We recently enjoyed a charming brunch at the Dakota Bar & Bistro in the former French Concession. On their website, they describe themselves as being an American-style bistro, and they delivered on their promise. From the casual, street-side patio to the sumptuously dark interior, we felt as though we’d been transported to the Upper East Side of Manhattan, home to some of our favorite brunch experiences. I relish any opportunity to bond with my beloved New York City, even if I’m 11,000 kilometers away.
Having just come off a holiday in the American South, I went straight for the biscuits with sausage gravy. I had to find out if the flavors would translate on the other side of the world. The first few bites when the dish was piping hot were excellent. The sausage gravy was spot on and I loved the sprinkling of fresh herbs on top. But once it cooled, the sweetness of the biscuit came through and was a little cloying. It would have been more appropriate for strawberry shortcake instead of a savory breakfast. Hubby, meanwhile, ordered the eggs Benedict with amazingly tender and zesty beef brisket. I had serious brisket envy.
We shared an order of the unctuous steak fries roasted in duck fat. They were addictively good, especially dipped in the mayo. To round out the meal, so to speak, we ended with the fresh donut holes which reminded me of a cross between beignets and hush puppies. The vanilla dipping sauce brought a nice lightness to the deep-fried treats that we lingered over with our tea and coffee.
Dakota Bar & Bistro
Address: 38 Donghu Lu, Shanghai, China
Pricing: brunch entrees from 50-118 RMB
Looks like a really nice place. I love breakfast food. Hubby’s looked better than yours. Mom
Hubby’s tasted better than mine too. Next time! 🙂