[Shanghai] The Public

The Public | Facebook | Dianping
Address: 襄阳南路174号2楼(近复兴中路) – 2F, 172 Xiangyang South Rd near Fuxing Middle Rd (徐汇区 Xuhui District)
Date visited: 2013.08 for dinner
Total bill: RMB¥570 for three people
Will return: Yes
What to get:
– Pastrami Sandwich
– Fried Chicken

I often try to bribe my New York friends to airship a pastrami sandwich from Katz’s Deli but I haven’t had much success so I had to think of a more realistic (and cost effective) way to get a pastrami sandwich in Shanghai. I think I can stop crying myself to sleep at night now because I found a good pastrami sandwich at The Public. Great food, drinks, atmosphere and service. Overall: very satisfied and will be making this a regular dining spot.

Important: cash only!

Drinks:
Back left: Cucumber Slumber (RMB¥75) – refreshing
Front: Secret Earl Grey Cocktail (RMB¥70) – sour and foamy
Back right: Lost in Thailand (RMB¥70) – strong (I liked this the best)

The Public Pastrami Sandwich (RMB¥70 for half, RMB¥95 for full; full shown below)
Recommend: yes
Although nothing will replace my beloved Katz’s Deli (New York) and Zingerman’s Deli (Ann Arbor), I was pleasantly surprised by The Public’s pastrami sandwich. It was very delicious and I will be back especially for this. The pastrami, which is brined for 3 days, smoked for 10 hours, and steamed for 4 hours, had a very deep and saturated flavor. The mustard was distinct and strong, which complemented the beef well. I am super fond of sweet potato fries and arugula so the entire plate was a winner for me. 

Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Cake (RMB¥110)
Recommend: yes
The seafood tasted very fresh. The mango was a good move.

The Public’s Famous Whey-poached Fried Chicken (RMB¥100 for two pieces, RMB¥150 for half chicken; half chicken shown below)
Recommend: yes
The breading was so well-seasoned and the chicken was tender and juicy. The half chicken portion had two small pieces and one large piece and was enough to share among three people. There is also a spicy version of this (Nashville Spicy Fried Chicken) for the same price.

– Second Visit –
We returned to try some other dishes in addition to our favorites from the previous visit.

French Onion Soup Dumplings (RMB¥75)
Recommend: yes
Miniature version of French onion soup wrapped up in a dumpling. Fun little concept similar to The Stanton Social in New York.

Popcorn Scallops (RMB¥60)
Recommend: yes
This is technically off the bar menu but we got it as an appetizer. Pretty basic but good.

KBBA Shepherd’s Pie (RMB¥120)
Recommend: no
It was okay but nothing too special, especially for the price.

Mongolian Pork Chop (RMB¥135)
Recommend: maybe
Not exactly the best piece of pork chop I’ve had but it tasted good with the horseradish cream sauce and garlic mash.

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