What began as a stint by legendary French chef Paul Bocuse at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo is now Le Restaurant-Ecole Institut Paul Bocuse (Rhone-Alps Pavilion, 379 Baotun Lu; 86-21/3307-1102), the first official offshoot of his famed Lyon-based academy. Forty Chinese and French exchange students are currently enrolled in the school’s work-study programs, and from Wednesday to Sunday, you can sample their culinary creations in the modest on-site dining room. Watch as young wannabe chefs in the open kitchen studiously prepare an ever-changing menu, which might include foie gras terrine with roasted figs and mulled wine, or deer loin with beetroot and kumquat. Guests can choose from one to four courses, priced from about US$26. Forgiving the occasional glitch, it’s one of the city’s most affordable fine French restaurants.–Amy Fabris-Shi
Originally appeared in the February/March 2012 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“French Lessons”)
