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LIFE> Epicure
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Mix Japanese with Shanghainese
(bestfoodinchina)
Updated: 2008-09-01 15:49
 You'll find the Moonsha restaurant at 5 Zhong Shan Dong or, as most foreigners know it, 5 the Bund. Situated on the third floor below the much famed restaurant '5 on the Bund', Moonsha is very different from its illustrious neighbour. It mixes high quality Japanese cuisine with a decor that, with its deep red and black colours, is reminiscent of Shanghai back in the 20's and 30's. The bar area also has fantastic views of the river and the skyscrapers on the other side. It mainly caters for business diners and couples looking for a romantic meal. Like most of the other restaurants in this area of the city it is expensive but you do get what you pay for. You won't find many backpackers here from the youth hostel just down the road. This Teppanyaki restaurant serves up fine Japanese food using the best ingredients from all round the world. Olive oil from Greece, Bolivian salt from high up in the Andes Mountains and ice fish from the Artic which, as my host liked to point out, is pollution free! The restaurant’s specialty is Matsuzaka beef. This beef, for those of us not in the know, comes from virgin female cows which are only fed on a diet of tofu lees and ground wheat all washed down with beer. Just in case this gourmet life style leaves the cow with any stress they also receive regular massages with straw brushes, are taken for afternoon walks and played soothing music. All this pampering results in beef with a high fat-to-meat ratio - in other words very very tasty beef! We ate at one of the eight private tables. There are also two public tables. Our chef, from Taiwan, was very entertaining as he served up some delicious food and the waitresses were attentive throughout. The appetizer was white mushrooms wrapped in finely sliced pumpkin with a balsamic sauce. Next we had fish roe covered with scrambled eggs. which was smooth with a soft and gentle texture. This was followed by the ice fish. The fish was served whole but its bone had been removed. The bone was then cooked until it turned a crispy golden brown. It was the first time I had seen this or indeed tried it and it was surprisingly good. Then came the meat. Chicken served with a soya and honey sauce and lamb, both were excellent. Finally, the Matsuzuake beef which was, as I expected, superb. Just as soft and tender as it should be. To sum up this restaurant, it is not somewhere to come if you’re on a budget but if you want a classy Japanese dining experience in a great location this is a very good restaurant to visit. Moonsha Teppanyaki & Lounge |
