/ Reviews / Japanese
Langham’s Japanese Gastro Pub
by Stephanie Sherrill
on Friday, August 21, 2009 12:00 AM
The art deco Yangtze Hotel has a long history in Shanghai, dating back to 1934 when it was the third largest hotel in Asia. Overhauled in 2009 by international hotel chain Langham, the five-star Langham Yangtze Boutique Hotel has re-emerged as one of the city's great addresses.
The hotel's ground floor Japanese restaurant, Mado Izakaya, is based on Japan's gastro pub-style Izakaya establishments and therefore has a surprisingly relaxed ambience, with a slight art deco twist. The name ‘Mado' refers to the large floor-to-ceiling picture windows looking out onto the bustling Shanghai streets. If the back lane antics of People's Square are not entertaining enough, diners can watch Chef Stanley (formerly of the Ritz-Carlton) and his team slice and sauté in the open kitchen. To be even closer to the action, you can perch at the designer sushi bar, where the chefs meticulously slice sashimi and roll sushi in front of you.
The restaurant focuses on a traditional menu of sashimi, tempura and yakitori, with an emphasis on their craveable crab dishes. These are complemented by an impressive array of specialty sakes, wines and Japanese beers.
At lunchtimes, Mado Izakaya offers a well-priced Bento Box set (RMB98 + 15 percent) featuring a fun assortment of six different dishes. The light crab salad of fresh crabmeat dressed in a tangy vinaigrette is the best place to start. Miso soup is a sweet next step. The fried tempura vegetables and prawn cool quickly, so attack those while they are still crunchy. Then enjoy the Bento Box highlight dishes - the lightly marinated grilled fish and sticky rice.
To compliment the set meal, the California roll (RMB45 + 15 percent) and bowl of assorted sashimi served on a bed of crushed ice (RMB220 + 15 percent) are good choices. The fresh, top-quality imported seafood shines through in all dishes.
Keep an eye out too for Mado Izakaya's all-you-can-eat dinner deal (RMB199 + 15 percent) starting next month, offering great value along with high quality ingredients and a glass of sparkling sake.
The Bottom Line: The historic Yangtze Hotel has re-emerged into the posh Shanghai scene, with Mado Izakaya's rustic wood design and impressive menu of Japanese beers and spirits setting it apart from usual upscale Japanese hotel restaurants.
