Yè Shanghai Soon to Open in – Where Else? -- Shanghai 6 Shanghainese Chefs Visit Hong Kong to Prepare for Event

In 1998 Yè Shanghai opened in Pacific Place, and a new taste was born in Hong Kong. This Elite Concepts restaurant soon earned acclaim for its distinctive cuisine and stylish ambience. Earlier this year Yè Shanghai Singapore appeared, once again winning the hearts of food lovers. Now, at long last, Yè Shanghai brings its unique cuisine and atmosphere to the Mother City – Shanghai.

The newest Yè Shanghai, which will have its soft opening in late December 2001, is located at 338 Huang Pi Nan Lu, Shanghai. This is in Xintiandi, a new Shui On development in the former historic French Concession. Xintiandi is noted for its many “Shikumen” (stone gate) houses which have been carefully restored to their original splendour. “ We wanted Yè Shanghai to be located in a historic district,” says Paul Hsu, Executive Director of Elite Concepts. “Our restaurant’s style draws upon Shanghai’s history, so we couldn’t have found a more appropriate location for enhancing the experience.”

Launching a Shanghainese restaurant in Shanghai is serious business. In preparation for the opening, Elite Concepts took six chefs from the Shanghai restaurant to Hong Kong. The chefs, hand-picked from the ranks of China’s finest culinary artisans, came to observe operations in Yè Shanghai Hong Kong. During their visit they gained a full understanding of Yè Shanghai’s interpretations of the sumptuous cuisine of Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai. They also contributed their talents and helped to create new dishes in concert with Yè Shanghai’s chefs.

The distinguished visiting chefs did not only confine themselves to Yè Shanghai while in Hong Kong, but they also visited La Cité, Cinecittà, Kokage, and One Fifth, to get a better overview of Elite Concepts’ operations in Hong Kong. In addition, the group explored Hong Kong’s other fine restaurants, to get a better picture of the Hong Kong dining scene.

The Yè Shanghai concept was developed by Elite Concepts’ Paul Hsu and internationally renowned architect and designer Tony Chi, like its predecessors, the new restaurant will offer exciting takes on Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shanghai dishes.

And beyond Shanghai? The world, says Paul Hsu. “We know Yè Shanghai is a winner. Now that we’ve established our ‘Mother Ship’ in Shanghai, we’re ready to take it global.” Tokyo, San Francisco, London, New York, and especially Paris among the eight key cities under consideration for Yè Shanghai in the near future.

Yè Shanghai was conceived and is operated by Elite Concepts, one of Asia’s leading hospitality companies, specializing in the conceptual development, design and management of restaurants, clubs and leisure venues. Founded in Hong Kong in 1991 by Paul Hsu, Elite Concepts manages a diverse portfolio of restaurants, bars, entertainment complexes and health clubs in Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Outlets in Hong Kong include Yè Shanghai and La Cité in Pacific Place and Cinecittà, Kokage and One-Fifth in Star Street. Yè Shanghai in Xintiandi, Shanghai is scheduled for soft opening in late December 2001.