Food For Thought

Each month, our dining columnist gives you all the news that’s fit to dish. Find out the newest hotspots and the latest closings, as well as the tastiest events in town for December.

The invasion of American chain restaurants continues as 2013 draws to a close. Just two months after Morton’s opened their second store in Shanghai, competitor Ruth’s Chris (the largest luxury steakhouse in the world) is firing up its grills on the Bund. Just three floors down from M on the Bund, they’ll be serving up their signature butter-laden steaks, as well as New Orleans-inspired dishes from their first restaurant in the Big Easy. As we were going to press, they were promising an early December opening, but delays are the norm here in Shangers, so don’t hold your breath. In other franchise news, Hooters has officially opened its third location in town (1/F, Bldg 1, 1498 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Wulumuqi Nan Lu. Tel: 6437 9811. Web: www.hooterschina.com), and this time the well(ish) – endowed are bringing their signature brand of “delightfully tacky yet unrefined” dining to Puxi. The expat family-loaded Ambassy Court location is an interesting choice, but we’re sure the kids will get as much enjoyment out of the hula hoops and chicken wings as the dads do. The oyster deals keep rolling in around the city. New happy hour deals at El Coctel (2/F, 47 Yongfu Lu, near Fuxing Lu. Tel: 6433 6511) and Bubbles Bar (3/F, 110 Fenyang Lu, near Taojiang Lu. Tel: 6437 5839) both feature bivalves. The latter is only available on Tuesdays after 7pm and offers two oysters plus a glass of Cava for RMB 108 or a full dozen and a bottle for RMB 688. El Coctel’s “early hour” is arguably the better option, with French Fines de Claires going for a song at RMB 10 per half shell every day of the week from 5:30pm – 8pm, although no drink discounts. They’ve also got a deal on Iberico ham: buy a small plate and get upgraded to a large plate gratis. More interesting news from the world of molluscs comes from Oyster House (441 Yuyuan Lu, near Wulumuqi Lu. Tel: 6233 9651). Every Tuesday is ladies’ night, where women enjoy free flow sparkling wine from 6-10pm to pair at their raw bar. OH is also now open for lunch. They have three sets from RMB 88 – 188 for 2-4 courses, all featuring European-inspired hot foods, like grilled cheese bratwurst and roast duck breast with polenta. But if it’s oysters you’re after for a midday pick-me-up, never fear. They’re shucking raw ones in sets of three for RMB 68 to add to any set. Wine connoisseurs, listen up! On 5 December, La Paulée de Chine is hosting an exclusive wine dinner at Jade on 36 (36/F, Grand Tower, 33 Fucheng Lu, near Lujiazui Xi Lu. Tel: 6882 8888 x 6888). The extravagant seven course menu, featuring smoked wild mackerel and seared foie gras, will be paired with 10 glasses of Burgundy over the evening. Seats run RMB 1,388 + 15 per cent. Jing’an at The Puli (2/F, 1 Changde Lu, near Yan'an Xi Lu. Tel: 2216 6988. Web: www.thepuli.com) is making their famous Sunday brunch available every weekday from 12-2:30pm. For RMB 188 + 15 per cent, diners get access to their changing table of appetizers and desserts as well as one choice of cooked-to-order main courses. They’re not currently offering a free flow champagne option, but hinted that might change if they get enough interest. Shanghai, get on it! We also had the chance to sample the latest in the city’s dining scene this month: Shanghai Supperclub (email: eat@shsupperclub. com. Web: www. shanghaisupperclub. com). A roving dinner party hosted by some local foodies, the venue and menu changes monthly, and you’ll break bread with some of Shanghai’s most interesting diners. All you need to do to score an invite is sign up on their website and wait for the secret details about the next meal to arrive in your inbox.