One of the city's favorite options for pizza cravings, Homeslice, is meeting the more elevated standards of Shanghai dining — renovating its Shankang Li store to become Homeslice Kitchen.
Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
Brought to us by Homeslice OGs Nat Alexander and Rob Jameson, the fresh interior, new dine-in only menu, and signature cocktails are all calling us to relax as the spring weather turns to summer.
While the previous design was modeled after a subway tram, the refurbished space is open and bright.
Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
There is more homey décor, including photographs of New York scenes—such as breakdancers on the street and the Flatiron Building, of which Shanghai's own Wukang Mansion is reminiscent.
Blonde wood beams span overhead and the deep, green booths are long enough to seat large parties for pizzas or meals.
Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
Most importantly at this time of year, the inviting patio offers wide, comfy chairs—shielded from the blazing sun by day with an awning, and aglow with table lamps by evening.
New Menu Assortment at Homeslice Kitchen. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
The spacious new layout was necessary to accommodate their expanded menu, which ventures beyond pizza into full 'Italian-American' fare.
When asked what that means, Rob explains that Italian-American stays closer to the roots of traditional Italian cooking, as opposed to American-Italian which leans toward US style cooking.
Melanzane Parmigiana (RMB48): Eggplant, Tomato, Mozzarella. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
A perfect example of this distinction is the Melanzane Parmigiana (RMB48)—a layered eggplant dish that is flour-less, unlike its breaded Eggplant Parmesan counterpart, and not as simple as it sounds; the team goes through a careful process of brining the eggplant and reducing excess olive oil in the final stages prior to baking.
Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese (RMB48): Cheddar, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
The Four Cheese Mac & Cheese (RMB48) also holds secrets in its creation—maintaining its melting, stringy cheesiness for a mysteriously long time.
Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
While the city is endlessly on the hunt for a perfect version of this comfort classic, Homeslice has entered the competition at an unbeatable price.
Pan-Roast Rump Cap (RMB128/250g, RMB148/300g): Beef Rump, Baby Onions, Salsa Verde. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
An unexpected higher-end dish, the Pan-Roast Rump Cap (RMB128/250g, RMB148/300g) is a succulent spread of tender medium-rare bites.
Perfectly cooked, the meat is balanced by a zesty salsa verde and onions which have been stewed in the cut's own rendered rump fat and balsamic vinegar.
Garlic Butter Shrimp with Focaccia (RMB55): Red Shrimp, Garlic, Lemon. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
Other elevated new dishes include Garlic Butter Shrimp with Focaccia (RMB55)…
Roast Broccolini (RMB38): Broccolini, Garlic, Parmesan. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
… and Roast Broccolini (RMB38) sprinkled in crisp garlic slivers.
Margherita Pizza Sour made with local brand Julu Gin. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
Homeslice Kitchen is also introducing new signature cocktails, several of which were created in partnership with local brands Julu Gin and Pao Drinks Co.
Margherita Pizza Sour (RMB65): Julu Dry Gin, Cherry Tomato, Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup, Basil. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
One of the standout additions is the Margherita Pizza Sour (RMB65). This tart, Julu Gin based cocktail is strong on the basil and tomato flavor, but punches up to pizza via the garnish—a clever parmesan dough twist that, when eaten with the cocktail, draws out genuine pizza essence.
Spiced Hawaiian (RMB58): Julu Silk Road Gin, Pao Pineapple / Coconut, Chilli Syrup, Lemon Juice. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
Tipping the wink to the great 'pineapple-on-pizza debate,' Homeslice has worked with Pao Soda to fashion the Spiced Hawaiian (RMB58) a Julu Silk Road Gin, Pao Pineapple / Coconut Soda, and bold chili syrup concoction.
The real marvel? Even as the ice melts, the cocktail retains its full flavor, with the chili coming through.
Desert Spoon Negroni (RMB65): East London Dry Gin, Sotol La Higuera, Cocchi Torino, Cynar. Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
The Desert Spoon Negroni (RMB65) is a purely delectable twist on the classic, made with Dry Gin, Cocchi Torino, Cynar and Sotol.
The latter is an agave spirit similar to Mezcal, but of note due to the 15-20 years required for a plant to grow, with each plant only resulting in a single bottle.
The cocktail is smoky, rich, and smooth—all of which leads us to enquire about the selection of agave spirits available on the new menu.
Two of Seven Agave Spirits Available in the New Homeslice Menu. Photo by Heather Millet / That's
In a move that reflects Rob's personal passion for agave spirits—honed through years at a notable Mexican establishment in the city—the menu now features a selection of tequilas and mezcals.
While these cater to current trends, the real intrigue lies in some lesser-known gems like sotol and raicilla which, when asked about, leads to a discussion in profile and production of a full range of agave spirits.
With the new food menu exclusively available for dine-in, and Rob in-house most days, there's a perfect storm brewing for a chat over his agave assortment.
Slice of the Month, the Six Cheese (RMB35) and Spanish Red Wine (RMB40/glass). Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
Homeslice Kitchen will of course still continue their fabulous pizza production—including the ever-popular Slice of the Month—but the expanded menu now offers ever more reasons to visit.
Discover treasures like the Burrata Mini Pizza. Pair it with classic Aperol Spritz. Get stuck into hearty meatballs, and wash them down with a quality wine selection starting at RMB40 a glass or their own Homeslice IPA (RMB50).
All of which makes Homeslice Kitchen a Shankang Li essential, be it for meeting friends, pizza parties, or even a date.
Photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's
Sun-Thu 11am-11.30pm, Fri & Sat 11am-1.30am
Phone: 021 6288 6001
Homeslice Kitchen Shankang Li, 358 Kangding Lu, Bldg 3, Unit 103, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 康定路358号3幢103室
[Cover photo by Jimmy Jordan / That's]
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