This month for the gluttonous weekends ahead we bring you southern-fried goodness, Latin-inspired bloody Marys, affordable free-flow bubbly and a gin-soaked Sunday afternoon. ***
Azul
A fixture of the dining scene since 2003, Azul serves a decent value brunch on the weekend. There's loads to choose from, with salads, soups and variations on the pancake making up the bulk of the starter section; and mains comprising various eggy concoctions, hearty sandwiches, rice and pasta dishes. Surroundings are airy, service is swift, but taste-wise, what's on offer doesn't quite tally with expectations. Case in point: The Azul Breakfast (85rmb) lets down with bland-as-can-be chicken sausages and distinctly mediocre bacon. To compensate, Bloody Marias (40rmb) pack a super-spicy kick, and the duck confit and egg (85rmb) is fatty, tender, gooey perfection. You can do a la carte or there are two set options: 138rmb for two courses and a drink or 148 for all that plus a coffee. Choose wisely and it's a great value for chic surroundings at one of the smartest addresses in Puxi. Sat-Sun: 11am-4pm For a full brunch listing click here.
Boxing Cat Brewery
The Cat has brought on Shanghai veteran Sean Jorgensen to revamp the menu, and his first order of business has been brunch. The menu is full of fun takes on Southern cuisine and all of its glorious, deep-fried traditions. His crispy fried chicken and waffles (85rmb) with andouille gravy and maple syrup are a definite standout, as is his short rib and sweet potato hash (85rmb) which is served alongside a whole grilled okra (that's a particularly nice touch, we might add). Or you can have a little "Hair of the Cat," a chili dog topped with an egg sunny-side-up (75rmb). For the lightweight crowd, there is a sizable selection of salads served with everything from jerk chicken (45/69rmb) to grilled steak (50/75rmb) or a Cobb salad with house smoked salmon (75rmb). Okay, maybe that's not so light. Deal with it; you're at the Cat. You know what you've signed on for. Of course, if you're afraid to venture into terra incognita, plenty of menu staples are available as well: their Reuben (80rmb), their pulled pork quesadillas (60rmb), their nachos (70rmb). And if you're still hungry, check out their chocolate peanut butter crunch cake (45rmb). Sat-Sun: 10am-3pm For a full brunch listing click here.
The Portman Ritz-Carlton
This Sunday Tables, the Portman-Ritz Carlton's all-day dining restaurant inaugurates its Sunday "Martini Brunch." We got a sneak preview of it last week, and, truth be told, are seriously considering joining a 12-step program. The rattle of ice in a stainless steel shaker resonates throughout the dining room as a team of dedicated bartenders mixes a selection of 12 different drinks. It's a broad range of sweetness and strength -- a little something for all tastes and tolerances. You can go full bore with a "Double 0-Tini" (gin, vodka and vermouth) or light and sweet with the "Caribbean" (vodka, coconut and pineapple). They've even mined the cocktail annals for classics like the breakfast martini (gin, lime, apricot and orange marmalade complete with a garnish of toast). You can drink as many as you like, and should that prove too stiff for you, they'll pour you bubbly instead. Oh, right. We almost forgot to mention that they serve food with all of this too. Chef Dibyendu Roy has put together a huge spread featuring freshly-shucked Gillardeau oysters, Chinese stir-fries, Southeast Asian curries, a chocolate fondue fountain with all manner of sweets and a host of rich and hearty roasts like prime rib, rack of lamb, honey glazed ham and a wicked oxtail pie to help absorb some of that gin. That's 518rmb+15% per person for more booze and food than you would ever need in one sitting. Sun: 11.30am-2.30pm For a full brunch listing click here.
Enoterra
Enoterra also does a good value brunch. On the weekends they offer four different breakfast sets, all of them fairly big and moderately priced. Plus for another extra 80 kuai there’s free flow of sparkling wine. Nice. Our personal favorite is the "American" brunch with eggs Benedict (your choice of salmon or ham), pesto sautéed mushrooms, pork sausages, crispy bacon, baked tomatoes, hash browns and a house salad all for 98rmb. Their slightly pricier "Enoterra Signature" breakfast for 130rmb is not half bad either, certainly a feast for the eyes. Soft boiled egg "a la coque" with caviar, croissant, salmon tartar and two pieces of quiche, a platter of cheese and ham and a wonderfully tart yogurt. All of the sets include freshly squeezed orange or grape juice, their French breakfast for smaller appetites also a has a coffee of option. Brunch goes from 11am to 4pm. No reservations needed, but it might be useful if you want a table by the window. Sat-Sun: 11am-4pm For a full brunch listing click here.
