Shanghai-Sao Paulo Menu at Zengo February -March 15

If you missed the Lima-Tokyo menu, head into Chef Richard Sandoval’s Zengo to try Test Kitchen: Shanghai-São Paulo menu offerings. Every few months, the Chefs at Zengo research and develop new recipes featuring the cuisine and spirits of one Latin and one Asian country.  The Shanghai-São Paulo dishes offer creative interpretations of traditional Chinese and Brazilian recipes.

We started the meal with a mild and refreshing Spiked Acai Tea.  The cocktail is a blend of green tea vodka, acai liqueur, acai berry juice and lychee puree. 

Next we tasted a series of small plates.  Traditional Chinese dumplings are enhanced with Brazilian flavors in the Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings, prepared with pork, crab and linguica sausage. 

The complex Brazilian spice, tempero baiano, can be found in Crispy Shanghai Spring Rolls, filled with chicken and shrimp. 

A staple of Brazil, bacalhau, or salt cod, is crusted in coconut and served with Chinese-influenced sweet and sour sauce.  

Pomegranate-Kumquat Cocktail muddles traditional Chinese fruits with Brazilian cachaça. 

Picahna Steak and XO Style King Crab is culinary collaboration at its finest: Brazilian dry aged sirloin with Asian-style King Crab, served with Chinese XO sauce.  I loved this dish!

Also, check out the Feijoada with black beans and shredded pork.  

Guests who enjoy a slightly spicy cocktail will want to try the Peppercorn Cucumber Martini, made with sake, cucumber, gin and Szechuan peppercorns.  Beware:  this one packs a punch!

For a sweet ending, savor the Coconut-Tapioca Pudding, served with lychee sorbet and shaved coquito nuts.  I wasn't the biggest fan of the gritty texture. 

Cachaça, a Brazilian spirit made from fermented sugarcane, is featured in the Coconut Batida, prepared with fresh coconut water and lime. Yes!  I love hydrating while sipping cocktails at the same time.

Coming next: Test Kitchen: Hanoi-Havana.

Photos by Emily Clack