CITY LIVING
DINING
New & Noted: Bread Etc. Nyima Pratten
What: French patisserie-come-restaurant set in a large, open space in the heart of the Former French Concession Where: 500 Xiangyang Nan Lu, near Jianguo Xi Lu. Tel: 5419 8775. Web: www. breadetc.cn Why: For fantastically fresh bread and pastries as well as a stellar brunch menu This large, airy space in the Former French Concession popped up like magic from the ashes of an old,
rundown bank, and it couldn’t be a more welcomed addition to the local community. Half French half Israeli owner, Stephan Laurent, who also has a chain of successful restaurants of the same name back home in Israel, saw an opportunity in Shanghai and opened the restaurant a few months ago. He has seen a steady flow of local and expat foot flow ever since. This is not surprising, as the large seating area offers a welcoming atmosphere to while away
hours whilst sipping on coffee and eating fresh pastries. There is also a large patio area, which we can’t wait to make use of during the summer months. Upon walking into the venue, guests are treated to the sight of a large, open kitchen, churning out baking trays full of bread and pastries. Treats can be selected from the counter top, or hot dishes such as pizzas (from RMB 55) or burgers (RMB 78) can be ordered from the menu.
The brunch menu, which is served all day, is also not to be missed, with the restaurant’s authentic shakshouka (RMB 60), served alongside grain or Jewish challa bread, naturally the jewel in the crown of this French-cum-Israeli concept. If looking for something lighter, the quality fresh breads, flakey pastries and hearty homemade sandwiches, make the perfect in-between meal snack. We highly recommend you chase all those dishes down with a sweet, ice granita café (RMB 30). We have a feeling this is going to be our favourtie summer spot by next year.
Night Talk: Tour What: A chic, new cocktail bar in the upand-coming United Valley complex Where: United Valley, Rm. E104, 462 Changle Lu, near Shanxi Nan Lu. Tel: 6075 5821 Why: For carefully crafted cocktails paired with delicious, miniature bites With indoor, outdoor and bar adjacent seating, this intimate bar is the perfect date spot, or an ideal location for a cosy evening with friends. The small size of the venue means that there is ample opportunity for guests to interact with the knowledgeable bar tenders, helping everyone pick the perfect cocktail for the evening. A rotating range of cocktails are on offer, and a list of the specials arrive at the table
printed on edible paper. Although, after hearing stories, we initially thought that this concept was gimmicky, we soon became converts to the idea, happily ripping up the rice paper and dipping it in a selection of condiments as we waited for the drinks to arrive. Another selling point about ordering a cocktail here is that each comes paired with a surprise snack. Standout drinks include Citrus Paradise (RMB 85), made with white rum, fresh grapefruit and lime juice, homemade coconut syrup, egg white and angostura bitters, served with vanilla ice cream. Bartender, Mack Ross, let us in on the secret that our ice cream was dusted with crunchy sweetened coconut meat, which had been left over when making the drink’s syrup, and roasted in the oven until crispy. For those looking for a more savoury experience, plump for the Pata Negra (RMB 95), with iberico ham fatwashed bourbon, sugar and angostura bitters, served with a couple of slices of iberico ham. The fat-washing process is laborious, and involves cooking solid fat down into a liquid and adding it to a bottle of bourbon. At the bar, they allow this concoction to sit at
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room temperature for two days before putting it in the freezer where the fat re-solidifies and the bourbon is strained out. As a result, the taste of the ham truly permeates the drink, and the extra fatty slices resting on the side add to taste sensation. A lighter, yet still savoury, drink is the Greek Ok (RMB 85), made with dry gin, homemade cucumber syrup, fresh lemon juice and soda. It is served with cucumber, feta cheese and black pepper. Guests can also sample from a flight of whisky from international, high-end brands, which makes for an educational and entertaining experience. Other spirits and house pours are also on offer, but honestly, go here for the cocktails and bites.