Tag: Iapm

Revisiting Da Dong at IAPM in Shanghai

You can read my extensive review of Da Dong at Reel. I enjoyed it so much that I did not mind coming back one more time to complete my Michelin Scramble in Shanghai. This time I went to the location in IAPM mall as it also has one star in the 2019 edition of the Shanghai Michelin Guide.

The visit

I had a reservation made by phone. Staff speaks some English. I have the impression that this location is less busy that the one at Reel.

This time I opted for a “normal’ duck. In my previous visit I had the baby duck. The difference in terms of size was noticeable. The regular duck allowed for two portions of nicely arranged meat, while the baby duck only for one. The baby duck was marginally more delicate. But also this one has the melt-in-your mouth effect that makes Da Dong’s Peking Duck special.

In addition to the usual condiments I got two sesame buns that I love.

Before getting the duck I enjoyed this original appetizer fusing quality ham and sticky rice (inside).

I also had a portion of pan-fried foie gras with hawthorn (a bit heavy overall, but the berries nicely balanced the flavor).

Finally I had cauliflower in a casserole with pork belly.

As usual, I also received a soup with duck bones.

And the final fruit platter with lychees was complimentary.

The check

It was 630 RMB (around 90 USD). Honestly this was a meal for two. I think there is always good value at Da Dong for uncompromisingly excellent food.

Where in Shanghai:
 L6-606, Iapm, 999 Middle Huaihai Road, Xuhui.

Back to Lei Garden (IAPM Shanghai) for Cantonese fare

To complete my Michelin challenge, I visited again Lei Garden in Shanghai, this time the branch in IAPM mall that was awarded a star in the 2019 edition of the Shanghai Michelin Guide. (You can read a more extensive review of Lei Garden in Shanghai from my visit at the IFC location.)

The visit

I went to Lei Garden (IAPM) on a Saturday evening. It was a quiet night, not much business in the restaurants. Without a reservation, the receptionist found a table for me instantly.

The restaurant is a bit smaller than the one at IFC Pudong. The main dining room is decorated with an dome resembling a tree embracing the whole room and a piece of rock art.

The table was decorated with a not perfectly achieved swan-shaped napkin.

I ordered the crispy roasted pork that was sold out in my previous visit. I liked it, but the skin was a little too hard.

Then I had their braised chicken with clack bean and shallot (plus some ginger, garlic, and capsicum). It was quite good, the chicken pieces were reasonably meaty. It was a large portion (250 grams of chicken according to the menu).

As a side dish, I had pickled mushrooms in a vinaigrette sauce. Quite forgettable.

The check

The relatively light dinner cost me 359 RMB (52 USD).

With this meal I think I am done with Lei Garden. During my two visits I did not experience any dish that would motivate me to come back, even if it is an impeccable restaurant in terms of service and food quality.

Where in Shanghai:
IAPM Mall, 4/F, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu (Middle Road)
In Chinese: 淮海中路999号4楼.
Nearest metro station: South Shaanxi Road.

An affordable brunch with gourmet dishes at The Cut, Shanghai

Brunch is the best meal of the week in Shanghai. You can find great menus at affordable prices even in not so affordable places. The brunch menu that I tried with two friends at The Cut falls into this category. I had lunch at The Cut during the week and tried their burger that left me unimpressed. But the brunch was a different story.

The visit

The Cut is located on the sixth floor of IAPM mall (hint, connected to South Shaanxi Road Station of the metro). I learnt that it is operated by the same company behind Mr & Mrs Bund, Bar Rouge and Ultraviolet and I do enjoy Mr & Mrs Bund.

The dining room on the sixth floor is a bit dark, but for the brunch we were escorted to the salon on the seventh floor that has a beautiful view of downtown Shanghai.

For brunch you can choose a 2, 3 or 4 items from the menu at a fixed price and a drink is included. Since I was with two friends we had a chance to sample the menu.

One of the first dishes to come was the a pair of poached Benedict eggs with a slide of crispy bacon. It was good.

I also personally tested their vitello tonnato (tunato on the receipt) that was a bit over the top with the sauce but a nice dish.

One of my friends has slow cooked eggs in a soup with foie gras.

Somebody in the party had a dish with some grilled salmon. A very regular dish, but nicely presented and executed.

Others main we ordered included black angus rump steak, iberico pork loin and lamb. We were all satisfied with our selections.

The portions were suitable for one person, but not too small.

Drink choices included smoothies, mocktails and beers.

The check

The 2 dishes menu cost 148 CNY (around 21 USD) and the 3 dishes menu cost 198 CNY (around 28 USD). The dishes were well executed and the menu offered a good array of options. All in all this was a satisfactory brunch in a nice location.

Where in Shanghai:
IAPM Mall,
6/F, 999 Huaihai Zhong Lu,
Address in Chinese: 淮海中路999号6楼