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Valentine's Day at The House of Roosevelt 2012-02-13 15:06

Nestled in the crux of the Bund's most prestigious and historical area, The House of Roosevelt represents the evolution of present-day Shanghai. The former headquarters of the British trading firm, Jardine Matheson, the building has consistently been at the forefront of Shanghai's financial and cultural boom. In 1843 the Jardines purchased the plot of land at the commencement of foreign trade in the port city. As the trading firm burgeoned, the structure evolved from colonial mansion to its current granite edifice, which was erected in 1920. The final floor of the structure was added during World War II when it was occupied by the Japanese Navy Intelligence. After the building was returned to the trading firm in 1945, it was confiscated from Jardine Matheson in 1949 and remained a government office as the Shanghai Foreign Trade Commission for nearly 50 years.

Through the Roosevelt China Investment Corporation, the American Roosevelt family finally purchased the building in 2008. During the days of Jardine Matheson, the establishment once sold silk, tea and opium; but it is now the largest wine cellar in the city, boasting an impressive 20,000 bottles and 2,500 labels.
ZhaoJiaLou Ancient Town 2012-02-05 17:25

Perhaps its name has never appeared in the popular travel guides. Perhaps its presentation is more or less similar to other popular ancient towns in Shanghai. Perhaps even local Shanghainese have never heard of this place. Yet, ZhaoJiaLou (召稼楼) is undoubtedly an ideal destination for those who are looking for a tranquil, traditional Chinese atmosphere and, of course, good food. Check out our suggestions below for the must-try items in this ancient town.
SHEX Reviews: New Age Veggie 2012-02-04 16:21

I must confess that I am not a vegetarian and much less a vegan, although I've dabbled with the thought. As a vegan proprietor, New Age Veggie does not use any animal products: No eggs in the cakes. No meat in the salmon sashimi. No preservatives as far as the eye can see. No pungent plants. No smoking. No alcohol. My gentle coaxing and promise to pay a corking fee were no match for this dedicated vegan establishment.

This is going to be a trip. Like many, I didn't think a vegetarian option was even a possibility in China. Avoiding pork in its various forms would be exhausting. New Age Veggie is the vegan's dream restaurant, but it's good for the rest of us too!

Initial entry to the restaurant leaves a bit to be desired. First you take a rather cramped, cold metallic elevator to the 5th floor. The restaurant itself: large round tables in the center, and a row along the wall overlooking Huaihai, conjures the feeling of so many local hotspots.
SHEX Reviews: Itsuki Teppanyaki 2012-02-01 13:50

Japanese Teppanyaki restaurants are not only delicious, they're also quite fun. So I decided to head out to the French Concession to experience what Itsuki Teppanyaki had to offer. Located on the second floor in Donghu Hotel near South Shanxi Road Metro Station, Itsuki Teppanyaki is one of the longest-tenured Japanese restaurants in Shanghai, opening in 1994. In 1994 it was only one of a handful of other Japanese restaurants in Shanghai, and it has been running strong ever since.

This family-owned restaurant team includes a brother and sister, a wife, and my favorite, a daughter who was our chef. It is most definitely a family affair at Itsuki Teppanyaki. Obviously, the teppanyaki is the shining star at this restaurant, and features your choice of a large variety of meats and seafood that will be cooked right in front of you. If that is not enough, it is only 180 RMB for the all-you-can-eat deal which makes Itsuki Teppanyaki high on quality but easy on your wallet. Make sure to make a reservation on the weekends as it can get very busy.
SHEX Reviews: Pizza Marzano (Xintiandi) 2012-01-27 09:22

On the corner of Shanghai's premier shopping center, Xintiandi, is also one of the city's best pizza shops. Pizza Marzano is the kind of place you'll find top-quality ingredients put on top of everyone's favorite finger food. Ingredients like spiced pomodoro sauce, smoky pancetta, and aromatic Peking Duck. It's a thin pizza, light sauce. But like Picasso artwork in your living room, there really isn't a need for any other decoration, just feature the best ingredients.

And that's exactly what Pizza Marzano does. The restaurant is a spin-off of a British company, called Pizza Express, which wanted to bring authentic Italian pizza to London. The oven in the first Pizza Express wa imported straight from Rome, and a global pizza chain began. Pizza Marzano does it just as well in here in the Far East, which is one reason they are about to open their third location in Shanghai (Surpass Court, Unit 111, 570 Yongjia Road, 200031). The SHEX crew went down to Xintiandi to find out how Pizza Marzano stacks up against heavy competition in the city, and we've compiled a few menu items that are worth a try. Let us know what you think!
SHEX Reviews: Blue Heart 2012-01-11 16:35

Grannie To Us All

On a tip from my local friend Dimi we're checking out "Blue Heart". This tiny restaurant on JingXian Lu near South Shaanxi Station on line 1 is surprisingly easy to find. It's also extremely famous in the local community. The matriarch of the establishment is a gray haired woman you could only wish was your grandmother. Grannie Li, when translated, visits every table and brightens every hungry and happy customer.

Mind you, it doesn't take to long. Five tables on the first floor seat a maximum of 32 people. I later learned if you just can't wait a little used but ever present option is just upstairs. A second floor room with overlooking window above the main dining hall has one more table. If you really want to feel like one of this woman's visiting relatives, you and friends can scuttle up the stairs to a room complete with table, chairs and a bed. Who doesn't love a nap after dinner?
Sasha’s, Taste a Piece of History 2011-12-30 15:58

One of the cool things about China is that there is valuable history in almost every corner of its vast territory. Even in some of the most ordinary places around this country, you can find a story worth telling. You might find a piece of land where a major battle was fought, where a famous person once stood, or even stumble across the location of mythological legend.

This is especially true in Shanghai, where so many of China's major historical events have taken place. Wars, agreements, revolutions, Yao Ming (yes, seriously)…..so many important things have happened and so much history lies in plain sight, right here in Shanghai. One of these gems happens to be on the corner of Dong Ping Lu and Hengshan Lu, where the former Soong Family Mansion is located.
SHEX Reviews: Fred Kan is Pho Real 2011-12-21 17:09

Fred Kan is the owner of two Pho Real locations, and one Be Real location in Shanghai. L.A. born, Fred grew up in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. With one new location already in the works and plans for two to four more next year, this Master Chef shows no signs of slowing. For the past ten years he's called Shanghai home and what a home it has been.

A Japanese restaurant and the management of two bars gave way to appearances on two ICS programs – Smart Cook and Independent Inspector. Fred also played the part of an Emperor in two National Geographic documentaries, ran an organic soup delivery business and a deli in Carrefour. Originally trained as an Italian Chef, he's lent those talents to Southeast Asian cuisine for the past two years in Pho Real and Be Real. Authentic Vietnamese, yes, but it's no surprise with all these influences this man is a fan of fusion.

Let's Eat Pho Real!

Under a ceiling of woven Vietnamese baskets surrounding lights, the smiling staff carry a feast. This meal could easily feed three or four people and would only cost the group about 300 RMB. The mingling aromas of seafood, lemongrass and stir fried vegetables create a monsoon in the mouth. Pull up a chair. Time to dig in:
Kiwi Drinks for the New Zealanders! 2011-12-20 13:30

Last Friday night KEA (New Zealand’s Global Network) held its monthly Kiwi Drinks, however this time there was a Christmas twist. Held on the second floor of O’Malley’s Pub, it served Kiwis with some home favourites, traditional New Zealand Christmas food and a chance to make business contacts as well as friends. In its 15th year, Kiwi Drinks is a fond tradition in the New Zealand expat community. Jennifer Cuthbertson, one of the organisers, said that “Kiwi Drinks, along with other events run by KEA, has proved a great way to foster a community spirit and help network into the city, whether that be for new arrivals, travelling business people or established residents.”

The 100RMB entry fee entitles you to free flow New Zealand beer and wine, VnC Cocktails as well as an all-you-can-eat buffet. New Zealand mussels and home-made Pavlova were popular as well as the all-time Kiwi favourite, Hokey Pokey ice-cream, made by New Zealand Natural.
The Most Unusual Ingredients You Find in Japanese Food 2011-11-23 15:13

The Japanese people have an exciting collection of cultural attributes. Everything from their clothing, language and food is highly tasteful. No wonder today Japanese restaurants around the world are gaining more and more popularity. This success is owed both to the Japanese culture of wonderful hospitality as well as the extremely delicious variety of dishes they offer to their guests. And what is the secret behind some of the more exotic dishes?