TMSK. Shanghai XinTianDi 新天地
Opulence is the word that I would choose in describing modern Chinese cuisine and interior restaurant decor. Fabulous, flashy, glamorous, bold, exciting, intriguing, are other words I would pick. TMSK, South Beauty, and Lan all represent stylistic statements in both food and design.
Located in the heart of XinTianDi 新天地, TMSK operates with an outdoor patio, casual first floor Chinese dining, and a higher end western supper club with band in the 2nd floor room. Instantly, you are drawn to the luminated green crystal and glass bar. TMSK Tou Ming Si Kao 透明思考, loosely translated as Transparent Thinking, is the lovechild of two famous glass artists, Yang Huishan and Chang Yi. You can see the natural beauty in the details all over the restaurant.
Offering nouveo Shanghainese style fare, TMSK presents sliced pork served cold, mushrooms, abalone, and fried rice. I wasn’t particularily impressed with anything, nor was I dissappointed with anything. I think this type of cuisine is more suited for Chinese, rather than foreigners or American Born’s. I did like the mushrooms and abalone, I thought these were pretty good. Another thing I liked was the large glasses for the drinks. These oversized glasses make for a good conversation piece. I understand that they have different glasses for different drinks.
I think TMSK is a great place for a date or for a small group. The airy, yet intimate atmosphere creates a modern style that is popular.
