Brooklyn's Trendiest Street Welcomes an Elegant New Shanghai Restaurant to NYC
Fleur
5 min read
Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn, known for its unique cultural heritage, features a mix of local eateries, distinctive shops, and vibrant café-bar spaces stretching from the Barclays Center in the north to the Prospect Expressway in the south. Museums and other cultural attractions line the street, while trendy, creative crowds gather at chic cafés and lounges, making it a hub for Brooklyn's artsy and fashionable scene. Amidst this eclectic setting, a new upscale Shanghai restaurant, Fleur, is set to open its doors November 29th this month.
Fleur, the latest addition to Brooklyn's dynamic culinary scene, is led by the team behind HUPO, a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Long Island City. This experienced group brings their passion and expertise in upscale Chinese cuisine, with a particular focus on Shanghai's culinary traditions. The restaurant's head chef, Qingkui Feng, comes from a distinguished lineage of Shanghai chefs, including his father, who was a chef at the renowned Jinjiang Hotel, a representative of the state of "Chinese culinary artistry" in Shanghai. With over 40 years of culinary experience, Chef Feng aims to deliver a dining experience that embodies elegance and sophistication, setting Fleur apart from the multitude of Chinese eateries in the area.
（ Qingkui Feng）
Fleur's décor is inspired by Shanghai's rich cultural heritage, featuring elements like wooden accents and vintage Shanghai posters that capture the city's vibrant history. Dazzling crystal chandeliers hang from the ceiling, evoking the old-world glamor reminiscent of Shanghai's past. The inviting atmosphere encourages guests to savor an authentic dining experience that feels both contemporary and nostalgic. To evoke the ambiance of old Shanghai, Fleur features striking wall art, including vintage tobacco advertisements showcasing models from past magazines. Rich wooden paneling and red carpets invite guests to immerse themselves in the sophisticated charm of Shanghai's golden age.
Fleur's menu is a curated selection of dishes that highlight the essence of Shanghai cuisine, each crafted with precision and creativity. One standout dish is the Chicken Dumplings-an experience that redefines expectations for a seemingly simple dish. The tender, handmade wrappers encase a flavorful filling of juicy chicken and fresh vegetables, such as water chestnut, offering a delightful burst of taste with every bite. In these seemingly ordinary dishes, the sincerity of the chef and the restaurant shines through, reflecting not only culinary expertise but also a commitment to honoring Shanghai's traditional flavors.
（Chicken Dumplings）
Introducing the Scallion Oil Stir-Fried Shredded Eel, a tender eel dish prepared with scallion oil and a house-special sauce. This is stir-fried to be more tender and smooth compared to others, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels as fresh as if the eel had just been blanched. Unlike the frozen taste that is often noticeable in similar dishes, ours delivers a distinct freshness.
( Scallion Oil Stir-Fried Shredded Eel )
The preparation starts by searing the eel, then stir-frying it with bamboo shoots. Garlic and oil are added, followed by a final touch of soy sauce and pepper before pouring hot oil over the dish to bring out the full flavor. This dish offers a unique and novel experience.
Another signature dish is the Crispy Silver Anchovies, prepared with a fresh, house-made special sauce. Traditionally a delicacy reserved for special occasions, this dish features crispy fried fish enhanced by a flavorful sauce. In the past, it was a luxury enjoyed only by affluent families in Shanghai, Fleur especially uses premium silver cod sourced from France to make this dish.
（the Crispy Silver Anchovies）
The Salted Egg Yolk Braised Pork Meatball is a must-try, especially during the chilly winter months. Encased within the meatball is a salted egg yolk, and with just one bite, guests are greeted with an explosion of savory richness. Made from fresh pork belly ground to the perfect ratio, the meatballs are skillfully crafted for optimal flavor and texture. After being deep-fried to achieve a golden exterior, they are simmered in a blend of seasonings, allowing the flavors to meld. Each bite reveals a delightful balance of textures-the tender meat gives way to the creamy salted egg yolk that seeps into the meat, while the Choy Sum adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness of the fatty pork. This dish warms the soul and showcases the chef's delicate approach to creating memorable flavors that celebrate the heart of Shanghai cuisine.
（The Salted Egg Yolk Braised Pork Meatball）
Besides its exquisite dishes, Shanghai's pastries are a true highlight. Two unique offerings, rarely found in New York, include the Seaweed Crispy Pastry and the Fortune Pastry.
The Seaweed Crispy Pastry is a flavorful mix of seaweed, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, tangerine peel, and osmanthus, creating a complex treat. The Fortune Pastry combines red fermented bean curd, pork fat, and scallions for a rich, savory delight. Both pastries are handmade without molds, reflecting traditional craftsmanship.
（The Seaweed Crispy Pastry）
These delicacies bring simple yet nostalgic flavors of old-fashioned Shanghai snacks, and are created by a pastry chef with over 40 years of experience, trained under Shanghai pastry master Guoxiang Xin.
Fleur promises not only exquisite dishes but also a culinary journey that pays homage to Shanghai's rich heritage. It is more than just a dining venue; it offers an experience that invites guests to savor the elegance of Shanghai while embracing the vibrant culture of Brooklyn. With its thoughtfully curated menu and enchanting ambiance, Fleur is set to become a destination for food enthusiasts eager to explore the flavors and traditions of Shanghai in the heart of Brooklyn.
