin consommé with whole chicken and jinhua ham; sautéed minced chicken with pine nuts served with sesame pastry pockets; sautéed beef short ribs with black and green peppercorn sauce; steamed dumplings and a host of other delectable dishes.

Each of yè shanghai’s distinctive private rooms offers spectacular views of the river and the Bund, and can be configured to include pre-dining function space, if required. Climate-controlled wine towers hold a connoisseur’s selection of wines from both Old and New Worlds, and a special selection of Shaoxing rice wines are on offer as well.

“The addition of the new yè shanghai in Pudong completes intellectually the concept of Shanghai as a celebration of both classic sophistication and cutting edge dynamism,” says Paul Hsu, managing director of elite concepts, the successful restaurant group that created yè shanghai. “People in Shanghai sometimes want to explore their city’s past, and sometimes they want to focus on the future – but they always want to enjoy Shanghai’s delicious classic food. Now they have a choice of two yè shanghai restaurants, depending on their mood – and of course, on which side of the Huangpu River they find themselves on.”

yè shanghai
Address: 3/F, Citigroup Tower, 33 Huayuan Shiqiao Lu (Pudong)
Phone: 5878 5660
Cards Accepted: All Major
Nearest Metro: Lujiazui

Say it ain't so, Eduardo! 239 unexpectedly closes.

2007-01-19T11:19:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai - January 19, 2007) - Shanghai lost a star earlier this month, when Eduardo Vargas' popular 239 Restaurant on Shimen Yi Lu was forced to close its doors unexpectedly.

It seems 239's landlord wanted to cash in on the sudden property value appreciation as a result of the residential complex going up next to the Four Seasons Hotel just down the street. And to help expedite the eviction process, the building suddenly began experiencing "perfectly-timed" power shortages to make life uncomfortable for both restaurant employees and diners.

It is unknown whether or not 239 will find a new place to call home - but if it does, it is unlikely to keep the name (which doubled as the actual address). One thing is for sure, Eduardo is already planning to do something, somewhere that will ease our minds and palates. Stay tuned for more details.

The Bird is the Wird

2006-11-10T09:08:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai - November 10, 2006) - The fourth Thursday of November is right around the corner - so all of you Yankees know what that means..... turkey, turkey and more turkey. However, the typical Shanghainese turkey lover faces one of two problems come Thanksgiving. Either:

we don't have an oven in our house (no, a combo microwave/convection oven ain't gonna cut it); or
the oven we do have is big enough to maybe cook a 3kg whole chicken, but nothing larger.

Cutting up a raw turkey and cooking it in pieces throughout the day is simply not an option.

Come Turkey Day, there's nothing quite like sitting down with family and friends, having a whole bird on the table with all the trimmings and carving it yourself. Then filling up your plate with some of the bird, along with homemade stuffing, steaming mashed potatoes and more veggies that you'd normally eat in one sitting.

San Francisco Steak House (with locations in Pudong & Hongqiao) is going to try and make a difference for those of you who will be in Shanghai this Thanksgiving, but don't want to go out to a restaurant and eat with complete strangers. They are preparing complete sit down dinners with all the trimmings that you can pick up and enjoy in the comforts of home.

For 688RMB, you get:

Oven-roasted whole turkey with gravy
Turkey stuffing
Green peas with carrots
Steamed cauliflower & broccoli with cheese sauce
Mashed potatoes
Steamed sweet yams in brown sugar syrup
Mixed green salad
Dinner rolls
Fresh cut seasonal fruit platter
Home-made strawberry cheese cake

They are requesting that you place your order at least ONE WEEK prior to Thanksgiving, which means you have until next Thursday (November 16th) to order your bird.

For more information - or to place your order call:

San Francisco Steak House (Pudong): 5047 3377
San Francisco Steak House (Hongqiao): 6209 3377

The Best (new) Burger in Shanghai?

2006-11-09T12:24:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai - November 9, 2006) - Although it's only been open a little more than one month, Gourmet Cafe is already becoming well-known around Shanghai for its mouth-watering burgers and other tasty sandwiches, including the Fowl Play (58RMB) - a chicken breast with cheddar cheese on crispy lettuce and bell peppers in a burger bun.

Some even say this newcomer dishes out the best burgers in town. With a selection of more than 25 gourmet burger creations like the Stand and D'Liver (with pan-fried foie gras), and The Don (with pancetta and pesto), there is bound to be something that tempts your taste buds. And if your thirst needs quenched, try their healthy (and delicious) smoothies.

If you find yourself in the middle of the hustle and bustle on Nanjing Xi Lu and want a break from the masses, Gourmet Cafe just might do the trick.

Gourmet Café
Address: 455 Shanxi Bei Lu (near Beijing Lu)
Phone: 5213 6885
Cards Accepted: All Major
Nearest Metro: Shimen Yi Lu

A Night in Tuscany – Ruffino Winemaker Dinner

2006-06-28T06:00:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai, June 28, 2006) - Ilario and Leopoldo Ruffino established I.L. Ruffino Winery in 1877, purchasing raw wine from local growers (and producing some wine themselves), cellaring, finishing, bottling the wine, and selling it under the Ruffino name. Impressed with the quality and reputation of Ruffino wines, two brothers - wine merchants from northern Italy - purchased the winery in 1913. Their name was Folonari, and winemaking was in their blood.

Francesco and Italo Folonari were third-generation wine merchants and national figures in Italy. The Folonari family has nurtured Ruffino ever since, expanding its vineyard holdings and leading Ruffino into the modern era.

Today, the Ruffino Winery is owned and operated by Adolfo Folonari (see photo above) and for the second time in the past 12 months, a select group of Shanghai diners will have the honor of meeting Mr. Folonari at a wine dinner on Friday, July 7, 2006 at T8 Restaurant in Xintiandi. In addition to enjoying a delicious T8 meal (paired with Ruffino wines) and learning first-hand about the history of the winery, as well as its latest releases, guests will also be entertained by one of Shanghai's hottest DJ's, Teng Boon.

For more information, please contact Emily Sun at 6445 3214 ext 133 or via email at emilysun@asc-wines.com.

Shanghai Welcomes 2-star Michelin Chef Yves Mattagne from Brussels' Sea Grill

2006-06-25T11:21:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai, June 25, 2006) – Hilton Shanghai is honored to welcome two-Michelin star chef Yves Mattagne from the much-lauded Sea Grill restaurant in Brussels.

Mattagne was groomed by Hilton Brussels’ legendary Chef Michelin Theurel, and first joined the Sea Grill as a protégé of French culinary master Jacques Le Devillec. He has become well known for his creative seafood preparations, as well as his starring role on culinary programme, 1,000 Seconds on RTL-TV.

Mattagne will spend three days in Leonardo’s kitchen (July 27, 28 & 29) and will present the best of the Sea Grill along with ‘Mattagne’s Vision on China’, an inspired menu using the freshest seafood and whatever else takes the Chef’s fancy on his morning trips to Shanghai’s produce markets. For more information and bookings, call 6248 0000 x. 1870.

Texas Barbeque Outpost Swings Open its Doors in Shanghai

2006-06-23T21:47:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai, June 23, 2006) – Bubba’s Texas-style Bar-B-Que and Saloon opened its doors in Shanghai this week to capacity crowds of foreign and local customers who, for the first time in China, enjoyed authentic American-style barbeque and Texas hospitality in an environment reminiscent of a Western saloon. The concept originated from Ken Walker, who serves as “pit boss” and general manager of the operation. Walker, who is from Austin, Texas, wanted to bring a little bit of the American South to the Far East.

Shanghai is one the most dynamic restaurant scenes, offering all types of cuisines from around the world; however, what was missing was authentic American-style barbeque,” said Walker. “While there are many barbeque places around, ranging from Japanese-style teppanyaki to South American churrascurias, American-style barbeque is quite different. It starts with using quality cuts of meat and then seasoning and cooking at a low heat over long periods of time using a good smoking wood. This process tenderizes meat and imparts a terrific flavor.”

The restaurant’s simple menu features smoked meats traditionally served by American barbeque joints, including whole beef brisket, chopped beef sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, pork and beef ribs, chicken, and sausage. Classic side dishes are also on offer, including Texas-style potato salad, coleslaw, jalapeno poppers, and burracho beans cooked in beer. The beans are even served with restaurant-made jalapeño cornbread.

Features and decorations include a Southwest-style front porch, swinging saloon doors, Western-style horse saddles, a mounted buffalo head, a children’s play area, and a large Texas flag that once flew over Texas’ State Capital. Sports are shown on several large format flat panel TV screens, with country music, southern rock, and Texas-oriented blues piped in through a robust sound system.

To stay true to the concept, Walker sourced an American-made commercial smoker capable of smoking up to 300 pounds of meat at one time. He fires the smoker with imported apple wood to give his products true barbeque flavor. He also has a smaller “Texas pit smoker” that resides outside the front of the building. Not exactly small, it is actually more than 6-feet long and weighs over 1,000 lbs.

“The outdoor pit will serve mainly as a weekend smoker for special events, as it gives off a great look and is certainly unique here in Shanghai,” said Walker. The outdoor pit is constructed of heavy gauge steel pipe and is similar to what you might see in the backyard of a die-hard barbeque aficionado back in the U.S.

Located in Hongqiao, a popular housing district for expatriates working in Shanghai, Bubba’s represents the first authentic American-style barbeque restaurant in China, and perhaps all of Asia. Walker’s long term plan is to expand his operation to other parts of Shanghai with potential to spread to Beijing, Hong Kong, and other key Asian markets.

In addition, Walker is not short of maximizing Bubba’s barbeque offering. Not only is Bubba’s celebrating US Independence Day on July 4, he plans to host Shanghai’s first ever barbeque and chili cook-off this coming Fall so stay posted.

Bubba’s Texas-style Bar-B-Que and Saloon
Address: 2262 Hong Qiao Lu (across from Hongqiao Marriott)
Phone: 6242 2612
Cards Accepted: All Major
Nearest Metro: None

The Wine Market: this Saturday, June 24th

2006-06-22T22:52:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai, June 22, 2006) We love wine, and we especially love wine tasting (so many wines, so little time!). And with The Wine Market headed for Jean Georges this Saturday, look for another day of sipping and nibbling on the Bund at one of our favorite venues in all of Shanghai.

Held several times annually, The Wine Market at Jean Georges gives Shanghai lovers of the grape the ability to taste a wide variety of wines, as well as some tasty French cheeses from our favorite fromage friend - Cheese & Fizz.

The event will feature 100+ wines from France, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. Tasting is free and runs from 3:00 to 5:15pm. Wines are also available for purchase from a vareity of Shanghai's leading wine importers and distributors.

The Glamour Bar Grows Up …

2006-06-20T13:10:00.000+08:00

(Shanghai, June 20, 2006) -- M on the Bund's lounge, The Glamour Bar, has grown up … and is moving into its own dedicated space. In late June, Shanghai’s most glamorous “bar for grown-ups” will move to a larger space on the 6th floor of No 5, The Bund, just one floor below its current location.

Our growth mirrors Shanghai’s,” says Michelle Garnaut, proprietor of M Restaurants, who opened the Glamour Bar in 2001. “As the city grows -- and grows more sophisticated -- there is an increasing demand for both a more sophisticated bar, and for the cultural events we organize and host at the Glamour Bar.”

The Look
The 6th floor space, which overlooks the Huangpu River and the Bund, will once again feature the stylish work of designers Debra Little and Roger Hackworth, who designed both M on the Bund and the original 7th floor Glamour Room interiors. “Our new Glamour Bar won’t be a replica of the Glamour Room,” says Michelle, “but you’ll be able to tell they are siblings.” The 7th floor Glamour Room will now be used exclusively for dining, with more space for an even more luxurious dining experience.

As they did with M on the Bund, Little and Hackworth will restore the interior to create a modern take on the original. The new Glamour Bar features handpainted murals by Chinese contemporary artists, a stunning oval chrome bar, plenty of mirrors – and, of course, that famous view.

Some things will stay the same: the sophisticated ambience and expertly crafted classic drinks, for example. But some things will change: there’ll be a new bar menu, with a bigger and better cocktail list, more wines by the glass, and a very glamorous Champagne Bar.

More Space, More Happenings
With growing audiences and demand for the Glamour Bar cultural programs, the Glamour Bar General Manager Ellen Turner is particularly pleased that the new space will also allow for the expansion of the cultural programs. “We'll have improved sound, staging and lighting systems, which will really enhance our programs,” says Ellen, “and with space to accommodate 200 people, we will be able to comfortably accommodate larger audiences in the elegant way that is the Glamour Bar signature.”

The Glamour Bar programs include “Live at the Glamour Bar”, a season of late night music, from jazz, to cabaret and even the occasional DJ. There are also “Incidental Sundays”, an eclectic collection of almost anything cultural, including the annual Shanghai International Literary Festival, hosted at the Glamour Bar every March, with smaller literary events throughout the year.

The Glamour Bar
Address: 6/F, 20 Guangdong Lu (by Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu - The Bund)
Phone: 6350 9988
Cards Accepted: All Major
Nearest Metro: Middle Henan Road