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A Little Shelter
GZ Caf¨¦ off Nanjing Lu - By Cecilia, May 27, 08
Like an oasis in the desert, a good caf¨¦ in Shanghai should provide shelter and indulgence. I spent Monday afternoon hunting down such a rumored oasis, GZ Caf¨¦, located in the alley between Nanjing Xi Lu and Weihai Lu, across from the Isetan side entrance. While the general locale is much traveled by both locals and foreigners, GZ is one of those elusive spots that cannot be stumbled upon, only searched out by those in the know.
Apparently, no one is really in the know yet, as I was the only customer throughout my hour long stay during the lunch rush. Question is, even if more people are informed about this place, should it be sought out? That depends on whether you are looking for shelter or indulgence. It offers the former but is lacking in the latter.
The English menu presented to me had a limited range of food and drinks. They make three types of spaghetti, half a dozen deserts, and some type of breakfast set that I couldn't decipher. For drinks, main options consist of the basic coffees -- Americano, espresso, latte, mocha, or tea -- lemon, Ceylon, and Turkish apple. I decided to take a risk with my drink (Oreo milkshake) and play it safe with my food (Spaghetti Bolognese). As soon as I placed my order, the friendly server scurried off to the kitchen, actually a converted tool shed in the villa's garden, to get cooking. The milkshake arrived first, looking incredibly promising but ultimately resulting in dissatisfaction. Isn't an Oreo milkshake just a few Oreos, ice cream and milk? I swear mine was two Oreos, milk and possibly water. The drink was not cold, creamy or refreshing; it barely caused any kind of condensation on my glass. I took a few sips and put it aside, relegating the rest of my hopes to the spaghetti. No improvement. The noodles were overcooked and the sauce was lacking in everything but water.
Now, I am not a food snob -- I recognize and appreciate good food -- but will tolerate the less than perfect without throwing a hissy fit. That said, do not come to GZ Caf¨¦ looking for a delicious drink or snack because they still need to work on it a bit. However, if it's a quiet nook for relaxing and getting work done that you¡¯re looking for, this is the spot. Also, its proximity to budding arts area Weihai Lu could make this quite the trendy hangout.
I like the casual and laid back atmosphere of GZ as opposed to the uptight sterility that pervades most cafes in Shanghai. Seating includes big tables for groups and couch space to curl up on. Bookshelves are lined with magazines, books, and games (all in Chinese). Wireless internet is also available. It was rather quiet during my stay, no crowds of people walking by, no honking, dogs barking, etc...
Check out this caf¨¦ if you're in the area and in need of a hideaway. Chances are you'll probably have this little nook to yourself.
Drinks around 15-30rmb, food around 20-30rmb.
Apparently, no one is really in the know yet, as I was the only customer throughout my hour long stay during the lunch rush. Question is, even if more people are informed about this place, should it be sought out? That depends on whether you are looking for shelter or indulgence. It offers the former but is lacking in the latter.
The English menu presented to me had a limited range of food and drinks. They make three types of spaghetti, half a dozen deserts, and some type of breakfast set that I couldn't decipher. For drinks, main options consist of the basic coffees -- Americano, espresso, latte, mocha, or tea -- lemon, Ceylon, and Turkish apple. I decided to take a risk with my drink (Oreo milkshake) and play it safe with my food (Spaghetti Bolognese). As soon as I placed my order, the friendly server scurried off to the kitchen, actually a converted tool shed in the villa's garden, to get cooking. The milkshake arrived first, looking incredibly promising but ultimately resulting in dissatisfaction. Isn't an Oreo milkshake just a few Oreos, ice cream and milk? I swear mine was two Oreos, milk and possibly water. The drink was not cold, creamy or refreshing; it barely caused any kind of condensation on my glass. I took a few sips and put it aside, relegating the rest of my hopes to the spaghetti. No improvement. The noodles were overcooked and the sauce was lacking in everything but water.
Now, I am not a food snob -- I recognize and appreciate good food -- but will tolerate the less than perfect without throwing a hissy fit. That said, do not come to GZ Caf¨¦ looking for a delicious drink or snack because they still need to work on it a bit. However, if it's a quiet nook for relaxing and getting work done that you¡¯re looking for, this is the spot. Also, its proximity to budding arts area Weihai Lu could make this quite the trendy hangout.
I like the casual and laid back atmosphere of GZ as opposed to the uptight sterility that pervades most cafes in Shanghai. Seating includes big tables for groups and couch space to curl up on. Bookshelves are lined with magazines, books, and games (all in Chinese). Wireless internet is also available. It was rather quiet during my stay, no crowds of people walking by, no honking, dogs barking, etc...
Check out this caf¨¦ if you're in the area and in need of a hideaway. Chances are you'll probably have this little nook to yourself.
Drinks around 15-30rmb, food around 20-30rmb.
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