Nibble & scribble: Bund Brunch Dealings

"Lunch at Jean Georges, it is a no-brainer" was the answer I got when I asked a friend where she had lunch in NYC during her business trip.

As for us, deciding to have Brunch at Jean-Georges in Shanghai wasn't such an easy decision. Firstly, there are a lot of brunch choices. Secondly, one of us previously had a sub par experience at Jean-Georges, Shanghai and was not prepared for another one. Eventually we did, we figured it was a calculated risk, since it was a good way to give Jean-Georges another chance since the brunch deal was touted as the best brunch on the Bund. I went with no expectations and I'm glad to report that it was good. I haven't had lunch at Jean Georges, NYC but I am guessing that it is the same winning formula of great food at a good value that makes it's a "no-brainer" lunch spot.

There are 3 brunch deals to choose from. If you are a brunch purist, the 188rmb brunch menu that gives you beautiful platter consisting of homemade smoked salmon, French toast, eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes and a croissant or with an additional 210 rmb you can lux-up your brunch plate with some lobster, truffle and caviar and add 210rmb. But if you are like me and not really into pancakes, then you can elect for the 188rmb 3-course prix fixe. On top of this, proper service and a view are all inclusive.

Left and moving clockwise: scallops and cauliflower with caper-raisin Sauce; raisin & walnut bread; steamed shrimp salad, tender greens and champagne vinaigrette

The food was focused on being good. The plates were elegant and slightly understated but big in flavour. From our first courses of scallops and cauliflower with caper-raisin Sauce, steamed shrimp salad, tender greens and champagne vinaigrette and Kabocha pumpkin soup, mushrooms and chives, the scallop was the flavour winner of the three. I expected the local Shanghainese river shrimp on the salad, so I surprised when I was served up a jumbo sized shrimp (or I would term prawn – I got lost in translation somewhere) but it was juicy and sweet and the vinaigrette had a great acidity.

Left and moving clockwise: grilled pork chop with smoked chilli glaze, asparagus and onion compote; veal Milanese, radicchio salad and sweet potato, dried cranberries; JG Cheeseburger with Fries and truffle dressing

For the main courses were slightly heavier. The JG cheeseburger had the makings of a good burger and a rich truffle dressing but all together it was too heavy. My Flintstone-sized grilled pork chop with smoked chilli glaze, asparagus and onion compote, was really good; the smoked chilli glaze was bold and pungent but well balanced out.

top left and moving clockwise: wildflower honey, vacherin, crispy meringue and citrus sorbet; oatmeal apple soufflé and applie cide sorbet; Jean Georges chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream

For the sweet notes, the signature Jean Georges chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream was executed ok but very unimaginative. In comparison, the apple cider sorbet was apple fresh and delicious that went really nicely with the comforting oatmeal apple soufflé was sensational and the wildflower honey, vacherin, crispy meringue and citrus sorbet, was cleverly layered textures, light and refreshing.

All in all, the brunch deal here is a happy meal. There is a view, there is good service and the food is solid. It is a good deal, so looking for brunch on the Bund? Maybe this is a no-brainer.