December 14, 2006
We might be addicted to Whisk Choco Cafe
Shanghai's recent cafe boom has left Shanghaiist out in the cold — we don't drink coffee, and only a little tea. Our frigid weather beverage of choice is (start laughing now) hot chocolate, and our savior arrived in Shanghai a few weeks ago: Whisk Choco Cafe.
We first learned of Whisk from a commenter (who mentioned paninis, not hot chocolate) and figured we'd try it out since it is just a short walk from our new apartment. And after a cup mug bowl of Spanish Hot Chocolate (RMB 28) we were hooked. The Tuna Melt Panini (RMB 28) was tasty, as well. And then the wife showed up and we tasted some of her 58 kuai risotto — excellent. And, of course, we had to try the Molten Chocolate Cake (RMB 35 and pictured to the right with the Spanish Hot Chocolate) — again, excellent ... and we're not exactly chocoholics.
But Alex, Whisk's owner, most definitely is — just look at all the quotes that appear throughout the place. Here's an example:
Put "Eat Chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.
Alex, a Kiwi, started working at a bakery that specialized in chocolate-infused recipes in New Zealand when he was just 17 in order to "stay out of trouble." Later, he studied under an Italian chef in London, hence all the risottos, pastas, paninis and pizzas (we've heard good things) positioned alongside chocolate items on the menu. He's even planning on offering chocolate risotto, pastas and, maybe, pizza in the future. Hmmm.
For you coffee drinkers, fret not. Serious coffee addicts drinkers (Peijin) have spoken highly of Whisk's brews. And their prices aren't bad, either — they max out at 18 kuai. You can also get cookies (RMB 3) and cupcakes (RMB 8) ... and then you might want to think about a gym membership, as well.
Also, and perhaps more important to some readers, they have free wireless and a big back room with plenty of work space. Definitely a place worth checking out.
Whisk, 1250 Huaihai Lu (淮海路1250号), near Huating Lu (very close to Exit No. 2 of the Changshu Lu Metro). Tel: 54047770.
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There is a map that helps to find the place and a few more pictures here: http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/2831/Whisk_shanghai
The cake looks great but 28RMB for milk and chocolate heated up? Why don't I just pay his kids school fee directly and save us all a lot of time?
Have you found any good tea houses that don't overcharge? So far, the best selection in town seems to be at my house but I get tired of my four walls and lack of central heating.
I, too, resort to hot chocolate when having to meet people in Starbucks, but I'd rather be drinking tea.
The chocolate was great (cake and Spanish cocoa), but my "tuna" melt was awful. All mayonnaise, egg and just the slightest bit of tuna.
This place is amazing. Found it on Saturday and have already been back once. 28 rmb for an absolutely delicious Spanish iced chocolate is in fact a pretty good deal, given that at many cafes (from Bucks to crappy Chinese cafes) you will pay as much or more for an inferior drink.
The pizza was excellent, as was the risotto. Didn't try the paninas. The molten cake is decadent.
A very cool space, great design. Check it out.