Ho Ho Holy crap, it’s cold outside. And what better way to warm up than by stuffing yourself with tasty holiday-inspired carbs? You’ve only got a couple more weeks to use the ‘it’s the holidays’ excuse to not fit into your skinny jeans. If you haven’t been on the look out for season specials, here are a few of our faves that you ought not miss around Shanghai…
Beef & Liberty's new head chef Uwe Opocensky has packed all of his Christmas dinner memories inside a burger bun for what’s being called the Holy Duck (118RMB) – and we’re not gonna lie, it’s marvellous. Slightly fatty duck meat mingles with a spiced apple and red cabbage concoction that’s just the right amount of sweet, and it's all topped off with a rich egg yolk sauce. You’ll need both hands to conquer this indulgent gooey beast, so if you’re afraid of getting Holy Duck juices all over your Christmas sweater, this one’s not for you. We’ll also recommend that you go for their Warm Christmas Cookie Skillet (62RMB) served up with a side fresh cream to boot.
You also may have heard the rumour that the folks of Pie Society have managed to put Christmas in a pie, and we’re here to confirm that this is, in fact, a true story. This week for a birthday, we swapped cake for savoury pies, and after trying the lot, well… we wanted more. Grab a MOO-sletoe (Angus beef and sharp Stilton cheese slow cooked in red wine and port gravy) or the Merry Berry (roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing and cranberries) and pair with buttered Brussels sprouts and a gravy for 80RMB. While you’re there, throw in a gingerbread bar (28RMB) from The British Kitchen for good measure.
Pie and mash at Pie Society
Speaking of sweets, what’s Christmas without cookies? We’ve got chocolately Peppermint Bark cookies and crisp ‘Gingerbuddies’ from Strictly Cookies on our radar. Should you be feeling crafty, you can also get one of their Gingerbread House kits (225RMB) which comes with everything you need to construct your dream dessert home, plus a big pile of candy to deck out its halls. Oh, and should you be heading to Disneyland, pick up one of their gigantic holiday-deco chocolate caramel apples (39RMB) from Minnie's Confectionary.
Peppermint Bark cookies from Strictly Cookies
One final note on the world of drink – Tour has whipped up a specially brewed hot toddy that comes with a mini apple pie; as well as an aromatic boozy Masala chai topped with a baked samosa. ‘Nough said. (Oh, except for this pro tip: go early since limited quantities are available every day. Cop them for 85RMB each.)
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