ZOCO has decided to take some time to remodel, closing for renovations a few weeks ago. Miguel Jonsson tells me that they'll be reopening in July with not only a new look but a new Mexican concept as well. A bit of a jump from Spanish tapas, however given the general rut that Mexican food in Shanghai has been sitting in, if they can pull it off, power to them.

I've also heard rumors that one of Shanghai's prominent chefs may be joining this new project. The rumor actually came from the chef himself who said they were waiting for final confirmation, but seeing as my counterparts out there on the dining scene have also been told them same, it seems as though Brad Turley's move to ZOCO is relatively cemented.

In a recent chat with former chef, now consultant Steven Smith, Steven spoke very highly of Brad's Mexican cooking skills. "It's a bit of a jump from Maneo," I said, "I didn't even know Brad did Mexican!" Steven replied, "Oh, Brad knows Mexican," with a tone that belied absolute certainty. And given that Steven has a fair bit of experience and expertise with Mexican cuisine (his first restaurant being a Mexican one), I trust his opinion. Brad, can't wait to see what you bring to the Mexican front.