Botanik, the rooftop garden which I just called the most original restaurant in Shanghai in years, has delivered a big surprise this morning: they will close for good after Sunday, September 1. Dammit! They don't give any real reason -- "Don't ask us why, ask us what's next!" the press release says -- but just a guess: growing a garden, foraging, cooking outdoors and being open only four nights a week are individual challenges. Putting that all together compounds the effort needed to sustain such a project. Elijah Holland and much of the team are going back to Australia. Click the jump for the full statement.
"After three years in China, the team has decided to part ways and journey on for new opportunities. It's been a fantastic experience and I've had the greatest pleasure to work alongside my very talented friends and colleagues. Battling the elements has been a challenge, a fun but sometimes tiring one. We had this outdoor space, and we put in our all, and turned it into something beautiful and unique. All good things must come to an end. We are sad to leave Botanik, but it has been an unforgettable journey. We are all looking towards the future. Don't ask us why, ask us what's next!" -- Elijah Holland So, last chance to go if you haven't been. Bookings are open until September 1. Click here for the restaurant's details.
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