Shanghai Served Neat: The French Concession

“When I’m behind the bar, I like to wear a nice shirt with a bow tie and blazer so that I look like an English gentleman. Initial is my go-to spot for vintage work clothing.” —Bartender Tree Mao on the French Concession. Read more about his local’s take on Shanghai here. Room 3, 142 Xinle Rd., near Donghu Rd., 86/(0) 21-5404-6166 This appeared in the January/February 2015 issue.

“One of my best friends owns Le Vin. He is a great chef and a very talented sommelier. The space is tiny, so you’re often dining shoulder to shoulder. My wife and I never bother with the menu. We just ask what’s good that night. The specialty is homemade pasta and pizza,” says Tree Mao, of The French Concession, Shangahi, China. This appeared in the January/February 2015 issue.

“I used to sit in this small park with a cup of coffee before I went to work. It’s an interesting experience to be in the park and see modern shopping malls on one side of you and tall green trees on the other. At night, older couples gather in the park for group dancing.” —Bartender Tree Mao on the French Concession.

“I helped to open a Spanish cocktail bar in 2008 with chef Willy Trullas Moreno, and it still gets attention today. The bar program was modeled after Japanese-style cocktail bars that have that fanatical obsession with crafting the perfect drink.” —Bartender Tree Mao on the French Concession. This appeared in the January/February 2015 issue.

“If you’re looking to enjoy a quiet drink and you love whiskey, this is your bar. An iPad menu acts as a directory of more than 150 whiskeys and their origins, from Scotland to Japan. Malt Fun also has a list of mostly classic cocktails. Call ahead to reserve a seat.” —Bartender Tree Mao on the French Concession. Read more about his local’s take on Shanghai here. This appeared in the January/February 2015 issue.