Seeking something fancy on a budget? Joey’s Lounge may be your best choice this winter. Head to Olympiad for a taste of fusion cuisine and a cosy, chilled hang out with friends.
The sparking light from the restaurant shone bright through its windows, making it hard to ignore the trendy bar-to-ceiling drinks shelf, upon which sits an abundance of wine, spirits and whiskey. Spacious, comfortable and equipped with modern LED lighting. Joey’s cosy leather sofas, bar stools and spacious karaoke room ensures sufficient seating for guests. Jazzy music plays softly in the background until 9pm, when a regular jazz singer with a gentle voice begins her gig.
A bottle of 2013 Chateau Ste. Michelle Gewurztraminer (Columbia Valley, USA) started us off, going wonderfully with the salmon and fresh oyster starter that owner, Joey, offered us, on top of salted pigeon! Don’t be put off, tasting just like Nanjing salty boiled duck, only chewier, it’s surprisingly a blend that really works.
Perhaps in order to cater better to different cultures, the restaurant serves a mix of Western and Asian dishes, such as the Vietnamese classic, Pho. And how better than to entice the locals than with Nanjing staples, such as their take on salted duck? Meeting Western standards, our salad was comprised of warm beef and grilled squash, served with sour sauce. It was moist, tasty and refreshing, an excellent winter appetiser.
The Australian rib-eye steak, served along with seasonal vegetables and french fries, albeit pricy, is strongly recommended. Worth the splurge, each tender slice smothered in truffle gravy makes for a melt-in-your mouth delight.
An excellent finale to the meal was a helping of rich chocolate lava cake; small and exquisitely decorated with red cherries and nuts, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Once cut into, the melted chocolate floats deliciously out onto the plate, with it a mellow sweet aroma.
Flattered by the restaurant’s hospitality, Joey stops by each table to speak to customers. Having sampled the bulk of Shanghai and dozens of Western restaurants, Joey has succeeded in creating a upmarket restaurant and lounge.
Proud of his wine selection, mainly from France and Australia, with his whisky collection and cocktail list, the restaurant appears to be marketing to mainly to those reaching deep into their pockets. Targeting middle-class, white-collar Chinese locals, beer on tap is offered, however, comes with a ¥68 to ¥88 price tag. And with a minimum purchase for ¥3,000 required for an upstairs reservation, drinking at Joey’s lounge seems reserved for the last of the big spenders. That said, there is no faulting the value of food and the quality thereof. A great lunch/dinner family choice.
Joey’s Lounge is located at 168 Lushanlu, Xindi Center 2 (Xigema Square – Area C), Olympiad 卓逸舍酒廊餐厅: 庐山路168号新地中心二期西格玛广场C区13-14商铺. Tel: 87767168.
