Purple (CLOSED)

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by Juliann Kirkland
on Monday, March 23, 2009 12:00 AM

This recent addition to the Shanghai dining scene has opened its doors on Middle HuaiHai Rd in the heart of the former French Concession. Its ambition is to be a place where friends and family can gather to relax and enjoy each other's company. This is especially evident in the inviting purple décor, the comfortable seating arrangements and the outdoor patio. Even this partially covered patio has a bed on it for people to relax and get comfortable in. Okay, maybe not that comfortable.

In the spirit of relaxation, we started our evening (at a table) with a glass of the house Cabernet (38RMB). We also began with two very memorable appetizer selections. The first was a velvety Pan-Fried Foie Gras with a Honey-Apple Glaze (98RMB). It was served with French bread slices, and a beet root puree giving this dish a wonderful texture and taste. The second was the Salmon Tartar served with an avocado salad and vinaigrette dressing (58RMB.) The diced cucumber, onion and added citrus juice create a unique and exciting twist to this dish.

Next we enjoyed the Traditional Greek Salad (48RMB) - a plentiful serving of beautiful tomatoes, cucumber slices, green peppers, onions, olives, and fresh feta cheese drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. For entrees, we sampled the Lamb Chops (148RMB) and the Papaya Cod Filet (128RMB.) The lamb dish consisted of three thick, tenderly cooked (medium) Australian lamb chops in a rosemary wine sauce. The cod fillet was pan-fried, drizzled with lemon, papaya, extra virgin olive oil, and a unique blend of secret ingredients giving it a spicy kick. It fell apart nicely at the touch of a fork. We ended the evening splitting the Milk Chocolate Pot (40RMB) served in a cute martini glass and topped with vanilla ice cream.

The Bottom Line: A fun, intimate place to gather with friends for memorable French and Mediterranean inspired cuisine at reasonable prices.