Second Helpings: Rachel’s

What: High-quality burgers from Franck Pecol

Where: 202 Wukang Lu, near Fuxing Lu. Tel: 5425 3120

Why: For the new, comfier, interior and extended menu

Part of Pecol’s food empire on Wukang Lu, Rachel’s, opened last year to much fanfare and just two, impeccably crafted, burger options, the hamburger or the cheeseburger. The interior of the restaurant, designed by Shanghai darlings, Neri & Hu, was minimalistic, with stainless steel, high tables and swivel stools. However, this design concept was not popular with the local crowd who found it hard to balance on their high stools whilst losing themselves in the miraculous moment when patty hits mouth. Pecol listened to his guests, and completely renovated the space this year. There is now a warmer, brighter and airier feel, with low tables, chairs and couches, following a classic retro diner theme, matching the famed American delicacy the restaurant focuses on.

 

The menu has also been extended, offering a wider selection of burgers, including a chicken and duck burger (RMB 80), a veggie burger (RMB 60), made with a beetroot and potato patty, along with seven other beef varieties. All beef patties are made with Australian beef and served rare to medium, although you can ask for the cooking time to be increased. We opted for the Rachel Deluxe burger (RMB 110), with a 200g Aussie beef patty, compared to the standard 140g patty. The meat was tender, juicy and topped with Comté cheese, bacon, onion jam, coriander seeds, lettuce, tomato, Dijon mustard and a fresh herb dressing. All burgers come with either French fries or a mixed leaf salad.

Fitting with the diner theme of the restaurant, for dessert you can choose from homemade ice cream (RMB35), ice cream sundaes (RMB 45) or a dark chocolate brownie (RMB 35). Run over to Rachel’s now, and burn of some calories in advance before indulged in their American inspired feast.