A complete overhaul of the old Des Lys space has yielded a smart new diner called Xinle (on, you guessed it, Xinle Lu). Operated by French DJ and erstwhile Paris restaurateur Emmanuel Santarromana together with self-declared 'local socialite' Michael Shen, the venue sees chef Leo Shi serving up a menu of mostly Western and American classics such as burgers and sandwiches with a few local dishes thrown into the mix.
There's a range of quick eats - including calamari (25/40RMB), falafel and hummus (20/30RMB) and shengjian dumplings (15/25RMB) - plus more substantial mains such as a daily pasta offering (55RMB), burgers (including a classic for 80RMB and veggie for 60RMB), fish 'n' chips (halibut, 75RMB) and a range of croque monsieurs/madames including salmon (65RMB) and beef tenderloin (80RMB) options. In addition, there are some tasty barbecue ribs (150RMB for three, 290RMB for six), which we recommend trying with the Jack Daniels BBQ sauce.
Reunion, on Yongjia Lu, is also in soft opening. Some former Madison employees are behind this casual but intimate bistro and they're already dishing up good food. Highlights from the dinner menu include a fresh asparagus salad topped with a fried-soft-boiled egg (56RMB) and a super-freakin'-tasty shrimp and chorizo tagliatelle (158RMB). The only issue we have with some of the dishes is that they are served on the tepid side, but don't let this deter you.
There's also a killer value lunch set where for 48RMB you can get a soup, salad, soft drink and main (the likes of a burger, pork chop, or fish and chips). They'll also be serving weekend brunch - there are no waffles on the menu yet (due to the kitchen size), but the possibility hasn't been ruled out.
