by joanna on March 3, 2010
Experience a Chinese tea ceremony in this eclectic old teahouse
In the heart of historic Old Town in Shanghai and in close proximity to the famous Yuyuan Gardens lies the Old Shanghai Teahouse. In fact, Old Town was the first area of Shanghai to be settled – originally, a place for locals only and where foreigners never ventured. Today, with the Old Town Bazaar and nearby historic gardens this is hardly the case as a mix of foreigners and locals can both be found shopping and generally whiling away a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. And in the midst of the market frenzy, the Old Shanghai Teahouse provides a welcome, if slightly eclectic, respite. [keep reading…]
When traveling I will eat out more frequently and choose larger meals than I might normally. I don’t know if it’s because of the website or some silly notion I have that because I’m traveling I have to pack in all I can on every trip instead of slowing down and relaxing. Sometimes pushing myself in this way leads me to hidden gems and experiences I wouldn’t have had otherwise… and sometimes it further rounds the gut. Take my last trip to Shanghai. I was stuffed after a solid couple weeks of dining out. I had a quiet Monday night lined up and everything inside of me was saying, “just stay in at the hotel, order room service and veg out.” But another part of me was saying, “get out there, you might not be back in Shanghai for a few months and this is your last night out to try something new.” On this particular night I was so glad I listened to the guilt and ventured out to Stiller’s instead of staying in. [keep reading…]
by Paul on January 28, 2010
When traveling in Shanghai, it can be easy to stay with the tried, true… and close by. The Bund is a safety area for foreigners. Everyone knows where it is and how to get there. Even the name is easy to pronounce. Much more exotic sounding, yet just as foreigner friendly (if not more so) is the grey brick turn of the century Shanghai lane neighborhood known as Xintiandi. It’s a quaint area, featuring beautiful architecture, a mix of cafes and high-end shopping, and one of my new favorite Shanghai restaurants (not just Shanghai, but on my short-list for all time favorites) – T8. [keep reading…]
by Paul on January 26, 2010
Fine dining has some how become synonymous with epic, bank account reducing gastronomic menus. While these are great (and sometimes life changing) you’re probably not going to want them every night of the week. Most nights you just want great food, reasonably priced and if there is great service, all the better. In Shanghai, that’s Nougatine. [keep reading…]
by joanna on January 19, 2010
Spectacular dining and views to match at this Shanghai gem
Lately I have been getting to Shanghai more often for work. M on the Bund is right around the corner from the Westin Bund Center where I usually stay. Convenience is certainly a plus, but what really keeps me coming back is the fantastic menu and Bund skyline views. So I was excited this time to be able to visit with Paul (instead of the usual business dinner), and share M on the Bund with him. [keep reading…]
by joanna on September 30, 2009
Cote de Boeuf steak for two and other French classics
Thoroughly French bistro style… chalkboard, inlaid marble tables, dark interior, temperature controlled wine room and all. Two-year-old Franck presents a French menu with bistro classics like pigeon, roasted chicken, steaks, beef tartare, grilled tuna and more in Shanghai’s French concession. Overall, it is a classic presentation of classic dishes in the classic style….in a word “solid” but not necessarily original or distinctive. Then again, it’s always a pleasure to have a well executed French meal in Asia…. [keep reading…]
by joanna on September 1, 2009
Why is it that Jean Georges seems to define the various culinary chapters of my life?
I first became aware of Jean Georges Vongerichten when I was living in New York. I was in advertising…it was the early 1990’s…expense accounts were fat (people in America not just yet;)…and I was just learning what it meant to eat really well. My first meal with JG, as he is known by foodies worldwide, was at JoJo in 1992. Funny because this is also my mother’s nickname for me, but personal coincidences aside, this was the meal that transformed me. Three courses of wonderment later, my eyes were opened to the startling possibilities of cuisine which pretty much put me on the trajectory of culinary exploration I have been on ever since.
[keep reading…]
by joanna on July 29, 2009
An oft-recommend restaurant on the Bund…can it live up to the hype?
I had been meaning to get to Whampoa Club for a while. It has been recommended several times but somehow in my many trips to Shanghai I often ended up elsewhere. Having had the occasion to try it this time I was excited to see what it is about. Will the pan-Asian flair really be so inventive? Will open up new worlds for me in Chinese cuisine? With locations in Shanghai and Beijing – would Whampoa Club be my new favourite haunt when in China? [keep reading…]
by joanna on July 25, 2009
Beautiful people and glamourous cocktails and this river-view stunner
In the vein of big city bars with a view is The Glamour Bar on the Bund in Shanghai. I tend to have an affinity for Glamour Bar though, over say, the usual bar-with-a-view spots in Asia, e.g. Vertigo in Bangkok, Skybar in Kuala Lumpur or Felix at the Peninsula Hong Kong. Unlike many of its sleek, chic cousins, The Glamour Bar is bursting with personality…like your outrageous gay friend decked out in his most fabulous ensemble. It’s fun, lively, spirited and a little cheeky. [keep reading…]
