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dieguetis, Feb 10th, 2009
I'ts only me getting this message from the dafthidden.com website?? >>> This website has been removed due to questions of legitimacy.Der, Sep 15th, 2009
Ha, I was wondering when a review for this restaurant would come, its right down the street from my apartment. It looks like a hotel restaurant.
cissy4, Sep 15th, 2009
hey,check this album:http://www.thesirenssound.com/2009/08/25/various-artists-post-rock/
It was released in 2007.
Wang wen is in their 10th year already.
'post rock has really taken off in China'
I really doubt it. Cause true ambient music soul is rare in other lands as well.
See how dancing crowded at all these electronic places in sh..
pffff..
flyswatter, Sep 15th, 2009
I like this place, though the carpets and the photos on the walls always make me feel like I've walked into someone's loungeDer, Sep 15th, 2009
Monday is buy one get one free, if you can handle that many seaweed covered weinersjohnotoole, Apr 15th, 2009
Been going here for my games for a while. He is really friendly and helpful, he also keeps a really clean store and a good stock of older games.Ooh and he uses proper DVD sleeves with all the games. Huzzah.
flyswatter, Sep 14th, 2009
Yeah 21 Grams are still around. Their latest show was at the enoise showcase a few weeks back in eno on Changle Lu. You can buy yourself a 21 Grams t-shirt from said clothes shop too if you're really into the post rock thing. Caught a bit of Wang Wen at the weekend and, though I quite like their CDs, I have to admit I got a bit bored after a while. Maybe I'm just a philistinemorgan, Sep 14th, 2009
Ah right on. It seems there was a bit of a lull there for the band and I wasn't sure if they were around still. Maybe I could have tried to "research" it.teekay, Jan 1st, 2009
I hate you too you nincompoops! best kept secret exposed..the food sucks.. don't go there.. it's bad bad bad.. go eat at expensive thai places like simply thai.. go away shoohh!
musique, Jan 6th, 2009
i admit that these flyer are awfull but i don't see the point of this thread... it's maybe to confirm us that smartshanghai friends are the best, the most indie, the most cutting edge, the most arty, the best musicians,the best djs.... they'll all save us!don't believe the hype....
ISpyShanghai.com, Jan 6th, 2009
Forbidden Fruity Paradise Forever- that's a great, great flyer.(Cut Chemist comes second for me)
ISpyShanghai.com, Jan 6th, 2009
the point is that it's funny, and if you don't spank a puppy on the nose it will never learn.musique, Jan 6th, 2009
i'm fed up with smartshanghai which pretends that only a bunch of people are doing interesting thing in Shanghai (Shelter, STD, Antidote...)best flyer of 2008: almost all of them are Shelter and associated ... these people are doing great but hey! watch around you!
Crumpets, Jan 6th, 2009
Dear Musique. Relax, darling. Did you read the intro? The writer says right in the intro:By "shitty" I really mean "awesome."
These are flyers that people remember because they DO have impact, whether because the people in them are ridiculously gorgeous, slutty, or the photoshopping is laughable.
Do you really think people will stop going to Mao or Bar Rouge because of an article noting the humour in the ads?? No way! Any press is good press, and hotties will always draw barflies, regardless of the opinion of one person at SmartShanghai. Lighten up and take it for what it is: harmless humour.
morgan, Jan 6th, 2009
Should have put the JZ festival flyer in there as well. It was a simple idea (that horn sign) that was pretty ubiquitous and recognizable.psinology, Jan 6th, 2009
No Magic Garden flyer = incomplete list :pAt teh least for overuse of bright colours and round shapes!
psinology, Jan 6th, 2009
It's all about the tabs/drops/microdots Morgan. Pills are sooooooo 90's, completely pass dahling.:)
jingsheng76, Jan 6th, 2009
I was with that couple in Bar Rouge and to be honest they were quite pleasant. Paris IS very happy, Morgan. Hang onmy magical barbeque is acting up again...d-milan, Jan 6th, 2009
Thanks, thanks, thanks!!!Thanks to Morgan for 4 nomination of my flyers on 15!!!
Am I the winner of the contest? Wow! what's about the prize?
Can I claim as prize a brand new Q5 card? (still exist???)
I love it!!!!
Anyway, the guy (Mattia) is MAO's shareholder and Marketing Manager.
The little boy in SPANK!'s flyer is real and, trust me, it's the only two years old little boy in this world never been spanked (lucky him).
About Pervert's flyers... oh com'on guys!!! If we are Pervert what should we do? May you can not believe but you missed things like hardcore nun or similar just because somebody around MAO still can see a little light... sometime :-)
Again, love you!!!
djsexypaul, Jan 7th, 2009
fucking loved it, laughed my ass off, especialy at the Muse and bar Rouge crapola incoperating the olsons and Micheal jackson.........great stuffKeep it up Morgy
tommyb7, Jan 7th, 2009
I was kind of agreeing with Musique's point (there's too much reverse-snobbery in Shanghai) but then I read d-milan's response and reverse-snobbery made a whole lot more sense!!!!enron666, Jan 7th, 2009
Jajaja Vice magazine Style but really Hilarious.For the upset guys...get some humor sense ;)
rob.r, Jan 7th, 2009
Those complaining that Shelter, STD and Antidote parties got off lightly on the Worst list have to remember that the promoters of said parties are all un/under-employed graphic designers.Gaz Williams, Jan 7th, 2009
Absolutely fantastic article! Word for word perfect insite into the scene now. Although its very difficult to bring 'alternative' music to Shanghai and pretty much impossible to make any decent money from it, the opportunities to do very interesting things are really opening up. Big up split works and all the other promoters, djs, musicians, venues and media for all the hard work and support they bring to the scene. 2009 is going to be a very exciting year indeed!
chinaman, Jan 7th, 2009
If I was doing my PHd dissertation, I would do a study on the correlation of best/worst flyers and attendance at the party and money spent. Then I would probably find, it was the parties who didn't even make flyers to begin with that took in the most...I didn't get admitted into the PHd program...
musique, Jan 7th, 2009
i wasnt really complaining about this flyer list coz actually they are all laughable. i'm just angry against the website as they always edit the texts in favor of some "local superheroes" friends or bad texts for those who are not.... and all the contents are folowing the same rules. but i think i'm a bit utopist on this one: nobody said medias were independants and objectives...Cunning Linguist HAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Wonder if that fella Tio got his piece of wood nicely blown. She probably vomited...making a sound like BUKA KKE FFFPHEWT!!
Pinball Lizard, Jan 7th, 2009
In a proper mutual love-in type of thing, I too thank Morgan, Gaz, Julie, Michael and all the wonderful people doing their thing for Shanghai culture. Let us rule the world...rob.r, Jan 7th, 2009
@musique - I wasn't really being serious. Except for the part about the unemployed graphic designers.ISpyShanghai.com, Jan 8th, 2009
I hate that Celine Dion flyer because when I saw it, I couldn't help but feel a slight stirring in my loins.I was glad when the concert was over and I stopped seeing that poster, hadn't felt that guilty since I masturbated over "The Color Purple".
thekitty, Jan 8th, 2009
BYB on nanchang lu gets my vote but they don't have insulated bags so only great if you live less than 3 minutes away in the winterratatouille, Jan 9th, 2009
Well,I tried to Contact Icon'x via email, never got a reply. Then went to the place looking for Snowboard gears (pants), they did not have anything and said their stock was in beijing. They asked for my email adress to get in touch with me, they never did... I guess they lost a great Burton customer... :-(
XIR TMAI, Jan 9th, 2009
Mural can give thanks to slackerton. The man, like Hammer, is too legit too quit.gperez, Jan 9th, 2009
Great piece, Morgan. Sums it up quite nicely, and I feel the same way about this place. There's an energy here, a brimming POTENTIAL, that I haven't seen in a while. We're in a rare place, at a rare time. Thanks for all you do. See you on Sunday!(Unfortunately I'm gonna miss ALL THE GOODNESS next week... GRAH)Sammy 6000, Jan 9th, 2009
Now I know people actually look at flyers in Shanghai I might do a few more this year!pickles, Jan 12th, 2009
Re: Musique "i'm just angry against the website as they always edit the texts in favor of some "local superheroes" friends or bad texts for those who are not...." "i'm a bit utopist on this one: nobody said medias were independants and objectives."Why does having an opinion you don't agree with necessarily indicate that SmartShanghai is neither "independent" nor "objective"??? They are IN FACT one of the ONLY media that is NOT arse-whipped by advertisers. Notice they're not full of "advertorial"? That's because they're NOT sucking anybody's you-know-what.
If you disagree with the opinions of the site, read something else, or start your own "independent" site. Don't go slandering them as not "independent" or "objective" just because they aim for an audience, sometimes, that is different from you.
What media -- or business of any kind, especially in China where guanxi reigns king -- is NOT at least slightly swayed by friendships? At least Smart is not entirely swayed by money alone.
Entirely objective media does not exist. We all have bills to pay, and a target audience. Smart's providing nourishment for those of us who are tired of reading advertorial. If you want advertiser-based BS, look somewhere else. Anywhere else, really...
Louis Yu, Jan 13th, 2009
Hi Morgan, being a fellow Canadian, I really admire you for making a difference in the indie scene in China (which is exciting and interesting and happening, I just wish everyone back in Canada can see how cool it is and give a damn and help promote art in China cause it's important).However, respectfully I have to disagree a little about the state of indie music in Canada. Being a Canadian myself I think the music scene in Canada is pretty good and exciting right now. About some of the points you made, You first point was "there are simply too many bands right now...." but I think having too many bands to choose from is a good thing, it forces the bands to be creative, to stand out. There are simply too many bands and they all sound the same, it's true, that's why I couldn't care less about "the next big thing", they are all "standard hipster rock&roll", listen to it long, they all sound like the strokes, but then after 30 bands that sound the same you come across the one that sounds truely unique and you love it. Bad for the band sometimes, but good (and fair) to the music listeners. It's like, after 40 bands that you don't like, you come across the one pearl that you do like and you do stick with it. A proof of that would be that a lot of hyped bands are short lived, usually the bands that are hyped, would fail in their second, or third albums because they simply are dime a dozen and a too "standard hipster rock&roll" to develop a real following & to keep the people passionate about music to be interested. A little competition is bad for the musicians, but I think good for the listeners.
Your second point was " ... to combat the constant barrage of the 'next-big-thing', everything is fragmented into small, insular little scenes that have closed themselves off to anything else.."
I agree that everything is fragmented into little scenes in North America it's true, but I don't think they are closed off. in my radio station every DJ are into different types of music and yes, they are in their little "scenes" but everyone's opened with everyone else, and we have a mutual appriciation of each other's taste. If anything the hardcore DJ, Troy, is best friend with the twee pop DJ, Andrea, and they put on and promote shows together. I'm not into hardcore and to be honest I can't listen to Troy's stuff for too long, but I respect Troy's music taste and I think he has great taste. I think you are describing music snobs and yes there are music snobs in these little scenes, but there are always going to be music snobs, doesn't matter how good or how bad the music scene gets, just don't hang out with them...
Again, keep up the good work
Didjelirium, Jan 14th, 2009
Nice one mon ! Thanks and praises pon dat article.;)
Big up fi da support and nuff respect pon ya, mista Morgan !
Blessings from the Uprooted Sunshine.... and don't forget to spread the love !!!
^^
rats ass, Jan 16th, 2009
"Songs are usually like 8 or 10 minutes long. The sound quality on them purposely sucks. They almost always ride the edge between boring and completely hypnotic.""A final tip: bring a jacket. "
Hmmmm... so boring music and cold. Might skip it and go to my local xinjiang bbq place, at least they have lively music and an air conditioner.
robjamdj, Jan 16th, 2009
Good luck with this alan and chris!!Looks awesome and if it werent for you know what i'd be there like a rabbit!
santochino, Jan 18th, 2009
all,thanks for coming. hope you had a good time. next one will be a springtime disco dance bash, in april. email me at santochino at gmail.com for more info.
love,
santo
yprh, Jan 18th, 2009
Ey, cool atmosphere, but the music is poor, boring. Please, look for better djs I want to come back.ty_canadian, Jan 19th, 2009
fucked up are great !being from canada i've had the pleasure of seeing them a handful of times.
hopefully they make it over this way !
moritz2000, Jan 20th, 2009
this guy with the beard is the most arrogant person i have ever met. he is starting fight with local djs if they dont play the music he wants! pls smartshanghai doesn't support this shit! if u go to yuyingtang then do this for the other bands! the rogue transmission is not even middle-class!gimmy, Jan 25th, 2009
I think this article is a bit silly.... all the pizza u mentioed are mostly american style pizza, nothing to do with the original pizza (which is also better... ) i might assume the article has some sponsorship? As italian (sorry we know more or less what pizza is.... ) you should try perhaps salvatore cuomo, colabo, papa mario.. e da marco ... the rest i see in the list is good for american-pineapple types...shanghaiboy, Jan 28th, 2009
After reading the positive review by Smartshanghai, I finally found the time to head over to Osteria for its much-hyped food. What a huge disappointment. The place was very nicely done up and very intimate. I was encouraged by the ambiance and nice greeting from the wine "expert". It was downhill from there. Service was typical shanghai standard with the waitresses giving deer-caught-in-headlights looks everytime I asked for something. The prix fixe package was a rip off. The portions were miniscule and when my friend and I order seconds on one particular dish, they claimed that we were only entitled to ONE portion (despite the 2 of us!). When I questioned it, what seemed to be a senior waitress got confused and went off off to enquire. She re-emerged 10 minutes later to tell us that they "would do us a favour" and give us 2 portions. When athat dish arrived, it came in one bowl served by another waitress who claimed our "double" portion was put into one bowl. It was definitely NOT a double portion and I found that act extremely ungracious. On top of that, all the tiny portions were not very tasty. I ordered the fish (seabass I think) for mains and its portion was as tiny as the starters (that were of tiny tasting portions)! It was drowning in oil and way overcooked. We promptly left the moment we finished our mains, which only took a few minutes, and will never return.gperez, Feb 2nd, 2009
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA BATTTTTLLLLEEEEESSSS!!!! MUST. CHANGE. PANTS.
Catwalk, Feb 2nd, 2009
Some other Battles points of interest:-Ian Williams ! Great guitar samples...Remember Don Caballero's "What burns never returns" with also Damon "Octopus" Che.
-Seeing John Stanier smash his 2-meters-high crash cymbal..
-One of the other guys were playing in Lynx.
ISpyShanghai.com, Feb 3rd, 2009
Hooray for fireworks I like the blue ones the best.Good article this was.
sazzle, Feb 4th, 2009
Amazing! I remember seeing the Young Knives play in the attic of some tiny old pub in Bristol (UK) during my last year at Uni. Good job, lads - I'll be there to support in March!Body and Soul Yoga, Feb 6th, 2009
prenatal yoga also offered by body & soul yoga. very nice and patient yoga teacher there to teach prenatal yoga. the most students are expats, English speaking class.Body and Soul Yoga, Feb 6th, 2009
www.bodynsoulyoga.com, 3 min to Plaza 66, 5 min to Portman International professional teachers, small class size, quiet and green surrounding. One of the top yoga centers in Shanghai downtown.ISpyShanghai.com, Feb 12th, 2009
It's nice to read a sex column where the author actually knows something about men.Jia you Matsume. Jia you.
GOODLIFE, Feb 9th, 2009
The food was crap. "Hong Shao Ro" was too sweet, "Shou Si Ji" was too dry. "Jiao Yian San Bei" was too Salty. Onion Noodles had no onion taste and had a sauce????..... Better to go to Lao Jishi if want good consistent Shanghainese food.shwan, Feb 12th, 2009
i am hair stylist from canada and i am moveing too shang hai sone not sure where too start from..any idea..anyone..lapsaptong, Feb 11th, 2009
no 5 is an intersting topic. some guys, and I am one of them, think that blowjobs are over-hyped. don't count on that. 3 and 4 are IT!!!
Jetlag Digital, Feb 11th, 2009
Matsume, you'll be the ideal gf for all of us. I'm seriously amazed about how much you know about guys' desires............paul2008, Feb 11th, 2009
I mean, I personally like 3 and 5. They are all nice, of course.Viva Matsune.
What is it, pure luck to find a girlfriend like this, or you just have to be equally kick-ass to attract kick-ass people?
Didjelirium, Feb 11th, 2009
loool Matsume.... Just bought myself a new xbox cos i had to give away the previous one i borrowed.... I doubt i'll be flexible enough to give myself a BJ so i guess my valentine gifts are half done already ! :pYa crazy gal !!!
Treamer, Feb 16th, 2009
So glad I bagged my tickets early. Can't wait to see the man live. Jose also has a strong following in the Trip-Hop community and I would recommend people check out his guest vocals on Zero 7's 'The Garden' album and also a cool remix album by an artist called Dert which blends his music with the vocals of many Hip Hop superstars. If there is truly the appetite for this kind of vocal performance in Shanghai we should really get Fink over next. Fink is can of similar style, but in my opinion, actually better than Jose (let the flaming begin!).Treamer, Feb 16th, 2009
Kind not Can in that last sentence... it is Monday and the brain isn't up to speed yet.morinbj, Feb 17th, 2009
When will this move be released in these theaters? All of their websites and automated phone messages indicate that they are not showing the film.Meechy, Feb 17th, 2009
I know it's not necessarily along the same vein of club/bar fliers...but the Dragon Fly Spa flier/ad should get at least an honorable mention! You know the one. The hairy jewish looking guy waxing his own chest...with the look on this face that he's getting way too turned on by ripping the hair off his chest! All while holding his hand out for them to try to photoshop a Dragonfly on it...which ended up all to translucent. So it just looks like he's holding his hand up in mid air like, "you like this?...you know you want it" ...he secretly scares me. Please tell me I'm not the only one that has been hysterically laughing at his ad sitting alone in the back of cabs!morgan, Feb 17th, 2009
hmm... sorry about that. the movie was released into theatres last Friday, although the official homepage of the film is currently offline. I'll search out some schedule information...sooking, Feb 17th, 2009
Hi, ratatouille, I am really sorry for the delay.Is it OK for u to contact me directly, so I hope I can help u with the Burton stuff~ My email is sujing@wildrampage.com
morgan, Feb 17th, 2009
In an email from the director, forwarded to us by Natalee at Shanghai Talk (Thanks, Nat):"Paradise Warner Cinema City showing Park Shanghai today (time: 21:00). I think more theatres are going to join the list later. Will let you know.
Paradise Warner Cinema City (Yong Hua Cinema City)
ADD: Xujiahui, Hongqiao Rd. 1, Grand Gateway 6/F)
TEL: 6407-6622"
shanghaidrew, Feb 18th, 2009
I assume you meant "disillusion" not "disollution?" or more accurately, "disillusionment"morgan, Feb 18th, 2009
Ahh yeah... "disillusionment" not "dissolution".Cheers for that. It's just these subtle differences between a B and a B+ paper, huh.
@Xir tmai. Having some trouble getting accurate information as to the screening times and the theatres... Sorry about that. We'll let you know as soon as its cleared up.
STD Shanghai, Feb 18th, 2009
FUCKED UP are confirmed..... check out http://stdshanghai.blogspot.com for more info!skritch1, Feb 20th, 2009
did the Valentine's day tour last week, really really cool!"2 thumbs uup" (as DVD 5's covers say for all Van Dam movies)
Lisa17, Feb 20th, 2009
Hello!I just read what you wrote about Benson salon, and was very surprised. I would like to share my experience.
I usually do blond highlights in France, and I am always satisfied, it is blond but natural. I read somewhere that Benson is specialized with European hair, so I took appointement for highlights.
The stylist didn't speak English, but there was somebody who spoke just a little bit, I explained what I wanted, I also show it on the price list. I was seating and reading magazine, and the colorist started to do something behind, but I realized that he was actually doing a color. But it was already too late, so I let him continue, hoping that it would look good too. But after the shampoo, I saw that my hair was yellow, real fluo yellow!!! I was horrified, I never cried at the hair dresser before! I told them that there is no way I can go like this outside. So they started to make another color (what I didn't like is that they cut a piece of my hair in the middle as a sampl!). After the second time, it was a little bit better, but still I didn't like. I was really disapointed. At least, the did a nice cut and nice blow dry.
Another bad surprise, was when I paid, it was 1000 rmb for something that I didn't like! They told me that they didn't have the right product, so I don't understand why they took me!!!
spacemotherlord, Feb 20th, 2009
Shanghai's best flyers in 2008. Wow -- I was excited when I followed te link ... quite disappointing. Some of the choices on that list make me feel, that whoever put it together doesn't know what he (or they)are talking about. If those are the town's best flyers of 2008, Shanghai graphic design is facing a true crisis ...lianggeli88, Feb 21st, 2009
plz go someone who makes u comfortable, and never trust the brands, coz good hair cut which depends on good hair dresser but NOT brands!and I really doubt is that real TOP five???!!!
how they gave ppl the conclusion and where those date base came from?
gioshanghai, Feb 22nd, 2009
It is 2 years that I do my hairs at ID Hair in Nanchang Lu.The saloon is really nice and recently they've hired also foreigner hairdresser. They are all very good, mine is YuKi and I strongly suggest to everybody. Compared to Italy is a little bit pricey (1000RMB for color+cut) but definetely much better than the chinese salon around the city!
arabella, Feb 23rd, 2009
I suggest the hair salon of the Portman Hotel, colour and blow dry is cheaper that tony and Guy ( I don't do highlight only colour)and service is better. Since the salon is small is also a quite environment. Maggie, the stylist, is nice and I was always very satisfied with her cut. I think they do 20% discount but I am not sure...Treamer, Feb 24th, 2009
Maggie at Tony & Guy has been looking after me for 18 months now. She is very professional and an excellent stylist. Worth the extra bucks over the local places for sure.Maximo, Feb 25th, 2009
Oscar, ibiza its not well known in china as you say.Im from ibiza, and ibiza is known like another place.
Thats all
arabella, Feb 25th, 2009
my suggestion was for hair salon in the Ritz Portman not Tony and Guy though. The English name of the stylist at the Portman is Maggie too.spikey247, Feb 25th, 2009
Hey! where's the photographer in the Glamour Bar?!? This depiction is totally bullshit, i demand an explanation!morgan, Feb 26th, 2009
I believe Ci5 was first leaked to the (English-speaking) masses by a Mr. Jude Blanchette (sp?) in some magazine called "SH" a few years ago...ISpyShanghai.com, Feb 26th, 2009
That's a great list, although Ci5 can swivel if they think I'm paying them 20RMB to bring me my Zima.samdeviatov, Feb 26th, 2009
I saw it on tuesday (the 24th)at yonghua cinema (paradise warner cinema) at 9:20. Its great - slow and sedate, but really absorbing and somewhat profound. The lady in the ticket booth told us there were no subtitles (chinese or english), but she was so very wrong - there are chinese and english subs. She said "many foreigners want to see it, but we tell them there are no subtitles." Haha - ahhh - China. Anyway - you can check the theatre website to see if it's still playing.Johyung, Feb 26th, 2009
I do agree with pcpliu, the shrimps in my fried rice were not cooked at all. Besides all the dishes I ordered had chinese food flavor...did you get paid to post this review? This restaurant is a shameDidjelirium, Feb 27th, 2009
It's gonna be a smoking hot one for sure !!!!!Can't wait to see ya all folks down the Shelter !!!
Bless !!!!
matsume, Feb 27th, 2009
Ok, here comes a little masturbatory promotion! Come see me and my crew! I've got Sun, our new color tech from San Francisco, Kelly our new girl from the U.K., Andy our very tall, very handsome guy from Shanghai who can speak English as well, Angel who's wicked at styling and up do's! And of course! Moi! The coolest hairstylist you'll ever have!You should at least come have a chat with us if your freaked out! 6249-7228 :) Now don't get angry everyone! What's wrong with grabben a little business while I'm surfing! :(
matsume, Feb 27th, 2009
Oh! And if there's any stylists out there who need a job. Give me a shout! At the same number!matsume, Feb 27th, 2009
I promise to shut up after this one! 100 RMB off for any students who bring in there uni cards and 30% off of everything( except product) for first timers!moritz2000, Mar 1st, 2009
bensons sucks and tony&guy too, 1600 rmb highlights not even the full head, without cut and all in yellow yeah good job!botanicboy, Mar 1st, 2009
you've got to be kidding, no real thai food to be found here, only pseudo-made-for-chinese-tastebud fare masquerading as thai.Sigrid-Marianella, Mar 1st, 2009
I went to Erics and i wouldnt reccomend anyone to go there.I felt totally ripped off.
The cut and colour was ok and decent. But for the price they made me pay I expect more than just OK (it was almost 1800 for cut and high lights).
I also wanted to buy hairspray from them (elnet loreal) but they charge 300 RMB for the can!
Now I go to a chinese local hairdresser, I pay 48 rmb for cut and 250 for colour. The result is nice nothing too amazing, but nice and cheaper.
Dont underestimate the local places they are a lot better than you think!
joemomma, Mar 1st, 2009
nam 1975 is not bad but its menu is way too confusing and the pho was not on the regular dinner menu - when i think of vietnamese food i think of pho. you may want to try pho king on jiangsu roadTheBee, Mar 4th, 2009
@matsumeFirst, it would be helpful next time to write the name of the salon if you want to promote it!!!! I just called your salons, with the name ID-hair and they do not know anything about 30% off of everything for first time !So was this a joke - or wat ?
matsume, Mar 5th, 2009
Oops. I'm a moron! Beijing Hair Culture is the name:) The number I left is the Hilton location, 62497228. And the receptionist know about this.crindy, Mar 5th, 2009
I wouldn't go again. Unless someone esle were paying. Not that it's even that expensive but...Atmosphere - High-end food court in mall w/beyonce blasting
Prices - Reasonable
Menu - Not extensive but has the classics
Appetizers - Decent, nothing to shout about
Mains - DISAPPOINTING. Pho broth was fine but noodles were wide (???), condiments were skimpy as hell and also seriously lacking in the aromatics department (lettuce in place of basil does not work for me - also, chilies?). I ordered vermicelli, which was mostly, again, lettuce. wtf.
Overall, don't bother. Try the Vietnamese place hidden in the back lanes of Taikang Lu.
joemomma, Mar 5th, 2009
wow, that was quick - i left a comment (on your best pho in shanghai article) a few days ago and you guys quickly reviewed it. i personally like the pho at pho king (btw we had basil with our pho as it is available on request - its stated on the menu so maybe it was missed) and thought the broth was pretty good compared to the other shops in town - including 1975, pho no.1, aniseed, fcc, golden bull, pho yummy, mekong, and pho fans. i wouldnt call it the best but value wise, i would say so. but you obviously don't like pho king, but to each his/her own.
pixel, Mar 7th, 2009
one wonders about these cross positive reviews about this new place on jiangsu lu, if these reviewers are the operators??trotte, Mar 7th, 2009
As Sigrid, I really not recommend Eric...i had correct highlights, but when I came back for a full color it was the total chaos!!
Hairstylist was not friendly at all, almost agressive, and Ipaid more than 2000yuans for a really bad looking blond which was not the color I asked for... Further more, the color is not harmonious and I did not get my eyebrows bleached... I felt really cheated.
robjamdj, Mar 10th, 2009
Any exhibition that closes at 2pm on a sunday is dumb but when its one based on the very reason we get up late on a sunday then what the frig!Der, Mar 12th, 2009
Looking to buy something racially insensitive? Head to your local foodmart to buy some Darlie toothpaste (aka black person toothpaste)!108, Mar 12th, 2009
Nothing beats a vintage Starwars action figure in its original sealed package in mint condition though. Seeing those Barbies triggers fond memories of decapitating my little sisters Barbies when se messed with my Starwars. Needless to say there is no Starwars mega store in Shanghai, so Barbie got her revenge.WingGirl, Mar 17th, 2009
I was also very disappoint in this place. THe condiments looked so shabby, I mean does a good portion of bean sprouts cost that much? On top of this i was very disappointed when i asked for some fish sauce, as the soup was weak tasting, the waitress yelled at me in a very rude tone " why do you want to eat with this, it doesnt come with this dish it comes with other dishes" The chillie was more like a plastic toy. HIGHLY disappointing, as well as the fact that a visit to the bathroom meant walking all the way to the other side of the mall goin gup and down stairs and escalators. Not a good location and not good food.WingGirl, Mar 17th, 2009
I really enjoyed my trip here for lunch, I had their ceaser salad which had a fabulous dressing, i had to ask for more but it sure did taste good, and I added a bowl of chowder with their lunch special prices. I have not been to pier 39 in san fran, so i cant honestly compare it to what the REAL thing should taste like, but as for a shanghai based clam chowder it was very yummy. For dessert they had a cherry cheese cake sitting there that looked fabulous, and it really was when i ordered it too. A nice place for a snack. IT was raining the day I went, but it was good enough that i would go back in the rain again.afmulazzi, Mar 13th, 2009
I agree with Matsume. Beijing Hair Culture at the Hilton is great. I got my hair cut last night with Sun. His cut, 280rmb is the best value ANYWHERE. I got my hair cut with someone else before and he just never really listened to me. Sun listened and gave great advice and then cut beautifully!
funkatudinal, Mar 13th, 2009
whats up with the overkill there? and Jet Li at the grand opening? does he play with barbie dolls?morgan, Mar 13th, 2009
From Wikipedia: "The name of the band comes from the Greek word for "rock, massive".It also means "awesome."
aleaboy, Mar 13th, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJIQl75fmhoCaptured in Time and Space from 1985, featuring Greg X. Volz, lead singer from Come and Join Us through 1984's Beat the System, with this live album/video as a swan song. That album included the band's second studio recording of GGR&R2U. John Schlitt took over vocal duties from the next studio album, Back to the Street, in 1986. I saw Greg X. Volz live in some church auditorium in Riverside, CA, with taped accompaniment, in 1987 in support of his first solo album, The River is Rising. Off the top of my head.
mcreates, Mar 14th, 2009
Well done smart! Creatively ghastly pieces of crap!!!!! F* hicksville suburbia trash done by a pile of ugly-friendly try-hards, wannabe organisers/marketing janitors that try to impress with paraplegic skills showing everyone how good they wipe their own butts because they can't afford normal ad & design professionals. Cheap quality state of the f*arts is sad.. but funny indeed!summerW, Mar 15th, 2009
awesome...i learn fashion desgin too...and this kinda dressing is my favourite...should stressed.good job..pretty cool studio too...trotte, Mar 15th, 2009
I went to HIP HAIR CULTURE today, following the advice of a bleached haired german girl met at the Shelter, and I was absolutely delighted by the quality and the service!!For 900 rmb I got a wonderful ultra-light blond, with bleached eyebrows, brushing and treatment.
Cameron, the manager, is very professional and helpful, all the contrary of my former hairstylist @Eric Paris.
My boy friend got a very nice haircut for 180rmb, and we are really enthusiastic about this salon.
It's conveniently located near Franipani & Dragonfly n the French Concession.
I really really advise you to go there and to forget Eric, Franck Provost and Tony &Guy!! You'll save time, money,AND your hair! ;)
B.Monkey, Mar 20th, 2009
Mo gan shan is such a wonderful place to visit,i spent two days there last weekend for the first time,and staying Naked Retreats is definitely the best choice i had made for this trip. I miss the home-made whole-grain bread,and the lively hens running around!I can't wait to visit again!
J
bojangles, Mar 20th, 2009
My friends and I have been there three times already and we loved it - the fresh air, the hiking, the beautiful bungalows, the friendly staff and the delicious food prepared by the ayis! The concert sounds fabulous. Would love to go.morryone, Mar 22nd, 2009
Some more hot topics include:- How can a pig farmer save the world?
- Video killed the radio star, but will Web 3.0 kill the teacher?
- How does cooking with spice save the panda?
- Can we create a carbon-free society?
- Can light bulbs save the world?
Der, Jun 9th, 2009
The cauliflower dish was good, but the rest of the dishes were mediocre at best, and many of the spicy Hubei dishes simply did not provide the kick found in dishes from neighboring Hunan. Not to mention the boring decor. I really wanted to like this restaurant after reading several other glowing reviews, but was quite disappointed.Der, Mar 25th, 2009
That fruit on a stick is tang hu lu. I thought they were crab apples, but apparently they are some fruit called a Chinese hawthorn. I didn't know they sold them packaged in a plastic wrappers though. Should fruit be served that way?James P., Mar 26th, 2009
I think I ate one a night my first month in Shanghai...agree with biophlame, purple ones are the bestWave Manipulator, Mar 26th, 2009
Your winner is actually a Cornetto back in the UK, always fixed in my mind by the 1983 advert set in Venice. It featured a gondolier (and maybe a couple) going along the canals and, set the tune of O Sole Mio, he sings "Just one Cornetto, Give it to me, Beautiful ice cream..." I don't remember it exactly, but it seems to be on You Tube and will be worth a look when big brother decides to let us use it again.shanghaibabiex, Mar 26th, 2009
pretty sure the anonymous basketball player is yi jianlian. i know you guys hate sports but thats pretty egregious, he plays in the NBA. if you do want sick popsicles befriend you local, family-run kuaike owners. they have watermelon popsicles that they reserve for special occasions that make dessert at jean georges taste like a pile of pukeGreek chic, Mar 26th, 2009
If you choose to get an outfit made proceed with caution! The team at Catwalk base their buisiness on lies. Be sure to take your sample of material with you, once chosen for a fitting as they will make the dress etc with different fabric and insist how lovely it looks. As for a budget, don't bother, it will be marked up 200% and if you are lucky you may have a dress made. I didn't after two weeks as they couldn't complete it in time. Unfortunately, Catwalk is run by a bunch of girls who look like kids pretending to be grown ups. They forget though that grown ups can't have the wool pulled over their eyes. I hope this helps others going to Catwalk.lemonhead, Mar 26th, 2009
Catwalk are all pretty pictures and no substance. They assure you they can get you one thing, and then produce something else which isn't even a close match. The 'partners' all lie to their customers, and then blame one another for the outrageous fleecing of expats. I've lost count of the time and money I have wasted on repeat visits to their studio.Obviously, their 'pattern cutter' and 'tailor' they employ don't actually work with any of the girls. From concept sketch to fabric selection to pattern being made to item being actualised, it becomes blatantly obvious that none of the people in the production chain are speaking to each other.
An example of Chinese Whispers in its worst form, because it involves wasting the consumers' time and money while they try and get it right... and ultimately fail.
I have had better results from a tiny unassuming stall at the fabric market, at a fraction of the price, and with none of the lies. Don't waste your trust and time on these people.
ISpyShanghai.com, Mar 26th, 2009
I'm a big fan of the Magnum, both for the lustrous blanket of chocolate that wraps around the smooth ice-cream, and also because this advert makes me want to cry.http://usemycomputer.com/indeximages/2004/August/gandalf_magnum_1.jpg
XIR TMAI, Mar 26th, 2009
Probably the first food up on smsh i have enjoyed reading. Bring on summer. Yes. bring it.yprh, Mar 26th, 2009
Benson is a big shit! I went to Jianing lu to cut and color. I shown them a picture, easy and suitable haircut for me. The chief of the salon asked me who I wanted to cut my hair. I asked for their experience, the chief told me, all of them 3 years working there. He taught how to make the haircut I wanted to one of them. That man has never cut the hair in his life! He didn't know what to do. He made me the ugliest haircut I have had in my life. I called the chief of the salon, I asked what was that. Even, he noticed it was an absolute disaster. He tried to repaire it. I told him I wanted the haircut of the example-picture. But, he told me "forget about it". The other one, try to dry my hair, he had no idea how to dry curly hair. He left my hair wet looking terrible, it was 0ºC outside. Finally, the chief dry it for me. It was a complete nightmare day. I wanted to kill them!!! I hate Benson!!!! So, unprofessional!!!! I paid 600 RMB for a terrible haircut + color (the color was ok)psinology, Mar 26th, 2009
Your French-looking Ice Cream in a Cup Guy is Vienetta, marketed in Europe as an upmarket desert to share after dinner.Wikipedia's blurb on the production process makes it sound like ice cream made for royalty.
The original Viennetta was a multi-layered product comprising layers of vanilla ice cream with sprayed on 'chocolate' layers. The layers of ice cream were extruded, one after another, onto trays sitting on a moving belt. The rate of extrusion was greater than the speed of the belt which caused a deliberate 'bunching' of the ice cream; each layer was extruded at a different speed to the previous layer. The final effect was akin to a series of waves rippling through the product. This visual aspect combined with the in-the-mouth contrast of the smooth ice cream covered in crisp 'chocolate' to give the product an instant appeal.
Posh Nosh!
topsyrussell, Mar 26th, 2009
'Street Walkin' Cheetahs' is right - they'll cheat-ah you out of your hard-earned moolah! And they're brass-necked monkeys for daring to parade themselves as fashion designers among the upper echelons of the Shanghai couture world, when they have NO formal qualifications, training, or experience in fashion design, pattern-cutting, or dressmaking. Bunch of baboons with a Crayola set, more like. Better off going to zhaosister, they are a hundred times more professional and actually know what they're doing.Treamer, Mar 27th, 2009
Glad you enjoyed the experience Rob. We have now introduced our new Spring menu, so we would love you to back and check it out.Many thanks,
Marcus
Wave Manipulator, Mar 27th, 2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8dbfJN0LpY Here's the cornetto advert.popupkitty, Mar 29th, 2009
"Shanghai has already made up their mind up about M1NT, and generally we fall into two camps" -- I can't take a review seriously when it begins with such perversions of grammar. Shanghai is singular and third person POV (you are not a city). Therefore, "it" has a mind and "it" is divided between two camps (though a mind can't really have camps). If SmSH can pay for wagyu beef, maybe there's money in the budget for copy editing??mittens116, Mar 30th, 2009
It is not wise for Mint to put up the "member" system to camp people into whatever categories. But it is just Mint. It is not fair to generalize restaurants on the Bund. Restaurants on the Bund, including Mint, do have the means, the knowledge to provide world class food and service, which do contribute to making Shanghai a world class city, which then provided opportunities for foreigners like you to make a living here, and for you to then slash restaurants on the bund. Shanghai like a lot of other cities in the world, is a city all about the money. People come here to make the money, or to spend the money. And there is really nothing wrong with it. You think these restaurants not on the Bund set up by some self-claimed restauranteur sincerely wants to offer you value for money? Now they don't have the means, or the knowledge to do that. Please just try and be fair to restaurants on the Bund.omgthisnamesuks, Mar 31st, 2009
The problem with M1NT Shanghai (I don't know about the other ones) - is that it's like a "poser" Member club. As stated already, it's basically the Lounge 18 and Attica crowd - and 90% of them are NOT members.When you have a member club where knowing the bouncer, or knowing the girl at the front desk, or saying "oh I know this member" will get you and your 5 friends in regardless if you are a member - it's fail.
An interview stated that M1NT was opened for the purpose of allowing people who wanted to go to a regular comfortable place and be surrounded by like minded individuals and not a bunch of mindless transient party drones (i'm paraphrasing, but whatever) - in which case, again... it's failed.
Shinylucy, Mar 31st, 2009
So proud of you, Jeff! And congratulations to the great sucess success of ILS! :)anaruby, Mar 31st, 2009
CONTESTAROCKHAIR....is the best Place in town for your hair... Modern, Funky, Great Atmosphere, just right...did i mention they are Italian??? DONT MISS IT!!!!ZhenNing Lu NO 9, joy tower 2F
rob.r, Mar 31st, 2009
@mittens116 - normally I wouldn't step into a discussion about any review, let alone my own but did you actually read and/or comprehend a single word of it?In what way did I generalize restaurants on The Bund - I didn't mention a single one other than M1NT? How am I being "unfair" to Bund restaurants? Where does the phrase "value for money" appear in my review? And please, PLEASE tell me how these restaurants - all of which opened long AFTER I moved to Shanghai - have provided me with additional economic benefit?
I focused my review on the food/service/environment at M1NT and completely ignored the fact that they may/may not have a "members only" aspect to it - opening paragraph of the review states this! If you take the time to read, you will see that I found aspects of my experience to be fantastic and I found aspects of it to not be as fantastic. These are very clearly and fairly laid out in the review. In reviewing a restaurant that positions itself as having world class food, beverage and service I have every right - nay, responsibility - to detail exactly how well it performs.
titian, Apr 3rd, 2009
Ha ha! Awesome. Thanks for the orgasmic review. As far as reviews for any product ever made, I think this pretty much tops it: it gave me a screaming orgasm. Literally...casperXX, Apr 3rd, 2009
damn. that was a good read. ven, or especially for me as a guy. thought about forwarding it to "playboy letters" ?And i assume bloomnines stock will rise...soon
leng jai, Apr 3rd, 2009
Hair is always a problem in a new town and I often hear foreigners here wondering where they can get the locks attended to...Many complain that local stylist just cant cut the rug, so to speak..Not true there are some excellent local stylists. The problem is this...If you're an expat, chances are your hair is of the European type..That said, techniques for cutting European and Asian hair are entirely different. The solution is this.
Find a stylist with experience in dealing with European hair, quite simple really.. However, don't be fooled by locals claiming to have come from the Vidal Sassoon/ TiGi stable, they probably did a 2 week course at Sassoons many moons ago. What you need, is someone who actually came from a country where the majority of heads are of a European texture and were trained that way. They will be best able to cut/colour your hair and turn you into the Diva you deserve to be..I have tried several salons around town and was least impressed by those with big London names over the door and most impressed by the writer of this column. That is not to dismiss all local stylists, if you need a glam up-do for that special night out, go see an experienced local, they're great at it..
With all this in mind, I'm glad I don't have an Afro, I'd be screwed..
aleaboy, Apr 6th, 2009
Peter Scherr rules; he's been to town a few times, and he's always brought great music with him!Yana Sin, Apr 8th, 2009
To all above -I do appreciate your interest in CatWalk and what we do. Any comments are appreciated, negative or positive. Healthy criticism is always a perfect motivation for us to become better in what we do, and I personally take it as a good life experience. We are newcomers in Fashion industry and our experience is less than a year, but so far we had no unsatisfied customer, unless we have to reject the project if we understand that it is impossible to implement due to several reasons, which are to be explained to the customer. So far we rejected only one project, and I understand the rejection was taken very personally and close to heart. I am sad about it, but I do hope that the time will not be wasted for internet harassing and stalking, and will be used for more joyful things. And the last but not least C Every persons experience remains personal, each case is different and smart judging is never based on somebodys elses.
Crumpets, Apr 8th, 2009
What happened? How did you end up at the Cool Docks? Poor soul. Were you lost?joemomma, Apr 8th, 2009
i stopped by this place a while back and i thought the pho was fine. kinda different from the pho shops i remember back in the states but maybe this is how they do in it in france...the manager was very helpful and friendly. seems like more and more pho shops popping up...next?Stevedave, Apr 10th, 2009
Not to be a stickler or anything, but 'Crank Dat' contains both "Supersoak dat hoe" AND "Superman dat hoe". Yes, hoe needs a wetnap.morgan, Apr 10th, 2009
So basically what you're saying is that we're all winners here with Soulja Boy.Andrewa, Apr 10th, 2009
I also consider myself an unofficial officianado of sorts, and I think you forgot the one "bespeckled" chocolate dip on a stick with the hidden nougat. Yea its a bit dissapointing that the nougat doesn't run all the way through, but damn are the first two bites worth the 1.5rmb! Give it a lick.tlloren, Apr 14th, 2009
I had this Popsicle version of the tang hulu once. I ended buying out the whole store. It as tangy,tart, and ice cold like those cherry Kool-aid Popsicles i used to have back in the day. Next time they had it in stock they raised the price.Cool article. Love the Skeet Ulrich and Johnny Depp analogy.
zoezoe, Apr 10th, 2009
my taxi took us for a ride in a sunday afternoon on zhong shan roads, its a ring road. eventually we got there, and we were so tired and we just took a look at the restaurant, they play greek music, and even got a small model of the acropolis on the third floor counter.Instead, we went to 'istanbul' on Huai Hai zhong road, and pretend its greek as well;) its constantinople, isnt it;) xaxaxa!!!
zoezoe, Apr 10th, 2009
thanks for the information, I didnt know the decoration were shipped from Greece.erika7777, Apr 11th, 2009
really, this is way over the top! it reminds me when i was living in shanghai(beautiful city ever) 2 years ago: I've never understand why the hell chinese cars have snoopy seat covers or kitty stuff all over their cars....but barbie megastore??? a barbie spa???? gotta see it! makes me think does chinese market is really too corny to build them a space dedicated to ridiculousness?? I agree with Morgan, really, it's gotta be something about it...toma5155, Apr 11th, 2009
i just cut. my hair is wavy and not similar to local hair, and i have a great Shanghanese hair stylist. at Dingxi, corner of Xin Hua, called SOHO (near the starbucks)stylist name is: "a qian" and the guy is a perfectionist! until your hair is not perfect he won't budge.
non-english speaking, though its never been a problem for me ~120 rmb for cut+perfect blow dry by him as well.
simple. reccomended.
and what's wrong with the people spending "only" 1000-2000 rmb per a simple haircut ?!
Lisawilkie, Apr 17th, 2009
I guess it's a good idea for all the little princesses here in Shanghai, if there had been one when i was young I'd have had all my birthdays there! Guess it all depends how much mummy and daddy want to spent on little girls....ISpyShanghai.com, May 26th, 2009
"What's the point of reviewing a place like this"I hear what you're saying bulldog, but you had to hear about it from someone else right? Besides which, this place is not *that* busy.
I was in there once when someone wanted to put a 2 and a 4 table together to make...ummm...6. The staff wouldn't let them touch anything, and just let 6 customers leave instead.
It's odd in there, that's for sure.
johnotoole, Apr 23rd, 2009
the cones with the chocolate coated top instead of the terrible whipped cream wins hands-down in my bookalithai, May 27th, 2009
Christopher Cavish is food editor who knows the quality of food you can fins in Shanghai. I am glad h is back to wrtie about food again in town after SH magazine. I believe this hidden restaruant can cook good Ton kutsu as he described.It should be soemthing like " SPEAK EASY" type. I will caheck it out later....ALyssa
xiaokeyeung, Apr 28th, 2009
i love magnum...always eat1 b4 i go back home(they also have cappuccino-taste)...Waffle Cone Thing (Assorted varieties)also very very good...but most of time...1 cant satisfy me...i need 2/3...try meiji's ice-cream....they'r very delicious 2...:)bbfok27, May 3rd, 2009
Really beautiful pictures. A lot of choice in shanghai when it comes down to outdoors in fact. Roomtwentyeight with their garden i believe could be in there, same as the saleya.Maybe an update could be done...sweetsmile, May 2nd, 2009
I love Icecream so much.... icecream icecream.....still remeber it's around 2 or 3 years ago, there is an icecream party in people park.I did not stop eating icecream 2 hours!!!!! my friends told me,I would be sick next time..... but who cars?!! The next day, my stomach....siesta, May 4th, 2009
haha nice one morgan!big up yerself! and hope to see you down there for a boogie too :)
psinology, May 4th, 2009
boooooom boom boom boom booooom boom boom boboom booooooom etc etc.There with bells on, happy Birthday Jane!
lin wang , May 5th, 2009
Japanese straightening tecniques,color,makeovers and maniques are all available at Benson.Prices vary depending on whether you go with a senior stylist,its 120rmb for basic wash,cut,style.Highlights start at rmb580.And they can do the good job with your hair.zhangHL, May 6th, 2009
I am Shanghainese. I started trying to go to foreign salons to have new hair style one year ago. I have been to one of top five salons whci Smart SH mentioned but I was not happy with their technical services espcially the colour and the price was too high compared to the quality. Recently I found one foreign salon named CONTESTAROCKHAIR which is from Italy. The stylist is really enthusiastic, and knows well what knid of hair is perfect to me according to my face, personality and career. By the way, I am really satistified their technical service. Moreover, the price is really good!rouco, May 14th, 2009
Dear all, It's very interesting to read all your comments. I'd like to ask you a favour for the hairdresser market research I'm working on.Can you tell me which are in your opinion the 5 most expensive salons in the city (not depending on quality, but just on price).
You can write me to the following e mail:
roucavare@gmail.com
THANKS!
Sigrid-Marianella, May 10th, 2009
Went to Beijing Hairculture at the Hilton a couple of days ago.Disaster.
Now I feel like Id rather not cut my hair at all than to try another salon here in Shanghai (ive tried about 6, some local some more upmarket).
I asked the guy to trim my hair, and he asked me if i wanted him to layer it, which I told him no, i just want a simple trim to my split ends.
All of a sudden I saw him cut of about 5-7 cm strands of my hair. By then I just had to let him finish because otherwise my hair would be uneven.
Now I look like I have a semi-mullet. He cut my long hair in the front so that it reaches my jaw line, and then let the hair be long in the back, looks so frikkin weird! It certainly isnt layers.
I just dont get what the bleep is wrong with these hairdressers! You tell them one thing and they act like they dont give a shit and do whatever they want. Im suspecting they think that the longer they cut the better or something.
I was told I could come back and the stylist would try to fix it for me, but i dont want them to touch my hair again.
Im just gonna walk around with my ugly hair until summer holidays when Ill go back to europe and get someone who knows how to cut hair to do it.
ps if you MUST cut your hair here in Shanghai, it wont come out looking that great at least it will be cheap, the expensive places here suck at cutting hair aswell so you might just as well pay as little as possible to have it ruined.
Sigrid-Marianella, May 10th, 2009
i meant to say in the end:if you must cut your hair go to a local chinese little hair salon and get an ugly hair cut for cheap rather than an ugly haircut that costs you an arm and a leg.
sirloinbones, May 12th, 2009
Benson Hair just next to my home , but I never been there until last week; the hair dresser in the other hair salon cut my hair really bad; I bumped into Benson and hoped that they could save my hair ;The first impression: they were really busy! I waited for 15 mins , then they arranged a hair dresser to me according to the value option I choose ;
The hair dresser communicated with me first , he asked my thoughts, we chatted a bit ; then he told me what he planned to do , first step, second ...ect ..
I am happy that they were not trying to sell anything to me , not even a word to mention; They didn't push me for the payment , for the membership card and so on; they made me feel that they were really doing the job, serious hair cut ,serious techniques , no bullshit, no push to the customer .
So eventually , I was quite happy with the service and the hair cut;not to mention the price is way cheaper than Toni & Guy (never go again).
I think their style is more classy than others; It's perfect for office people ; If you are looking for something funky , please do not consider about it...
matsume, May 13th, 2009
Dear Sigrid,I'm sorry you've had such a horrible experience at my salon the last time you were here.I'm shocked because I understand that you've been a regular client at our salon but chose to try someone else the last time you were here.( We're you here on Friday with your gf?) If you don't mind contacting me or the salon, I'd like to ask you to come back so I can personally take a look at whats happend. Or I can ask Kelly your regular stylist to take a look as well. Thanks 13816993782
Shanghai Tang, May 14th, 2009
I still have my Sega Genesis :) and I think I beat the original Sonic game too!ahh, those were the days!
swissair, May 15th, 2009
Nice but rather too much Ajinomoto and get dehydrated after meal!!!Not my choice of healthy food!
johnotoole, May 18th, 2009
Is what it is, like D-i or Drop, the "member" thing is basically just so they can refuse people if they want to. It's not really fair, but that's what makes it "exclusive" and thus, "cool" I have no idea if it's for better or worse, but I agree with the reviewer on a few counts. The decor is indeed delightfully understated; it's attractive and spacious with just enough room to move even when full (this is true in the club as well, which is a pretty massive accomplishment). The food is excellently prepared, but may try a bit too hard to "wow" the guest. I have been extremely impressed by the cocktails. Attention to detail, convention, and overall quality have always been outstanding, and though I had to teach the bartenders the recipe for a Sidecar, they pulled it off perfectly (the Caipirinha is particularly good, just the right sized chunks of ice). In other words, for what it is, it's a pretty great place, on either side of the shark tank. Don't expect it to be anything else and you will definitely enjoy yourself.businessmadmax, May 20th, 2009
To Author: You say you are not judging, however your whole article seems to make fun of this mall (sounds a bit like written by a little girl.). Interesting Style tho...
ariannef, May 22nd, 2009
I'm with Toma5155 though I believe it's called Ming Liu International Salon - Dingxi, corner Xuanhua ;-) Best. Hair Salon. Ever. A friend recommended it back in November when I went from blond to dark red with extensions. Fast forward 5 months later, I'm regretting the move big time and want to go back to platinum blond so I bring a bunch of old pictures... "can you make my hair look like this again?" "yes" "are you sure?" "yes" "you know that red is really hard to bleach out right?" "yes" "and it won't be yellow right?" "don't worry"... now usually this is when you start breaking out in a cold sweat and praying to the hair gods... they did a fantastic job, this is now more than 3 months ago and not even a tint of red or yellow has marred my color. Their prices are "normal" but if you get one of the cards you get mad savings - getting my roots done used to cost just under 1000RMB at Eric - bleach, toner, blowdry - at this place I paid 260RMB last time (based on a 5000RMB card - regular price if you pay cash is a little more than double so still half as cheap as the other expat places). My favorite is you can buy one of those kerastase super deep conditioning tubs (ok, super expensive 800-1600 depending on which one you choose) but after that they'll apply it for free every time you go with the steam machine and it has literally saved my hair - my first tub lasted over 6 months with TONS of hair (3 packs of extensions) so this one might well stretch out to a year, oh and their simple wash and style is 38-48RMB depending on the stylist and you knock off 50% if you have a card so it costs me 20-25RMB a week to get my deep conditioning treatment which saves both my color and my hair and then get it styled - I have seriously given up on doing it myself and the 20 minute head and shoulder massage don't hurt either ;-) So yay for this place :-)bulldog, May 23rd, 2009
What's the point of reviewing a place like this. It's great and tiny and hidden. If you don't know well now you know unfortunately. I really look forward to not being able to get a seat next time I go. Thanks!myaudreysue, May 29th, 2009
Ben Huang is fecking cool. Been fan of this original mix since the time in The Bridge....shanghai_ultra, May 30th, 2009
Respect to Ben for his contribution for the scene and championing electronic music for a long, long time in China, he's also not a bad photographer!As far as the Beijing - Shanghai thing goes, the Beijing scene has done well by attracting new people to electronic music, but unfortunately there seem to be too many DJs following the "new minimal" trend and not thinking for themselves.
Some Beijing promoters also have some pretty dodgy practices: offering gigs to DJs brought over by Shanghai promoters, but refusing to share the flight or visa costs of said DJ. They also offer DJs they book to Shanghai taking a cut for themselves in the process, are they interested in furthering electronic music or just making money for themselves?
At any rate...Shanghai is the capital of underground electronic music in China.
myaudreysue, May 30th, 2009
Really? Thanks for revealing a glimpse of the nasty side. Best wish with everyone promoting and creating original music for this world. God bless ya!
DJ_SynRG, May 31st, 2009
Sorry to be nit-picky, but when Ben Huang refers to "Kevin" from Gplus, I am 99.9% sure he means "Calvin Z"All in all a great read. I too share the view that the parties should start going out of the clubs. There will always be a better place to do a better party, more power to our China DJs and promoters!! :D
morgan, Jun 1st, 2009
Yeah, thanks. He did say "Calvin". My voice recorder is kinda shitty. Corrected...action.against.m1nt, Jun 4th, 2009
I like many other people I know spent 5000RMB on a membership at M1NT on the pretense that it was an exclusive club and that the acceptance criteria for membership would ensure a better class of guest than the other clubs in this city. The reality is that anyone can get in to M1NT, which is a very large nightclub so they seem even less picky whom they let in compared with non-membership nightclubs like Lounge18, Bar Rouge, Sin, Etc. M1NT crowds so many people in that it is very uncomfortable and impossible to get service. I have complained about this on several occasions to the company and they offered to refund my membership fee, but they were unapologetic. Don't waste your money at M1NT. If you want a real exclusive membership club there is KEE Club on Huai Hai Lu.rob.r, Jun 10th, 2009
I know this isn't a comment on the restaurant but seriously, what's with all the hate on cauliflower, Christopher? Were you force fed it as a child? A bit of culinary ingenuity can do some rather good things with it without a lot of effort...whiskeycoke, Jun 11th, 2009
This article is horribly written, filled with spelling mistakes, and generally a poor excuse for journalism of any kind. I know I personally would be ashamed to put it on the front page of my website.First of all, I've never heard of "Ningo lu" so I would not be able to "mark it in [my] calendar" to go see a "short feature" (those words are opposites, btw) even if there are "subtitles of both languages".
"so the movie which is like a half-hour movie, is both companies and their reaction to this terrorist event." (Was this sentence written by a 5-year-old on a keyboard with no SHIFT KEY?)
And what is a "scrapper" anyway?
This post took me 3 minutes to write, which is obviously longer than the effort put into the article itself.
If you need someone to edit your future work, PM me.
Have fun.
jetenke, Jun 17th, 2009
i tried both id and hip culture, both of them r totally crap. hip culture is a complete nightmare. don't ever try.i guess this article is only and advertisement...
shame on you
christomoya, Jun 18th, 2009
For more info on upcoming polo and riding events, checkout our new website: http://www.shanghaifixed.comJos Stickley, Jun 18th, 2009
Beautifully written, CStC. But I'm still not eating one of those things!saragougs, Jun 19th, 2009
I found this article rather interesting, yet saddening at the same time. I have lived in Shanghai for going on twelve years. So believe me when I say that I've tried everywhere and "everyone" of the who's who of hair dressers in Shanghai and hands down Dennis L. is the BEST!!!. He previously was the senior stylist at Portman Ritz-Carlton for nine year, until three years ago he started up his on salon at Heng Shan Bing Guan. I am naturally blond but go to him for highlights,I assure his work is nothing short of perfection. Have yet to find anyone that is even is the same realm of talent. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! His work speaks volumes and is worth every penny. Also ask for Tracy for the best manicurist/pedicurists in town.tomsuharto, Jun 19th, 2009
This is probably the best review Tony Romas has received in the history of Tony Romas. Your passion for this sandwhich is inspiring. Respect.meimei484, Jun 19th, 2009
Crap interview. Embarrassing. You get to talk to an all time reggae legend and you're asking him "Whats Trent Reznor and Al Jourgensen like?". Christ.ISpyShanghai.com, Jun 23rd, 2009
Plastic junky cameras that you can find all over Shanghai.Why people want to buy from these Lomo crooks at highly inflated prices I'll never know.
Here's one of many reasons why they suck satan's cable release
http://www.geocities.com/lomojoe/letter.html
Bob the Horse, Jun 23rd, 2009
True...I like the toy cameras, and it's a good location, but I'm also anti-Lomography. You can get plastic cameras all around Shanghai for much cheaper, or even crazy 2nd hand Commie TLRs and medium-format folders. If you specifically want a Holga (or whatever), it's much cheaper at Snaps Shop or a camera mall, or online shopping like Taobao or EBay.Also, I don't think fisheye pictures are usually done with Lomos. There's all sorts of fisheye lenses, even from Canon & Nikon and whatever.
dido_zj, Jun 24th, 2009
Damn it, I cannot believe some of you complain that there is no place to go for a nice hair cut in Shanghai. Let's see how you gonna survive if you move to where I live right now (somewhere northwest of U.S. This place was rated the second place in the nation to have bad hairsyle in 2008). Five years i have been here, I have experienced countless disaster cuts from Amercians, Korean, Japnese, Vietnamese and of course Chinese "stylist". Well, lessons learned. I finally realize the cost of a satisfied haircut for me is around 00, which includes the cost of haircut and a plane tickets back to Shanghai.ISpyShanghai.com, Jun 24th, 2009
Not sure about some of the guy's outfits but, damn, the lighting is terrific.santochino, Jun 24th, 2009
Yea, really is... Favorite outfit thus far is still the man in the mint toothpaste pants who kicks off the second one. The impromptu stuff beats the self-conscious college kids every time.wamcbam, Jun 24th, 2009
le bouchon is a complete shitthe owner an absolute rascist and china hater - he hates gays such as certain nationalities - a guy who just hates his surrounding - big chauvinist - - thats evident he has 100 of hockers to go -...
well i would not spend time there - especially becos the food is a rip off !
Didjelirium, Jun 25th, 2009
Man, really nice work.... Always amazed.... And the girl with the tiny-tiny dress (or is it a slightly long t-shirt ?) got the perfect pose !Keep haunting the streets Pat !!!
Blessings !
djsexypaul, Jun 26th, 2009
i love the place, best resturant in Shanghai, great food,good service and THATS why he has been serving Shanghai for 11 years now. Thats longer than most of the french wannabe resturants altogether.Great place to eat and have a drink and if DjSexyPaul likes the place then its got to be fucking good
Nuff said
Respect to Vincent and Theirry
werder, Jun 26th, 2009
Been there only 2 times and that was long ago but the Tatar beats every other place in town I ever had one. Then again I am only here since May 2000, still some places to check out but Vincent is one character !!! I just like the guy !razenstein, Jun 28th, 2009
everything(!!) was covered with layers of garlic .... I love the real nice french cuisine, spent long time in france. This one reminds me of a cheap village restaurant far away in the country side that did not notice the progress in french cuisine of the last 30 years. Maybe tatar is the only dish that has not a 1cm cover of garlic? yes the guy is more then "present", and you really get a first impression of being in his living room ... but personally I more focus on the food then the staff - and that was disappointing.shanghaikai, Jun 30th, 2009
LoL, right about how to pronounce "Porsche" but oh so wrong on spelling "cabriolet"! C'mon, you SWINE! ;)ISpyShanghai.com, Jun 30th, 2009
I'm going to offer them like 1/10th of the asking price and then walk off really slowly when they refuse. Works every time.jjose115, Jul 1st, 2009
I heard the Countach drives like a block of lead with a wooden gearbox and that the steering is so numb it feels like it was machined out of a block of Marmite.I'm guilty, though, because I had a poster of a white Countach on my bedroom wall all through elementary and middle school ;-)
Sigrid-Marianella, Jul 1st, 2009
feel like i need to post another review here.Went back to beijing hair culture for another cut and I feel like they truly made up for the mishap with my hair that happened last time.
I find it very professional when businesses take their customers criticism seriously, i feel very valued as a customer.
This time I had my hair cut by Matsume, and it turned out great. I even took the daunting step to cut off all my long hair into a bob after 10 years of long hair. No tears shed.
:)
Apparently the stylist that cut my hair last time no longer works there so I suppose one need not be scared of going there anymore.
I will be going back again definitely.
morgan, Jul 2nd, 2009
White countach poster. Exactly. I also had one as well, right next to my Montley Crue poster (Theatre of Pain).I'm not exactly sure how the countach drives, but the doors open UPWARDS and that's it for me.
shanghaikai, Jul 2nd, 2009
No worries about the "cabriolet" Just thought I'd rib you for it after your whole "swine" comment. It was hilarious.LoL, I wonder if I had the same Countach poster! The old Lamborghinis (pre-VAG takeover) weren't known for being comfortable to drive though. Like all fashion, what looks good on the outside often isn't too comfortable or even painful on the inside. Cheers.
Beast of the East, Jul 3rd, 2009
Hello Christopher, I am a fan of your articles (particularly the "Eat It" ones, and have made several people in my office similar followers; start a cult/religion, I say). After reading this particular review, it had me salivating for two days, and decided to go on a totally impromptu trip out there last night with a couple of colleagues. As you said, bit hard to find initially, but once you know where it is, its pretty straightforward. Amazing atmosphere, even more amazing food (gingko nuts, chicken wings, chicken wings stuffed with roe, mushrooms, and the fried chicken cartilage totally mind-blowing; but they were sold out of a lot of items). Sitting at the bar is more atmospheric, I think, and even I got spat right 'neath the eye with hot coal/salt/grease, totally worth it. Definitely going back there before I leave Shangers.Theowatt, Jul 3rd, 2009
Chris mate, you seriously crack me up bro! I fully agree with everything you and and your trusty taster said, and I haven't been there. Chilli dog, classic dog, kosher dog,,,,teriaki dog!! All we need here is the real deal, hopefully China Town will be serving that up soon. Lata...flyswatter, Jul 3rd, 2009
Holy crap that looks good. Especially now City Deli have taken their steak and cheese baguette off the menu (the worse thing to happen there since their "half pickle" policy). At least they still have the turkey and avacado though eh?ISpyShanghai.com, Jul 3rd, 2009
I feel scared, excited and partially engorged.I'm trying those things out.
ISpyShanghai.com, Jul 3rd, 2009
I'm going to be on the Shanghaiist drinking team and will be bringing my "A" game in the name of her Majesty the Queen.miggs, Jul 4th, 2009
Stardog's dos are actually pretty good try the classic!if you don't like fish then don't eat them duh!
marduko, Jul 6th, 2009
This is a very good deal, the Ciabatta is crispy and the meat is tender and juicy, the French Fries are not the best, but well, for 68RMB the deal is really good tasty greasy food, lovely, I hope I will survive the second one.JeromeL, Jul 6th, 2009
Yooooooooo,I just have to say "LONG LIFE TO LE BOUCHON". For me Le bouchon is an institution. Nor only a Great Food (Tartare of course, Frog Legs, Carpaccio of Foie Gras, The Beef Filet and so on) BUT also great atmosphere. Please name me a place where you can find the combination of both?? The only place for me in Shanghai where you can go there on your own for a little drink at 19.00 and finish at the bar at 2.00am after a great dinner, nice Bottle of Graves with a fantastic time. Of course Le Bouchon is not a "cheap" place and they never said it was but you have quality and quantity for your money. Vincent and Thierry made what Le Bouchon is today, a great restaurant and a fun place to go and to bring guests. I never had a person that I brought (and I can tell you that I brought a lot of people) who didn't like Le Bouchon. That's all I wanted to say....
So people if you don't like Le Bouchon and the owners....just go to Mac Donald or Pizza Hut where i can guarantee that you will have a cheap meal with the worst atmosphere.
ROCK ON LE BOUCHON and I will be a regular as long as you are here. Ciao. Mr Rock
rob.r, Jul 5th, 2009
Key question: are the dogs/sausages/wieners/whatever grilled or boiled? Me thinks that is a vitally important fact.xakiat1, Jul 6th, 2009
They're grilled just before serving. I believe they're called 'sausages' in this part of our world. Dogs and wieners are acceptable as well.tfarwell18, Jul 7th, 2009
Went last night. It is quite good and as mentioned the atmosphere is fantastic. Had almost all of the dishes mentioned in the article. The cost sneaks up on you a bit though. For two people eating a decent amount but certainly not a feast it was nearly 250 and that was without beers which would have brought it to well over 300. Certainly a great little place but not somewhere that can be a weekly destination at that price. Also, love that door. It really is a midget door and adds to the atmosphere and fun of the place. I'll be back for sure but not right away.rob.r, Jul 7th, 2009
For Pho Yummy, I think the addition of mint is a North American variant as I've seen it appear sporadically at pho places in the US and Canada.sputnikchina, Jul 8th, 2009
"You obviously have never seen me. Im five feet tall. I dont see myself fucking a big American with a strap-on." ... that beats it all
jennwong, Jul 8th, 2009
all the pho places in canada serve it with basil, sprouts, lime AND mint. yum!Beast of the East, Jul 8th, 2009
Went for the Clam noodles as suggested (had the fish noodles last time and loved it). Tasty, but not blow your head off flavours, and I confess I did not fall in love with them. Also, your picture has a lot more clam sauce than mine. My clam and garlic sauce definitely did not merit the description "blanket"...My dinner comnpanion swears by the plain noodles with sesame sauce, claims its like eating peanut butter with noodles. In fact, even the fish noodles were disappointing...the result of having been spoilt by the wondrous fish noodles at FU1039. Having said that, spotted a RMB 128 bowl of fish noodles...wild yellow fish apparently. Maybe, just maybe I'll go for them.
On the other hand, there was one thing that had me addicted like a crack addict: the fried pork chop. They had some fermented magic going on there, and with the "Shanghai Worcestershire Sauce" (leave the Lea & Perrins at home!!), I was wolfing them down by the dozen. Ok, I had two. You seriously prefer the clams over the noodles?
psinology, Jul 8th, 2009
Come on Matsume, give yourself more credit, you are at least 5 ft 1. Then again I'm European so kinda vague on the feet/inches thing. (no sexual innuendo implied)108, Jul 8th, 2009
Great article, made my day! those ninja weapons really look badass, only thing missing for a "real" showdown is a proper ninja outfit.ChiMike, Jul 8th, 2009
Matsume, my friend Hamish said you are pretty nifty with scissors and I can't find anybody who can cut my hair right. Was he bullshitting me and if not can I set up an appointment?slx, Jul 8th, 2009
in response to the beast. if you're looking to wine, dine and hopefully score than go to FCC. But if you just wanna chow down on some good viet grub for a sensible price than check out this new joint. (last i checked a same sized bowl of Pho at FCC goes for around 48rmb where as its only 26rmb at Pho Yummy..taste pretty much the same) Their service and decor is pretty decent too.Kiwib, Jul 9th, 2009
Primo article, I am totally going to stock up on Ninja hardware.. Here's hoping our hedge will protect the neighbors from my Shuriken practice.Kiwib, Jul 9th, 2009
Nice one - your article about the "xtra massage" obviously impressed a few ladies. Thanks for the great articles. Be seeing you next-haircut.pixel, Jul 9th, 2009
Chimike, Beijing hair Culture http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/4117/Beijing_Hair_Culture_(Hilton_Hotel)_shanghaimofo123, Jul 9th, 2009
i got a pair of the ridiculous spiked shredder gloves (or RSSGs) in beijing a few years ago for 200. i am sure u can find a similar deal here somewheres. there make great gifts and interesting in-flight conversation starters.... too bad you didnt get a picture of the predator style ninja stars.sputnikchina, Jul 9th, 2009
Much reminds we the Aozao Mian from Kunshan, althought he borth is much sweeter.. but there's also that state-run feelingDmoney, Jul 9th, 2009
This article was sooooo MONEY!!!! We ordered pizza last night at 3am from Yellow Submarine. No matter how hard I tried to stay awake with the last drink in my hand watching "Smokin Aces", guns a-blazzing at full volume, I fell asleep. Didnt hear the 7 phone calls to our cell phone or the knocking at the door.Woke up a little hung over and still craving pizza. I found your article and laughed my ass off. So we resolved to call Yellow Submarine again and when they realized who we were from our address they yelled "NO DELIVERY FOR YOU!" Not quite as forgiving as you promised, but I understand :) Soooo Melrose it is, ordered it a few times before and crossing my fingers.
Dmoney, Jul 9th, 2009
Joke: What does pizza and sex have in common? Punch line: Even when it's bad, it's still pretty good.Dmoney, Jul 11th, 2009
My husband and I live in California and have very high maintanence blond hair. We have been in Shanghai a month and were dying to get our roots done, but were terrified to trust any salons and the banter in the reviews above certainly didnt help. So I researched salons with european stylists that knew our type of hair and came up with Contestarockhair, as mentioned in reviews above. They were euro, spoke english and that was good enough for me. We took a chance and were very happy. My husband and I walked out of the salon as if we had been born with that color. In comparison to what we pay in the USA to get our hair done, it was very reasonable. Check it OUT!!!!!!Leenski, Jul 11th, 2009
Hi All - would like to pick your brains about STRAIGHT PERMS in Shanghai... has anyone had it done successfully here? I used to get bio-ionic straightening done in Korean/Japanese hairdressers in Australia, but having trouble finding an experienced hairdresser here who offers the same. I went to a really expensive Japanese hairdresser in CITIC square and in the end he left the formula in my hair too long and my hair broke!My hair has grown back now and still frizzy... would love to hear your success stories?! :)
djsexypaul, Aug 6th, 2009
cant believe your complaining about a 20rmb coke Chris. in this town thats cheap. Wait until you have been living here for over 15 years and see if you complain thencutie angel, Aug 6th, 2009
With those planty planty of MSG in the noodle....ahhh~~15 years is too long for himanabeth, Aug 6th, 2009
Before I came to Bensonsalon,doing my hair everyday was a constant battle. However,now that I have had my hair straightened there,my hair looks fabulous! Thank you so much,Marc and his team!I love my new straight hair!
cali, Aug 6th, 2009
oh paul, get over your age man, sure you were here when shanghai was in its greatest years, pre all the mediocrity that it is shanghai today, and i can respect you for not wanting to pay taxes in the U.S., but give the man his point of view, i mean you force yours on us...love those tots!einzweidrei, Aug 6th, 2009
I'm european ... when it comes to food ... I rather go for a 5 kuai noodle dish round the corner (and an 6.8 kuai beer from Lawson) ... which sure is something to remember :-)Krusty, Jul 14th, 2009
Depressing, thanks. Next time take the fast train to Hangzhou, and Air Asia to anywhere!GlamFan, Jul 15th, 2009
It sounds great, until you get there.When you take a swim, there's people in boats (armed with whistle, hat and flag - yes, just like at crossroads downtown) making sure you don't get further than 10m into the water. When it's busy (say any weekend, and any summer weekday after 4pm) it becomes clear that the place is just too small to serve as 'the' beach for SH. Fight for a space, food, drink, and deal with rather aggressive/suspicious rental agents (they rent out inflatable boats and other beach tools).
It's an 'interesting' experience close to SH - however if you want to relax, this is not the place.
OK to give it a try - just keep your expectations down.
robjamdj, Jul 17th, 2009
What this man says is pure and from the heart...I wish more music producers went like him and more msuic listeners understood the importance of what he says. We need to lead and not follow.
Let's wake up Shanghai and appreciate non-commercialism.
Thank you Bone for being real and making me incredibly &*%^ing happy with your proper 'Maximal' music! Classic.
Nicholas Zamz, Jul 18th, 2009
massive respect to SmartShanghai for running such a long interview with this awesome dude.nickoshanghai, Jul 17th, 2009
I think you could fly to another country, buy the same TV and return with it for the same price as you pay in China. As Mr. T so aptly put it 'i pity the fool!'psinology, Jul 21st, 2009
screw all that.Buy a bottle of bubbly, bring a blanket, crawl up on the roof of your compound and stare at Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.
Cheaper and more personal, win win!
idiot_savant, Jul 24th, 2009
I picked sea grapes fresh from the ocean floor when I was diving in the Philippines! And, yes, they are delicious! Vegetarian caviar is a great analogy.Eccentricgg, Jul 22nd, 2009
Just back from the Factory. Place was a mess (and it wasn't even that crowded) - they got our orders wrong and when the food arrived it was cold. Oh.. and the sun was on the other side of the terrace.GillouS, Jul 24th, 2009
Coming back to Shanghai (on that boat) will use up 1 entry on the passenger's VISA right?ISpyShanghai.com, Jul 30th, 2009
I've been telling a bunch of girls on the forums of shanghaiexpat.com to come here for info about happy ending massages.So if this lot are arriving from there, then I'm sorry so many of them were too dumb to search the archives!
michiamocookie, Jul 31st, 2009
looks great..sorry..i stole the last pic&sent it 2 1 of my friends because she's in hospital and cant eat too much...just want 2 comfort her a little bit..tks 4 the suggestions...:)ISpyShanghai.com, Jul 31st, 2009
Tongren Lu hooker clubs, 1972 punk rock nights? It could only be Sa**o.Damn, this is tragic. I'm taking a doggie bag full of fillet mignon the next time I know he's playing a gig.
insomnico, Aug 3rd, 2009
Wow dude... I don't know anything about your life but, coming to China to live in those standards doesn't seem like a great deal to me! You should move to Nanjing or something, you'd live like a king over there!!PS: Taking bottles of beer and your own pint glass to a bar is the end of the barrel in any other country in the world. Now, doing that in China... I don't even know how to categorize your level of brokeness!
Sigrid-Marianella, Aug 4th, 2009
The BEST place to have some cheap noodle lunch is on Anyuan lu (close to Changshou lu and Yanping lu).The noodles are 5 rmb and gets you a hell of a lot of delicious fresh noodles.
The chilli mix they have (free for you to put on) is amazing!
I start drewling everytime I think of this street food.
The noodleman and lady have their stand there pretty much everyday between 11am -2 pm.
They have seating and umbrellas for sunny and rainy days.
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!
this is some of the best food in Shanghai, period.
trippin, Aug 9th, 2009
This is the real deal tonkatsu place...There is another one in parkson honqiao called katzusen, is also good, but he pickles here in jiaozhou lu are better - 10 points coming from a tonkatsu expert.
firedancer, Aug 12th, 2009
i have to check it out she must have a mexican supplier......guacamole time. City Super watch out 10RMb for avocado not bad ha!Aquarius , Aug 12th, 2009
I go there all the time (veggie shop) !! Cheap and fresh veggie. Nice people at the shop. They know the name of veg in English so that made my life easier !!!iamnothere, Aug 12th, 2009
Oh, thanks for the cheap avocado tip! Must go. There is also a kiosk in the wet market on TaiKang Lu that always has fresh mint, basil, cilantro, arugula, rosemary, galangal (thai ginger) and even fresh thyme and sage on occasion.gfunk, Aug 14th, 2009
Great summation of Laifood 99. But, you underplayed the utterly raped interior of this deco gem. I almost fell to my knees and wept when I finally got to step inside. Like painting the inside of a Chippendale cabinet with Dulux 'Radiant Peach'. Still my favourite deco exterior. *sniff*RandyStevens, Aug 16th, 2009
Maekawa is very good, but Sushi Oyama is still the benchmark. The toro at Maekawa is not as sweet, the beef not as tender, and the non sushi/sashimi stuff not as inspired. It is still a very good food experience, and the sake was excellent but Sushi Oyama is still the real deal for me...jliu921, Aug 20th, 2009
Maekawa isn't very good. That's an understatement. To even be compared to Sushi Oyama, is a flagrant insult to the quality and dedication that Oyama represents. I'd hate to say this Christopher Cavish, but... SmartShanghai should refund anyone that went to Maekawa with expectations higher than that of a 199rmb all you can eat all you can drink all you can throw up afterwards dinner. That may be a bit harsh, but let's review: Ambience and decor was nice, that of a most Gubei mid-high end ranged restaurants. Places like Misato, Yuzhang, all come to mind. (Granted they have better food).700 RMB set course ( They most expensive set course ) - btw, about the same price as Oyama.
The first two appetizers were decent, bonito flakes with spinach and a peanutty fermented tofu with wasabi. Then disappointment hit. The sashimi plate came. The mackerel was fishy, the flounder was cut too thick and quite frankly very roughly. The otoro was watery and sinewy. You get better toro at the korean Tuna house on Shuichenglu in peace plaza...
The next fish noodle soup was mediocre at best, but at least I didn't want to gag.. The Yakimono platter really made me want to leave the restaurant right then and there. (All of the items on the plate were premade and cold. Two pieces of cat food broiled fish were served with a broiled hodgepodge of fish and mashed vegetables with a starch product. If I remember correctly, A plain egg / unagi roll was served with that as well. You could get this at Haizhixin(All you can eat crap buffet). Thats how bad it was. (Their attempt at a broiled fish over a fish cake I think) They then ran out of their main event (matsusaka beef). Btw I was there at 7:30. So apparently the Japanese speaking customers took priority over us. Regardless they replaced it with supposed Japanese imported oysters that were so fish that my friend almost threw up. The next course was a disaster of an attempt at Tempura. Overly oily and heavy. They paired good quality ingredients without evaluating the flavor profiles that would result. Matsutake mushrooms and snow crab leg meat. You couldn't even taste the crab. It was a waste.
Here's the kicker. The Temakis they served were soggy. The waitress tried to excuse it by saying that happens when they put rice inside seaweed. I agree after you leave it sitting there for 5 minutes before bringing it to the table. I almost forgot to mention how slow the service was. 20-30 minutes between our vegetable appetizer and our first course. "They were busy."
Of course by this time I was trying to wash my mouth out with hot tea. Unfortunately, they came by once to fill our tea all night. I had to ask for it that time. To all of our dismay the single possible saving grace that came as our last main course was terrible. Soggy Ikura and Uni nigiri. The unagi sushi was overcooked and made so badly that pieces were flaking off onto the plate. The kanpachi looked old and dry and YELLOW. The tuna was sinewy again. The shrimp also looked like it had been sitting out with the skin starting to shrivel.
Of course all of this could be maybe be redeemed by an excellent fish bone soup or hamaguri soup. No... we were served watery, bland miso soup.
In their defense, after all of the bad service and overpriced repugnant food, the owner and manager did come and apologize for the quality tonight.
We won't be returning any time soon. Oyama, we'll see you soon.
Chris, take a crash course on good Japanese food from Oyama sometime. You'll benefit from it.
DJ_SynRG, Aug 20th, 2009
I agree with you on Nam 75, def the best option for Pho in the city. Their Cha Gio is good too except for the fact that they are too greasy which makes them soft, what they need to do is let them rest and cool on some paper towels before serving, and they will come out much better.I will also admit, I have a guilty pleasure for Mekong River, just because it's close to my gym. I've come to terms with how the food is gonna taste like, and it does hit the spot after a workout. Kind of like eating subway as compared to a deli, it's still good.
When are we gonna have a top five Bun?
pixel, Aug 20th, 2009
That's a thought, um Bun, maybe next can be Banh Mi, although so far only 3 places are worth mentioning, BTW Pho Real also has Real Vietnamese coffee from a reputable brand Nguyen Truong, very rich, bitter and chocolately, just the way I like it.ISpyShanghai.com, Aug 20th, 2009
I think it was Pho Real that I went to on WuJiang Lu- having never been to Vietnam I don't know what it should taste like, but I was loving their soup.Will check out the #1 though- good tips
ISpyShanghai.com, Aug 20th, 2009
What is with those pink shoes in the first two photos? I can't go for that.EWang, Aug 20th, 2009
I expected high quality toro, uni, and imported beef from Japan. In exchange for my 700RMB I received 3 prostrated members of the staff: owner, head chef, and manager, apologizing for the exceptionally slow service, mediocre food, and a badly tempered air-conditioning unit, with the attention span of an ADD afflicted redheaded step-child. One moment on full blast 16C, and then 30 minutes of inactivity with us sweltering in the humidity and our sushi, sashimi, and handrolls becoming liquified messes.Let's not talk about the yakimono...I didn't know cat food was on the menu.
The main course for the 700RMB set meal is a beef centerpiece. 7:30pm it's sold out. What happened? It must have sold out while we waited 25-30 minutes for our 2nd course. Perhaps speaking Japanese is a pre-requisite to obtain this exclusive dish.
Oysters.... fishy, NOT ON ICE, monumentally large bivalve. The size of a calf's tongue. It was distracting and daunting to say the least. End result: diarrhea...twice.
Oyama, here I come.
bubblebursted, Aug 21st, 2009
do any of u guys know if there is a dance studio that teaches breakdance?? if u do, could u please tell me?? thx~~wandernut, Aug 21st, 2009
Pho King is not bad as well... not phoking good, but decent nonetheless. I prefer their stock to Nam 75's.RandyStevens, Aug 24th, 2009
Wow - what you guys describe about Maekawa sounds incredible. I was there with some very experienced Sushi lovers and we all know how this stuff should taste from many visits to Japan. It did not match Oyama, but everything was good, fresh, prepared well, and the staff was very friendly (Chinese staff and Japanese sushi chef), even handing out 1 year anniversary gifts. I am sorry to hear that you had such a hard time there, but to be fair I have to say that I did not experience any of your horror stories at Maekawa.graceseanchang, Aug 27th, 2009
i was forced to go to this shop with my girl friends and i was bored with in the first five minutes. and i agree, the giggling soundtrack in the escalator is really fkn strange.graceseanchang, Aug 28th, 2009
I really like this place. I had the "hong shao rou" as well and the cold chicken dish pictured above, as well as their black pepper iron plate pork, thousand year egg, and cold wild mountain vegetable, and all were good. Perhaps it was because I have un-refined American born Chinese taste, but I was there with two very picky boys (one American born Chinese, and one English born Chinese) and one other American born Chinese girl and they all loved the food. Total bill for dinner of four people with beers came out to about 320. Very affordable and tasty food. (and it's right next to the "wang ba" where we went to play dota afterwards :P)abe_the_sellout, Aug 31st, 2009
Holy shit, those vocals DO sound like Karen O. Do you have more pictures of the lead singer? I want to put some up near my Karen O shrine and see if they burn but are not consumed. If so, I'm THERE.Barmex, Sep 1st, 2009
Yeahh man you really have the touch to pic people!!! For next holidays you must go to Latin America and pic what is going around there. Kudos.ISpyShanghai.com, Sep 2nd, 2009
I was wondering what was going to happen with those two bottles of tsingdao. Awesome.Der, Sep 3rd, 2009
Even out on Wuzhong lu, I think Ben Jia is easier to get to the the WFC, and it gets a thumbs up from Shanghai's Korean community. A good selection of vegetables is always a plus, and Ben Jia offers the best selection.
seachick, Sep 3rd, 2009
agree w/ Der upstairs! BENJIA has unlimited vegetables on the side for everybody, & u can never beat the price!!! i once had a bday dinner w/ my family, total 10 of us, we got awfully full w/ tons of stuff w/ only around 1300rmb!!! ;DSigrid-Marianella, Sep 4th, 2009
I really enjoyed my trip there, nothing I would do often exactly but definitely worth it.We went around 6-7 ish, hardly any other people at all.
We got a nice view of SH in day light, beautiful sunset and then the city at night. All in one hour or so.
morgan, Sep 16th, 2009
By "taken off", I more meant that there are a handful of bands around China that have latched onto the style and there is a bit of an audience for it -- which explains why Mono can come do a show here. Not "taken off" like it's all over the TV, radio, and mainstream press. But I can think of at least four post rock bands in Shanghai alone... which is quite a lot.So it's "taken off" as apposed to say, say, ska music, which is pretty non-existent in Shanghai and (i think) China in general.
enntee, Sep 20th, 2009
Can anyone recommend a good film slr shop in Shanghai? I can't find one anywhere!!! Thanks in advance.einzweidrei, Sep 21st, 2009
i also go for the 5 kuai street miantiao.sometimes i'm even able to point at the box with the mononatrium glutamat and say: b yo. mostly though, the cooking mama is to quick or the venue just to dark to figure what's the spices and what's the flavour enhancer.
psinology, Sep 22nd, 2009
still recovering, what a corker, cheers all for coming down!see y'all for Halloween!
Der, Sep 22nd, 2009
As I think you saying by suggesting to stay away from the Mexican-pizza gyoza, stick with the simple dishes (rice pots, salads. I've had about a 50% success rate here.Cocinillas, Sep 23rd, 2009
Great food, nice smoked room... The sauce for dipping the croquettes, in my opinion, its a light mayonnaise with A1,Lea & Perrins or HP steak sauce.Nice review!
psinology, Sep 23rd, 2009
the croquettes description has made trying them my number one priority in life at the moment.Lasie Cane, Sep 23rd, 2009
great interview! I finally read what needed to be said about Detroit techno. Especially those cats producing and djing that have never been to Detroit or possibly never befriended a black person, wtf?!><><@ I'm excited to hear that genuine and true techno coming to visit me. Its been a over a year since I've been to Detroit to hear some great music.woofdine, Sep 23rd, 2009
Absolutely brilliant, I've been wanting somewhere to see this stuff for a long time. Now all I have to is convince my friends that its actually cool...morgan, Sep 24th, 2009
These ones are only teaser tracks. Sorry about that. I have both the discs on my desk, but couldn't figure out how to steal the songs. Thwarted by people who have a more advance knowledge of computer stuff than me.If you're adverse to ordering these online, The Shelter has a few releases from Shanshui records available for purchase. Ask at the bar about their shop.
psinology, Sep 24th, 2009
some fine choices there gentlemen.looking forward to Saturday, bring on the filth!
Andy Best, Sep 25th, 2009
This is going to sound ridiculous, but, yes, Fangbang Lu is where I buy all my swords.Actual martial arts equipment shops on the mainland are chock full of 'modern wushu' prop weapons that are often half size and/or so light and floppy that you can bend the blades around to touch the handles. So, to get a straight sword with a bit of weight to it we (students at our club) have to get the fake antique ones then customise the handles so they don't fall apart from actual use.
The funny thing is that those swords all come from one factory in a town called Longquan, which was the historical place where the finest folded swords of ancient China were made. It's like spitting on their grave/reputation.
I have another genuine tip: There's a factory/workshop in Songjiang that custom makes weapons. I had a three section staff done there. There are just off the Xinbang turnoff of the Hangzhou highway and I'll hook anyone up who needs something from there.
DJ_SynRG, Sep 25th, 2009
Thank you for spelling "dkd" correctly (for those who don't know "dkd" in lowercase refers to the ORIGINAL dkd, ie: the one that was good) DKD refers to that that exists on Huaihai were dkd used to be.You left out how the name UNION was my idea. I still love you carl.
See you tmr night ;)
robjamdj, Sep 28th, 2009
Was there Saturday. Good VJ show but apart from a couple of classic Underworld tunes another night of souless electro-house sh&*?Whats different about that? These commercial electro dj's are everywhere...
Sorry, mediocre in my opinion but its all personel taste!
Sound system in G Plus is awesome and could be even better if they gave it more bass. Not enough low-end...
ericst29, Sep 28th, 2009
It's one of my favourite dishes in Shanghai; all is in there, some nice side dishes available as well, together with Tsing dao bottles makes this always a great evening.ps: as a laowai be sure you do not have a long distance flight the next day....:)
steveb, Sep 29th, 2009
ROBJAMDJ...EACH TO THERE OWN AND STUFF...IF YA DONT LIKE IT DONT COME...THERE WAS ONE UNDERWORLD TUNE PLAYED ALL NIGHT(REZ)...I WILL STICK TO MY GUNS AND SAY IT WASNT ONLY ELECTRO HOUSE PLAYED...LOADS OF TECHNO AND TECH HOUSE TOO.... COMMERCIAL??????? IT WAS LABELLED AS BIG ROOM HOUSE....IF YA HAD CAME EARLIER YA MIGHT OF HEARD THE WARM UP UP TOO THE BIG TUNES...YA OBVIOUSLY HARD TO PLEASE....ANYWAY I WILL BE PROTECTIVE AS ITS MY NIGHT BUT EACH TO THERE OWN...CHEERS
OCrockstar, Sep 29th, 2009
i love the Refused. Listen to the words and let the music MOVE YOU! Peace...einzweidrei, Sep 30th, 2009
very listenable on my MacBook Air, which has a cellphone/gameboy like speakersazzle, Oct 6th, 2009
Please, please keep-up this column! It's so good to learn about unusual travel destinations that don't require catching a flight.With regard to Yiwu in particular, I am most inspired by the idea of lamb shanks at the Baghdad cafe, people-watching with the locals, and the inflatable boats.
Shanghaimagic, Oct 6th, 2009
Wow, what a visionary and interesting person. Completely admire his work and all the things he's accomplished in a short 5-year period of time. I've known several expatriates that are successful but it took them a lot longer than 5 years to accomplish half of what David has done. Fantastic food, great environment and good mix of concepts. Well done.amphibian, Oct 6th, 2009
Izakaya! oh i miss that so much... making mental note to go to Tori King... where's it?cutie angel, Oct 11th, 2009
check those skinny boys and their trunks.........ah~~no mood go there already!Crumpets, Oct 13th, 2009
Oh wow! That's a MUCH better deal than the one I ordered (and wrote a user review about). The beef fajita meal (# 7 I believe) came with beef in the tiniest compartment, and the giant compartment on the left was all just rice.Thanks for the photos. Clearly, the #12 is the way to go!
roar28, Oct 13th, 2009
checked this place out the other day and it seemed quite overpriced, particularly for lamps, etc. perhaps they've increased their prices in the past couple of months?pasarq, Oct 13th, 2009
As I posted here earlier: I love this place. But, about a week ago and a few days after reading this nice post, I went again to take some friends... happy about their increasing popularity I found a packed place and lots of them croquettes where flying around, when I ask for the menu half of the items prices where crossed with a white mark, and most of the other ones they waiter would go 'no, sorry, cant do', they apologized claiming the menu was being 'updated'. It gave us a bad feeling, but food was still good. I hope our favorite dancing warrior is not getting greedy...psinology, Oct 13th, 2009
"You can really taste the suffering; you really can. It's like a hot, congealed, blood-and-mayonaise kind of flavor."some vomit just came up while reading that...I also think you've managed the impossible; put me of mayonnaise, at least temporarily.
flyswatter, Oct 14th, 2009
does this beat out Fire&Ice's burrito combo meal? (beef or chicken burrito, soft drink and chili cheese fries for 21 kuai)SamuelGreen, Oct 14th, 2009
The Red Enchiladas are awesome too, come in the same 3 compartment container with rice and salad. The Beef Cheese Burrito probably doesn't fit your healthy criteria, but god it tastes nice.morgan, Oct 14th, 2009
In my opinion the buritos are a bit hit and miss. Some days they're the shit, others they come just packed and packed with onions. I guess some people like them like that, but I'm not much of an onions guy. Haven't tried Fire and Ice, but am fucking intrigued by the words "combo meal", "chili cheese fries" and "21 kuai".Do they deliver?
flyswatter, Oct 14th, 2009
Yeah they do deliver, but only within a distance the delivery guy is prepared to bike to. It's kind of arbitrary. 6431 2378 (or 136 1182 6497 for more fluent English) is the number to call if you want to try and sweet talk them into making it out your way.The place itself is a little window on Gao'an Lu between Jianguo and Zhaojiabang Lus. Last night my chili cheese fries had a blue cheese flavoured sauce with them (though that might just have been a mistake). They've just introduced chili hot dogs too. I don't work for them by the way, it just happens to be smack bang across the road from my flat so, by conservative estimates, I go at least twice a week. It's always good.
It's the same guy who opened Togo down in Tianzifang with the main differences being the price, the fact that at the Gao'an Lu branch you don't have to go looking for the staff and that there's fewer faux-artsy types pushing past you while you wait.
shanghai_ultra, Oct 15th, 2009
Respect to Carl and Steve for championing dance music in Shanghai for so many years.morgan, Oct 16th, 2009
Thanks for the tip flyswatter. Got the chili cheese dog today for de-fuckin-livery and it was fantastic. Will write extensive report on the place in a week or so.Expat media: baggin' clicks, cashin' checks.
Nawash, Oct 17th, 2009
I just oredered number 12 today. after reading your article, I thought it would be perfect as a hangover lunch...but it was wack! the rice is dry and untasty and the enchilada is actually filled with the same stupid rice! what's the point? its really the worst mexican meal i had since i'm in Shanghai...so yeah you probably really don't know and don't give a shit about good food so next time just don't write about itNawash, Oct 18th, 2009
That's a really constructive answer. Cursing when you get critisized... El Mexicano does have good food, just not number 12.SamuelGreen, Oct 20th, 2009
Nice to see it's possible to eat healthily here, although I think the Yakitori skewers should be taken off the list"possible to remain slim and healthy and not feel hungry 99% of the time"
You're gonna get hungry after 5 skewers. The high protein, low carbs pros are pretty much the same as the cons. Hell, there would be NO carbs in these sticks right? Pure chicken meat = no carbs = no energy = HUNGRY!
I'd never recommend low carbs for dinner anyway, it's just gotta be balanced and you've gotta supplement it with exercise. People who just stop eating carbs aren't going to be healthy.. they may be slim but they're not gonna feel the benefits and are more likely to relapse with a massive portion from the Coldstone Creamery.
The best place for low calorie meals is at home. Just stir-fry some prawns (you can get these mammoth shrimp, 10 for 40RMB in this farm produce shop near me), add vegetables and some noodles (brown noodles if you're really set on getting healthy). Takes about 7 minutes, costs about a 10th of the price and tastes great.
shabi, Oct 22nd, 2009
Funny coming across this paean to #12... I order El Numero Doce for lunch at least 2-3 times a week. Wash it down with horchata and it comes in at under 50rmb!Lasie Cane, Oct 22nd, 2009
I'm not sure if there is a type error or not but Winter Music Conference in Miami is referred to WMC not WMT like it is a few times in this article.http://www.wintermusicconference.com/
iiperceptii, Oct 22nd, 2009
I registered JUST so I could comment on this blog. Pretty much everything in the blog is a BOLD-FACED lie. Ben must be vision impaired. There were ZERO locals at this restaurant. There were more tourists eating at this restaurant than walking thru fishermans wharf. The prices are steep, portions small, and minimum order amount enforced. This restaurant is nothing but a tourist attraction with high prices and bland food.kale, Oct 24th, 2009
food here is very tasty and is probably the best they can do in shanghai. however, i do feel alot of the dishes were too strong in tastes and salty. the laksa (laksa lemak?) was a bit disappointing - it lacked the seafood flavour, spices and the strong coconut broth.would be worth going again though as it's decent value and food is good enough to satisfy any cravings.
ISpyShanghai.com, Oct 26th, 2009
This cut out kind of suddenly at the end- but it's awesome to have a look at what the Japanese magazines are saying.Sidenote- I'd love to see an article on where the best places are to eat Ramen.
reion, Oct 26th, 2009
Oi! Oi! Oi!Next time I hope you will write article before concert, not after:)
espoir1999, Oct 28th, 2009
wow Christopher, how many languages you can speak?! impressive!one little thing: 'kaiseke' to 'kaiseki'
i have two 'best ramen place' on my list; one is Fukushima just infront of hongqiao station line number 3 and 4. their negi-chashu-miso-ramen is great.
another one is Tonkotsu in qibao (߱) runs by three young bros from Fukuoka, the hometown of tonkotsu ramen.
santochino, Oct 28th, 2009
Thanks, fixed.Just one language. Friends who want to stay nameless helped.
I'll put those ramen places on the to-do list.
Andy Best, Oct 28th, 2009
That's so weird. I was there like three weeks ago. I was looking on theGoogle sat picture (so out of date now) for somewhere to bike to, so I went to Fuxing Dao, with the park as my target.If you start by Zhongshan Park and head east along changning road and never turn ... you will end up at Fuxing Dao by the KFC when the road ends at the uni sites.
Also, the golf course you wrote about is half gone now and the whole area behind it is ploughed for the expo.
Llyrian, Oct 28th, 2009
I want the damn friggin HaiBao suit for halloween.But I don't fint it.
I WANT IT ! It's pure ugliness, easy-going and terrible casual fashion in a burst of blue and fluffiness.
morgan, Oct 28th, 2009
I'm predicting a shitload of HaiBaos this year, and variations thereof: sexy HaiBao, zombie HaiBao, etc...My advice would be to stay away from HaiBao costumes unless you can somehow make it at least 14 feet tall -- just massive and humbling -- to shame all the other people dressed like HaiBao. It would have to be seamless, perfect, and enormous.
Llyrian, Oct 28th, 2009
Exactly, some kind of King Haibao among haibao peasants.An army of haibaos invading Shanghai.
Cool.
ipppyn, Oct 28th, 2009
Visited the place with mum, who's malaysian. The chicken curry was way too 'lemak'(thick with coconut flavor), too many potatoes and too little chicken. Penang laksa had a rather bitter aftertaste. Sambal kangkong was pretty decent though. pity they didn't have rendang on the menu today. not raring to go back, but if the craving hits, why not?Der, Oct 29th, 2009
Why is Mao poor form? Zombie Mao, or slasher Mao would be really funny. I went to Holiday House looking for a Mao mask, but all I could find were Hitler masks...boxes and boxes of Hitler masks.michiamocookie, Oct 29th, 2009
a..haha..just came back from there last week.attended a Yiwu-Expo-sth.one more thing->its so hard to call a taxi(or you have to share with other ppl)there..so better you go there w/your own bicycle..:)..i do think the hotels there should rent bicycles for us...more convenientISpyShanghai.com, Oct 29th, 2009
I'm going as David Carradine- I've got one big box as a wardrobe, noose around my neck prosthetic penis in hand. It's going to be the best Halloween / Church BBQ ever!Stevedave, Oct 30th, 2009
I'm dressing up as zombie Patrick Swayze whether you deem it appropriate or not morgan. The real question is what are you going as this year now that you have run out of buildings....superkiki, Oct 30th, 2009
prefer something classi. a black cat with 2 big apples in hand....snakes in the hairWave Manipulator, Nov 4th, 2009
I agree the soups are a bit watery, but add a splash of vinegar and a dribble of chilli oil and/or a bit of white pepper and you have a nice qingdan counterpoint to the dumplings. And as any right-thinking Chinese person will tell you, if you eat carbs you've got to have tea or soup with it or you'll turn into a pumpkin (or something like that); JJTB doesn't do tea, so soup it is.Der, Nov 4th, 2009
Agreed with the above, the wait is just too long to just get xiaolongbao. The duck blood soup is decent with a little pepper added.And that toothless old man is the best part of going to jiajia.
santochino, Nov 4th, 2009
Jia Jia doesn't do tea. They do Pepsi. It's the soup of the modern individual.ISpyShanghai.com, Nov 5th, 2009
I waited for about 45 mins at DTF last time anyway, so it's not that bad.Any thoughts on Nan Xiang?
shanghai_ultra, Nov 5th, 2009
I found some bones and gristle in a Shanghai Xiaolongbao once. Most unsatisfactory.newjersey, Nov 5th, 2009
Are you guys running out of things to write to about! I am sure that during one of your late night think tanks, over a few beers and kebabs, the idea of an article about rat burgers sounded great. But it's really not. I love a shit burger sometimes, but I don't want to spend five minutes reading about them.ISpyShanghai.com, Nov 5th, 2009
newjersey- five minutes is pretty impressive, did you get someone to help you out?SamuelGreen, Nov 6th, 2009
The Burger King submission should have been that BBQ Quad Burger advertised across the metro. That thing is pretty baller.flyswatter, Nov 6th, 2009
That BK thing is a let down. Sure, at McDonald's you expect the burger you get to look nothing like the picture, but at BK they usually come out fairly similar to the photos. That triple-decker thing is tiny. If it was their usual sized whopper x 3 then it'd be worth all the fuss, but it ain't - it's just 3 small patties. How am I supposed to induce a heart attack with that?gimmedonuts, Nov 6th, 2009
miamOne of the best Cheeseburger I ate is at C's now. Cheap at 25rmb one is enough if not too hungry otherwise 2 will get you full.
rob.r, Nov 6th, 2009
I cannot believe there are no references to the combination of "Windows" and "hamburger" in this article. How short our memories are...flyswatter, Nov 6th, 2009
I love C's as much as the next person (assuming the next person is a soap-dodging student), but I don't think I could ever bring myself to eat there. Shanzhai beer from unwashed glasses yes, but burgers? That's where I draw the lineDer, Nov 6th, 2009
This music sounds exactly like the crap R3 plays for free at the same exact club...it makes me wonder who's really behind that mask charging 60rmb.Bob the Horse, Nov 6th, 2009
Go in the afternoons where there's no line and no proper xiaolongbao, either, just the crab+pork stuff. Not great, but pretty good.Christopher St. Cavish needs to get over Ding Tai Fung. It's mediocre, it's to Xiaolongbao what 1212 is to Shanghai Cuisine.
seoul4seattle, Nov 7th, 2009
dammit. now i have to call mcD's and try this sneaky cheese you speak of.....and dont worry, i refuse to feel guilty about the deliciousness that those beautiful golden arches bring to my door!phatshanghai, Nov 10th, 2009
Jia Jia is the shit. Way better than DTF because you aren't paying through the nose for itXLB breakdown at http://phatsh.com/?p=291
everythingwy , Nov 10th, 2009
I just been there last weekend, the shop is full of lovely and cool stuffs! Bought a pair of old majong earings for my girl friend.The owner is very nice~robjamdj, Nov 13th, 2009
Awesome music producer from cider land! Thanks to jane and the Shelter for organizing this one...see you there!jaxx, Nov 15th, 2009
worst pho EVER.and...ahaha, ready for this? worst pho-king service.
rude. nasty. one waitresses held my bowl in such a way that her thumb was in my bloody broth.
really bad food, really bad service, best to be burnt down.
Der, Nov 16th, 2009
That's a shame, Free the Wax were the most active promoters in Shanghai this year.djsexypaul, Nov 17th, 2009
if you want delivery you can also viewwww.smartdirect.cn for a huge 3 course spread delivered fresh and piping hot to your front door
melloyello121, Nov 19th, 2009
the waitress in red is the hottest. We went Wednesday for a quick lunch, The girl in red was there! Changing her stockings twice, garter off, garter on!!! :) Food isn't the best, not cheap but consider you go there for the views, well what do you expect!Crumpets, Nov 20th, 2009
Mmmm...warm feet. Now all we need is a portable, slipper version so I never, ever have to remove my feet from this puffy cloud of comfort.Xiung82, Nov 23rd, 2009
I have bought the USB gloves / very good! also can be bought at taobao for around 29 RMB per piece. The top of the finger is open so easy to work on the keyboard as well.tommyb7, Nov 26th, 2009
I love...the controversy it causes. I love the fact that people in the "alternative, underground scene", people who are as pretentious in their own right, always feel the need to bash Bar Rouge.I don't particularly like the place or the crowd, but well done Bar Rouge...
Llyrian, Nov 26th, 2009
Louloute69> "EACH TIME I GO TO BAR ROUGE, I SCORE CHICKS ! THEY ASK ME 1500 RMB NEXT MORNING, BUT I'M SO HYPE !"Bar Rouge has a fabulous view, that's about it. The rest is whether so so, whether it sucks hard. And staff is terribly scornful, managers should do something about it.
shanghai_ultra, Nov 26th, 2009
Bar Rogue does what it does very well, so congratulations to them. Five years is indeed a long time.However, its efforts to promote itself as a venue to go and hear quality electronic music are a joke. You can't have your cake and eat it - Bar Rogue is a venue slaved to commercial interests and wouldn't host the Shanghai Music Society if there was an alternative on offer which would make more profit.
Anyway, hats off to Shanghai's number one zhuang bi bar.
loveSH, Nov 26th, 2009
Bar Rouge is what it is. Be there for 5 years is a big thing for Shanghai nightlife. Don't understand why people use so much energy to write such things. I am Chinese and it is not about loving Bar Rouge or not, I think it depends on taste and anyway there are a lot of clubs in Shanghai to please everyone...einzweidrei, Nov 26th, 2009
Bar rouge attracts a certain kind of people. It's good they are all kept in one spot ... ;-)Louloute69, Nov 26th, 2009
I LOVE BAR ROUGE I ALWAYS DO...MUSIC IS FABULOUS...DEFINITIVELY THE BEST PLACE IN SHANGHAI...wandernut, Nov 26th, 2009
I live in the neighbourhood and always wanted to try this.But I walked home late one night and saw something that kinda put me off a little.
Their delivery of veges for the next day just arrived. And I don't know if it's usual practice around here, the vege delivery was placed on the pavement. Cabbage, coriander, spring onions,and what not were lying on the same pavement people walk and spit on.
They probably wash the veges before cooking(at least I hope they do), but I would feel less spooked if they lined the pavement with newspaper first. Or put the veges in a basket or something.
I suppose it's no biggy cos no one I know had a major tummy upset eating here. But I would rather go to the cleaner lanzhou lamian on Anfu Lu, next to Mia's near The Center.
scrycer, Nov 26th, 2009
For those of you who want to see it, I just watched it on an online collection of movies called Asia Pacific Films ( http://www.asiapacificfilms.com ). And yes, it definitely had English subtitles. Plus, it was cheaper than a movie (US.99) and I get unlimited access to a bunch of other 6th generation Chinese films. I haven't seen any others yet, but they look really good.Trashcat, Nov 27th, 2009
I'm so happy to see this article. Everything said is right on the money. The staff really are the most pleasant in all of Shanghai, and who cares if the sauce isn't "authentic" as long as it's making your stomach do backflips? Besides, it's Shanghai for god sakes, if you want something traditional take a train to Henan.alotofit, Nov 27th, 2009
Metro also has a great selection of Fake trees as well as lots of different western decorations like ornaments and garlands and cut out santas.djsexypaul, Nov 29th, 2009
been there once, hated every moment of it, If someone could drop a bomb on the place it would do us all the world of goodfrank01, Nov 29th, 2009
This average article is obviously written after too much boozing; no real review of dishes. Mr. Short uses too many 'fuck' in his contributions lately. Grow up my friend.babsattack, Nov 30th, 2009
This article has come to be very useful to me. The author, whose name I have not yet come across (therefore must be new), has excellent writing skills, and I hope to see more of her work. Great job Miss Howard at smartshanghai!Didjelirium, Dec 2nd, 2009
Happy b-day The Shelter !!!! Hoping many many many more....at least til 2012....after, we're not responsible for anything ! :pBless !
angelhha, Dec 3rd, 2009
I am demanding about my hair and the salon is good. Maybe the hair massage should be longerThank you very much for the nice hair color, I really liked it and your staff is very friendly. thanks
first cum, Dec 3rd, 2009
Sorry to disagree but the Grape has not been on that corner for 20 years it was originally on Dong HU lu in a cubbi-hole then expanded and moved up the street. But yes us long-timers stood in line to get the food, but I haven't been back since 1992..must try againgregorysa2001, Dec 4th, 2009
Congratulations I suppose is in order for Ben Xiong that finished the JUMBO in 8min 40 secsantochino, Dec 4th, 2009
I'm curious about what kind of verification processes are in place to ensure that people like Ben Xiong are indeed human.Wael, Dec 5th, 2009
think that Bar rouge is a landmark, whether we hate it or love it it is what it is...very few are the places in Shanghai and China that can make it that far. Whether its full of prostitutes or fake expats high rollers on some days...it is Bar Rouge...I tip my hat to thatalotofit, Dec 6th, 2009
Are there going to be any more columns for this [Legacy] thing? I'd like to see a write-up of the tiger challenge and boxing-cat's 12 pint challenge.mitsuisd, Dec 8th, 2009
hilarious...for real! For the record very few people seem to make it to the promise land in the Fu Xing Rd. Cat...they just don't make drinkers like they use to I'm afraid....alotofit, Dec 8th, 2009
awesome article but is anyone actually going to win something in these stories?Funkin Shoes, Dec 9th, 2009
It takes a big man to throw up in the bar - but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. Good show - looking forward to the next self destructive challengechinaman, Dec 9th, 2009
I'm waiting for the bad review from the gal who dry heaved while watching the guy puke. "this restaurant sucks, people puking during dinner, blah blah" hahahanhkl, Dec 10th, 2009
hmmm... 10minutes per pint... i think i can do that... and if not finish in 120minutes? how much should i pay?santochino, Dec 10th, 2009
The price of failure is the sum of all your pride, plus the number of beers you've finished times the price of a pint (45rmb regular, 35rmb happy hour until 9pm). At worst, it would be 11 x 45rmb, or 495rmb.alotofit, Dec 12th, 2009
can you attempt the challenge during happy hour to keep it cheaper in the event of failure?Stefan.Hensel, Dec 15th, 2009
"Come back tomorrow for the worst of the lot, at which point the hate shall set you free." can't wait :-)Andy Best, Dec 15th, 2009
Nice article. Now I'll have to do a pick on the blog too. But there's too many to choose from.high_touch, Dec 16th, 2009
Hey, this Best [and Worst] Flyers thing is good stuff.I lived in Seattle during the late 80s and 90s. The rock/arts/events poster and handbill design scene was awesome - and ruled by Art Chantry ( http://www.gigposters.com/designers.php?designer=3275&s=19 ). What's more, this was they days before you could do every last thing on a computer.
I really admire a few of your selections, but they do lean a little too much towards amusing. And some, like the Magnum PI and the Teen Wolf job, belong in the "worst" category.
Keep up the good work.
Anyway, it's your feature. Still, I'd like to see more celebration of creativity and design skill.
high_touch, Dec 16th, 2009
That should be:"Anyway, it's your feature. Still, I'd like to see more celebration of creativity and design skill.
Keep up the good work. "
Cut and paste error.
Jellymon, Dec 16th, 2009
Happy we got one in there but I saw a few better flyers last year... (Knives Out and some of the STD flyers for example), I really love the DIY Bananas one though. Looking forward to seeing tomorrows worst list!psinology, Dec 16th, 2009
Magic Garden had one in the worst category last year, can we repeat the feat!?!Crumpets, Dec 16th, 2009
I always enjoy these best/worst flyer articles. This year does seem to favour the cheesy/jokey/indie stuff, but they have more flavour than the standard we-have-models-with-vacant-expressions stuff. I think tourists are more likely to see the sleek stuff everywhere anyway. Nice to see what else is around. Thanks for sharing.Andy Best, Dec 16th, 2009
Linkin Park. Yes, it is shit for that exact reason. The ultimate "I'm so dark and you will never understand me" band.Everytime Mike Shinoda 'raps' by saying a couple of lines in a yo, yo, yo voice, I want to kill myself. But not before telling everyone that I may do it one day because I'm so dark and you all don't understand.
Seb Morris, Dec 17th, 2009
What about the Arka at 1933 flyer? It just came out but it is still technically 2009 so it should be in the competition.It has to be the ugliest flyer ever made, and the (nearly impossible to read) text is simply priceless!
"Chinese and laowai, sexy bitches and hipsters from the underground!!!"
Can't wait to see the "5000 revelers" they are promising
alice264, Dec 17th, 2009
The "three-way bestiality salad tossing" pony flyer is the only flyer i remember from the whole of 2009... GENIUS!!!Nedved, Dec 18th, 2009
Sorry Shorty, never got round to submitting due to be an all round lazy git. My vote goes to local boy and all round sweet cheeks DJ Levy. He looks like Gollum and he's been known the play the A-Team theme tune. I can't get enough of that...Nedved, Dec 18th, 2009
After a quick skim scan I've come to the swift conclusion 'worst of' lists micturate all over 'best of' lists. More spite please.tranescend, Dec 18th, 2009
"I'm always skeptical of these "live" sets where it mostly just looks like a guy checking his email with his mixtape playing in the background."I always wanted to do a DJ set like that, except that I would be playing solitaire on the laptop while the mixtape ran. I would end the set after I finished the game, turn the screen around, expose to the audience the cards bouncing around, flash a shit-eating grin, and run for my life.
hufdisko, Dec 18th, 2009
@NedvedThat is because all flyers for all Shanghai events are always bad. It's a trademark and the city (or should I say 'da scene') should be proud of it. For what else?
Nawash, Dec 18th, 2009
When it comes to hip hop in Shanghai, the best DJs are definitely Choyce Kutz and B-Kut. Those are my boyzzzzz!!! They can play commercial mash up and make the girls shake their booty, but what they are the best at and what they enjoy the most is playing REAL HIP HOP, underground and brand new tracks. Cuz remember, the role of a DJ is not to play all the songs you hear on radio everyday, but to make you discover new tracks!Peace
ClementPony, Dec 18th, 2009
thx for this comment Sacco!djs are taking all the credit for music they havnt written...
100% with you on that...
Stewie Griffin, Dec 18th, 2009
shiiit i forgot to send mine..."My favorite dj for 2009 is clement pony because anytime he tries to grow a moustache i laugh my ass off.
besides that djs are useless pretentious cunts, and frankly if you don't produce or at least scratch you'd rather stay home and jerk off."
Laura Ingalls (PRODUCER, dj for cash and ungrateful motherfucker)
Stewie Griffin, Dec 18th, 2009
i don't know if i'm more proud to be in this section or in best flyers...cuzzin, Dec 19th, 2009
Gotta love the 'Exclusive Fridays' (yeah...hello) atMT5 flyer. Where to begin? First of all MT5? Where? Inside Shanghai Stadium? DJ's Toki & Cherry from Berlin (and nowhere else, trust me)? Professional Pool dancers (they have a pool too?)Electro House, RnB, AND Hip Hop all under one roof??? The fist...the barbed wire?That's a lotta bad for one little flyer!!
johnotoole, Dec 19th, 2009
Maybe I didn't go to enough gigs, but the Jeff Lang show at YYT was freaking incredible. Man played some unbelievably great music for 2+ hours straight. In a three piece wool suit. At YuYinTang. In August. Now that's dedication.(above average flyer too)
Crumpets, Dec 19th, 2009
Yeah, I missed Jeff Lang, Jose Gonzalez, and Fink. Heard great things about all of those...
buckwurst, Dec 19th, 2009
Acid Pony Club rules.... they're in a class all of their own, and it doesn't begin with "Worst...."Denis., Dec 19th, 2009
that is definitely the worst banner with the a.t.f.c. name on i've ever seen)komi emperor has titled dj kamikaze the best german mash-up dj because kamikaze has opened up and admitted that komi was maybe one of the best togolese rappers he had ever heard of. it's obvious!) Shanghai...)
A Fu, Dec 20th, 2009
Thanks for those admirable punchlines, Mats.Merry Xmas, and I look forward to reading next year's columns.
Cheers
smart Siyan, Dec 22nd, 2009
whatever you do, don't order the waffles. it's NASTY- www.shanghaishopgirl.com
rebk, Dec 22nd, 2009
Love you Mats Merry Xmas and looking fwd to read you and possibly meet youLove xx
morinbj, Dec 23rd, 2009
No offense but this isn't anything special. Just a normal burger in Wisconsincatherine vilia, Dec 24th, 2009
is this such a best dj perfrom in Shanghai? i recommended DJ Danes. i dunno either he's a freelance dj or not, but i often saw him 'DJ-ing' in so many party such as shanghai fun party and his song was very awesome.Stefan.Hensel, Dec 24th, 2009
"that is definitely the worst banner with the a.t.f.c. name on i've ever seen)
komi emperor has titled dj kamikaze the best german mash-up dj because kamikaze has opened up and admitted that komi was maybe one of the best togolese rappers he had ever heard of. it's obvious!) Shanghai...)"
and what does "a.t.f.c" mean?
Aar0n, Dec 24th, 2009
Someone tell me how BATTLES got left off this list!?!? MoNo the other week was incredible...but there were more people there capturing the moment on film than there were people actually enjoying their sounds. Put yor cameras AWAY kids!!! Next year: ISIS, The XX, Converge, Faith No More and Andrew Bird pleaseDJ.BKut, Dec 24th, 2009
Our work and a lot of people forget this, is to promote the song of the artist make the people jump on it so they can sell album, we are here to show to the customer that even an Artist made a Radio Shit song he can also bring real beatz and make people bounce so they will sell more CD this is a job of a Dj and it''s real...THe bad things is nowaday the people jumping only in some classic shit, and radio stuff and are not really open to new vibes...But still I love my job and Fuck the people who think that Dj is not a job..Peace to all my Hommies DJ keep going we are not dead and Itune not gonna take our place :)
DJ B-Kut
MJL, Dec 25th, 2009
I entirely agree about the excellent staff and service in the 4 years or so of going there. However,my last trip there was disappointing. Accustomed to their full and authentic Shanghai flavor, this time every dish i ordered had the sensation eating Panda Express food with all the flavor rinsed off. Even more bland than my trip to 1221 with the Minnesota Club. The manager/ owner did tell me after my meal, that if I want it more authentic, I should let them know next time... unfortunately,that last experience has pretty much turned me off of going there.psinology, Dec 28th, 2009
"...And to those that didn't: ya fuckin' dead to me..."woops, sorry mate, completely forgot...
glad I made the pic selection tho :)
e z
PUDDING!TIME, Dec 28th, 2009
Nedved nailed this one on the head, and it was such a good point that I’d like to elaborate a bit.Far from being the “WORST”, this list of in-YO-face-face creative work should be re-titled “RIDICULOUSLY AWESOME”, and the so-called “BEST” list should be re-titled, “JUST OK”.
And a note to the author:
Dear Morgan & nameless SmSh graphic designer -
My first reaction was to go wild criticizing your classification & comments but then I realized that maybe you were just confused. So let us review: in your introduction for the “worst flyers”, your description is as follows (and I’ve capitalized YOUR key words for emphasis):
“[the worst flyers] spiral downwards into AWESOME and EXPLODE into our faces like a supernova of Christmas MIRACLES. These cause us great PLEASURE to look at, we commend their artisans, and they should accept their inclusion herein as a compliment of the profoundest caliber”
Wow…agreed. Exactly what I thought! Not only do these flyers give us pleasure to look at, but do just what every effective party flyer is DESIGNED to do, which is the following:
A. Catch your eye and make you say, “WHA!?”
B. Tell you WHY you should care (ex. magic, bad girls, spanking, etc.)
C. Direct your eye to WHEN & WHERE you should show up
For the “best flyers”, your description is as follows:
“Hey, that looks PRETTY GOOD” and “Basically, I was looking for anything MILDLY AMUSING and [the SmSh graphic designer] was looking for NICE designs”
Yup… that pretty much sums it up! These pictures are swell and pretty alright. And then moving on to the actual PARTY being promoted, a couple of questions come to mind…
What will happen at this PARTY? Will aliens attack me? Am I going to an imaginary BANANAS party? Will a dark cloud hover over my head as I wander through a sepia-toned landscape? Do I want to see Tom Selleck naked?
I’m not sure, but what I DO know is that the next party I choose to go to, I’d like to go to an AWESOME party that is so awesome it EXPLODES in my face like a supernova of Christmas MIRACLES and gives me Mmmm….PLEASURE.
Right?
So I’m just sayin’… you called it Morgan! Except I think you accidentally switched the titles. AND I think what you meant to say is not: “the HATE will set you free” but “my HATE will set ME free”.
Fair enough, you’re entitled to your opinion & beliefs, but next time just make it clear that you are talking about YOU, not me. And luckily your hate is expressed in 10-point b&w type so it was easy for me to IGNORE as I enjoyed the lovely party flyers you selected.
Thanks again for the great pictures and I hope I could help to clear up the confusion!
/ / / P U D D I N G ! T I M E
alice264, Jan 2nd, 2010
Very recently witnessed Clem try to grow a tash... I was impressed and blinded by its mighty bushiness ;-) That, and some other irrelevant factors like music and shit, places the ponies alongside with Dave K at the top of my fav dj list!djsexypaul, Jan 6th, 2010
a rat ran over my foot in Paul Bakery in Xintiandi last week, will never go back to that placejoaquin, Jan 6th, 2010
Shanghai is completely infested by rats. For one to enter into a street level shop can totally happen to anyone. On the other hand i saw a huge fat pig inside Malones the other day. The punters called it Paul.bbfok27, Jan 6th, 2010
Paul is full of rats, so if URBN is full of rats too then someone should go overthere and shoot Ratatouille 2. Stop Laris and put Paul instead of the restaurant and that s it ...Great location a great Shanghai F & B movie ..:)))AnnaBanana_FrozenYog, Jan 5th, 2010
We're a little late to the crepe craze (3 years!) but what we do offer is fully customizable crepes at affordable prices. For example, two crepes topped with frozen yogurt, homemade caramel sauce, strawberries and bananas would go for 26 RMB. Please check us out if you're ever around the Bund!marduko, Jan 7th, 2010
I got Food poisoned last saturday at one of the branch restaurants in Xintiandi and....they didnt care about that.meileidi, Jan 7th, 2010
Very nice updated, regarding "first eco-friendly" concept in Shanghai will be looking forward for it....go laris..Bobcat, Jan 7th, 2010
@bbfok27, hilarious comment.I saw a huge rat climbing up a pole in the food basement at the jing an shopping mall. It was nasty, but my family still goes there to buy seafood and steaks, barf.
Rob.E.V, Jan 8th, 2010
This is an awesome article for so many reasons. If there were more stories like this I just might use smartshanghai as more than just a dating website. Wow. It's like npr came to my backyard and found a real gem to write about. Thanks.Ben2008, Jan 9th, 2010
You are one SMART dude, liperceptii. I'm glad you registered JUST to share your thoughts.You may have noticed that this review was written in Feb 2007, whereas you wrote your comment in Oct 2009. Believe it or not, in two and a half years things change, restaurants get reviewed and discovered, food gets good or bad, etc etc.
That doesn't make the original review a "a BOLD-FACED lie", however.
Like, if you read the Lonely Planet Shanghai from 1995, it will tell you Pudong is largely an underdeveloped wasteland. Was the author a bold-faced liar? I think not.
Having said that, I was in FU1039 a few weeks ago, and pretty much everything is the same. More foreigners to be sure (it has since been reviewed in several places), but the food is still excellent and there were many locals enjoying it. And I've never heard of a "minimum order amount".
Stay sharp.
greasyspoon, Jan 11th, 2010
Ha ha...! @joaquin, hilarious comment.One never knows for sure whatever goes into his mouth is good or not because he is a terrible "food critic" but you always know its CRAP coming out of his mouth...
EricC, Jan 11th, 2010
I have been running the Sneaky Cheese scam for years now and on occasion the Sneaky Nuggets. The Sneaky Cheese is by far the better choice and can even by eaten quickly between the door and the couch immediately after delivery if you have guests (the Double Secret Sneaky Cheese). Additionally, ketchup is more easily corralled on the Sneaky Cheese wrapper then the cardboard carton of your "yi hao" or the extra greasy wrapper of the sandwich in the standard "er hao". Only upside to the Sneaky Nuggs is the possibility of extra dipping sauce should your Freedom Fries run dry of Heinz Crimson Love.mmarco, Jan 11th, 2010
Such a piece of crap this DJSEXYPAUl... probably the biggest rat in town but not the sexiest. pretty sure rats stories could happen anytime anywere, even Malones.''will never go back to that place''....booooooo.... such a kid...go back to bed.
Xiung82, Jan 11th, 2010
Went there last week for a coffee and some Waffles. The Coffee was awful, the waffles far to dry. Everything looked quite nice but the food and drinks awful. And you cannot smoke there. Most of the guests were 15 years old school kids.jsupalee, Jan 13th, 2010
Word up for SHBJJ! If you want daily hot news on MMA check out www.fightpunks.comDidjelirium, Jan 14th, 2010
Looking forward to see him again in here !!! And at Shelter !!! Weeeeee !!!!! :)urgent, Jan 14th, 2010
what is wrong with all these pho places opening here? there's like 20 opening in the past year and none of them can get the basics right? where's the basil yo!cara.stadler, Jan 17th, 2010
Go to Pho Real, also Pho number one is good but the quality of the meat is worse, and though they offer more side dishes they are not executed with as much time and precision as Pho Real.DavidBcg, Jan 18th, 2010
I've been there. Do not rely on the photos. The burger is HUGE ! I can only eat 30% and I love burger. This is just crazy.EricC, Jan 18th, 2010
Because if three-way bestiality salad tossing doesn’t sell you on the party, well, hey, the DJ is from France so check it out.Andy Best, Jan 19th, 2010
I was listening to Rustic's song "Rock and Roll for money and sex" on Douban. Great stuff.chabuduo, Jan 20th, 2010
Looking for Pho in Shanghai, it's best to approach it from the 'seeking the least worst' angle rather than looking for the best. Still, seeking out Pho is always fun. #phomissionmichiamocookie, Jan 21st, 2010
they are so cute...hope I could have one...:(...but they will bite.i guess...cause my hamster bite my finger before...psinology, Jan 21st, 2010
That song is legend...by far the #1 track which without fail can make dancefloors full of locals in waidi go absolutely nuts...Crumpets, Jan 21st, 2010
As IF you left that awesome golf sweater on the rack. (First image). I'd be wearin that baby to Teenage Kicks tonight!rob.r, Jan 22nd, 2010
I once found a c.1990 Vancouver Canucks "varsity jacket" there. Yes, the flaming c-skate one that they wore back when that song came out.Didjelirium, Jan 22nd, 2010
So, a few advices from a previous ferret not owner but roommate of a ferret's owner....+ If you can choose, pick up a female and not a male.... main reason being these cute little creatures SMELL A LOT !!!! Male way more than female, even though you'll get more than just a faint with any of them.
+ be sure you like to look for things, like shoes, cable, music equipment, bags, stuff in your bags, stuff around your bags cos they LOOOOOOVE to hide stuff. I more than once arrived late for meetings because i couldnt find my keys or my shoes or any other stuff that can be hidden by these fun animals. They have small-bear-like paws, really cute, but really scratching and allowing them to grab about anything....
+ It's not a usual animal to be tamed but it is fun to have one. You can hunt with them, though i'm not sure how many rabbits are hiding in shanghai's road holes, but so you know, you can do it.... Need a bit of patience cos it's not that smart furry beast but it can climb up and down about anything, so if you fancy dressing it up with a small video camera and spying on your hot asian chick neighbor, i'd strongly advised to buy a couple of ferrets and start spreading them around.
Enjoy !
^^
Didjelirium, Jan 22nd, 2010
"The Ironic Sweater Market -- so far behind the curve, they're ahead. "Morgan..... whoever sells ya the whatever things you somehow manage to get, praise the communism and share some....
:p
Been to that market, quite a good laugh and perfect if you're planning on trashing yourself at some point and need a last-for-one-day outfit.
alotofit, Jan 23rd, 2010
My GF in college had two in her dorm while I was dating her. Awesome little guys. They actually like to play and wrestle and I never got bit. They do like to hide shit and hide themselves. On the flip-side they also like to get into absolutely everything they can, so make sure you're kitchen cabinets are heavy, or have childproof locks. and don't leave food (or condoms, for some reason they love to eat condoms) out.morgan, Jan 25th, 2010
Sorry about the address being unclear. It's 149 Anxi Lu and the cross street is Kaixuan Lu. It's about seven blocks south of the Yan'an Lu highway, traveling down Kaixuan.Jellymon, Jan 25th, 2010
It's actually on Kaixuan lu not Anxi lu at all. We spent about an hour trying to find it on Anxi, we asked loads of people and finally an old lady told us it moved years ago. We called Shanghai info service and they told us where it is. Well worth the trip though... so much stupid shit in one place!morgan, Jan 25th, 2010
Mother EF. @Cali, real sorry man. @Jellymon, thanks for the correction.When I was down there I looked at the name of the market -- "Anxi" -- and then the street sign, which is actually another street starting with "A". I got confused because I'm a bit dim.
Jellymon is right. Go in off the Kaixuan Lu entrance, which is easiest. The Kaixuan Lu entrance is 7 or 8 blocks south of Yan'an on Kaixuan. It's like 1369 Kaixuan Lu or something. You got into what looks like a little market mini mall (that's the jacket place mainly), and if you walk to the back of that, it opens up again and you're in front of the airplane hanger thing.
Sorry to anyone that searched out Anxi Lu, which is north of Yan'an. Balls.
Didjelirium, Jan 28th, 2010
Looking forward to some serious 8-bit madness !!! Sweeeeeeeeeeet !!!Bless !!!
Uprooted Sunshine, Jan 28th, 2010
Disrupt and Soom touched down this morning and are super hyped for tomorow! Don't sleep on this one people!
tripdub, Jan 30th, 2010
This was an awesome review. Went there tonight and it was AWESOME!!!! Ordered so much food almost couldn't get my butt home. Must say the waitresses seemed a little disgruntled but who can blame them.Found out that all full massages are 20% off M-F before 6pm.
morgan, Feb 1st, 2010
Or even Tiny Kiss, which is a dwarfish Kiss tribute band, albeit with a 350-pound woman as Paul Stanley.Feast your eyes: http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2006/04/18/TinyKISS_03_wideweb__470x309,0.jpg
Mini Kiss and Tiny Kiss are in a band feud as well. Google "Mini Kiss vs. Tiny Kiss", and there's your whole afternoon sorted out.
flyswatter, Feb 1st, 2010
Ok, why doesn't everyone who wants to see Mini Kiss play here pledge a nominal amount of money each and we keep going until we have enough money to get them over here - it can't be that expensive after all. Either that or we just bug Splitworks to add them to the JUE line-upsantochino, Feb 2nd, 2010
Oh, right. Edited that out by mistake (and just added it back in). Small woks are 90-110rmb.A.Bolin, Feb 1st, 2010
smartshanghai just got a whole lot better by making Mrs Hawkins their editor- if they did. As far as i know she knows lots of hidden gems and well kept secrets about this city- and her writing seems effortless and with a good sense of humor. hope to see more from her in 2010!ty_canadian, Feb 2nd, 2010
i've seen gwar 4 times now.would pay a lot of money to bring them to shanghai . . who's with me !>>!
alotofit, Feb 6th, 2010
Nedved's comment denotes a need for a "like" function on smartshanghai, akin to facebook's.Gmann, Feb 4th, 2010
Lets not forget the Boxing Cat Brewery! Burgers, wings, mini tacos, and more, as well as 2 fer 1 bevys!rob.r, Feb 4th, 2010
I hope you all realize this place has been lying dormant, waiting to spring itself on us for two or three years now.psinology, Feb 4th, 2010
Great article, place looks like a great weekend getaway into Alice in Wonderland: Rome Redux.And "We visited while half the province of Anhui was hard at work finishing construction" is by far the funniest thing I've read all week. Nice one.
jawjackinjoe, Feb 5th, 2010
craptacular - i think this is the most fitting description of such places that, fortunately for us, abound in china. anyone ever been to the fake paris outside of hangzhou? you should, it's craptacular!
rob.r, Feb 4th, 2010
If your pictures don't lie and Jorge Garcia does indeed hangout there playing the laser shooting game, I'm totally there!countchocu1a, Feb 5th, 2010
Our father who art in heaven hallowed by thy name thy kingdom come something something ahhh fuck it thank god this is going to be greatmorgan, Feb 5th, 2010
Damn. Forgot about the Cat! Sorry about that. Of course, Boxing Cat Brewery is a fine, fine option for the Super Bowl...Zammo, Feb 5th, 2010
I love this place. The guy gave me free cigarettes all night and invited me over for christmas. it's right near my house. i'm going to join the pla. who's with me?Crumpets, Feb 5th, 2010
...that's mostly US army stuff, if i'm not mistaken. interesting passion for a Chinese guy. The owner is SUPER nice though. So proud of his creation. He lights up as he talks about his hand-crafted decor, and shows everyone how to use that loud, popping, laser gun thing. Fun fun.cdlblaze, Feb 6th, 2010
Met a guy at the Blue Frog who tried to finish 100 shots in 6 hours to get on the wall. The result was exactly the same....cks7848, Feb 8th, 2010
just got two of these babies, one for my mom n one for me. they look terrible but feeeel awesome. thanks for the great tip, i have spread the word to my local colleagues, a great manly valentine's day present for shanghainese cooking husbandsfundooy, Feb 8th, 2010
rat tail is really nutritious. You guys should try it. Rich in protein too. Would be a perfect fit at one wellnessrob.r, Feb 9th, 2010
Sorry, guys. A poor knocked off of a 20 year old Calvin Klein ad doesn't really rally me to "The Cause." But if this had Sea Kittens we'd be talking about something entirely different...morgan, Feb 10th, 2010
Damn right. And then after you get through those theres "The New Adventures of Batman and Robin" (good), then "Justice League" (better) and then "Justice League Unlimited" (best) -- no to mention the 8 or 9 movies put out along with these shows. Clear your year.Andy Best, Feb 10th, 2010
If I find The Tick on there then I'm giving up on the world and becoming a shut in.psinology, Feb 10th, 2010
Cool, looking forward to this...will remind me of Sundays at the Tate Modern...or maybe not.lawrence, Feb 13th, 2010
For the record, there are more people around town still making woks.Have a photo I took a few years ago (when this article was first published), of ones I found near Suzhou river. The guy was making them under a bridge. (Directions - Start from Xikang lu, cross the river, then walk away from the Bund about 2km).
http://www.sheed.com/Themes/street-life/pots-and-pans2.JPG.html
I have a Cen made wok, not as great as you make out, but sturdy, although you have to keep them oiled, and away from the ayi - they rust easily.
Surprised you got photos - they're notoriously unfriendly to photographers!
Lawrence.
jginsh, Feb 23rd, 2010
This is the most epic thing i have ever seen. I now know what to do this weekend.chocole, Feb 23rd, 2010
:D haha! I miss those things. When I was taking pictures, my friend started taking his clothes off and the staff had to come and ask us to take appropriate pictures.
kichi, Feb 24th, 2010
Awesome. I've been trying to find a decent purikura-type thing in Shanghai for a while now, to take me back to my childhood days...! Ooooh nostalgia!morgan, Feb 24th, 2010
Could be worse... at least I didn't get Bruce Vilanch -- comparisons have been made...mleung41, Feb 27th, 2010
Muay Thai would be sweet but SHBJJ looks legitare there any venues that show fights in SHA
radpaa500, Mar 3rd, 2010
I went last night and it is way to cool.... it will be great when it is all opened......slackerton, Mar 5th, 2010
it would probably save everyone a lot of time and energy if they had a drive-thru window where one can pull up in in a taxi and - for a nominal fee - get shot down (without having to order food) and be on one's way. selections could include horrified recoil, scathing insult, pretentious indifference, or waffle bitch slap.SamuelGreen, Mar 9th, 2010
Oh man I'm gonna have to ask a nerdy question...So is it controller or stick? I'd bring my stick if it was pad-only.. but it's a heavy bastard and I'd have to up my game to godlike levels if I was lame enough to bring my own equipment.
See you tomorrow evening, despite work on Thursday I've got to come out and support anything video-game culture related. It's the wave of the future my brothers
inthecamode, Mar 10th, 2010
Street Fighter isn't the main focal point at all. Swap Meet is all about the music. Each line up has been carefully thought up and a lot of effort is put into each weeks event.slackerton, Mar 10th, 2010
To Samuel - no worries! I've got an arcade stick that I bring down with me each week. I need to test it out to be sure it still works (somebody spilled beer on it last week). :Ddjsexypaul, Mar 10th, 2010
another unwanted restaurant in an already over populated restaurant town and its from those Grand Marnier stealing frogs againsteveb, Mar 11th, 2010
LtJ Bukems mixmag mix cd is easily one of the best mix cds of all time....unreal..still gives me shivers...i have it here if anyone wants me to rip a copy...my fave Bukem choon of all time is music with horizons snapping at its heels..bad ass tunes!!
Beverly, Mar 24th, 2010
Ooo I am so trying that out for lunch one day, thanks for the tip!I've had their Chicken Philly Sandwich and it is fabulous too.
chinaman, Mar 24th, 2010
What about the fake bad reviews of the restaurants across the street and threatened competing restaurants? Im sure there's a bunch of that on here that's virtually impossible to monitor.biophlame, Mar 25th, 2010
I don't know about this..... my 10RMB 5-Pack of Ramen in my cupboard sounds like the better deal. Add a poached egg, some slices of ham, leeks, and frozen peas. Boo ya ka sha.cks7848, Mar 18th, 2010
lunch is much cheaper but i understand it is somehow in a diff league?? anyways, i realised at karaku that i dont like tempura veges. a pity, but lucky i didnt splurge on a dinner to find that outBeverly, Mar 24th, 2010
Excellent article, and kudos for having the guts to put this here.Mi Tierra further dug their own grave by insisting that THEY thought they weren't overpriced/bad value, on ShanghaiExpat forums. With such tacky management attitudes, who needs bad reviews?
shanghaiandy, Mar 22nd, 2010
Hi RicGood to see your article on wood. Did you know that I used to be the Market Development Manager (Wood) for recycled wood in the UK. Most (90%) is chipped and made into "Chip-Board" for the housing industry.
Lily hopes to see you soon.
Andrew
patwack, Mar 23rd, 2010
make sure to check out Scott Brauer's work tomorrow. He's my favourite for the nightSamuelGreen, Mar 23rd, 2010
Here here! Good job St Cavish!Just a quick, semi-related, question... if we like a restaurant that isn't listed in SmSh... is it cool to add it to the listings ourselves and then submit a review or do I have to attempt to explain that they should do it so I can give them the glowing review they deserve?
I guess it would look suspicious if I added the restaurant then submitted an awesome review straight after! However it's a shame if some restaurants go unseen because their owners don't check the English speaking side of Shanghai's interweb.
carlonseider, Mar 23rd, 2010
Well done for bringing this out into the open. It's a sad fact that fake reviews and hatchet jobs will always be posted. Its kind of pathetic - I mean, if a restaurant is genuinely good, it shouldn't need false lauding. If you want good reviews, don't serve meatloaf lasagne, run out of coffee, or act snarky to clients. It's pretty simple.robjamdj, Mar 23rd, 2010
Quality and value for money will always show...however it is important that reviews are a reflection of what really happened and not hyped up either negatively or positively by someone who had an agenda before their REAL experience. It is a hard but necessary job for the media in this town to become fully independent and workout who is fake and who is not but in posting positive and negative comments on a public domain the published content should be verified with both writer and outlet pre-posting. That's the only way for full-accountability and a movement away from attention-seeking sensationalism.high_touch, Mar 23rd, 2010
Ambitious stuff, Christopher. This will serve as another reason why SMSH is the go to place for restaurant and other listings information in this city.The self-love, hatchet jobs and review payola are nothing new to Shanghai's F&B landscape. It's just become more obvious with the popularity of reader online reviews. Making a living as marketing and PR content strategist, I can spot fakes and plants pretty easily. This leaves me really appreciating reviews that ring sincere; they typically reveal themselves as not overly grandiose, nor too slanderous.
I also want to commend you – and SMSH – on the notion of speaking directly to readers and calling on them to actively participate in the maintaining of the site’s integrity. It’s all part of good branding.
Uprooted Sunshine, Mar 23rd, 2010
Yeah big up, shanghai needs more of this kind of thing! Nice one Chris + SmartshanghaiStewie Griffin, Mar 23rd, 2010
can u blacklist the muse group for bringing the worse music on earth to shanghai?morgan, Mar 24th, 2010
@Samuel Green,New venue listings usually get entered into the database when PR/management send us a 'venue submission' to get their venue information listed.
Alternately, new, interesting places will open up, and they'll not know about smartshanghai, so we'll go out there and try to get their information to put on the site. That's the other way stuff gets listed.
However, if you personally come across a good "find" in Shanghai, if it's not listed, it's likely we don't know about it. Shanghai is a big city and everyone has their neighborhood favorites... if that's the case I would suggest sending a personal email to Chris' contact (linked above) or emailing editor@smartshanghai.com, as we'll enter it into the database.
The "venue submissions" form is more so for people commercially invested to the business, that can provide logistical info (opening hours, prices ranges, contact information).
But by all means, send over tips and suggestions of places that are under (or over) our radar.
Thanks.
morgan, Mar 24th, 2010
Also, I should emphasize we'd be most gracious if you *would* send over your tips or good experiences at places we don't know about -- we're always trying to not write about the same old shite, and if you can turn us on to something we haven't read about.... well, our gratitude would be immeasurable.Wave Manipulator, Mar 27th, 2010
Seems like the blacklisting here has just moved Restaurant Martin's activities elsewhere - read a suspicious review on City Weekend - http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/listings/dining/spanish/has/martins/ and found that the poster has only ever posted in relation to that restaurant.http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/people/mallorjc/
These guys really are showing the contempt in which they hold Shanghai's dining public.
Melanie27, Mar 28th, 2010
great article, Mo. I feel the Starship Troopers analogy. The Awesome Center rocked my pedestrian world in a moderate way. Incidentally, Awesome key chains have dual function as bottle openers.Melanie27, Mar 28th, 2010
What a delightful abomination. Going rate for that Rococo masterpiece at the headline? Something commendable about flaunting hypocrisy - America could use a little more of that. Strip-malls simply lack such flagrancy.carlt, Mar 28th, 2010
My apology goes out to Smart Shanghai as I should have taken the time to send in a review of NTSB, however this not being done the below text should suffice to set the record straight.I am a first time user and quite possibly an only time user but I need to set the story straight after reading this article. The true and entire story has not been told about the meat supplier referred to above and I want to set the record straight. The review submitted by said “supplier” above was a TRUE verbatim relay of the story I told to him regarding my last bad experience at NYSB. I am here to say that the review was indeed true and I suggested someone be told. He took it literally and submitted it because I am not computer savvy and never sign up for these things.
I have purchased, used and been delighted with the said supplier’s meats and this was the sole reason I frequented NYSB. My last time there, I noticed the steaks had become tough, dried out and not the high quality as the steaks they previously served .Being totally disappointed with the quality I naturally asked to speak to the chef about them. He told me they were supplied from Vietnam AND from said meat supplier. The fact that he stated they were from this supplier, is and was a total fabrication. They most definitely were not! With this false information report I informed these facts to the supplier. Obviously he was upset that NYSB was using an inferior product and claiming they were his – not for the first time either as he said other customers of his reported the same thing. Seems they have been falsely claiming this for some time and the supplier finally had enough.
I can not tolerate the fake name and info, but given the circumstances and knowing the need for speculation press, it is understandable. Mr. Cavish went out of his way to demean this person without full investigative knowledge of the situation. As fictitious as it is, it made for a good story. But character defamation and libelat the expense of the supplier. That is stooping too low and certainly not good journalism.
My name is Carl and this story is and was true. You can check all of my profile information and contact me via email or telephone for confirmation of my person and my comments. A few parties are at fault for this article but SMSH, due to Mr. Cavish’s brash and uncalled for personal attacks (which are twisted and falsely basedon a TRUTH) ismost disappointing and not representative of Smart Shanghai.
disinterestedbystand, Mar 29th, 2010
You know what, Carl? I don't believe you. I in fact don't believe you so much, that I actually re-registered with SmSh.Of course, SmSh is not journalism, but Chris St. Cavish has what is usually referred to as 'credibility' and people who write such vicious smears do not- and from the second I read it, I recognized it as a deliberate smear job, since it obeyed the rules of fictional narrative, not that of a legit resto review).
As for your broken, poorly parsed response, it's too little, too late- after false email addys and taunting, your (and your 'friend' the supplier's) puddle of credibility has run dry. You two wrote a mocking fake review, and get busted for it, so don't whinge about being mocked in turn. Suck it up. You started this, and we all deserve to laugh at you.
St Cavish, Mar 29th, 2010
I stand by my story.Your "true and entire story" -- which may or may not be either -- is irrelevant. This was a hatchet job motivated by a commercial dispute, posted by a supplier posing as someone else. As I explained to the supplier, in response to his testy email to me after I put this story up, SmartShanghai's User Reviews are not the forum to settle business grievances.
If the supplier was so concerned about getting out the "true and entire story" and its consequences for his business, his response to my first email directly asking if he was in the meat supply business would have been the time to say it. Instead, he hid behind a false name, a false occupation, a misleading email address, and denied he was in the meat business. If he felt this story was so important that he needed to get the press involved, he could have approached media outlets (Shanghai Daily, China Daily, the newsletters of the Chambers of Commerce, the local rags, us) and told his story honestly.
Deleting reviews that are predicated on hidden agendas or business disputes is my responsibility. Investigating the validity of those agendas or disputes is not. Even if your allegation about NYSB is true, it falls outside of SmartShanghai's purview, though I appreciate you thinking of me as an "investigative journalist."
In fact, I did do a little investigating, on the CityWeekend website, where it looks like your friend is doing the same thing under the username "Tigerpaw."
I think he's defamed his character enough without my help, and I haven't even mentioned his name.
Also, please tell your supplier-friend to feel free to continue sending me emails that end in this cheery sign-off:
"I'm not amused by it and if you want to make it personal then we can sort that out real quick. You want it personal, I'll make it personal."
joshyjosh, Mar 29th, 2010
Yeah, I've really been digging Sun Ye lately. Unfortunately, I'll miss the show at 696. Any ideas where I can get the Sun Ye and LAVA/OX/SEA CDs elsewhere?morgan, Mar 29th, 2010
Hmm... if you can't make it to the show, I would think dropping a message to the MINI-E duoban group requesting CDs would work. It's a record label, after all, so they should be able to get you the releases you want if they're still in stock.Next, try putting on message on the bands' douban page directly...
And, you could also look on Rock0093's taobao page: http://shop36573239.taobao.com/
I'm not sure if he has them but he might. Or if you're at MAO Livehouse sometime, check for him sitting at the desk at the front. He's got the new Booji CD, so you should get that too...
Good luck.
john6174, Mar 30th, 2010
Was the central point and high point of the film the kiss? A foreigner, with a hat to boot, shared a kiss with his Chinese girlfriend. He suggested the kiss, she recoiled initially and then enjoyed it – western style! Around them was aimless chaos, where Chinese people were enjoying the freedom to do whatever they wished. There was nothing in the world that they collectively wished to to more than what they were doing – hence the title. And yet in the world of complete freedom everything seemed aimless, unfulfilling and boring. The boredom was a conscious part of the film, in spite of everyone having interesting lives and achieving what they had wanted to achieve at school.The central character was totally lost. What is this life about? I am doing what I want to do and yet the only woman I love is not with me and I do not know whether having her with me is the success I am looking for. The whole message encompassed in the final taxi scene; his internal doubts made it impossible for him to break away from the conventions that he adopted as a school child and that he was fulfilling in going to Hong Kong (ShenZhen).
The young children on the roof were aimlessly doing what they wished to do, like the people at the party and they were doing it at a symbolic high point in Shanghai with the symbolic dart board there for people to decide what was the objective of their lives. The beautiful woman he took there could not even stick the dart in the board – find an objective in life - parallels up the waking scene in bed, not with her dreams, but with her husband: reality! She is married to a lump of meat and the scene in the taxi echoes the dart board. The target is the man she clearly loves and yet she is incapable of saying the words to take this man into her arms.
The other man in the dark clothes, Nick,who kept speaking English in the long scenes on the roof and who was looking for girls and invited our hero to go off with him to another club seemed to be the temptation of drowning his uncertainty in hedonism and indulgence, and probably suggesting that the West had nothing better to offer. But there were many aspects of that relationship that I did not catch. The scene on the roof with the waiter only emphasised the success of China and the vast hinterland who were queuing up to try to join in with that success.
Yes the film was boring. The commentary was that life for most people in China is aimless and boring. The positive streak was this young American with the hat who was trying to take photographs. He seemed to have a mission in life and embraced the beautiful Chinese girl with a kiss and she him.
There is so much more to say about the film developing the kiss and the conversations with Nick and the waiter but this is enough.
My own view is that this art is like the art of the last half of the 20th century in the West asking all the same questions of success; the vast canvasses covered with chaos and meaningless colour and shapes. Is it appropriate for China today? I think not. I think it reflects the vast gulf that exists between the sciences and the non sciences.
In China and in the world today science is changing the world. The non scientists only see the purposeless material changes of the mobile phones, sky scrapers, sat navs and i-players. They do not see the enormous changes that are taking place in all areas of understanding making it possible to feed the growing population, raise the standard of living of all, combat diseases like malaria and AIDs, increase life expectancy and start to understand the dynamics of human interactions across the world in markets to control these too. Many scientists are involved to a greater and lesser extent in a mission to humanise the world and are excited about what they are doing. There was a cameo nod to the people in this other world with the Maglev train speeding past the taxi to the airport in the last scenes of the film or was it a vision of an accelerating future of much the same. There were none of these scientists in Park Shanghai.
squideyes, Mar 30th, 2010
ah ,the retarded art of shilling. this is awesome for calling it out. its one of the many symptoms of shanghai's terrible over-hype machine. other symptoms (by other publications) include, announcing you are media/press for a free meal for a food review. WTF?flyswatter, Mar 31st, 2010
I think there's another Mini-E showcase with effectively the same line-up in a couple of weeks at YYT on April 15th. Chances are they'll have the CDs there as well.joshyjosh, Apr 1st, 2010
Awesome, thx guys. I'll be there on tax-day. By the way, the new Muscle Snog CD is amazing too. Oh and I can't forget Except for the Darkness! Great work, ur band's an inspiration!globaltraveller, Apr 1st, 2010
All very interesting and with the advent of social media sites that have proliferated over the years, “Smart Shanghai” like “Trip Advisor”, et el, have all been given a soap box to tout from. Sadly none of whom are true critic’s in the realm of international food beverage reviews and subjective to ones own preference or perception of how they believe it should be, generally over use “awesome” to describe their dining experience, please get a life, enjoy the experience of dining in a foreign land and move on, or stay at home and whinge.MariaK, Apr 2nd, 2010
Funny article – love it. “(---) the effect is not unlike visiting a museum curated by a drag queen.” Yes, yes, yes, exactly like that!!! lol. Went there this Wednesday and it was so much fun!!! When this place opens up fully it’s going to be beyond awesome!BTW I think it is Da Tong Mill, at least that’s what the sign over the entrance says, but maybe the Anhui workers misspelled it. :)
tenzenmen, Apr 5th, 2010
if you're really stuck for cds you can also order from australasian diy music specialist tenzenmen (though it would be kinda ironic for me to be sending things back to the originating country!). anyways, you can check there for things from other countries around asia too if you feel so inclined. and let your friends back home know they can order here too.cheers
shaun/tenzenmen
http://www.tenzenmen.com
ZiSTER, Apr 6th, 2010
I'm the guy from MINI-E. If you can use taobao.com, you can check this link for all Miniless artists' work. http://shop33998977.taobao.com/Or you can buy it directly in YYT when Mini-E has it's showcase in April 15th. We will bring Miniless' CD there to sale.
carlonseider, Apr 7th, 2010
I get the feeling that North Korea will swiftly turn into the new Moganshan...lawrence, Apr 9th, 2010
Meh, its piss easy to go to DPRK.Fly up to Dandong, buy a ticket on a tour, get your visa in 2 hours.
Much MUCH easier than doing China.
From Dandong, rough pricing is about 4000rmb for the standard 4 day tour.
Pics here - http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheedl/sets/72157622300799709/
I have a 2 hour movie they made of my trip if anyone is really bored. I actually sat through it with a Korean client the other day as he was *really* interested.
gfunk, Apr 9th, 2010
Thanks for setting the record straight, PuddingTime! These really are the best flyers! Ever!Gee, I hope I'm never fooled again by haters like Morgan. He's a meanie.
newjersey, Apr 12th, 2010
I walk by this place every day on my way to and from work. Finally one day, about four months ago, when there was a small line, I decided to give it a go. NOTHING SPECIAL! It is a deep fried duck with very little meat on the bone. The fact that it is so cheap is the only I would (although I have not) go back. It is not bad, but not front page news.cks7848, Apr 13th, 2010
that boiling tinting mixture is scary when i consider its gonna be an inch from my naked eyesseachick, Apr 13th, 2010
so, the lenses are only being tinted w/ chemical and color, so it's not any UV proof! DO NOT wear this under the sun, it will badly damage your eyes!!! and the tint on the lenses will also fade after a period of time!!! probably only wearing this in a very dark night club for fun...high_touch, Apr 13th, 2010
You get what you pay for at the eyeglass mall by the train station -- complete shit, from frames that won't last a month to extremely low quality prescription lenses you'll soon be replacing at a proper eyeglass shop.siesta, Apr 14th, 2010
i'm still wearing my pair of FCUK knock off and it's 2 yrs old. you just need to find a better-made stuff. be patient.def get the prescription lenses at the proper shop tho.
djsexypaul, Apr 14th, 2010
Blue Marlin is more like Malone`s than Blue Frog & Bamboo as they have live music in their venues, Also Blue Frog does not sponsor football teams
olivepixel, Apr 14th, 2010
Had a couple of pair of glasses made up for next to nothing nearly a year ago; the prescription is more comfortable than the one I had in the UK (after a £30 test) and the frames have lasted fine. I'd say the problem is that most places, especially England, really overcharge for lenses and frames. There's no reason an unremarkably designed bit of coloured plastic should set you back £120.morgan, Apr 15th, 2010
Yeah, totally. I've been buying glasses from the glasses markets for four years now and have never had a problem. The frames last as long as anything else -- plastic is basically plastic. In Canada, with my prescription the absolute minimum I would pay is 700$ (4700rmb or so)... in Shanghai, it's what... 150rmb...jjx, Apr 22nd, 2010
Woow is it possible that i sit on sofa this time n on one of my fav topics here:)))Haha poor corn guy from last year didnt survive this time, lame pea guy wasnt that bad tasting deeh...
disinterestedbystand, Apr 22nd, 2010
Erm, Milo is not cocoa.From Wiki "Milo (IPA /maɪləʊ/) is a milk beverage with chocolate and malt, produced by Nestlé and originating from Australia."
Sorta like liquid whoppers.
morgan, Apr 22nd, 2010
It's my understanding that Australia = Britain + Nick Cave. I stand by my original assessment.summerdayz, Apr 22nd, 2010
i highly recommend anyone out there to go out and look for a guava icypole, i have been eating about 2 a day for the past 2 years - they are heavenly and you can never tire of them. SeriouslyYossarian13, Apr 23rd, 2010
Bril-f@#king-liant!!!!Also, thanks summerdayz i shall look for the guava icypole. Also, i'm telling all my friends about this brilliant piece of journalism.
Also - I love you, weird-names-for-C-store-ice-cream-guy
nickhill, Apr 23rd, 2010
"I don't like Magnums because everyone else likes Magnums. I don't like them because they're popular. I'm one of those guys. "Is this humour?, or do people like this actually exist? Either way the entire article is null and void, as the author is obviously a huge toolbox...
Daomingsi, Apr 23rd, 2010
Any of those have nutritional values? I suspect the pea one could contain a good dump of fibretwocupsugar, Apr 24th, 2010
Your article cracked me up, but I don't know about the Vienetta dood, I tried it and it wasn't that amazing. Going back to the Magnums.. eating one as we speak.So do you not use Google because everybody likes Google? Are you one of those guys? Do those guys exist?
hina_doll, Apr 25th, 2010
you are absolutely HILARIOUS. now im gonna go get myself a french whammacallitthingmichiamocookie, Apr 24th, 2010
"I don't like Magnums because everyone else likes Magnums. I don't like them because they're popular. I'm one of those guys. "boo...Morgan...i do remember Magnums is your favorite last year!!!in Kedi...i favorited that article in my twitter...
ashiley123, Apr 25th, 2010
am loving this type of articles...focuses on some very little things but things that make you smile all the time...mikebass14, Apr 27th, 2010
I can see why you might bill Xiu Xiu as possibly the best show of '10, they're not entirely un-BCR-ishBeverly, Apr 28th, 2010
So THAT'S what you were doing! You didn't tell us when we rocked up and asked why the hell you were doing shots and photographing each one like a crazy person ;)chinaman, Apr 28th, 2010
he left out the part about coming into i love shanghai later and putting away another few gin/tonics, so it wasn't like he was passed out after the 40, it was game fuckin on bro!! hajjx, Apr 29th, 2010
100 shots?? In one week?? Sounds just insane as it is lol...will that reach ppl's limits of alcohol intake?? Lucky they didnt do pure tequila ones, fight on guys!!
Shanghaimagic, May 9th, 2010
Where the hell is Ask Matsume? She hasn't authored an article in 1.5 months. What gives?dpmelech, May 11th, 2010
Sweet. I walked by this store the other day! There was a cute dog by the door and I wanted to pet it, but being a guy I couldn't muster up the nerve to walk into a dress store.urgent, Apr 29th, 2010
F8cking crazy guy. He also came into Dada, after 40 shots, ordered 4 tall gin&tonics, didn't pay, and tried to walk out with them. Staff had to rough him up for that one.Didjelirium, Apr 29th, 2010
Shame Shanghai is gonna be deprived of Shelter for all of us.... Let's pray it doesn't last, or let's just all move somewhere where fun ain't that prohibited and good music not a crime ! >_< Big up for the Jack Beats event coming soon !!!! Bless !Nedved, May 5th, 2010
Swedish chicks thrashing out Teenage Kicks. I want my wicked way with them. All of them.borisk770, May 3rd, 2010
very cool, but it would it have killed you to write a slightly less self-centered article? That being said, 42 shots in a sitting is very impressive! its the type of thing we all consider ourselves capable of, but very few could actually accomplish given the chance. congrats!Andy Best, May 3rd, 2010
Oh, Toby Collins is on the wall. I once roomed with Toby for a month when he came over and was looking for an apartment. That was in Tian Lin Road so it must have been like 6 or 7 years ago or more.miss_ng_in_action, May 11th, 2010
William the Beekeeper is hands down my favorite store in Shanghai. The collection great and if something doesn't fit you, you can get it custom made.robolicious, May 12th, 2010
You've done it again Tom. Keep up the great work and thanks for providing another great insight into a wonderful piece of Shanghai.Looking forward to any performances coming up from the China train. When I can see them?
morgan, May 12th, 2010
My fault. Mistakenly edited out of the article... fixed.Paul Meredith and his China Train:
Sunday 16 May, Dulwich College Shanghai Mei Lan-Fang Theatre, 2pm.
http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/761/Dulwich_College_International_School_shanghai
Monday 17 May, Melting Pot, 288 Taikang Lu, 9pm
http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/1632/Bar_288_The_Melting_Pot_shanghai
jadrey, May 12th, 2010
Cairn's the best, and also runs a fashion blog (of which I am suspicious, since she included me on it).johnotoole, May 14th, 2010
BR is what it is, fair play boys.Should take a cue from L18 and M1NT (and even velvet) though, if you're going to charge an insane amount for drinks, which, at that rent, you really have to, you should really know how to make better cocktails. M1NT kills my wallet every time, but if I ask for a sidecar I get a darned good one. BR isn't the only game in town any more, I feel it would get more respect if it went back to its roots a little bit. Either way, it's some view.
Alice3030, May 19th, 2010
well, I am Korean and the thing you should know is that even it is made by Korean recipe it is already localized for Chineses market. It is not exactly same taste as I have in Korea. It is more like chinese style now.handoogies, May 21st, 2010
Chris, have you yet to find a Korean taco/burrito joint thats all the rage in LA and other part of the States? I feel a new trend coming!robjamdj, May 24th, 2010
This is great news for underground music in Shanghai & China in getting a wider audience and gaining hard-earned recognition. The analogue sound release is also an important appreciation!youngpioneer, May 26th, 2010
a staggering 40 or so people showed up. too bad. Marnie rocks! she signed a poster for me. YEY!youngpioneer, May 26th, 2010
... oh yes, if there's one band that should come the Shanghai, it's got to be deerhoof. the greatest ever!Josh2, May 26th, 2010
I just took Dvir's tour as well, an he was excellent. When we were at Ohel Moishe, he told about the other synagogue Ohel Rachel, which had been closed for 60 years. They just renovated it and re-opened for the weekends. We went there for Shabbat, and it was breath-taking! Even crazier - we met an older fellow who grew up here in the 40s and has his story in the Ohel Moishe museum. If you're in Shanghai for the weekend, put it in your schedule, its a must-do.idiot_savant, May 26th, 2010
Morgan, just so you know, we don't have to save special occasions like Hellfire Dining Club for you to lustily pour red wine down my naked chest as I passionately undress. Any time and any venue will do. Big Bamboo, Dada, even Oscar's is okay with me.sazzle, May 31st, 2010
"Lame Pea Guy" is anything but lame. If it were reformed into a sorbet and presented in a glass with a kumquat on the side, people would literally lap it up for its uniquely yummy mild pea deliciousness. I encourage everyone to try this little guy before you dismiss him to the back of the freezer :-pShanghaimagic, May 31st, 2010
Yes, I went a few days ago. It's full of ugly hookers, poorly designed "bars", dirty old men lurking and on Fridya night empty as empty can be. Don't go. It sucks.handoogies, Jun 1st, 2010
Been there a few times and it really is quite good when craving a non fast-food pork cutlet. They offer two cuts, fatty and lean.go with lean, as it is already quite juicy; the fatty cut is like eating deep fried fat.Der, Jun 2nd, 2010
I think the writers over at the New York Times have been reading your reviews and got inspired to write their own:http://events.nytimes.com/2010/06/02/dining/reviews/02under.html
emh1209, Jun 11th, 2010
Good stuff. Going to Scoreboard for the opening game with South Africa playing Mexico but see you all there for the England versus USA game at O'Malleys, for sure!jbs5869, Jun 11th, 2010
Best ice cream bars in Shanghai are the white chocolate strawberry hooligans. They are usually 1 kuai, the wrapper is kind of pink and white blend. Find themcotton, Jun 12th, 2010
Nice work! Question: What is the easiest way to find out what times the matches are being shown here in China?ricotambolini, Jun 12th, 2010
Nice run down thanks but did i read correctly when you say O'Malleys are charging for their seats?They didn't for the last WC and if they do this time I'll be going elsewhere ...
isa978, Jun 16th, 2010
Can you do a feature about the vintage market in Shanghai?. I read about it online, but nobody can tell exacly the address..."wondering for 1 hour to get there"Thanks :)
maikora, Jun 16th, 2010
which place is a mostl people to supports spain team i would like to join haha.thank you :)juniper84721, Jun 27th, 2010
Just click on the Suzhou Cobblers link at the top of the story for the address and further information!siesta, Jun 22nd, 2010
More stuff to represent DTL:http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/YemefNp70QM/
(this is him on the vocals... don't miss the all-singing, all-dancing, rockabilly, electro wildman!)
morgan, Jun 30th, 2010
@PearlSh -- Summer on the Bund. Run by two dutch guys. Nice patio and cheap drinks.http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/5344/Summer_on_the_Bund
Beverly, Jul 2nd, 2010
Awww I went for the sandwich and just blogged about it here: http://beverly.livejournal.com/834927.htmlPerhaps they've significantly decreased the size, because I didn't find it very big, or any more unhealthy than any other meal. Or maybe I just have a high tolerance of junk food ;) I did LOVE it though, will definitely be back. thanks for the rec!
handoogies, Jul 6th, 2010
Been there, did they still have giant vats of something odd in the entranceway? People I was with could not guess whether it was booze or kimcheesantochino, Jul 7th, 2010
Yep. Two big stainless vats of kimchi, large enough to fit a married couple in...olivepixel, Jul 8th, 2010
Yes, I went last night. It's full of ugly hookers, poorly designed "bars", dirty old men lurking and on Wednesday night empty as empty can be. Go! It's amazing!Der, Jul 8th, 2010
Down the street on Jinhui lu, across from New Star, is another excellent Korean BBQ called Zheng Pin (正品). The wait staff is Korean (or Korean-Chinese) and more traditional compared to Ben Jia's sleek urban style.seoul4seattle, Jul 9th, 2010
fuck. i miss late nights/early morning Fangbang runs!!! Esp drunkenly throwing the empty snail shells at passed out people...good times.
MirrorMirror, Jul 15th, 2010
Lol what are you chatting about with this 'Milo is British' bollocks? I've never heard of the bloody thing!Cocoa is cocoa in England. I think you've got your native English speaking countries mixed up....it must be another one!
You can't beat a cornetto though.
epoca, Jul 11th, 2010
Abigail and Friends will also perform at House of Blues and Jazz on Monday, July 12 starting 9:30 pm. no cover.centralstudios, Jul 20th, 2010
and now you've made it tougher to get a table at peak times! if only today were Yesterday....Mr St Cavish, why cant you just Let it be?Shanghaister, Jul 20th, 2010
Haha, yes! this will be a ridiculous concert! Anyone know when are they playing Peking Monster?shabi, Jul 21st, 2010
oh noes!! better head back soon and finish my shochu bottle ahead of the smsh hipstersSubCulture, Jul 21st, 2010
Great interview! Seed and Orawan will smash it on Saturday! Dont sleep people!!cuzzin, Jul 22nd, 2010
Nong Seed! This is P'Cavo ;) from Bangkok days...great interview and I will try to make it Saturday - anyway if you are around a few days I will take you for some muslim Uighur food ;)Sabai dee mai krup???
Gaz knows how to get in touch w me...
djdragon, Jul 22nd, 2010
P' Seed Good luck with the gig this weekend, im sure it'll be a blast!! your right about the full moon parties though ahahakarenyna, Jul 23rd, 2010
Very insightfull. We should have more people like you. I highly recomend the Expo only for Bar hopping too..What better way to get to know new cultures??Datou, Jul 24th, 2010
We went in gate #8 and bounced right into Argentina which has a great restaurant and wine bar. 2 bottles later we decided to do the exact same thing and drink our way through the Expo. Great call! Add Argentina to your list and you are good to go.
reketonero, Jul 24th, 2010
i work at the expo ,and i can tell you that MAlta on Tuesday is very popular in the expo , after work party. Angola its always good also.and FYI. the chilean "yellew thing" its call "Pisco sour"
macagcruz, Jul 26th, 2010
PISCO SOUR...Thats what you can drink in Chile Pavillion.
Pisco and Lemon. Pisco is a destilated alcohol made aout of grape. Like Rum, but not from sugar cane.
marduko, Jul 26th, 2010
Yes Pisco Sour, the best and I have to say very cheap for 80RMB by bottle, dont miss the Mango Sour if you are a little bit sweet for your palate, for wines I love the Chardonnay Reserva at the Chilean Pavilion, from Montes is GREAT, just that I had a zip with a French Winemaker(yes FRENCH) and he totally loved it. For other drink mmm Argentina wine bar, I found there some really good price wines, I mean, wines that you can find somewhere on the Bund or Lujiazui for "Astronomical" prices for a very affordable prices, nothing like Malbec, Pinot Noir or a good Chardonnay from Mendoza. By the way go around and 6 and you have a tango show, so you just seat and have a glass of wine and enjoy a professional Tango Performance.South Africa wine bar looks great but is always closed.
Cuba last time was open and was a wild on party of Rhum and Music.
If you are a bit more "chic" a bottle of nice beer in the 6Sens at the french pavilion before enjoy a lovely fatty creamy dinner on top of the Expo. nothing is better that drink a cold beer surrounded by greenery and look and down and see that people sweating on the line for the Swiss pavilion. definitely a Plus.
_Peter_, Jul 26th, 2010
Really? This article has been on SmSh's frontpage for over a year now. Lazy bums.rob.r, Jul 29th, 2010
I'm no expert in search engine optimization but I think this article should index pretty well.Jessek147, Jul 29th, 2010
"Ignore the harpies -- they are sirens calling sailors to their doom, beguiling them with song so they might smash their ships on the rocks.They feast on man-flesh!", Thats awesome.
jginsh, Jul 29th, 2010
http://video.sina.com.cn/v/b/23151772-1239913157.htmlbobolia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SexyK, Jul 29th, 2010
Something about this place brings out the best/worst in you guys. Cheers for that!
kolize, Jul 31st, 2010
1 of the best places in shanghai nite, love the athmosphere and the sense that times stops when u enjoyin urselfFunkin Shoes, Aug 3rd, 2010
I would pay handsomely for someone to set up a wing stand in the FC where they do nothing but Bullseye BBQ sauce wings. Try as everyone else might i maintain that this has to be the finest wing money and time can buy.flyswatter, Aug 3rd, 2010
Watch the video for that Pairs track here: http://www.kungfuology.com/jakenewby/2010/08/video-pairs-yangpu-qu.htmlpasarq, Aug 4th, 2010
Nice article...but why/how a Concession Re-development story turns into a Laris I-kiss-ur-A article?
morgan, Aug 10th, 2010
Dudes,Australia... England... I don't know...
I figured Milo was British because it was sweet, sweet chocolate -- chocolate so sweet it must have originated from a land untouched by modern dentistry.
fri, Aug 6th, 2010
I agree with the above two comments, a slightly misjudged piece. Also, it would be interesting to know if these three investors open as many new places as they close down? And if so, why? Moreover, why do we always need to know who is behind a particular project (especially these three)? My impression is that this kind of information, interesting as it may be, is perhaps relevant when talking about proper chefs, much less so (if not for PR purposes?) for Shanghai-based investors in roast chicken joints or pubs.morgan, Aug 10th, 2010
"The silverware came wrapped in Kleenex, the Kleenex replaced the toilet paper, and the toilet paper stood in for paper towels to dry your hands."Sounds like Casa Morgan.
MatRyan, Aug 10th, 2010
Sooooo.... Is this guy saying that he didn't know he had to pay royalties, store fees, licencing fees, get the furnishings from France etc... before he signed the agreement?Why should Paul be held responsible for this guys lack of due diligence?
laure.pn, Aug 10th, 2010
The problem is not coming from Paul headquarters but from M. Harold Levillair and his wife, Laurence Levillair.They are real [... removed by the admin ...] and mismanaged their franchise from the beginning.
How can you mess up a successful and famous brand like this, when all the foreigners in Shanghai are ready to buy your products, even if overpriced?
When you are not stupid, as Mr Levillair states, you know what it means to have a franchise contract and you prepare a proper business plan before starting your business. But apparently he doesn’t know _ sorry, he pretends he doesn’t know_ because he has not been stupid to defraud all of his suppliers, employees, the brand itself and the Chinese State!
Unpaid suppliers’ deliveries, no salaries paid to their staff and so much more that it would take ages to relate it.
[... deleted for libelous content - SmSh ...].
MatRyan, Aug 10th, 2010
Due Fucking Dilligence.Pretty bloody simple. A lack of it will phuck you up, and that's what's happened here.
Opened new venues too quickly, way too many staff in each venue and over priced products.
Their staff were pretty bloody good though. So good news for all the F&B guys that have been hurt by expo stealing all the good ones (and even most of the shitty ones), in that there will be abundance of well trained, cleancut staff that can speak English. We'll need to beat that French language out of them though.
kevshan, Aug 11th, 2010
La partie est finie Mr. Levillair. On ne peut pas avoir le beurre et l'argent du beurre.Game over!
Nonoman, Aug 11th, 2010
The article seems to put the blame on Paul headquarters!Knowing that the Levillairs have managed to crash both Pavillon Costes and Paul Chinese franchise, that they failed to pay their suppliers and employees to an extend where they have to flee China... well I'd suggest the whole text could be re written
cutie angel, Aug 11th, 2010
wow, Johnny gained a lot of weights, compare with last time I saw him....cuz those FOOD??Tama Iti, Aug 11th, 2010
Perhaps Laris and Christopher should open a new concept restaurant called St. Lavish. Over-priced, over-hyped food. But I guess that's nothing new for Laris...disinterestedbystand, Aug 11th, 2010
I dunno, Nonoman. From what the Levillairs have said on record, they are at best stupid and at worst delusional. All Paul corporate said was no comment- and they (one assumes) put all the details into the franchise agreement."If today I have to continue to guarantee to the PAUL owner in France," said Harold Levillair, "that I will buy his croissants from his factory, to put a lot of money in his pocket, that I will continue to pay 5% of royalties to him, and I will continue to pay $ 50,000 for each shop design, that I will have to continue to send the whole decoration from France also -- it's not profitable. And I will not continue to invest by myself. That's clear. I will not do it. I am not a stupid person. Now I'm done. I'm tired of it."
What he's describing is pretty par for the course for a franchise, so it seems he thinks he's special and doesn't need to honor his agreement. Why would Holder sign with a guy like that, since a: it's financially unsound and b: sets a bad precedent for other franchisees to start chiseling.
Sorry Harold, you are stupid.
tomyback, Aug 11th, 2010
Woow… Harold Levillair may be good at one thing only (at least): acting!He reverses the situation to his advantage, trying to make people believing that he is the unfortunate guy in the story.
But the truth is that he is the one who has been fucking everybody to put more money in his pockets – suppliers, employees, Paul brand and laws.
Hope nobody is stupid enough to still believe him.
Harold, you are pathetic!!! Shame on you!
seachick, Aug 11th, 2010
big apple's is not smoke free... not cool... i prefer the xin jiang next door!!!Sconny, Aug 12th, 2010
Meh, tired of Paul food anyway. Plenty of other (better) options in Xuhui district; however, I will miss the "sorry we don't have that" comment after pointing to each item on the menu.chuchumi, Aug 12th, 2010
how to talk about smth you don't know anything about .. this is typically the "blablabla" of those who need to get a lifedisinterestedbystand, Aug 12th, 2010
Oooh, Chuchumi, little sensitive there? Let's see- we're discussing the article (which we all read, therefore know something about), which was written by someone who does know what he's talking about- which makes you.... someone sensitive about Paul's demise?Or a twat. One or the other. Paul failed due to idiocy, a shortsighted business plan, and ego over sense. And idiocy. I know I mentioned it before, but it bore mentioning again.
Let's go over what we DO know, shall we, chuchumi dearest? Paul moved into the premium bread market in a non-bread eating city, with high-profile, high overhead real estate, and of course VERY high franchise obligations. Then, after the novelty (and reliable quality) wore off, they started to lose market share to smaller footprint competitors, and in turn lose money. They then began the Shanghai F&B burn shuffle, which we've all seen before. When they burned their last bridge, they started to whine about untenable obligations (which they knew when they started). Looks pretty clear to me, mate.
The Levillairs are stupid, shortsighted failures. Care to dispute that?
a.fierce, Aug 12th, 2010
also, the 7-11 on xin gen lu near tian yao qiao lu sells the slurpee flavor trio.Ujin, Aug 12th, 2010
This makes me want to pick up lottery tickets for my grandfather on the way home from work. How is there no peoples lottery here yet?psinology, Aug 12th, 2010
Is that you mixing up some Sprite flava ON TOP OF your orange?We would also need to be wearing LA Gear sneakers with double laces...
toufa, Aug 13th, 2010
The 7-11 on Zhaojiabang Lu near Dong'an Lu also sells slurpees. Great thirst quencher before bowling at Qingsongcheng next door. No mango slurpees yet, but surely it's only a matter of time. That, or prawn. Fingers crossed.jginsh, Aug 13th, 2010
just went 7-11's china website and they are listing the slurpee flavors for fall 2010:red bean
mooncake
and toufa must be a seer or something because they will have something called "ocean delight"
morgan, Aug 13th, 2010
Kinda surprised green tea isn't available yet. People in China seem to like tea.XIR TMAI, Aug 13th, 2010
slurpees have been in xujiahui for months. i sms'd your staff about it.right now there is a 2 slurpee for 3 kuai deal. flavours are coke, sprite and orange fanta.
Also - just to keep smsh in the loop and a bit more up to date - there is or will be a carl's jr in metro city. Really exciting times in the xjh.
morgan, Aug 13th, 2010
Also, I forgot to mention, all these 7-Eleven's should have a white dude in a honda civic ripping mad doughnuts in the parking lot, blasting Warren G's "Regulate" out the windows.Jessek147, Aug 13th, 2010
This might help. In Summary there are Slurpees at:-474 Jinling Dong Lu, near Xizang Nan Lu
-Xin gen lu near tian yao qiao lu
-Zhaojiabang Lu near Dong'an Lu
MirrorMirror, Aug 13th, 2010
How you could fuck up a franchise reliant on cheese toasties is beyond me.moneyinabox, Aug 13th, 2010
Brilliant idea. dkd and MZ are good call outs. La Fabrique, Bon Bon, orig Mint, Buddha Bar, orig Babyface, the list goes on and on and on....spikey247, Aug 13th, 2010
bravo! you can easily make this into a 10 part series! Please consider adding the original Mint, aka Maneo, aka Icons, Rojam, O2, G-Spot, Fabrique aka 4-Live, and the entire mao ming lu strip circa 2002. The list goes on.spikey247, Aug 13th, 2010
sorry money, didn't see your post. what's up with the delay? Maybe you can also add the SMSH forum to the list, as long as we are on the topic of spitting on graves...
CaspperXX2, Aug 13th, 2010
Love the ide:Yes please include Mint and it's predecessor B.....(does anybody remember?), the infamous Studio 78 (unfortunately never reopened anywhere else), Pier 1, Didi's (yes the original one), VIP Room , California Club, and YY's (the only of the above which is still unfazed...kinda)
chunkybits, Aug 13th, 2010
great article... and as Billy Idol once said... she cried 'more more more!'JohnG, Aug 13th, 2010
In regards to Pegasus without mentioning Da Long. He was like a ghetto Da Shan.Amber, god that place was right next to the original Windows. Now there's some classical music expo billboards there.
Burn86, Aug 13th, 2010
Also add "I heart Shanghai" when it was located at the Bund! Ah, it was one of my favorite places ... after you drank a bottle of whiskey, you could go up the stairs and look at the skyscrapers of pudong/lujiazui :)wicked_witch, Aug 13th, 2010
How about TangHui?? And the one and only, and dearly missed - Goodfellas on Julu lu???seachick, Aug 13th, 2010
smsh forum was some big hit & miss too!!!now u can c all of us back here & bsing at each other!!! HA!
Andy Best, Aug 13th, 2010
I went to see Ice T at Pegasus. Actually, prior to that club, there was a kind of hip hop night in the chill out room of Rojam. There would actually be a dance off at midnight to old school. Mondays. That was in 2002.Real Love was the gaudy Shanghainese club to go to.
zmann999, Aug 14th, 2010
it's spelled Mandarine City and last time i checked being awesome is a full time job.
Shawn Kregan, Aug 14th, 2010
This article is fantastic props to you guys, now i can save countless energy on trying to find good pools and checking each of them out.`Dino beach ` looks fun although with an arse the size of mine i dont think those water slides would hold, i`ll settle for the `purple mountain:)`
johnotoole, Aug 14th, 2010
What they really need are shitty plastic boxes with fold-down doors and stacks of Used Car brochures; You know, the cars between "Just used" and "Classics": the 4,000 dollar 1987 Porsche 944, the never-explained 1982 Mustang, etc.contradiction, Aug 14th, 2010
Shanghai, that booming city, is changing so fast... but not when it comes to outdoor pools. It's quite a shame that options have been the same old poor and limited for the past several years. Looks like it'll take more time to get sunbathing and swimming into the culture.Didjelirium, Aug 15th, 2010
Feels like the SmSH Forum could use a whole series about it, and not a mere appearance in this dinosaur's cemetery ! :Phandoogies, Aug 15th, 2010
You missed out what i think is the best pool, yanlord riverside gardens. The yanlord in pudong is great too.CaspperXX2, Aug 16th, 2010
La belle...of COURSE !!(cheers Dav)...and the 1st MANHATTAN (opposite Hilton), Badlands on Ju Lu Lu
Shawn Kregan, Aug 17th, 2010
Back in the day when mirrors didnt crack when i looked in them and a Viagra supplement was not required on a friday night, i actually used to have a great time attempting to `be seen` at Rojam club. currently M2 has taken over that space.Those were the days, of huge shaking dance floors, non pretentious miniskirts galore and the all important trance laser lights.
Im sorry Shanghai it seems we only have " dance stages" now not dance floors :(
Toby Collins, Aug 17th, 2010
Hi Andy! What are you up to these days? God - that must have been 2003 when I was crazy enough to drink 100 shots. Should have won and had my name first.. but Todd Pearson did it in 3 days!ericst29, Aug 17th, 2010
'Those were the days that I was into having sex, I wasn't into making love.'You lost it man. Shanghai was never is and will nevber be into making love,not in those hot twenties, now or in another 50 years. Paris of the Orient, better said 'whore of the east'. Go to Paris for romance and love and get get your daily sex in Puxi:)
Bakery Boy, Aug 18th, 2010
If you understand what really happened, read the complete story of "Sour Dough" in CHaINA Magazine at http://en.calameo.com/read/000184943179a0e4a273d . Enjoy it!CaspperXX2, Aug 17th, 2010
@ wicked_witch|: Old Manhattan (the original i was talking about) closed and was relocated.How about that Discothing opposite Huai Hai Park (the one with the bouncy dance floor)...what was it..New York, Las Vegas...sumthing american... (and for Judys' sake I don't mean Pegasus)
Rojam ooh Rojam,....good days.....(I think Paul Oakenfold had a share in that one)
cks7848, Aug 19th, 2010
went to mayfair n they have quoted price at 128rmb regardless of weekday or weekend. its a good pool tho.MirrorMirror, Aug 20th, 2010
Love it! Name and shame.They say 'there's no such thing as bad publicity', and i'd never heard of the bloody place! But now i am thinking about mussels...
Let me remortgage first and i'll head on down.
disinterestedbystand, Aug 20th, 2010
Hmmm, at least 7 hours to create a totally new font that just happens to look exactly like someone else's.... I wish my designers were that fast.My hat is off to you sir! A well executed ripping of a very deserving target.
JackDeez, Aug 20th, 2010
Keep up the vigilance SmartShanghai! With so many dodgy cowboy restaurateurs out there, your user posted reviews are an essential means of regulating where to eat for quality, reasonable prices and decent service...sasasa, Aug 20th, 2010
actually this article gave me wish to go to visit this restaurant, looks like revers effect of a bad advertisingjimgros, Aug 20th, 2010
Great article! I am Belgian and was looking forward to trying out Chambar, but not anymore. Shame on him for copying the logo. Reviews do look suspicious. Well done SMSHDidjelirium, Aug 20th, 2010
Ha ha ha !! Better than a brazilian tv novela.... SmSh stories !!! Man, sometimes i wonder why people has so few to do in their life... I thought this Oubida dude was in charge of mirage...some event company with not so great events... Glad to see you can spread the mediocre in Shanghai too, no matter the activity !Big up to the SmSh team for not letting barking threats destabilize your identity ! ;)
Damn, i miss the forum now.... >_<
Bless !!
djsexypaul, Aug 20th, 2010
I just ruined his honeymoon by sending him via Facebook the link to this expose. Hope he can still get it up after reading it............ariannef, Aug 20th, 2010
I love it! You should compile stories like this: Forbidden tales of a Shanghai food editor :-DXiedel, Aug 20th, 2010
Dont you think you have made a great advertising for that restaurant? I dont think people care about a Vancouver Restaurant copyrights, this is a law issue and the rest is gossips. So many places here are copies of copies, and I dont think you would have taken the risk to write such article if the owner of that restaurant would be a Chinese citizen. I can be wrong, but thats just my opinion.Of course reading this article is entertaining, well written and documented. But why so much energy for a 30 seats restaurant?
Many people will be curious and try that restaurant after reading that article. I guess you have given a unique chance to the owner of that restaurant to adopt a better management/food quality/price policy. If he takes that chance, then you have helped him a lot. Because frankly speaking, who heard about that restaurant before...
I wish long life and success to smartshanghai, I have seen this website growing and I really love it. I also wish good luck to M. Oubida, be an entrepreneur is not an easy thing, especially if you dont have the skills required...
Thanks to you smartshanghai friends, I will try that restaurant by myself.
djsexypaul, Aug 20th, 2010
"I also wish good luck to M. Oubida, be an entrepreneur is not an easy thing"Not really !! Not if your copying/stealing other peoples ideas
asher1, Aug 20th, 2010
Interesting...I never tried the Chambar yet (not a mussles fan), but the owner has a long solid reputation of being... well, exactly as you describe him! Ask any of the former interns of his previous event company. I bumped into quite a few around 2007 - none ever stayed there very long, and it ALWAYS had to do with something about the boss' maniac paranoiac attitude.
(PS: check me out when you want, I work at a CAC40 luxury group)
:p
rob.r, Aug 20th, 2010
@Xiedel - would argue that everyone should care about a [quite good by the way] Vancouver restaurant copyright given that they've actually registered their trademark world wide. Any argument about copying pretty much starts and finishes with that.asher1, Aug 20th, 2010
... check me out, but please please! don't send Richard Van Roth after me, I beg you!... my gf is really afraid of ghostsDatou, Aug 20th, 2010
Would I be dating myself if I mentioned YY's and New York New York? I can't even remember what part of town they were in...wicked_witch, Aug 20th, 2010
@Asher1 - not only that, Mr.Oubida is also known for posting numerous job ads looking for 'female PR's', and then when he gets girls to apply, he sends them weird emails/messages asking them to go out with him.I personally know at least 3 girls who happened to try to apply to one of his 'job postings' on Asiaxpat or Enjoy and then got harassed by this 'entrepreneur'.Xiedel, Aug 20th, 2010
As soon as we entered we felt we had left Shanghai and were back in EuropeI think M. Van Roth is the reviewer of the year. And probably never been to Europe..
bestlove, Aug 20th, 2010
i like it when you actually put mp sans :-) so i can listen. and decidedo i go a place with same old same old party music but hot girls. or do i go place with good music but no girls.
do i go ... do i no go. go no go. go no go. go no go ...
The Turk, Aug 20th, 2010
I totally agree with wicked witch! He wanted to interview me at his apartment instead of his office and I said no I am not even interested in the position anymore. He kept calling me for weeks, I had to change my email and number because of him!DJaiLL, Aug 21st, 2010
in fact if christofer says i really will do my best to kill the place he wouldn t have done better !! this is a kind of private vendetta hidden behind a pseudo professional article. everybody already can understand that there is a kind of revenge to be made....i guess with the support of some reviewers, who here leave a message. this shows as well that smart shanghai is far away to be neutral...but nobody cares here unfortunately. whatever from my side i ve been there, the mussels are really good nothing to say about that, the belgium beer selection as well, the menu is getting improved and offers larger choice. there is a pool table on third floor which is also not bad and chambar bistro is a place where we can go.....you can also check me no problem....carlonseider, Aug 21st, 2010
DJaiLL, you are very wrong to say "but nobody cares here unfortunately". Quite clearly, a lot of people do. Shanghai needs more transparency, not less.borisk770, Aug 21st, 2010
hey, i have an idea. lets all meet at the writers house to drink beers, smoke cigarettes, pound our chests, and make fun of kids! we could even pretend we never WERE kids!!!the point here being, please keep your articles more on topic and less centered around derogatory humour. It was only funny the first 15 times. thank you! :)
DJaiLL, Aug 21st, 2010
reply to carlonseider : SO IF PEOPLE CARE, JUST LOOK AT THE SITUATION, THIS IS JUST A TYPICAL REVENGE OR LOOKS LIKE ANYWAY A REAL VENDETTA against the owner of CHAMBAR, what do we care here ? what we have in the plate, how is the service, the rest is really a cruise against finally a restaurant of almost 30 seats or maybe 40, where we have I SAY IT AGAIN VERY VERY VERY GOOD MUSSELS !! AND THE MENU IS GETTING BETTER AND BETTER....I anyway support them, the rest is a big SHIT, and the SHIT from my eyes comes more from CHRISTOPHER. And a small advise, To christopher again, to gain back credibility, and not being assimilated as the ones against whom you fight, you should use your media in a proper way. Your article is partial, dedicated to burn someone, and clean the mess between both concerned...SMART SHANGHAI HAS NOT BEEN SMART ON THIS ISSUE....The Turk, Aug 21st, 2010
I don't think this article is dedicated to burn someone. I think the owner already has a bad reputation. The article is not entirely about the quality of the food. The main idea is that he stole ppl's ideas and posted fake reviews. I hate to state the obvious but like the original restaurant's site says It's a concept theft! Very embarrassing!SlumDonuts, Aug 21st, 2010
smartshanghai should of written something about the fake balthazar when it first opened =)
The Dawg, Aug 22nd, 2010
HEY DjAILL !!! Im pretty sure that Chris could kill and dump and close a load of frigging restaurants with the amount of sluething he does to track down fake reviewers and reviews on Smart Shanghai but he doesnt. He finds the news and breaks the news. I know that Fissal Oubida for about 8 years now. He is a [ .. deleted by the admin ...] He used to have a Turkish restaurant in Hq, he has had a events company, he has had a venture into Restuarant consulting, Club consulting and now the new and improved ( !!!!!) Chambar. Everysingle one of them he has fucked up. The guy is just "white noise" plain and simple and now that he has been named and shamed and the populous of Shanghai know what a complete muppet he is maybe (just maybe) he wont be such a brazen copier of other concepts in future. Good work Chris Right now go after Laris !!trippin, Aug 23rd, 2010
Great great stuff - only honest reviews, transparency will drive the food scene to new levels... To Mr Oubida: The worst thing you shall do is be defensive - listening is the key to successful restaurant managing. Good on you Smartshanghai!disinterestedbystand, Aug 23rd, 2010
To DJaiLL, aka Fissal Ouibida and Richard Van Roth:Please learn to sock-puppet properly. Change your tone, behave like a real person for once. All you are doing is further damaging your credibility. Basic hint- real people have depth- your sock puppet minions have all the subtlety and nuance of cross between a rabid pit bull and the wu mao dang.
To wit, DJaiLL, you just signed up to a website to give both barrels to a forum full of people who obviously disagree with you (in a city full of people who disagree with you, 'cause you're... well, wrong). Real people, people with NO affiliation to the venue, just don't do that shit. And since the consensus is that F.O. is pathologically cheap (as evidenced by the logo knock-off) there is little chance you're just a bad PR flack. Ergo, you're Mr. F.O. himself.
BAD SOCKPUPPET! BAD!
Shawn Kregan, Aug 23rd, 2010
Here is a sentence which sums everything up " what goes around comes around!" nuff said!Shawn Kregan, Aug 23rd, 2010
Fissal will probably try and hunt me down for saying this especially since im using my real name here on Smart Shanghai.I know a lot of people that have had bad experiences with the guy, but luckily on a personal note he has usually treated me decent and i have had no major problems with him except for one occasion back in the old days when he threatened to "`break my legs`" if i went ahead with a party in club velas because he fell out with the boss there.
@ THE DAWG: I think when one does business in Shanghai he or she must think long term and not for the short term con or gain.
I also do events here in Shanghai so i know how hard some promoters work and i also know earning a living in such a big city is not so easy, so i hope in future Mr F,O can remember this before he decides not to pay a member of his staff for a month of hard work.
@ CARLONSEIDER: transparency is exactly what makes this website such a fantastic read.
summerdayz, Aug 23rd, 2010
http://enjoyshanghai.com/jobs/hospitality/pr--girl-in--famous-restaurant_56822.htmfunkatudinal, Aug 24th, 2010
Why do they insist on digging themselves a deeper hole? Just accept the criticism, learn something, improve, try harder. Christopher's reviews are neutral and accurately reflect his readership,in my opinion.Sconny, Aug 24th, 2010
Richard Van Roth seems like a very detailed fellow. He should be considered as a freelance writer to conduct more restaurant reviews. I would be interested to know what he thinks of Subway or KFC.funkatudinal, Aug 24th, 2010
Pho Sizzling is fine if you happen to be on Wujiang lu. As mentioned in the reviews, the staff is not great (when you can identify who works there and who doesn't). No condiments served but if you are in a fix it's not bad.robjamdj, Aug 24th, 2010
A tip.... If you aint got the cash to splash whilst at the same time having a wicked holiday break, try buying a 2800rmb return ticket to Bangkok. Take a weekend trip to the fantastic JJ market (a.k.a. chatuchat) at the end of the sky-train line. 400-800 Baht 2nd hand jeans as well as old worn clothes & trainers are some of the best/most authentic in Asia and certainly the cheapest! Ive got me 5 pairs! - Levi's, Edwin, Wranglers, Lee...meanwhile for those too lazy there is always Take 5 & rarer finds - those faded lines on them jeans hanging on the wall in the last picture look the deal...the kinda stuff thats right up my alley... Question: Why dont the Chinese like to buy 2nd hand clothes. Im told by Chinese friends its cos they are worried about the 'chi' of someone having died in the item of clothing? Its a pity as 2nd hand is history & history is memories...ive seen some awesome worn jeans on some of those 50 year old shanghainese double-denim wearing rocker types!Nstyle, Aug 24th, 2010
Actually thai-jeans have beautiful fading but bad quality.So i 'd like to buy a brand new unwashed jeans and "feed" it myself!morgan, Aug 24th, 2010
Forgot to stick it in above but one of the main aspects of these bad boys is the all-natural indigo dye coloring process. They dip the jeans in vats of dye, so the color is on the outside of the pants. This allows the jeans to fade naturally over time -- apparently, two years is the sweet spot.In the fourth picture down, the jeans on the wall are set up like a display of this aging/fading process... the folded up pair is the original and the unfolded pair is what they look like after two years.
I don't know why I find all this so fascinating but I'm not going to fight it.
Zammo, Aug 25th, 2010
i miss APC jeans. you could wear them for two years and they'd look better and better until one day they just exploded with dirt and wear. in the end they could almost stand up on their own. hells angels puke and piss on a new member's jeans as an initiation / honor thing. i don't know why i find this fascinating. i should probably fight it.robjamdj, Aug 25th, 2010
Thai kids taught me 'never wash ur jeans'. Doesnt help with the missus though...mrjaymark, Aug 25th, 2010
Most of these jeans aren't dyed with 'all- natural' indigo- they use synthetic indigo, like the majority of jeans.Indigo- dyed jeans fade great if you don't wash them because indigo is a non- water soluble dye that can be 'rubbed off' from the friction and abrasion of wear and tear.
There are a bunch of reasons premium Japanese jeans are expensive: they use ring- spun cotton that's extra strong, they dip the cotton an unreasonable number of times in indigo for a very deep blue, they use python skin and virgin blood and such for detailing, etc.
But if you dig the 'wear in and fade your jeans' mystical process of amazingness, it's not exclusive to premium jeans. A pair of unwashed Uniqlo jeans will do you fine, so long as you space out washes and don't put your jeans in the dryer.
That being said a pair fo Eternal 811's, when worn in properly, will allow you to summon down the power of your spirit animal and regrow limbs.
Shaboom, Aug 25th, 2010
Two of my favourite things in the world are my original pair of Evis (as they were called back then) and my original pair of Gap Star. Both hardly ever get washed, washing the Evis too often would be certain death anyway as the logos are all handpainted in what looks suspiciously like children's poster paint.crackoner, Aug 28th, 2010
amen borisk. majority of writers/contributors on Smartass Shanghai be like my shit - mad cornyflyswatter, Aug 29th, 2010
I saw a photo of Datong M$ll on the cover of the evening paper when I popped into Alldays just now. The caption? 'Datong Mill: An underground Xintiandi'Not sure why they're putting it on the cover now, they're even slower off the mark than Shanghaiist, but I wanted to record that caption here for posterity
Iru, Aug 31st, 2010
I use their wire organizers to keep my unwieldy earbud style headphones neat in my purse. They're totally smart and chic as shit. Next time I'm getting a dozen to just keep on hand as a sweet confectionery of a gift!
shanghaisimon, Sep 1st, 2010
I've purchased a number of MRKT products, including their brilliant business card case (has tiny magnets for closure) as well as the new briefcase / messenger bag featured above in the 3rd photo down. Their products are durable, unique, visually appealing, and have a nice tactility thanks to the soft texture of the felt. I think the prices are quite reasonable for the quality and design. I look forward to seeing this brand continue to grow, and join the increasing ranks of truly cool young brands emerging from Shanghai!hyen, Sep 1st, 2010
i have their laptop sleeve which i use all the time! they have pretty colors and i'm hoping to get another one for the new laptop i'm getting really handy and totally pretty for girls!
Asdas, Sep 1st, 2010
Funny article, but its not german traditional songs, its bavarian traditional songs. I don´t mind since I am from bavaria, but most germans will hate you for throwing them in the same pot as bavarians.The Dawg, Sep 2nd, 2010
the reason it is celebrated in September is because Oktoberfest is a celebration of the new harvest and beer coming in in October so to get rid of the older beer (and for cheaper) Oktoberfest was invented as they couldnt start selling the new fresher beer until the older one had been sold. Hallmark are currently in talks to try and make this a Card Holiday too
pink_ninja, Sep 2nd, 2010
The Truffle and pork xiaolongbao sounds deadly. dingtaifeng's gonna be where i am at this saturday!kvvok, Sep 2nd, 2010
When I first stumbled across this store's product I was a little taken aback by how everything was made from felt. But the more I browsed around the store I realized the amount of thought and attention to detail each of their products contained. The felt turned out to be much sturdier than I had ever thought possible and tactilely pleasing. The entire store simply reminds me of how even as an adult we all can embrace our inner youth.globaltraveller, Sep 3rd, 2010
Frances,Great article on Blithe Spirit at Chinatown, but it would have been more helpful to add the performance times of the production within the article.
morgan, Sep 3rd, 2010
My fault... starts at 8pm on each of those nights listed in the event listing:http://www.smartshanghai.com/event/11978
moneyinabox, Sep 3rd, 2010
I must have bought about ,500 worth of records from Satellite back in the day. Definitely one of the better online shops for upfront house. Shame to hear they went under, but I guess it was inevitable in this day and age.sunnrisey, Sep 5th, 2010
are there any studios that teach traditional ballroom (waltz, foxtrot, rumba)? I'm not really into modern dancing but miss ballroom terribly since moving to Shanghaiompifa, Sep 5th, 2010
Went last night. Music was dripping with awesomeness. Where's the next venue for Cliffrock?djcliffrock, Sep 6th, 2010
Thanks to everyone that showed up - and thanks for your review. i thought we blew out the bar. so, i'll be back. anyways, rumor has it that the next venue is sasha's patio on the 23rd (thurs) and zapatas later that night. shh... don't tell anyone... lol. don't be shy introduce yourselves. thanks again, dj cliffrock
Swirlcore, Sep 6th, 2010
IDH are actually pretty awesome.That guy is a Chinese version of Peter Murphy...which is not necessarily a bad thing. He's just loving life.
grey, Sep 6th, 2010
this Morgan Short character needs to start laying off calling Boys Climbing Ropes 'crap'....come on, Smartshanghai, how can you let an editor get away with such dirty little swipes at, what is by many accounts, the best band in Shanghai.......and...wow..that 2nd band sounds nothing like post-punk..I am surprised you didn't say they sound like the Jesus and Mary Chain.....morgan, Sep 7th, 2010
These comments are filling me with the same hopeless and dejection I get when listening to JAMC.cheekythemonkey, Sep 8th, 2010
can't wait to see dj cliffrock live (got any new dates yet)great interview!
terjia, Sep 8th, 2010
yea, nice work, except the number is 4008.517.517. Why don't you guys include some kind of proofreader/editor in this next round of hiring? You could probably pay a trained monkey in bananas and it would still be an improvement over status quopsinology, Sep 8th, 2010
Fries, regardless of appearance or presentation, should always be eaten with mayonnaise, and lots of it.No discussion.
Otherwise very fine musings!
alotofit, Sep 8th, 2010
Fries, regardless of appearance or presentation, should NEVER, EVER be eaten with mayonnaise. that's just disgusting and you should feel shame.It should also be noted that the XJH mcdonnalds has stopped serving the new fries, and they could be a very temporary item around town.
TipsyDever, Sep 8th, 2010
Why have you started reviewing places I can afford, are you trying to make me fat?XIR TMAI, Sep 8th, 2010
waiting to see these things being blow dried in a gym changing room - or would those have to be the straight fries?rae.chen, Sep 8th, 2010
I recently called and tried to order, but they said "special fries are finished" :( I hope the meant they just sold out that day....these need to stick on the menu! soooo gooooood.
Kommunest, Sep 9th, 2010
Oye Oye!!! From tonight on and forward: curly fries season has officially ended!!!! Tried, and will have to cry myself to sleep... starving!!! Power to the people... let's get them back! They belong here! Shanghai and midnight eaters deserve them!!!!eddie.digital, Sep 9th, 2010
wooohaaamazzo "99
i sure remember!, we've come along way proper'tje
love the pics
keep rocking
bellaevangelho, Sep 9th, 2010
The party sounds FANTASTIC!!! Looking forward to some new music in Shanghai!!!!Chahinsc, Sep 9th, 2010
So I read this last night, and decided to order McD's for dinner tonight to try the fries... Apparently, they're out. And the guy on the phone kept calling them "churly fries" which kind of bugged me: "Churly fries over! No more churly fries! Only regular fries! No churly!".flyswatter, Sep 10th, 2010
Nice one Morgan, you caused a run on those curly fuckers and now we're back to living in a bland, straight-fries world. I hope you're happyShawn Kregan, Sep 10th, 2010
Oh thats just great now i will be asked the additional tedious question " do you want to try curly fries" on top of the other " do you wanna try .... such and such" cack whats next? neon chickens? twisted hot dogs? gotta love MacDonalds as i always say " they know marketing!"pcpliu, Sep 11th, 2010
just called them and they said it's only a "promotional" item and they no longer have it now, what's up with that?!?!Asdas, Sep 11th, 2010
You guys should maybe put the article out of your front page. SINCE ITS A WASTE OF TIME TO READ IF THEY DON´T HAVE THEM NO MORE!argh.
alotofit, Sep 11th, 2010
HARK! McDonnalds bestows another gift upon us! The American Barbeque flavor sauce is available for the chicken nuggets! Uncle Same has come to visit Shanghai!elizainsunshine, Sep 12th, 2010
Is there any good, clean, ok size pool near suzhou river but still in jing an region on the east side?spankhai, Sep 16th, 2010
Based on this article I took a cruise out there lastnight from Jing'an across the ferry and through mysterious Pudong to find these magical chicken wings. T'was a long journey and kinda sorta worth the distance. The wings were decent. So decent. How magical were they? I'd say David Blaine, which may sound pretty fucking magical...unless you mean David Blaine vs. Gandalf. In which case it's pretty meh.Free liter of beer helped though...
Swirlcore, Sep 16th, 2010
Hey Morgan see if you can get hold of that xerox copy of that "permission granted" thing.I love you.
sherri p, Sep 16th, 2010
here is a copy of the Jandek 7" artwork and xeroxed letter at bottom:http://www.discogs.com/viewimages?release=1040479
SubCulture, Sep 20th, 2010
Idle-Beats will also be down at Dada tonight previewing the beautiful screenprint version of Tuesday nights poster designed by Chris Tomoya! Very limited numbers available, get down early!
lazi, Sep 21st, 2010
@ AsdasHonestly Bavarians will hate you for throwing us in the same pot as the rest of Germany!!!
Mir san mir!! :)
Shawn Kregan, Sep 22nd, 2010
Quote : "believe it or not there are lots of laowai for whom life in China has become the norm. It's day-to-day, it's mundane, in other words, it's home."Looks like i`ll be needing to apply for a re entrance visa to the UK:)
redgy, Sep 24th, 2010
I work on the puxi side at the Liverpool Pavilion and we are going to do the bar crawl on either Tuesday or Wednesday. Start of at Canada for a cool beer, then shoot to Chile for a nice glass or red, straight into Cuba (unless your american!) for a mojito, germany next for a some cloudy beer, Porterhouse for a stout and a roast dinner and then finish off at the Polish vodka bar but might try the Malta bar after the suggestions!robjamdj, Sep 26th, 2010
Finally got to Take 5 this week and bought me a nice pair of Deep Blues. Stiff as hell, causing some abrasion but it will all be worth it in the end. Cycled home yesterday in them and it started to rain heavily so that 6 month wait for the first wash was somewhat brought forward! F$&@*!Anyway, the shop assistants were great and im now looking forward to sending my Wrangler broken twills for a proper mend in their HK store. Finally i can leave them to be fixed by somone who cares. P{ay the shop a visit, its a serious eye opener on what the best of the best should be...robjamdj, Sep 26th, 2010
Went last week for the first time. Shanghai needs more of this kind of thing... local neighbourhood hangouts and creative use of spaces with plenty of light. The service staff although some short on english, are also passionately into music and helpful without the attitude you get from lets say a 'Diesel store jerk' back home...Shawn Kregan, Oct 12th, 2010
DaDa is one of the few clubs where you can escape from pretentious table wars and dice rollers, in addition the lack of `paid females` sitting around the bar is an added bonus.I remember chilling in dada sipping a 30rmb cocktail on a soft lazy assed sofa and feeling a lot better than i did at some of those so called high end venues around the Bund.
Been getting emails about Antidote events for years now enjoyed some of them and never once did i click delete.
But dude seriously... do something about the doors in the shitter at dada i nearly got my cock chopped off.:) keep up the good work Michael!
Stewie Griffin, Oct 15th, 2010
if it sounds like shit it might still sound better than logo's sound system.Web2Asia, Oct 12th, 2010
great job morgan promoting those boys & girls! looking forward to the oct 16th show at yyt. thx for the photo credit.lizalu86, Oct 18th, 2010
Why does this publication always sound like it is written by an English or Com major who graduated 2-3 years ago and still wishes that he or she still hadn't graduated?morgan, Oct 19th, 2010
"But if you're looking to buy an axe, the flagship store currently stocks over 200 guitars -- Gibsons, Epiphones, Kramers, and Talents -- with more on the way."RJF, Oct 22nd, 2010
i have to go to a birthday party saturday night. nightmare !!anyone know what time the buzzcocks are actually on ? maybe i could sneak out, watch the buzzcocks and sneak back without anyone knowing !
rats ass, Oct 23rd, 2010
It's a pity! BUT we can still go to the Lawson's, buy a load of beer and sit outside and drink them!!! It'll be like nothing's changed!Didjelirium, Oct 23rd, 2010
Morgan, i'm sure you deleted some of Xeum [laughs] because i'm sure there were much more than what you quoted in your interview... :pKrusty, Oct 24th, 2010
Honestly, I'd rather see Shanghai's 'underground scene' move somewhere with a little more space and ventilation, and where it won't be disturbing residential neighbors as much. And if they'd choose a place without adjacent convenient stores, perhaps the unemployed french guys would actually buy beers from the bar, and then the bar could keep prices reasonable for everyone. If LOgO guys don't do it soon, someone else will.julesobrien, Oct 24th, 2010
it was so interesting. loved drawing whatever the hell i wanted and seeing others drawing whatever the hell they wanted on the walls. brought a toy guitar and a toy gun to add to the cacophony (a strangely soothing cacophony...)im interested to see what else this Tom Mangione manages to arrange here in Shanghai!
loved it. would like to hear the outcome
STD Shanghai, Oct 25th, 2010
Thanks for the memories LOgO. It's been an amazing time with you guys and we owe you a lot. I guess we have to start getting physical with your prettier and more sophisticated sister - Lune.Oh, by the way, I was DJing when that hammer wielding granny came in and smashed up the mixer. Best dance moves ever...
Let's go out with a BANG on Sunday :)
R
XIR TMAI, Oct 25th, 2010
on the bright side now we can go to the massage parlour next door without shame.Andy Best, Oct 26th, 2010
The importance of that Lawson stretches way back before Logo. Me and friends rocked those steps when the bar was the first Tang Hui and even before that when we first moved into the area in 2003. The Lawson rules.The last time I saw you there, Morgan, Daniel asked me why I bothered to go there when All Days was closer to the house. Because Lawson's is a spiritual destination and it has the steps.
ferret, Oct 27th, 2010
The Open Goat is up on soundcloud:http://www.soundcloud.com/hotomtheconqueror
Thanks to everyone who came!
Shawn Kregan, Oct 27th, 2010
extremely profound , at least there is more stuff appearing with substance in this city lately.Feel sorry for that dog model in the last pic though, poor lil mutt.
Will check this place out with the girl sometime soon.
ewenyu, Oct 27th, 2010
^ Uncle Same comes to visit every in the country world and likes to plunder and pillage every-times he visits.
Shawn Kregan, Oct 27th, 2010
20 kuai? what a bargain talk about a good afternoon out! cheers for the info Zhu ZhuJohnG, Oct 28th, 2010
That last image of the dog is too disturbing for me (I'm a dog owner). I understand that it is still art just not to my tastes. Might give this one a pass.zmann999, Oct 29th, 2010
what about something for the ladies? aka the 3 boobed hooker from Total Recall.robjamdj, Oct 29th, 2010
The Classic Euro looks like every bloke who attends a bar rouge party (twat)chinaman, Oct 29th, 2010
There's always robbing your local food delivery guy of his clothes and going as him.cutie angel, Oct 29th, 2010
I duno what to costume tmr...how about the Kung Fu Hustle inside the old lady? *___=seoul4seattle, Oct 29th, 2010
genius. 'cellar door' doesn't even register phonaestheticly next to 'coke-fueled rampage'.edstar, Oct 30th, 2010
Those 2 Xinjiang guys playing the acoustic sets back in about 2004 when it was Tang Hui were awesomeMirrorMirror, Nov 1st, 2010
Quality.My flatmate didn't bother getting an outfit til the 11th hour - he went with the China Man....silk pj's, slippers, one of those hats with the rats tail down it.
Of course i encouraged him to use some eyeliner for the full effect.
Idiot.
bestlove, Nov 1st, 2010
I hope their concert starts before 4am. I seem to never really make it to the main gig in mao livehouse ...morgan, Nov 2nd, 2010
Only if the brand involved is "edgy" and "of the streets"... Calvin Klein cologne springs immediately to mind.disinterestedbystand, Nov 3rd, 2010
Well Liza, probably because it's almost entirely written by one person under a bunch of pseudonyms, and that's how he writes- like a frat-circuit drinking columnist for a undergrad weekly newspaper.Krusty, Nov 6th, 2010
Sounds good Michael -- look forward to checking out the new Boxing Cat and trying your IPA.alotofit, Nov 6th, 2010
The belgium I had last week was SUBLIME. Maybe my fav beer I've had at the cat, though the hopzilla was a close competitor. He's def getting off to a good start. I'd be really excited to see a pumpkin beer come off in time for thanksgiving.I wonder if he's thought of sourcing extra ingredients and retailing home brewing supplies here in Shanghai? I know there would be a great market for adventerous home-brewers wanting to try their hand.
frenchtoast, Nov 10th, 2010
"post rapegaze slutwave"? are you kidding me? if i never see that phrase again, it won't be soon enough.sidewalkspew, Nov 11th, 2010
Good to see a PNW brewer(from Eastern Washington at that) out here. Hope to have at one of his IPAs some day.Shawn Kregan, Nov 17th, 2010
was never really into Dubstep much, but this track is pretty damn funky.jginsh, Nov 18th, 2010
Goody Goody is very very average.For the real deal check out Mr. Liang's Noodle on Hongsong lu out in gubei. it is always worth the trek.
Justin Fischer, Nov 18th, 2010
Thanks for the recommendation, jginsh. Can I get the cross street from you as well?jginsh, Nov 19th, 2010
Out of all the TW beef noodle places in town (bellagio included) Mr. Liang's is a cut above the rest.The broth is has an intensity of flavor with a non-stewey texture that is just amazing and that I can't find else where.
Additional their paigu fan is the best i have ever had.
Here are the details
红松路211号(近虹井路),
211, hong song lu, close to hong jin lu
Give the place a write and expose the foreign citizens of shanghai to truly awesome comfort food.
JG
summerdayz, Nov 20th, 2010
Shelter kind of fuked up with his mic, kept cutting out and he couldn't capture the crowd + there were annoying metal dudes moshing. Would be good to catch him again somewhere else.volleyblue9, Nov 2nd, 2009
Are there any other career opportunities particularly with sales & marketing / business management back ground?Thanks!
xiaokeyeung, Feb 1st, 2009
Bravo...i love them...the most expensive seats really cost tens of millions??Crumpets, Feb 5th, 2009
Two for the price of what? I don't see prices on their site. I know that's how the rich rock, but now that you've got me all excited, let's get to the point of the thing. Maybe one of you journos could give One Wellness a quick dingle telephonically and report back/update us with prices, pretty please?before and after, Feb 5th, 2009
After check, the six mth is RMB9,528, that's the price for two persons join together, then each one is 4,764. Anybody wanna join with me. Please leave msg.biophlame, Feb 5th, 2009
Uh.... I went last week and asked for a 6 month price and it was 2300RMB give or take a hundred. This is without the special..... It's a nice gym but way too expensive.I just joined Physical for 1000RMB/6 months. But then found out it's filled with mad gay dudes. no wonder it's so cheap.
Crumpets, Feb 6th, 2009
Ahem, Morgan? This confusion over price is why one of your fab journos should confirm what the deal actually is for us, please :) I've seen your dialing finger, and your phone-lifting arm. They're maaaad-big. Like, "The Beach is THAT way" big. Especially for a 23 year old. Get on it.mYsHrOoM, Feb 9th, 2009
http://shanghaiist.com/2009/02/09/daft_punk_showing_shanghai_the_digi.phptoo
dieguetis, Feb 10th, 2009
I'ts only me getting this message from the dafthidden.com website?? >>> This website has been removed due to questions of legitimacy.dieguetis, Feb 10th, 2009
I'ts only me getting this message from the dafthidden.com website?? >>> This website has been removed due to questions of legitimacy.Canadarm, Feb 9th, 2009
I've heard about these before, it's called a Diarrhea Scam. What happens is all the people are led to a secret location to watch a famous group perform, it's always aa small intimate location. Everyone crowds onto the dancefloor to await the arrival of the band. Finally, after a while, the crowd is led to believe the band will come out right away, instead, they get sprayed with human feces.I've heard of it happening in Bangkok and Manila. You might not beleive me, but when you get covered in human waste, you remember this!
psinology, Feb 9th, 2009
Hmm, just got 3 FB messages for this, and tickets sold out of course. Seems legit-ish, why not, any touts out there with tickets please PM me.cheers
bibi, Feb 10th, 2009
BUllshit!SMartshanghai could f ex call PR before supporting those assh....
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/149053-daft-punk-not-playing-in-china-this-weekend
enron666, Feb 10th, 2009
I got one of those tickets so...WellI, I trully respect more the people behind the scam that the people who is getting happy that this is not happening because they don´t get tickets. The first show great inteligence. The other´s don´t.
Anyway...I think all that shit is quite funny :)
Treamer, Feb 10th, 2009
As someone that organizes legitimate events (especially using online marketing tools) I would love to see these guys get tracked down using the internet. Scams like this make it all the more difficult for us all to promote events.In light of this, my personal advice would be never to hand over any cash until you have been advised on the event location and spoke to the venue directly.
Also check where you get the information from. Anyone can put up a website or post a Facebook event, but in general companies like SmartShanghai always check that the information is totally credible before they market an event.
gperez, Feb 10th, 2009
This is NUTS. So sorry for the folks who got Punk'd, and Treamer is right, this does blacken the eye of the Shanghai promotional community. I don't know if SmSh could have done any better in investigating this ahead of time, but I do know I'm glued to their coverage until this gets sorted out. Could this have been pulled off as well anywhere *other* than Shanghai???Treamer, Feb 10th, 2009
This really is the news story of the year so far. I will put a Daft Punk ticket on it being picked up on an international news site by tomorrow.Would be really nice to see these guys get made an example of by the authorities to warn-off anyone doing this in the future.
[@gprez] I think Shanghai is an easy 'mark' for this kind of scam as the population is so transient and a lot of the new people just take things at face value and don't look that deeply.
Didjelirium, Feb 10th, 2009
looooolI love it !!! Morgan man, i know you're having as much fun as me and i'd spank ya for that if i were close to ya now !!!
Mwahahahahaha !!!
This is evil...and i love it !!!
X_x
psinology, Feb 10th, 2009
Checking the Daft Punk myspace, as well as other Asian sites ("three Asian cities, including Shanghai") - one would imagien Tokyo blogs would be abuzz - gave no mention, so should have been a sign.Waw. So 2000 tickets at 500 RMB ...
These guys are now somewhere on St Bartz or the like with their cool million RMB (exchanged into USD I would imagine).
Scheemy skammers, but well, hats off in a sense.
I agree with Treamer though, us that do actually put on legit events will now face more apprehension from punters.
What really annoys me is that it wasn't just a "viral marketing scheme". Even well-known and trusted media like Shanghaiist bought into this and blindly helped promote it in a way.
Their first post about the Daft Punk show didn't mention with a single word that there might be any doubts or that their sources are sketchy.
They posted about this on Monday afternoon; At that time there was already enough reason to question the credibility of this story, which they should have done, especially as they knew that there are doubts: The article links to a SmartShanghai article that came out earlier which is all about the possibility of this being a scam.
Their first post about the Daft Punk show didn't mention with a single word that there might be any doubts or that their sources are sketchy.
They posted about this on Monday afternoon; At that time there was already enough reason to question the credibility of this story, which they should have done, especially as they knew that there are doubts: The article links to a SmartShanghai article that came out earlier which is all about the possibility of this being a scam.
spikey247, Feb 11th, 2009
you call Shanghaiist "well-known and trusted media"? i hope you didn't buy a ticket orbitjeanpaulboule, Feb 12th, 2009
Unbelievable : the DAFT PUNK concert in Shanghai is CONFIRMED !!!!!Check the link : http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/mhAkLCA-jv4/
or youtube : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8txG8gcs6PM
Canadarm, Feb 13th, 2009
I call for death penalty. Corrupt government officials who steal money get put to death alot, these guys should too.If death-penalty is too much, electro genital shock torture.
Treamer, Feb 11th, 2009
Honestly, I smelt a rat as soon as I knew Charles Belin WASN'T involved. Anyone that knows anything in Shanghai pretty much understands that Charles (and if not Charles, Ben) controls everything French here.moneyinabox, Feb 11th, 2009
How difficult is it to google 'daft punk hidden' and see that absolutely nothing whatsoever comes up related to any city besides Shanghai?KIKEN Prod., Feb 11th, 2009
@ Treamer. It's nice from u to say so but I also was totally confused and failed to gather reliable information at first (we couldn't get in touch with anyone in Europe over the weekend).Shanghai is a very small world, people communicates a lot and is extremely responsive. This is definitely an asset. We just were too naive or too enthusiastic I guess and I can only recommend people to be more vigilant. Serious agencies and medias like SmartShanghai work very hard to animate the city and to communicate with the local and expat crowd of partygoers. Distrust any event that hasn't been promoted through any usual way of advertising and don't hesitate to ask your favorite event dealer for an advice. As for us, specialized websites, magazines, event companies and booking agencies, we should work harder on communicating and cooperating with each other.
By the way, JUSTICE won't be playing in Beijing this year either (so to blow out another rumor). Kylie Minogue private unplugged show in my lane however... ;)
Charles Belin
BecTrigger, Feb 21st, 2009
What great press Daft Punk would receive, if they decided to honor those tickets, and set up a show in Shanghai.hardqueen, Mar 1st, 2009
Our official website is up now: www.hardqueen.comAlso, we have a new neocha page: www.neocha.com/hardqueen
jerome_floerke, Feb 26th, 2009
If the demographics of the SmartTicket tickets salesare are
any indication, rest assured, Russians love that Paul Van Dyk.
Editor falling asleep?
morgan, Feb 26th, 2009
Yes indeed. Thanks. Where would smartshanghai be without all you proofreaders out there...Nowhere. That's where.
psinology, Mar 3rd, 2009
Go her http://www.guardian.co.uk/ to see why they got cancelled, on front page at time of writing.damond, Mar 11th, 2009
Whaoooooo the Decoration ... Music and sound design fabulous .... I feel to be in Paris during the Fashion week ! I heard that the Food is very good and for Chinese also - I will try this week-end with my friend ! Finally a luxury place in the City !!!!froginchina, Jun 12th, 2009
I was there last week and would highly recommend their cosmos (Yes...I am a fan of Sex & the city...:)) ) and their French foie gras. Just a cool drink with a cool dish in a cool decor, all in the coolest city of all: Wo ai Shanghai!psinology, Apr 2nd, 2009
Morgan, you suck, I just read that out loud in the office, and halfway the last line stopped...:p
casperXX, Apr 7th, 2009
i thought it was closed like 6 month ago, when they stopped those annoying infomercials in Shanghai Daily.RIP
ISpyShanghai.com, Apr 10th, 2009
I haven't been this upset since E.R finished.Have tried to give it a good send off, typing through the tears
http://ispyshanghai.com/2009/04/10/bonbon-a-tribute/
psinology, Apr 28th, 2009
oh yes indeed, this one will be a corker!Small addition;
Dave K from udancecn.com will be the fourth musical musketeer!
And as a special surprise, renowned visual/light/interactive artist Valere from Factoid.fr will be joining us for a unique something, not quite sure what yet, but it'll be awesome.
Some of the stuff he's done recently:
- interactive installation in Paris http://vimeo.com/3922971
- video for new Parisian band Revolver http://www.factoidprod.com/REVOLVER/birdsfinalH264.mov
- The D&G show at Milan Fashion Weekhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/33505712@N07/sets/72157614839270666/show/
Miss this and you'll miss the event of the year!
BOOM
psinology, Apr 30th, 2009
Will definitely go check out IM, but the auditory pile of poo that is the rock-psy-trance crossover over they've been pushing for the last few years is beyond compare to the groundbreaking innovation on the first albums such as The Gathering and Classical Mushroom.moan moan...
psinology, May 13th, 2009
Sweeeet! I've recently dug out Enter the 36 Chambers and been listening to it on my way to work for the last week.Rhymes like
ou become so Pat as my style increases
What's that in your pants ahhh human feces!
Throw your shitty drawers in the hamper
Next time come strapped with a fuckin Pamper
sure make the bicycle ride more entertaining/ghetto.
Bells and whistles!
Seb Morris, May 14th, 2009
Shaolin shadowboxing, and the Wu-tang sword styleIf what you say is true, the Shaolin and the Wu-tang could be dangerous
Do you think your Wu-tang sword can defeat me?
On guard, I'll let you try my Wu-tang style...
psinology, May 15th, 2009
Brilliant!Withnail: You'll be pleased to hear Monty's invited us for drinks.
Marwood: Balls to Monty. We're getting out.
Withnail: Balls to Monty? I've just spent an hour flattering the bugger!
Marwood: There's a man over there who doesn't like the perfume. The big one. Don't look, don't look! We're in danger, we've got to get out.
Withnail: What are you talking about?
Marwood: I've been called a ponce.
Withnail: What FUCKER said that?
Irishman: I called him a ponce. And now I'm calling you one, PONCE!
Withnail: Would you like a drink?
Irishman: What's your name, MacFuck?
Withnail: ...I have a heart condition. I have a heart condition, if you hit me it's murder.
Irishman: I'll murder the pair of yous!
Withnail: [Close to tears] My wife is having a baby! Listen, I don't know what my f... acquaintance did to upset you but it's nothing to do with me. I suggest you both go outside and discuss it sensibly, in the street.
one of the best scenes in movie making history!
funky falco, Jun 5th, 2009
Seems like for once Shanghai gets bless with the cream and the freshest !!!!!It is such a good news big applause to the one behind this.
rob.r, Jun 8th, 2009
Last time I checked, "opening 300 stores" would make it the largest foreign retailer in China. Good luck with that, Jigga!seachick, Jun 10th, 2009
ummm... Deville is NOT part of The Lab, who ever is organizing/writing this should correct it?!Don Q, Jun 11th, 2009
loving seachick more than ever (+ yeshe & nying-duke & zhab-kar)!!!!r.i.p. dorje
seachick, Jun 19th, 2009
pffft! now Deville is not even in the "event listing" post?! & not on the flyer?! but we know he's playing?! ... focus! ppl... focus!!! dont let the heat get u!!!ISpyShanghai.com, Jun 23rd, 2009
I thought the steaks at Prime were great, although it was weird to have such a stuffy place above the relaxed bar downstairs.Crumpets, Jun 26th, 2009
Ahhh! I'd been wondering what would end up in that mall, and when it would open. Thanks for checking it out and reporting back to us, your adoring public ;)slx, Jun 26th, 2009
yup...the long awaited Channel 1 is finally opened. Forget about the gorilla sized ad campaign of some eurasian dude with a tampon up one of its nostrils(i didn't get it, does it mean "Channel One's programming is so intense..its makes you bleed!" Or the monster sized led screen during their reno's that had some really bad animation on 24hr rotation. (at least it helped illuminate the senior dance nights at the park across the street)Despite the typical nightmarish marketing decisions the mall is actually quite decent.
Lets shift our focus on the food courts though. The strategy of the maze-like weave to the 6th floor so all occupants can walk pass all the branded shops is well...confusing. Try to hit one of the hidden elevators on the side of the lobby to avoid having to walk into Jack Jones. (which will end up with a savard spinarama out the front anyways)
Once at the top you gots your staples like Burger King and DQ. For restuarants i would suggest Pu Jin ( Macau Food ), Noodle Bull. The viet place "Pho Yummy" was actually surprisingly yummy. They even got matching nike kicks for the waitresses which was surprising for newer brand that paid close attention to detail. The hot dog place looked sketchy and overpriced. Juice connection at the end of the strip also looked like a rip off to Jugo.
All is all the experience wasn't that bad especially for someone who lives in that area. The closest thing to a mall is probaly Jing An Temple or People's Square so i can't complain.
later y'all
xakiat1, Jun 27th, 2009
Not so sure if I agree with the editor about StarDog.StarDog is actually based on a very successful model in Vancouver, Canada. See it at www.japadog.com. The Japanese-style fusion hotdogs are so hot they have celebrities like Ice Cube coming back for more.
It was also positively reviewed by Anthony Bordain and featured on his programme (Anthony is Amerian, I recall). I'm a big fan of StarDog, and StarDog has also received very good reviews on local Chinese websites:
http://www.dianping.com/shop/3136816
Their Teriyaki Temptation and Fish Element hot dogs are very good.
Well innovation isn't always so well taken in by the conventional.
PS: As for Mr Waffle, well, yes, I do agree turning a waffle into a sandwich is a bit more of a stretch...
rob.r, Jun 27th, 2009
While I still have to try Stardog and will reserve further judgment until I do, it's important to point out that to say one is based on Japadog does not make one the equal of Japadog.Didjelirium, Jun 29th, 2009
Well, no matter how good or bad this might be, i was looking forward for this shopping-mall food floor to open cos it's 5 min walk from my home, and finally i have a Subway accessible and close enough for them to deliver....as well as the royal family of the burger which is still better than MacWaltDisney.... So yeah, it's kind of a good thing though. Still, the waffle sandwiches scared me too, the hot dogs are not that good but damn, Saizeriya is there too and that is cheap not-that-good food that you eat anyway cos man ! 9 kuai for spaghetti bolognese, even the xinjiang guys are more expensive !!!!Anyway, fast food abuse or not, sometimes after a street food abuse it's nice to have it too !
Bless !
Didjelirium, Jun 29th, 2009
AS for the gigantic led screen flashing til your epileptic, i so wish i knew how to hack it and plug my Wii on it.... Then we could organize Mario Kart contest from the park just down, and that would simply be awefuckinsome !!!!:)
xakiat1, Jun 29th, 2009
While it's important to to point out that One Based on Japadog Does Not Make One the Equal of Japadog, there isn't a Japadog in a 3,000 mile radius, so I'm afraid that makes it the best there is. We're not in Canuck-land here.AdamIF, Jun 29th, 2009
Really, people, I think we should all give StarDog a chance.While the standards may not be what some of us lofty individuals might expect, StarDog is doing its darndest to give all of us in Shanghai the real taste of the hot dog C albeit with a bit of a fusion twist that's found a sweet spot with the locals.
I was over Channel One over the weekend to try StarDog, and to my surprise, it's actually quite good, VERY yummy. The Teriyaki Temptation is tasty, with its teriyaki sauce and Nori. The sauces are all imported Japanese stuff - the real thing.
The counter staff told me they're in the process of replacing their cheese sauce formula (and they're out of curly fries for the time being C said whole of Shanghai's out of stock).
While some of us may think 'it's not that good', actually it's 'not that bad either'. I can't find a better one elsewhere for that price C and i think StarDog's packaging rocks!
As for the waffle, yeh, it is creepy having meat on your waffle (that sounds wrong doesn't it).
plui, Jul 1st, 2009
*All rise for the singing of the National Anthem*O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
*thank you, beer*
Abu, Jul 1st, 2009
It would be so good to watch UFC on the TV here. Hope it happens. I would buy the PPV for sure.Kungfusilas, Jul 2nd, 2009
MMA is already in Shanghai www.FightersUnite.com We prvide MMA training and will be thowing MMA events similar to the UFC. We are hosting a UFC 100 Party in Pudong. Visit the website for details. NO COVER CHARGE!!!!jcae88, Jul 7th, 2009
Although I believe Pinnacle Peak is crazy to have such RMB119 beef tenderloin deal, I am going back with my college class re-union next week party there. Last time, we had so much fun, and we are coming back.idasein, Jul 17th, 2009
One would hope Mint has managed to iron the kinks out of their grilling since they infamously poisoned half of the guests at TED talks with e-coli steaks. A brilliant marketing strategy - gather the most influential media people in Shanghai together and get them deathly ill off bad steaks.Smart Shanghai is too polite to mention it, of course, but I 'm a little peeved, since my sister had to be put on an IV drip in Huashan Hospital at 4am at had recurrent bouts for weeks after.
Nice decor though.
psinology, Jul 13th, 2009
Went last Friday. Good: Venue: genuinely nice decor and atmosphere - Singaporean owned and designed probably a factor, Staff: helpfull and polite to a fault, Food: half the dishes (asparagus with scallops, fried rice with foie grass, half the starter platter, the sparkling rose). Bad: Music: eeeeh - first a 60 minute mix cd of minimal, great for 169 at 4 am, less so a restaurant at 9 PM, Staff: took 10 minutes to bring the wrong bottle of booze, need to wave in order to get attention at times, followed by overzealous attention, Food: half the dishes (sea urchin, lamb curry, half the starter platter)Then there's an adjacent wine bar with just that, no cocktails or anything like that, jury still out on how that will do.
The resto needs to iron out the kinks, as so many places that start. Would be great if this place works, ambitious and interesting, give it another go in a month or two...if still there.
Didjelirium, Jul 17th, 2009
The best one for me, so far, is a little shop at Qipu lu, in the back of the market buildings...cant remember the name of that street. There's a lot of chinese street food and these guys sell small kebabs with onion and salad and spices for 5 kuai, in a almost-like-the-real pita bread. It's my routine breakfast/lunch/dinner whenever i hop over Qipu lu !^^
psinology, Jul 17th, 2009
Tara's always been a go-to place if a more subdued atmosphere with one of the best cocktails in town was required. The great thing too was that it provided these comforts later than pretty much anywhere in town, especially midweek.Will look forward to visiting again soon!
est83, Jul 19th, 2009
I was there yesterday till 3am...Cocktails were as great as usual, maybe a little more people and new very friendly spanish manager :)
Samwell, Jul 19th, 2009
If frozen yogurt is really your thing then you should head to Beijing Lu and Jiangning Lu. On the corner is this new place called "Mooo" or something like that. They advertise fresh, homemade yogurt. Haven't tried it, but I figured it would stop your whining.
subdivide, Jul 19th, 2009
What what in the butt, Samwell. You wanna do what, in this comments section? I don't think the author is whining. It's a good point about frozen yogurt. It belongs in governor Jerry Brown's state of sunshine, good vibes, Cali bro feelings, surf nazis, health food gurus, etc etc etc. Shanghai needs to do a split rent scheme between cold winter and hot summer food business. Why not convert the yogurt space to a Cashmere sweater shop from October through May?Stewie Griffin, Jul 29th, 2009
wearing headphones at a photo shooting makes you a dj, just try it for yourself, you'll see...Beast of the East, Aug 3rd, 2009
Oh, Christopher! Very well said indeed, old chap!One more tip: if you go to Taipan Massage, you get the buns for free! Yes, they are at a third the size of the normal ones, but you have all you can eat, all you can drink (on their limited but very good menu) while young nubile maidens knead your hardened soles/souls.
Place is owned by the same person as Lisboa (4th wife/girlfriend of Macanese gambling tycoon Dr. Stanley Ho)
rob.r, Aug 6th, 2009
Can someone explain to me the connection between "Manchuria" and "Cantonese food?"ISpyShanghai.com, Aug 7th, 2009
She's a nice lady Cherie- but for 480RMB I could buy my own wine and have money left over for pizza and a handjob.Pinball Lizard, Aug 7th, 2009
Tickets to the afterparty are a further RMB480. Come to both, get a free glowstick and British Flag. That's worth the RMB960 alone...flyswatter, Aug 11th, 2009
That September 18th date might be delayed already. Apparently the My Little Airport show (which was hardly the greatest statement of intent in the first place) could be pushed back to "after the 26th". Hmm...abe_the_sellout, Aug 14th, 2009
my soul cost about as much as those cut-off shorts of yours......which is to say, not that much.elevatedmama, Aug 18th, 2009
I love these and both my daughters went nutty for them - some of the tastiest cupcakes I've had anywhere (and I've had a lot!). Ordering a bundle for the next b-day party.flyswatter, Aug 18th, 2009
Yeah I had some of those chocolate ones a few weeks back - all melted and gooey inside. I'm pretty sure they're illegal in most countries. I'm drooling while typing this...PATEH1, Aug 18th, 2009
Best cupcakes EVER!!! Love the cookies n cream one...Ordered a heap for my hubby's birthday party...makes a nice change from a boring cake....the guests loved 'em.blackglasses, Aug 18th, 2009
The chocolate cupcakes are great - though for me the real kicker is the coffeecake cupcakes. Delicious and perfect thing to bring to a potentially dull morning meeting.Although, if you really want to liven things up, the cinnamon rolls are amazing. They are gooey and fantastic. The only downside is the inevitable mental image of being in a suburban mall - that whole cinnabon thing.
Without a doubt my go-to place for cupcakes
ty_canadian, Aug 18th, 2009
i CANNOT wait for terror :)good guys, good friends, and an even better band !
AMPED !
flyswatter, Aug 19th, 2009
Glad you explained what (the other type of) pasties are. I was wondering why a cabaret performer was putting on an art show about meat-filled pastries from Cornwall.Then again, I'd be down for either show if I'm honest.
ISpyShanghai.com, Aug 25th, 2009
I met a guy at the weekend whose job title is Australian Language specialist for Microsoft. True story.Hao hao xue xie- tian tian good on ya.
psinology, Aug 27th, 2009
severe underrepresentation on psychedelic sounds, and this at an outdoor event no less! :(patwack, Aug 31st, 2009
as much as i respect yuyintang, booking the INC in such a small venue doesnt make any senseDon Q, Aug 29th, 2009
Actually it's more Dubstep than UK Funky. And the name of the mix is "Politics And Bullshit"!!!I re-uploaded the mix on Sharebee for an easier access...
http://sharebee.com/a627e35e
psinology, Sep 7th, 2009
gutted, BYBhad some of the best pizza's in town...perhaps sitting in YY for three hours and then ordering helped...but still, will be missed.Same owners or new ones? As I remember BYB's owner was a not unattractive young lady.
morgan, Sep 14th, 2009
Howdy Kwi. Ticketing information is still being sorted out for the Mono show, as its not for a few months. However, in the weeks to come, SmartTicket will be carrying tickets for it, and you will also be able to get tickets from the promoters directly when they come available (I would think).flyswatter, Sep 10th, 2009
I hear there's a pretty damn cool local support act lined up for Jeans Team too.So excited about Yacht. Last time he was oustanding at both those gigs and is a dead nice bloke to boot. His latest record is even better than I Believe in You...
Can't wait
anonymouse1, Oct 18th, 2009
You want the low down?It's now officially closed.....and they refuse to comply with the law with paying severance for the ONE day notice they gave every one. On top of that they still owe a lot of their people salaries from months before.
Want to get to the top of this shady train? Check out www.profero.com
Very professional guys...good job screwing over Chinese people who make the amount you use for a dinner on a daily basis.
Andy Best, Oct 19th, 2009
Fearless do an amazing cover of The Trooper and shit goes down when they do it live.morgan, Oct 19th, 2009
Yeah I've seen them do it too. It's good times. Was in Beijing a few months back and heard a metal band covering 2 Minutes to Midnight. It's nice that the Maiden is alive and well in China.flyswatter, Oct 19th, 2009
Pet Conspiracy should be incredible on that big stage, though I hear Helen Feng has her arm in a cast at the moment after rushing the VIP section at a gig in Beijing. Something like that.Re-TROS are coming to MAO on December 5th too. Think the closest I got at YYT was watching them through the window from the park and even then it was stood behind a whole bunch of people. Hopefully won't have that problem at MAO
alex, Oct 22nd, 2009
A real pity, Bonito was one of my favorite restaurants in Shanghai and one of a few where I kept going back at least twice a month. The location wasn't that great but I though they had made the best out of it.All the best to Ferran and Albert, great guys.
flyswatter, Oct 22nd, 2009
Wow, what a shock. That place was great, I hope they can reopen in a new location soonflyswatter, Oct 23rd, 2009
By the way, I heard a while ago that they were looking at opening a new location near the Fuxing Lu and Hengshan/Baoqing Lu crossroads. Maybe they'll reopen there?mighty hamster, Oct 23rd, 2009
You train 'em up into little podcasting heroes, then they go and leave your podcast witout even an affectionate goodbye. Newby you going down.ISpyShanghai.com, Oct 23rd, 2009
NEWSFLASH- we like the sound of our own rich, manicured, english tones.morgan, Oct 23rd, 2009
If you guys are going to have an Anchorman-style showdown sometime soon, make sure you have someone podcast that shit.As a side note I'm getting a water-proof iPod this weekend and am looking forward to taking Shanghai's most eloquent British people into the shower with me in the weeks to come.
Andy Best, Oct 23rd, 2009
Hey Morgan.Yeah, us Brits like the sound of our own voices and I'm no exception. When we think we're being funny we tend to go into this drawn out sarcastic drawl version of English that we subconsciously copy from Brit TV shows.
SHAG have that going on a lot. But I like it.
ISpyShanghai.com, Oct 26th, 2009
"I'm lazy, it takes me a long time to learn anything, I steal stuff.."OK that's definitely the last time I'm going to quote the Simpsons today.
gfunk, Oct 29th, 2009
Hi Morgan, I hope you don't mind me adding an excellent ongoing nerdified night to your list. O'Malley's on Wednesday hosts a board game night, games provided, no cover and twofers on Vedette. So, far we've geeked out on about twenty different games, like; Axis & Allies, Twilight Struggle, Arkham Horror, Carcassone and Space Hulk, just to name a few. So, don't be shy, come down to O'Maley's and get down with your geekyass self!Treamer, Oct 28th, 2009
You can also here a ten-track sampler here: http://soundcloud.com/futureclassic/sets/holy-ghost-australian-tour-samplerAlso download Holy Ghost! tracks and see the videos:
http://www.greenlabelsound.com/artists/holyghost/
cuzzin, Oct 30th, 2009
Does this Balthazar have ANYTHING to do with the original one in NYC? Or is it another 'made in China' fake?ISpyShanghai.com, Oct 29th, 2009
I was there on August 10, the staff where packing all the stuff up for a 'refurbishment', but the smell of death hung heavy in the air.Wonder what happened to the mechanical bull?
zmann999, Oct 29th, 2009
What about the all you can eat 8rmb Shao Long Bao brunch on my corner that goes on this Sunday from 1pm-1:30pm. Dropped the ball again Cavish.flyswatter, Oct 30th, 2009
Had one of those chili cheese hotdogs last night and it was beautiful. I still see it now when I close my eyessantochino, Nov 3rd, 2009
If it violates the policy, it gets the axe. Nothing more, nothing less. It applies to Dining Reviews and people trying to post venue reviews as comments on The Wire, as happened with this.You can read it for yourself here (http://www.smartshanghai.com/writereview.php), but I'll spare your precious time:
SPECIFIC INCIDENTS AND ALTERCATIONS
Reviews will be deleted if they depict specific altercations between venue staff and patrons. SmartShanghai does not wish to be the platform for disputes between dissatisfied patrons and restaurant managers. Conflicts of this nature are properly sorted between venue management and customer.
tompalito, Nov 6th, 2009
I believe the Taiwanese band is called 'Sugar Plum Ferry', not to be confused with the Swedish band 'Sugarplum Fairy'.morgan, Nov 6th, 2009
Ah yes. Thanks for the correction. Also not to be confused with the deceased Warhol superstar/Lou Reed muse I would imagine...flyswatter, Nov 9th, 2009
Are you thinking of the cover band from Malone's? I hear they do a pretty amazing Bryan Adams-Celine Dion meddley. I bet that's who you're thinking of, right?
Selphnir, Nov 15th, 2009
New Swing Sextets@Brown Sugar. Whoopah!I can't wait to get out on the floor and bust a move.
Catwalk, Nov 19th, 2009
Wow. I just realized that Edouard De Tricasse is in the SMS crew...Bel Amour, amazing !Seb Morris, Nov 20th, 2009
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there is only trixie to challenge us for that kind of stuff!great one
gunsella, Nov 24th, 2009
is it just my imagination or are there more photos of the crowd than the actual performing artists?chinaman, Nov 25th, 2009
What's the over/under that he doesn't get his visa and/or performance permit approved? I got 9-5 odds...morgan, Nov 26th, 2009
The venue management is still sorting out all the specific details with the tickets. When we know you'll know...Howner, Nov 26th, 2009
Sweet, can't believe Lupe is coming to Shanghai! Still, isn't it a bit late to still be sorting out ticket details? I mean, the event is in a week.chinaman, Nov 28th, 2009
Guess my 9-5 odds comment on the other thread was spot on, wish I would've had some takers!Der, Dec 2nd, 2009
What the hell is an old-school New York-style snack bar? Is your Japanese chef serving chocolate egg creams?mighty hamster, Dec 9th, 2009
And Judy's Too is taking over the City Diner building - jesus. It's here.Trashcat, Dec 12th, 2009
Roach-infested, dump. It should be the first to get the wrecking ball when Tongren Lu goes under.Andy Best, Dec 18th, 2009
The Soma/Mao peeps think that things happen by magic, basically. They only got half as many people to the Retros as YYT did, via STD.New Pants are annoying though. They have all the talent but each album tends to be a different style, most jarringly Disco Girl and Dragon Tiger Panacea. Then you watch their heavy metal parody vid and you start to realise they are basically clever art school types who are just taking the p*ss.
There's no consistency to their work and I have no desire to see them live. They are there to observe, get the reference and then feel all smart yourself. The Dream Factory show ... blugh.
Uprooted Sunshine, Jan 22nd, 2010
This EP entitled 'Bass Shelter EP' will be produced as a run of 500 hand numbered, hand stamped copies will include exclusive tracks with ChaCha and Soom T as well as some an exclusive Disrupt dub! It will be available to buy on the night in limited numbers, with the remaining copies to be sold at the Hong Kong event and through the Jahtari website!adlai, Jan 27th, 2010
I saw this girl Jenn but I was too shy to say hi. Anyway, her pics are amazing. Who is this girl. She is too cool. OMG WTF. Ahhhh I am in L.O.V.E. with this girl. Can I get her digits?rob.r, Feb 5th, 2010
Sounds great in concept but sous vide? I hope they have very, very good ingredient sourcing and handling.Ujin, Feb 10th, 2010
As an Italian-American from NY I can firmly say I will be eating at least 3 meals there over CNY. If its anything like home I am shipping my guinea T's and planning some heists and maybe a union rally in the back room. Also there is no dish that couldn't be made better if it were "breaded, deep-fried, covered in red sauce, and have a slice of mozz melted over the top."Who wants to go down the shore?
The Walrus, Apr 7th, 2010
We always order through Solo Latte. The Buratta & Stracciatella are absolutely devine!Didjelirium, Feb 22nd, 2010
Fuckin A-Awesome movie ! If you did see it, go tomorrow to enjoy it with nice enlightened people. If you didn't see it, you can go as well but get ready to get booooed at, if not by everyone, at least by me ! :ppsinology, Feb 22nd, 2010
Watched it again last month at home, will go see it again though."Nihilists! Fuck me. I mean, say what you like about the tenets of National Socialism, Dude, at least it's an ethos. "
one of the many many great quotes！
Gmann, Feb 22nd, 2010
Sounds like they will be bringing Daft Punk or whoever to some other town outside of China! Hopefully after some crazy hard time in the Chinese pokey (never mind pardoning that pun!)chinaman, Feb 22nd, 2010
I think the French part was given when he said they stole a bottle of Grand Marnier...Americans get the death penalty for even drinking Grand Marnier...
Didjelirium, Feb 23rd, 2010
I think they stole it as an explicit request from Daft Punk, waiting in their hotel for a few months already, desperately trying to know the secret place their hidden concert is supposed to happen... They WANTED that Grand Marnier so they shall have it. Put it on the Daft Tab at Cantina Agave....latindance, Feb 23rd, 2010
Watch ICS news at 9pm tonight. The thief video will be shown in the news report.Treamer, Feb 23rd, 2010
Look at the coats they are wearing in the pics from Cantina and then look at the pics from Daft Punk's scammer's offices. They are identical colors and styles (all 3 guys!). Plus the first guy looks very, very similar. If they are caught the cops should get some of the witnessed from the Daft Punk scam to see if they recognize them. Pics: http://www.layabozi.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/daft-punk-scam.jpg & http://kennygrant.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dafthidden03.jpgacideiffel, Feb 23rd, 2010
C'mon, Mr Chris, don't believe everything you're told. The most expensive special edition Grand Marnier available, made with 50 year old Cognacs is only worth around 2000RMB. It's pretty good, too. Good on the grabbers, anyway - don't give it back! What kind of restaurant owner would go to the police over a bottle of booze. If it was that valuable, it should be locked in a glass case or at least put well out of reach.Gmann, Feb 23rd, 2010
Chinese pokey time. They will find themselves locked up with Long Wang and serve their time the hard way! ... I hope.pedro88, Feb 23rd, 2010
Grand Marnier for 21,000rmb... no way!http://www.thefind.com/food/info-grand-marnier-cognac
looks like a viral...
Thats lots of pubilicity for Cantina, great job!
vjy, Feb 24th, 2010
A crime is a crime- whether it is a piece of candy or a bottle of expensive liqour.As for the store being stupid for not taking care of such an expensive asset- I say even the most secured safe will not deter a determined thief.
high_touch, Feb 24th, 2010
Foreign devils behaving badly. I can't wait till China's Human Flesh Search Engines gets after them. They will be tarred and feathered and shamed back to their country of origin.playmaker71, Mar 1st, 2010
Teacher's salary = teacher's salary drinks = stick to free drinks till 11pm venuesdjsexypaul, Feb 24th, 2010
i bet they dont bring it back themselves, they will probably pass onto one of their cowardly french matesAnother reason we hate the french
psinology, Feb 24th, 2010
bet they had some or damaged the bottle and are now trying to cover it up...speaking of which: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/32/41577294_f2c58194f1_o.jpgAnd I think the limited edition was the Grand Marnier Red Velvet Cuvée Spéciale...basically special cuvee with fancy limited edition packaging...dont quote me on that though
jginsh, Feb 24th, 2010
What would cantina agave charge for a shot of this very very rare booze?Also, why just charge their credit card for the bottle?
Problem solved.
Karus2, Feb 25th, 2010
@ Dj "sexy"PaulAlways a pleasure to read your prose....with the thousands of posts you flood theses forums.......what a social life....Do you leave your computer room sometimes?
Anyway, I like your comments about the French. You and you mates must have some very supremacist conversations in Bulldog or Manhattan which are famous to be the "rendez-vous" of intellectuals and thinkers our wonderful city.
I am French myself and I do agree that a lot of them in this city, mainly young lads that come for a little while paid whit Daddy's money are far from be delightful people....However, I think you make a little generality by saying:
1) "they are all the same" .....agains, that sounds supremacist......or simply....."racist" ( I am actually married to a Brit and I am sure she's not like you at all....luckily for me.)
2) "we hate the french".....You should precise on who's behalf you are doing this statement....is it the bunch of fat beer drinkers that keep (who know why) the shitty places you "play" in running ?
3)Cowardly.....just PM me and I'll be happy to set up an appointment with you to discuss the matter.....but please, in a french place, so my crew can protect me against the threat of your highly interesting conversation.
Finally, I am a F&B myself and I agree with all that this action is inadmissible....However, you have to admit that stealing a bottle priced at "21,000 rmb" is not the stupidest part.....
I am sure Fat sexy Paul would have been stupid enough to take a 3 kuay heineken can instead......
Keep it up sexy.....you are a blessing for the community.
@ the editors.....
I doubt that a company like Grand Marnier.....which produce hundred of thousand bottles a year and couple of thousands of their special cuvees would have selected such a fancy place as "Cantina Agave" to keep and promote their only bottle of the BEST OF THE BEST in China.....
Go have a look at these bars located between the 40s and 100th floors around the city....and ask them how THEY can find it......
A last thing...... A bottle of Grand Marnier is 750ml....
let's imagine that the minimum dose is 10ml......that make us 280rmb.
Add the other spirits and mixers, top it up with a standard margin used in bars and you get a drink at around 900rmb.........minimum!
DO CANTINA AGAVE HAS A DRINK AT 900RMB???????
No.....they have a 98 rmb free flow at of crapy/headache inducing so called margaritas with customers vomiting all over the pavement because they have only one toilet available for all.......most of the time clogged by the hard to digest nachos.......
with peanuts, youattracts monkeys, not the best customers on earth......
However, I am still a big fan of Cantina Agave and can't wait the spring to get wasted there another time....After all, it has been voted "best new restaurant" in last year's That's SH awards......
meileidi, Feb 25th, 2010
Let's not start with racism things, even of nationality, I think it has nothing to do with that, but about manners and brought up education, Guess these guys were not educated about what it is to take things that dont belong to you, Anyway, my question is, isn't this a publicity thing, for making cantina agave have more people, since MI TIERRA just opened, and maybe they want to show they are actually CLASSY compared to other restaurant competition just opened???? Sayiing they have a Grand Marnier Red Velvet Cuvée Spéciale? I do wonder how this place brings all their alcohol, since tequila is actually banned from CHINA, since its not possible to bring them in a LEGAL WAY, did they bring also this bottle in an UNCLEAN WAY? or did cantina actually include underthe water TAXES and this is why the price went all the way to 21,000rmb...Let's wait for what they plan next.... and by the way..margaritas dont need these ingretients, ORIGINAL ONE...doesnt have this...
100% mexican I CAN TELL U THAT..
see ya! ppeeeps!
cantina, Feb 25th, 2010
To everyone,This was not a publicity stunt, you can go to the police station where the report was filed and check for yourselves, please do not make this a race issue because that has nothing to do with it. This was just a case of theft. Also Tequila is absolutely not banned in China. There are a lot of tequilas you cn get here just go to your market and you will see. This was a special edition bottle of Grand Marnier and it was not the Red Velver Cuvee Special. Since the bottle is not for sale there is no such thing as taxes on this bottle. I would have rather that this never happened but it did and I did everything in my power to get it back.
And yes Margaritas taste great with Grand Marnier!!!!
meileidi, Feb 25th, 2010
CANTINA, for your information MEXICAN MARGARITAS dont have grand marinier on them, HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO MEXICO?? Because you sure need to know more about MEXICAN FOOD, is not just about BURRITOS AND TEQUILA. And by the way HIGH QUALITY TEQUILA IS BANNED AND CANNOT BE SOLD if you knew this maybe you would know where my comment comes from! duh CRT(CONSEJO REGULATORIO DEL TEQUILA) only low quality tequila with low METANOL QUANTITY is aloud, THOSE THAT YOU CAN FIND IN THOSE STORES YOU SAY, but GOOD QUALITY ones, CANNOT BE IMPORTED(SO EXPLAIN TO ME, HOW DO CANTINA GETS THEM THERE....I HAVE A GREAT EXPANATION TO YOU....GET BACKGROUNDS...DONT DISCUSS WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE DEAR....)and by the way no racism issue here, just the comments, were a bit racist....ANYWAY you got your bottle back....so BEEEEEEEE FREEE......4 the record...CANTINA..IS NOT MEXICAN get a MEXICAN knowledge there...Didjelirium, Feb 25th, 2010
Ahhhhhhh man !!! This is a good omen for Shanghai if Rum oriented venues start opening all around. I'm sure Shanghai would be much more comfortable to live in if there were more rum station around.Congratulations to the pirates of the Bounty !!!!!
high_touch, Feb 25th, 2010
Actually, Christopher, according to the photo, isn’t it the girl who actually made off with the bottle? Maybe it was she who drove the entire heist, and that her male brethren just went along for the ride. Why feel sorry for her, unless you’re just trying to get laid? I’ve been in Shanghai ten years and bore witness to plenty of stupid-ass moves by foreigners. We deserve any trouble we get ourselves into here. Those guys didn’t leave that girl hanging, she hung herself right from the get-go.santochino, Feb 25th, 2010
It's my understanding, via Cantina, that it was a group effort. True, the bottle left in her jacket. Updated the post to qualify my mercy.cali, Feb 25th, 2010
Good job to the french guys for reaffirming the fact the french men are cowards!108, Feb 25th, 2010
I still can't figure out who are the biggest idiots her. The thieves or the owners of this bottle of booze.Don't get me wrong, thieves are scum, but carelessly displaying a "one of a kind" bottle of Marnier, out in the open in a restaurant environment, is asking for this kind of trouble.
jforjenius, Feb 25th, 2010
Pathetic that those guys left the girl to go back and apologize on her own, no matter who's idea it was or who stole the bottle, they were all part of it. I don't like to stereotype... no fuck it, I do. Those fucking French guys are cunts!summerdayz, Feb 25th, 2010
Yeah whatever, you guys had a sook, she showed up and gave the bottle back and apologised..all good, finished. But then you guys made her wait around so she could get told off? How old are you guys? She should have just put the bottle down on the bench and walked off. A real thief wouldn't sit there and be patronised by you geeks. Peace
robjamdj, Feb 25th, 2010
Trust the French to go for Grand Marnier. That's just cliche...i would have parked a premium agave spirit number under my wing.
buzzworthy, Feb 26th, 2010
So has anyone ever confirmed that the French guys with the girl were the Daft Punk scammers?carlonseider, Feb 26th, 2010
How pathetic that they felt the need to give her a dressing down as if it was some boarding school in the 1930s! Why did she stay and take it? I would have put the bottle on the bar, apologised, and been on my merry way.chinaman, Feb 26th, 2010
DJSP----its because the other people who have the bottle weren't dumb enough to display it in public, just another example of how Shanghai's "business people" leave more room for improvement, self-improvement.robjamdj, Feb 26th, 2010
Imagine the bartender every friday night...here you go madam, have a shot of this...that shot's worth the same as my monthly salary (said with a smile)gotan, Feb 26th, 2010
Some toughts:Exposing valuable bottles when serving loads of margaritas to crowds of party-goers is asking for trouble.
Yeah Stealing is not good;
Expats drunk crazyness is often fun; but still need to keep a fine line of behavior;
Settling a deal with the thief 24hr style is pretty cool!
MariaK, Feb 25th, 2010
Yes, the thieves are idiots and I am absolutely not defending their behavior in any way. The story is so ironic and it thankfully came to a happy ending, a very valuable lesson learned for these young delinquents – crime doesn’t pay! BUT, honestly, shouldn’t Cantina take a bit more care of their expensive bottle of booze? I think it is quite reckless to just keep it on a shelf in the restaurant. What if someone (drunk from all-you-can-drink Margaritas, perhaps?) would have accidentally swept it of the shelf and broken it? I hope also the owner learns something from this and puts this bottle in a safer place, preferably behind the bar!meileidi, Feb 25th, 2010
Pure PUBLICITY SCAM.........i reafirm...this is just to get attention..bottles like this....started as tequila..then margarita..then cognac? at the end what was it?? I think cantina agave is not getting the attention they had before MI TIERRA arrived he he....if you guys have to do this to get attention....pity on u.....you should actually pay attention on your food quality see ya!djsexypaul, Feb 25th, 2010
i dont believe that the only people to have bottles are the Queen and Catina. Sounds like complete bullshit and a nice little marketing storymuffinbblee, Feb 27th, 2010
Busiess owners dont solve problems, they AVOID problems from happening. This case at Cantina Agave, just goes to show the resto might not be around for long. I am not taking side of the delinquents, but... come on.... its like dangling 100,000 rmb walking down the street!latindance, Feb 27th, 2010
Sounds like you are a "Busiess" owner, not a Business owner. What the heck are you talking about? If the business owners don't solve problems, their business will not succeed, right? Maybe you should start some business first then speak for yourself.djedje, Feb 27th, 2010
Thx M. St Calvish it s a very interesting topic... no really I think. I hope you earn a good salary with this kind of subject. I don't think it s very important to say French people stole this bottle. Sincerely it could be people from everywhere, when you're drunk you can make some mistakes, not just french people. If some bartenders are so stupid to put a 100.000 kwai bottle in a public area, the trouble doesn't depend to the nationality. Or maybe depends that you have nothing better to tell.Ps: If french people have stolen that bottle that's maybe because they have the abilities to recognize a good alcohol.
high_touch, Feb 27th, 2010
It's really amazing to me that anybody in these comments would blame the good people at Cantina Agave in any way for what transpired, let alone refer the them as "stupid," "pathetic," "dumb" or "geeks." All Cantina Agave has done is bring Shanghai some much needed authentic Mexican food.Yes, getting drunk and goofing off is fun, and, yes, people make mistakes. But, when you make a drunken mistake, you bare the full brunt of the consequences of that mistake, no matter what they may be.
Lastly, to 'djedje': Go back and read the column, nowhere does Christopher St Cavish refer to the thieves as being French.
high_touch, Feb 27th, 2010
I stand somewhat incorrect, 'djedje.' Mr. St Cavish referred to the "sticky-fingered French" in a previous post relating to the story.alice264, Feb 26th, 2010
Oh YOU, bad-mouthing the happy Yahoo-Mail-Community like that... buhu on YOU! My yahoo account happily welcomes your mail every week with open arms! Must be because it's Yahoo France ;-)chinaman, Feb 27th, 2010
nice work on this, I like the cumulative review scores to drown out the "good fakes."Wave Manipulator, Mar 2nd, 2010
I'm glad you said this is "his finest performance outside of the Snake Plisskin role" - Escape is truly a masterpiece, Carpenter's score, that post apocalyptic New York.morgan, Mar 2nd, 2010
"Escape from LA" is pretty underrated as well. It's got Bruce Campbell playing a deranged plastic surgeon and Kurt surfs a gigantic tidal wave with, if memory serves, a Cadillac.And at the end doesn't Kurt destroy every computer in the world and send humanity back to the Dark Ages?
Goddamn, that's good stuff.
Don Q, Mar 2nd, 2010
Big Trouble In Little In China" was inspired by Tsui Hark's "Warriors from the Magic Mountain". It was probably the first Hollywood movie to pay tributes to the Honk Kong 80's cinema and was a flop at the US box office, failing to pay back its cost. Gutted, John Carpenter went back to work as an independent filmmaker swearing nobody would see him working for Hollywood anymore.Also Carpenter scores most of his movies except "The Thing" which was the work of Ennio Morricone.
Geez that was geeky!!!
Pinball Lizard, Mar 3rd, 2010
Pray tell. Who is this poet of whom you speak. Does he make sweet, late night love to DJ Sacco in the Shanghai studio, perchance...?Gipsy Duke, Mar 8th, 2010
It's the old Rojam, isn't it? Rojam was great, big dancefloor, amazing sound & light and I still remember the Grand Opening in 1999 with Oakenfold as if it was yesterday. Loads of great trance names used to play there back in 2004, Thrillseekers, Above&Beyond, JFK, etc... the best time I ever had in China. So Rojam is being replaced by another tables and dices club ? How sad. Digweed is certainly used to club openings in Shanghai. Anyone remember when he played at the "G-Spot" Opening in 2006 ? That club that was only open for a month or so, on Huaihai Lu as well, just a couple of blocks east. And yes, he also played at the old Rojam, a gig that didn't go down to well. He hates playing in China, people here don't really dig his deep progressive house. lolmorgan, Mar 9th, 2010
Ahh Rojam. That brings me back. I remember I went there on a recommendation from Lonely Planet. Youth, impetuous youth...Andy Best, Mar 16th, 2010
There are loads of examples of redundant language is expressions like that. It happens mainly because of being emotional, like we all are, and giving ourselves no where to go linguistically.An example of this was when Peijin Chen was doing the film journal blog and got upset at the Wong Karwai movie Blueberry Nights (as a WKW fan). He wrote a piece on Sha-ist saying it was a piece of cr*p and the worst movie etc etc.
When I wondered if it was really that bad on the comments he just gave the 'hey it's a free world I can say what I like' defense. But the point is that if you are going to review culture in the traditional way and compare it to stuff, saying something is the worst or 'cr*p' immediately puts you into a corner.
There's nowhere else left to go.
If My Blueberry Nights is really the worst piece of cr*p ever, then what about movies like Glitter, Gigli, Disaster Movie etc etc, they would have to be better, right?
And then out comes the redundant language ...
That movie was the ultimate worst.
ty_canadian, Mar 16th, 2010
I saw ' Hot Damn ' and got excited, thinking that maybe Every Time I Die was coming to town . .Nice pictures regardless.
summerdayz, Mar 17th, 2010
every time i die would be great, willing to go out on a limb and say they would be more entertaining than pix of old laowais at a secret Barbie partykwi, Mar 18th, 2010
hi, the email address is not working... is there another one available to book tickets?morgan, Mar 18th, 2010
Whoops... this is the correct address:5thWallTheater@gmail.com
American spelling of theatre... "theater". Sorry about that.
deanmoriarty2, Mar 18th, 2010
Wow that's very impressive! The Basque contingent is incredible. Please post more information regardng the timing of these master's visits.
JC@pink, Mar 24th, 2010
hey guys,more updated, 38 celebrity chefs from 15 nationalities, 17 different gastronomic menus...total 49 michelin star...
all in Gran Melia Hotel Shanghai, managed by the renowned spanish hotel group Sol Melia.
this is the first latino style hotel in shanghai, china
Beverly, Mar 19th, 2010
Thanks for the info on this! I live along Dagu Lu and have been eyeing this place whilst it's being constructed. Interesting, and I didn't know it was French owned too. Will have to check it out next week..carlonseider, Mar 19th, 2010
She'll probably cancel at the last minute like everyone does.*stares into pint*
morgan, Mar 25th, 2010
Yeah... I GUESS you could say his debut in Shanghai would be like a... i dunno... a "premier" event or something. It would be a primo premier event of primorifically premier proportions.summerdayz, Mar 29th, 2010
yeah enough with the hip hop teasers who's maybe coming? It's good to even dreamdjsexypaul, Mar 29th, 2010
Well done Brad. Its about time you did your own place and cooked your own food with your own style. This place is going to be a winner as soon as the doors open
Brent.S, Apr 2nd, 2010
These are actually a Polish treat. We used to get them in Hamtramack, Michigan for their Fat Tuesday celebration. Good stuff...not sure what a Russian place is selling them forStewie Griffin, Apr 1st, 2010
one of the biggest hiphop djs? have u ever heard him???THE biggest hiphop producer ever that's for sure, a freaking legend who basically started careers of unknown people like Nas or Jay-z...
sondra2141, Apr 1st, 2010
For those who know...www.myspace.com/djpremier
And, those who want to know...
http://www.discogs.com/artist/DJ+Premier
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Premier
cutie angel, Apr 2nd, 2010
wondering if this is a April joke or not....if so, it will be damn kool!! I need some real stuff~~Stewie Griffin, Apr 7th, 2010
i knew it, it's the 90's all over again!!!!does this mean we have to listen to miss kittin and the hacker?
yeah dj hell's gonna be super happy to know he is on top of things in at least one city in the world...poor bastard...
spockman, Apr 9th, 2010
http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/classifieds/view/167529/Ehrm - they already expressly say they are opening in June and are currently hiring all sorts of staff for the restaurant which will be located on the 57th floor of the new Lujiazui complex.
St Cavish, Apr 9th, 2010
Uh huh. They put that up around 11.30am on Fri, April 9. I wrote this on Wed, the 7th. I guess they're not so worried about being secretive now.Urbanatomy, Apr 8th, 2010
And the Apple flagship store for Shanghai. Yes, at last - it will be in the IFC... And Haiku are doing sushi kind-of adjacent to the Apple store so you can smear you're greasy salmon hands on their shiny white screens.Stewie Griffin, Apr 11th, 2010
waiting for future grand opening of Sarkozy Club, the first club dedicated to right-wing midgets
riederalp, Apr 13th, 2010
It's in Gubei. It's "possibly the biggest club". "Special Star guest from Ibiza"SPACE IBIZA is back !!!!
Bobcat, Apr 13th, 2010
Obama club, seems very 88 bar, aka military police owned. Watch out for jarheads driving ferraris and holding man purses.Andy Best, Apr 14th, 2010
The thinking "post-pat"s moan. I like that short poem about going postal though.djsexypaul, Apr 14th, 2010
more barbie talk, more windows talk, more bar rouge talk. its as if....theres a pattern emergingStewie Griffin, Apr 22nd, 2010
there is no line 13 at xintiandi.... you have to exit the station and go to mandang lu...i've been late at my meeting this morning because of you guys.... :p
Wave Manipulator, Apr 22nd, 2010
Jason was always one of the most talented chefs in Ramsay's stable and it always seemed a bit unfair that the sign outside says Maze by Gordon Ramsay on it.If he is behind a restaurant in Shanghai, then that is a very good thing for the restaurant scene here.
The Dawg, Apr 23rd, 2010
it was a good event last timebut not the same organiser this time, Ross McGregor organised the last two some nobody has scraped this one together and i for one would like to see how much money exactly is going to charity as my friends heard that hes keeping all monies made
stay away until the next one that Ross McGregor organises, will be in Oct/Nov
juliaguulia, Apr 23rd, 2010
I know that organiser for this event and the money IS going to charity! I can't wait to get all Dolled up... Should be a fun night!The Dawg, Apr 24th, 2010
ho ho. i will beleive it when i see SB actually handing over the money to the charitiesbuzzworthy, Apr 26th, 2010
so "your friends heard" that he was keeping all of the money?Sounds very reliable...
estleemac, Apr 27th, 2010
When's the last time you heard of drinking 'friends' being reliable sources of info? Eh.. no thanks. Let the Enquirer / Star / whoever else use them.. I've already got my table set & my night reserved for June 12th.. can't wait!!merbaytan76, Apr 27th, 2010
The Dawg just sounds like a hater.... I know Shane - totally not the type of person to take money from a charity - I heard that was the problem with last years organisers (I guess Ross) and one of the reasons Shane isn't doing the event with him this year is because he doesn't want any question about whether the money is going to charities.The Dawg - you should meet him and see for yourself.
Mailman Shanghai, Apr 27th, 2010
Just to correct the great 'Dawg' as you need a little clarification. My company co sponsored the first 'Brawl on the Bund' with ANZ bank. At that point SB was organising the event and had kind support from Ross and a few others. We (plus others) are again sponsoring the event for Shane - simply because he is passionate about the event and boxing in general. Of course a portion of the money is donated to charity, the whole event is designed as a fund raiser / money earner for Shane (this is his business) and his affiliate charities. Dawg if you happen to be organising an event with a win/win cause, instead of slamming it we are all ears.
tranescend, Apr 27th, 2010
leave our venues alone! close down the weak clubs if you must do something stupid like this.carlonseider, Apr 27th, 2010
They should close down that ridiculoud VIP 888 nonsense before they start fucking with Shelter. Seriously.
milan j, Apr 28th, 2010
@ atleast3characters: What does Obama have to do with it (just asking)?Why would they close the only venue that represents urban music & culture in Shanghai?
mango_salad, Apr 28th, 2010
what the fuck man just bcoz they dont kiss the gov's ass?!this is fucked up. shelter is the last club shanghai needs to shut down.
fukin babyrichfacey discriminat bastidards deserve it more!
man. fukin Bollox.
Andy Best, Apr 30th, 2010
Seriously, The Shelter and Yuyintang et al get f*cked with because they are seen as culturally independent and therefor subversive.They raid YYT and take the desk because of overcrowding on a night where's there's 50 people inside, and quote a 100 people limit. They raid the Shelter as part of raids on illegal bars when the papers are in order.
Also, badly organised, overcrowded and borderline dangerous ??? ..go shut down the Expo site itself.
Karibdis, May 2nd, 2010
I'm not that surprised - this sort of lame bs is exactly what one can expect from the idiots in charge during the Expo. Is it only alternative venues which have been shut?Mysh, Apr 30th, 2010
That's right, whatever with Thierry not in the place, this place will goes down soon, the manager really play the sneaky part, it's a shame...i will boycott the place as welljjx, Apr 30th, 2010
Wonder how other ppl find Expo hotline's working?? Are they being helpful to the questions that you requested?? Not to my previous two experience tho...shanghai_rocks, May 15th, 2010
Awesomeness struck. This event rocked! We were 50 feet from the stage, a fantastic experience. Yes, you can get Expo evening passes for 90 RMB. Great find, Morgan! I enjoy your dining reviews as well. If you find any other cool upcoming events at the Expo, please post them. Maybe someone from Smart Shanghai can visit the Expo and let us know what are the "can't-miss" areas to experience. Thank you and keep up the great work!phatshanghai, May 14th, 2010
smart. we tried to have franck's charcuterie next door and ferg & sons but were met with a firm "NO." how hard is it to bring some ham and cheese on a plate next door? (and make 0RMB while you're at it)
Help, May 17th, 2010
i HATE you. When I read that, I thought RRRRAMMM STEIN was coming in town. hate you.Andy Best, May 20th, 2010
If his name is Data and he operates machines/has associations with 'digital' then he has to take questions about Next Gen, come on.milan j, May 26th, 2010
Oha this one will be a crazy, loud wobbling heavy bass rave! (Check out some of DTL's shows on youtube to get a little taste of what will be coming for you once he touches the decks). WOB WOB!maumau, May 27th, 2010
DTL destroyed the zoo fest in beijing last winter - can't wait to see how he treats Shanghai :D wobatthomsen, May 31st, 2010
I totally agree with you Christopher... What an opportunity! I am glad that I now have the list of the different dates and can start reserving. You seriously get all that food for between 528 and 788 RMB? that is rediculous :)disinterestedbystand, May 31st, 2010
I tried, and I want to review.... but the review section is not opened in the listing. Wrong type of listing?For the record, their bretzel are just wrong. More details if the review section is opened
disinterestedbystand, May 31st, 2010
To clarify, their bretzeln appear to be a combination of all that is bad in American hard and soft pretzels. The arms are too crunch and lack the doughy middle, the body is too soft and fluffy, and lacks the proper crust, and there is too much air in the whole thing.It's also small, by German standards, and expensive at 9RMB. The salting is scant, too.
Between the mediocre bretzeln and the Sinofied bread nasty under the cover (pizza squares, meat things, mystery pastries) I won't go back.
Ann Lynch, Jun 1st, 2010
Saw this shop at Grand Gateway but it looked brand new so I will wait a few weeks before I try - maybe they are just getting the kinks out of things.Stewie Griffin, Jun 2nd, 2010
you think some disco/techno producer dug him up? how about he got back to dance music with max durante and then with kiko and the hacker?FYI he wasn't buried, just went back to not doing dance music...
hey look it is all in there :
http://www.robotnick.it/
psinology, Jun 3rd, 2010
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNv9FIU6un4this tune is awesome.
well done mao, wicked booking!
chinaman, Jun 8th, 2010
I thought it was downright disturbing. Wouldn't publicize that if I were you.disinterestedbystand, Jun 8th, 2010
French football? Maybe. But that review was gold- and remarkably perceptive.angy69, Jun 11th, 2010
very enhancing...wow. it probably sucked so badly, not a very good example to say to people "better city, better life"...go to the expo!!awesome article..
ellen_luck, Jun 14th, 2010
The third one is in Xujiahui in the Metro Mall (aka "glass ball") on the basement floor where the food court is. Also "coming soon".gamms, Jun 22nd, 2010
Why such different views on Chef Eric Brown, Carlonseider, your comment on city weekend is very in consistent from this one?Shawn Kregan, Jul 3rd, 2010
"Dispute with landlord"? the last time i heard this was about the old M2 and we all know that happened with that situation, lets hope the same doesnt happen to SIN as it really is a fantastic location and setting they have up there on the 23rd floor above shimen yi lu! Thanks for the info! & Long Live SIN LOUNGE!sondra2141, Jul 3rd, 2010
This stroke of genius comes directly from South Beach...Skyline.... http://www.southbeach-usa.com/news/nightlife/2009/02/25/new-club-in-miami-beach-skyline/dannyman, Jul 4th, 2010
yes, in USA they have a couple themed places like this. i've been to that one in miami and one in dc. but i visited this one on julu road, and never seen the inside and outside done like this. def. smart to do this in the china market.Burn86, Jul 16th, 2010
Congratulations! Always great to see a married girl, who's financial independent and cool-smart having a child :)cocoyinxiao, Jul 17th, 2010
Congrats Mats !!!!! Can t wait for you to be back...u must be getting tired about those brits by now !!!!SamuelGreen, Jul 20th, 2010
God dammit, I've gotta go to the Expo on the 20th to show some mates around. Guess I'm payin for another ticket..alotofit, Jul 20th, 2010
I'm only seeing a ghostrider sequel if a christopher nolan level talent is directing it. That first one was for 9 year olds.morgan, Jul 20th, 2010
Apparently, it's the dudes who gaffed on Jonah Hex, which doesn't bode well....morgan, Aug 3rd, 2010
Yeah, what a stretch it is to call a band that played with Joey Ramone -- and actually did some shows as a fucking Ramones cover band -- "punks"....high_touch, Aug 3rd, 2010
"Japanese three-piece arty punks." Is that to move tickets? Shonen Knife is an Alt-Rock/Pop band in the absolute purest, most wonderful sense of the word. To refer to them as "arty punks" is a bit disingenuous.high_touch, Aug 3rd, 2010
I guess you are the authority because you said "fucking." Very arty punk of you.morgan, Aug 4th, 2010
Yeah, it's a word in the absolute fucking purest, most fucking wonderful sense of the fucking word.Le Boo, Jul 21st, 2010
Just returned it was WONDERFULLY delicious-a big surprise.You are missing one of Shanghai's BEST dining experiences this week.
The most frequent comment from the other tables was "MMMMM".
And few people are there for such a treat-this week it's Shanghai's undiscovered dining gem!
P.S. your phone number seems to be wrong try:
3867 9777 or 3867 8888
moneyinabox, Jul 21st, 2010
holyfuckholyfuckholyfuckholyfuckholyfuckholyfuckholyfuckholyfuckholyfuck YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!Andy Best, Jul 21st, 2010
Oh I was going to mention Depeche Mode myself.The revisionist thinking about synth music of the 80's is often way off. It's easy to do when you take it all out of context.I'm British and grew up in the 80s. Depeche Mode were strictly a pop band and a particularly annoying one at that. A lot of the 80's synth pop bands were rightly seen as the shallow musical extension of Thatcherite ideology.
Unfortunately for me, anything anyone does is a cultural product in some form.
OMD were bland at the time. But, by a long shot, the most offensive act that people name in this trend is the Pet Shop Boys. Ughh. When I first heard "Rent" debut on Top of the Pops, I wanted to get on the train to London and start a bombing campaign.
I have nostalgic love for a bunch of those acts, Marc Almond, Duran Duran and even Adam and the Ants. But at the time electronic pop's meaning was heavily linked to the politics of 80's society. I guess Stock, Aitken and Waterman were the bottom of the barrel.
Joy Division are 100% legit, I suppose. But real 80's Brit bands = Echo and the Bunnymen, The Smiths etc ... Depeche Mode were a joke by comparison.
Nonoman, Jul 23rd, 2010
Hi. I saw him at Gamebling a few months ago, honestly it was pretty lame.. I mean it was more like a comedy, not what i expected.And if you have never been to 88 jiuba (WTF!?!) don't wait Aug 20 to go there! :)
Der, Jul 29th, 2010
I went to the new location two weeks ago. Basically the same restaurant, same cauliflower pot; new name, new minimalist decor. Check it out！akast, Jul 29th, 2010
Second time it's moved - it was on Jian Guo Xi, near Shanxi Nan Lu before. Only in Shanghai - packed, thriving restaurant and then ... closed!flyswatter, Jul 30th, 2010
NoooooooooooooOOOOOOOOOooooooooooooooOOOOOOO!That Lotus place better do the cauliflower, the fries and the pig's trotters or there'll be trouble
santochino, Jul 30th, 2010
Called them again today. They say they have the cauliflower and pig trotters, but no more fries. Contrary to yesterday, today they say the chef is the same. Only one way to find out...Shawn Kregan, Aug 13th, 2010
Shanghai nightmare was pretty good last year, although a bit short,its excellent to see that they have extended the spook time by almost double. I have my holy water,crucifix and a spare pair of underwear ready on stand by just in case:)disinterestedbystand, Aug 16th, 2010
Always the leases... dreadful, really. Nobody can hold a lease for any length of time- is that a reflection on the property market, cowboy business, or a combination of both?friedrice4u, Aug 21st, 2010
Shanghai Nightmare pays all its employees. You must be mistaking it for someone else.SlumDonuts, Aug 21st, 2010
wow, i must be way off then, cause i clearly remember having a conversation with a good friend who made such claims, if Im wrong, i apologize, if im not, sucks for you.flyswatter, Aug 24th, 2010
Top Floor Circus are going to be in Yunnan at the Snow Mountain Festival near Lijiang and I guess Cold Fairyland will be mixed up with the JZ thing. Doubt the others are that busy though. What's with these Beijingers hatin' on our bands all the time?Azchael, Aug 24th, 2010
@Morgan: without saying too much, there are a couple of surprises still to be announced, with one of them nearly killing me to not being able to speak about it now ... wait and see!flyswatter, Aug 25th, 2010
I hear a certain British dance duo might be in the mix (not the Chemical Brothers)Azchael, Sep 2nd, 2010
The major bands are released, a surprise for those that love metal: http://rockinchina.wordpress.com/2010/09/01/zhenjiang-midi-2010-headliner-confirmed-soulfly-shadows-fall-loudness-finntroll/Azchael, Sep 2nd, 2010
@Morgan: Finally I can announce it: Soulfly and Shadows Fall are both confirmed for the Zhenjiang Midi 2010 festival!goldoni, Aug 27th, 2010
What's this hacker guy trying to do? Run his own bar from outside the country?disinterestedbystand, Aug 26th, 2010
Woe, woe is me... I suspect I was their only dedicated customer.Der, Aug 26th, 2010
I don't see the Taikang lu comparison (Taikang lu isn't lucky enough to have a Korean supermarket!), but, anyway, Dianping got it right this time. A rice burger sounds like it might be good, but RB108, atleast, isn't doing a good job of it. The "burger" comes to you with two rice buns, kind of like two round, flattend yaki-onigiri, with chopped pork between them. The second you try to pick up the "burger", though, the rice bun falls apart, and what you are left with is fried pork with rice.santochino, Aug 26th, 2010
Seems a common problem:http://justbento.com/handbook/recipe-collection-mains/kinpira-rice-burger-and-how-keep-rice-bun-together
raph852, Aug 30th, 2010
thanks for all the great reviews and the honest no-holds-bar reports. Will miss your frank approach to Shanghai's F&B scene.Treamer, Aug 30th, 2010
Your commentary on the Shanghai food scene was always as enlightening as it was entertaining. You are leaving a big hole to fill. Best wishes for your next venture. Mdjsexypaul, Aug 30th, 2010
first question. where you going too ?congrats Chris, although i did hear over a month agi that you were leaving so knew it was imminent. Morgans going to have to start eating out a lot more now to cover your work. great job and good luck
carlonseider, Aug 30th, 2010
No way! You're without a doubt the best food writer in Shanghai. You'll be missed.XIR TMAI, Aug 30th, 2010
maybe growing the hair out wasn't such a hot idea.thank you for the entertaining reads. I often wonder if you are the only one actually working at smsh.
djsexypaul, Aug 30th, 2010
I AM TRIX .....Tut Tut Tut. I think Morgan and Hien do an excellent job, Bang goes your listings and posts from now on. By the way. your Mom says "Hi"djsexypaul, Sep 6th, 2010
I hope PatrickSeanLee wins next week as that seems to spend all his waking hours drinking and eating and probably needs a night inMeiG, Sep 7th, 2010
arcade fire and beach house are also on tour....would be great if they could stop by....keen on dreaming....lawrence, Sep 10th, 2010
Crap weather? A pussy cat told me its because Carsten went on a 10 day "vacation" at a top Chinese establishment.Sucks, as I just bought 5kg of beef for tomorrow, oh well, Chilli for the next 3 weeks I guess.
djsexypaul, Sep 11th, 2010
shouldnr listen to gossip Lawrence. It pissed down today thats why it was cancelled nothing to do with carsten and its not 10 days its 7 that he gotchinaman, Sep 13th, 2010
i heard it wasn't cuz of the rain, it was cuz DJ Sexypaul made a bomb threat....hadjsexypaul, Sep 13th, 2010
no...thats next saturday, but its going to rain again too then so not botheredDonDjogo, Sep 15th, 2010
Are sure Detektivbyran is tentatively confirmed? I think the band stopped playing as Detektivbyran...ferret, Sep 14th, 2010
Speaking of "wistful" recollections, where is "I Spit On Your Grave - Part II"?The people want to know when the next installment of snark will be coming out...
flyswatter, Sep 16th, 2010
The Mushrooms are at Midi as well I think, though they're playing one of the smaller stages early in the day - not the slot they should havemorgan, Sep 16th, 2010
Ah right on. Didn't see them on the line-up. Shitty about the shitty slot, alas...
shanghaiadventure, Sep 27th, 2010
Super pumped for this meal, 788 RMB is a freakin' steal for this kind of talent. I hope its doesn't end up like all things shanghai and disappoint.Andy Best, Oct 19th, 2010
As someone who grew up in Wirral, Merseyside let me say with authority that there were three truly great bands to come directly from there back in my day. By the way, none of them are shallow 80's pop bands:1) Half Man Half Biscuit
2) Napalm Death
3) Carcass
Best commercial sounding scouse band - Space
Shaboom, Oct 23rd, 2010
Where do they come up with these rating systems?.Wait I forgot, beat matching House is hard work!
scamp, Oct 25th, 2010
great DJs in the world's most dance-inhibiting club are like Lions displayed in a concrete pen. You'll have an infinately better experience if you hear them in their natural habitat in a club where you can actually move. Looking forward to the day that happens in shanghai.leander83, Oct 20th, 2010
boo urns.. guess we know where everyone will be partying for the next ten days...frostville, Oct 20th, 2010
If the article today in Shanghai Daily is any indicator it seems Shanghai Studio is also under the gun for license renewal, damn this day keeps getting worse...ferret, Oct 20th, 2010
Anyone who goes to LOgO often enough know that this day was coming: the nightly visitations the police, the drenching of the stairs nearby in a desperate attempt to prevent loitering, the continual effrontery displayed towards the bao'an trying to get people to go back into the club...It's still a shame. What's next?
Lune is nice spot, but a little too upmarket for the rough-and-tumble, English-frothing bohemian set...
C's anyone?
flyswatter, Oct 22nd, 2010
Is free booze and The Lions of Puxi really a good idea? Surely someone's going to start shouting stuff at some point right?morgan, Oct 22nd, 2010
I would imagine the only thing people would be yelling at Shanghai's finest reggae band is, "encore".Web2Asia, Oct 26th, 2010
perfect. ill bring my team along and just use the marduk gig for our official company christmas party.flyswatter, Oct 28th, 2010
I'd be looking in the direction of Surpass Court for Lomas' 'elegant little cocktail bar' if I were you...disinterestedbystand, Nov 1st, 2010
So, you will be announcing the winners for every week that passed between the last award and this? Just curious, since about 6 weeks have passed (since Sept 13) and his review was for week 3 of that period... or is "Review of the Week" just a suggestion and you're really giving out "The review of when we feel like it"How about actually accounting for each week's reviews (i.e. week of Xdate-Ydate) as you award them, so those of us who contribute actually can see that you have a structure and follow it- and so we can see that you actually ARE giving out one prize per week?
Otherwise it's particularly dodgy, even by SmSh standards.
disinterestedbystand, Nov 1st, 2010
(oh, and you left Ompifa's name in from when you C&P'd the August 23rd entry)"So, iamthecoley21, youarethewinner for your comments on My Thai @ Hiro, a Thai establishment on the banks of the Tianzifang. Your prize: Two bottles of wine and a 100rmb membership/wine machine card for you, Ompifa, courtesy of The Wine Way. Congratulations. "
SmartShanghai, Nov 1st, 2010
Well, disinterestedbystand, I'm glad you were interested enough to comment. The fact of the matter is that for those six weeks we'd been down a man, so this little weekly contest was left orphaned for a while. I just came on board last Monday and figured it made the most sense to pick up from the last time we did the contest rather than disregard all those weeks of user reviews. Henceforth, I'll be evaluating reviews on a weekly basis. So keep posting. You might win again.-Justin Fischer, Dining Editor
chinaman, Nov 2nd, 2010
Screw the reviews, lets chastise the editors here! Fischer, you're out of your element! hadjsexypaul, Nov 4th, 2010
they just checked into the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Hotel on Panyu Lu under their real namesaleaboy, Nov 4th, 2010
Wow, this kind of made me tear up! Thank you, SmartShanghai!Hey, True Color Museum has just announced a shuttle bus from Shanghai to Suzhou and back on the day of the opening (Nov. 6), contact me via http://www.benhouge.com/contact.html if you're interested, seating is quite limited!
ferret, Nov 7th, 2010
If you haven't been to the True Color Museum yet, go. It's in the middle of nowhere in Suzhou, but it's well worth the trip.It was a great show, albeit a bit rushed.
Shanghai will you miss you, Mr. Houge. Come back soon!
rob.r, Nov 5th, 2010
You left out the part about them being 50 RMB more expensive than the banh mi in Hoi-An...SimonShanghai, Nov 9th, 2010
Basic arithmetic clearly isn't someone's 39. Opps, I meant forte. Half of 260 is 130, not 180.yujunk, Nov 11th, 2010
Your zany articles are way too amazing for words!As thus, I leave you with a simple punctuation and a number:
<3
Der, Nov 10th, 2010
Does China have its own version of the Hells Angels and the Pagans? Just don't hire them as security guards for any Carsick Cars concerts!Fortunecookie127, Nov 17th, 2010
This is so disappointing. I loved Vault Bar and Thursday night martinis :(minami, Nov 18th, 2010
Looking forward to taste more of Laris' . The Bund is totally overrated anyway. Nice writing, Justin :)The Dawg, Nov 18th, 2010
Laris was available for comment !!! Well that`s a surprise. That guy loves the spot light, you need to drag him away with his finger nail marks in the pavement to get him away from a microphone. Glad its closed, one less pretentious not-needed laris creation in town, only 20 more to go !!shanghaisimon, Nov 18th, 2010
I can't say that I was a frequent customer of Laris, but I do have fond memories of the couple of times I dined there. It was a reliable, high quality go to when wanting to impress a date or celebrate a birthday. I have particularly fond memories of their Lobster Bisque and their oysters starter. As for the anti-Laris peeps, I would rather have more Laris restaurants compared with more Vargas restaurants.globaltraveller, Nov 19th, 2010
Agree with "The Dawg"Folks have had enough of over priced eateries and general pretentiousness. Not a moment too soon me thinks’, smacks of what’s happening to Gordon Ramsey, too big for ones boots or head,empires come and go.
Shawn Kregan, Dec 10th, 2010
The new site design looks awesome, but it will take me some time to get used to it, so i expect some mis clicks for the next 2 weeks.Even though the new design is clearly cooler than before, i think the old events page was better as it looked more clean, simple and user friendly with its layout, the new events page feels way more `jumbled` and cluttered.
Hey what will happen to the 2 main page banner spaces,? eg the vertical space that Mattia usually uses, and the other horizontal one nearer the bottom?
djsexypaul, Dec 8th, 2010
wheres my comment i posted yesterday ? about "Laris Look-out" a daily feature about the day to day adventures about the man they call "David" ?djsexypaul, Dec 7th, 2010
I think there should be a daily feature on Smart Shanghai named "Laris Lookout" and within this newsworthy and highly exciting feature will be a daily dose of David and all that he is up to in the dizzy fizzy world of F & B affairs in this sexy city of Shanghai. I for one will be racing to my computer every morning and right on the edge of my seat to follow the amazing and dazzling new concepts and themes from the minds and imagination of Davids marketing team (and then signed off for by him)Justin Fischer, Dec 8th, 2010
Oh, djsexypaul, turn your name into a brand and open up a restaurant or bar every other week and maybe we'll devote an entire column to you as well!djsexypaul, Dec 8th, 2010
Nice list there, I think my fave is the Globus Wine collection as they have some fine fine vintages and i can forsee me getting "soaked" with a few of their beverages turned into some DjSexyMulledWine this Xmaschinaman, Dec 9th, 2010
He's right, even a background black and white font would be better. Color is good!carlonseider, Dec 9th, 2010
Why fix it if it ain't broke? It was so much better before! Far less intuitive and user-friendly now.:(
Shawn Kregan, Dec 10th, 2010
I could imagine myself taking a piss on the DPRK wall thinking its just a normal wall and then getting shot in the head or something.lawrence, Dec 13th, 2010
Pimping my product n' all, but why no Fridge Lingo Magnets?http://www.fridgelingo.com designed and made locally in Shanghai.
They also make good stocking fillers - we now have 3 sets available.
non-sugar, Dec 14th, 2010
Chinatown chinatown chinatown, whats your love affair with them, they are in the "whats on" feature too.flyswatter, May 5th, 2011
No Mr Big now though: http://www.kungfuology.com/jakenewby/2011/05/midis-mr-big-appearance-cancel.htmldisinterestedbystand, Dec 15th, 2010
Exeunt. Not 'exuant'- unless you really meant the third-person plural present active subjunctive of the Latin verb exuō, instead of the third-person plural present active indicative of the Latin verb exire, or its more common usage as a stage direction for "they leave". You guys have more misspelled and ungrammatical headers than the People's Daily- and it isn't as funny because you should know better.non-sugar, Dec 15th, 2010
we would rather have the Laris crap every week. Chinatown is boring and still full of its own self importance and by having friends at "thats shanghai" will not make it any more succesfulSHANGHAI CHINATOWN, Dec 15th, 2010
Content and Features in any media are the results of press releases, developing a marketing strategy for your event and building a relationship with the media. If the media have content they can work with and is of interest - they publish it. Friends of our's work in all manner of industries in Shanghai, i dont believe we should have to curtail or not build a relationship with them if they happen to be in the Media?Nobody in this world is perfect but we or any other venue certainly don't deserve to be verbally degraded. Personal choice is a part of the human condition.There is enough choice in Shanghai for all types of music/food/clubs and entertainment for us all, why do you bother degrading other people or business's?
Non - Sugar Contact Me if you would like to come down to Chinatown and be our guest and see our new show and international guest artists and hopefully we wont BORE you with our hospitality.
And by the way David Laris is a talented and succesful restauranter in Shanghai - the use of the word crap is quite honestly disrespectful.
urgent, Dec 15th, 2010
Lady Killer poster! I respect you didn't choose it cause mr. smart designer did it, but it was super dope!Asdas, Dec 16th, 2010
Please note that not one of the "hyped" venues like M2, BR, Mint or such, even made it on the list.Then you'll know from where the creativity and innovation of this city comes from.
See you on the worst flyers list.
funkatudinal, Dec 16th, 2010
Please bring us the worst flyers. It's the highlight of my Festivus season.djsexypaul, Dec 16th, 2010
Kelly best dinner was at home with Crabs and a date (haha)Hilary`s best dinner was at home with some Dates and s Crab
coincidenece ?
methinks not !!
Stewie Griffin, Dec 17th, 2010
i have to say ask matsume is the only sex column i have ever read. she talks to the girl in me. :)Didjelirium, Dec 17th, 2010
Maaaan... I'm sure this list could be longer. Actually, Morgan, that list SHOULD be longer and i'm sure you kept a few flyers to tuck your pillow with knowing you're sleeping on humiliation and shamefulness !That's bad ! Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad !!
Didjelirium, Dec 17th, 2010
Do you have the address of the Russian models prison ? I have a few ideas for flyers and personal work actually, so i'd like to check out the place and see what goods are available. Also Morgan, could i borrow your access card for a couple of days ?omgceci, Dec 17th, 2010
Rob Hood at the Shelter was a really fantastic show. Made me feel like I was 14 and back in Detroit, minus most of the debauchery and all that riot squad unpleasantness. Good choice of venue as well. Last thing I want when I'm enjoying a set is to be pestered by some man in a shiny shirt with lasers telling me he's from "Italia"... I'm looking at you, basically every other Shanghai venue.Stewie Griffin, Dec 17th, 2010
DJs? you mean these guys who spend endless hours debating about weither or not playing with computers is an art form and should be considered "real Deejaying"?OMG they are so annoying i wanna buy them a drum machine just to see them sweat trying to make music for once...
i would love to talk more shit about these morons, but i gotta go dj.
Archie Rice, Dec 19th, 2010
Definitions of Snowballing on the Web:Snowballing, semen swapping, or spermutation is the human sexual practice in which one partner takes into their mouth the semen of another person, and then 'swaps' or passes it to the mouth of another, usually through kissing.
milan j, Dec 19th, 2010
Personally the Sub Culture team has the dopest Fliers! Always looking forward for the next ones!carlonseider, Dec 21st, 2010
Was there really any need to hate on an animal charity? Seriously? That's like laughing at cancer or something. Poor form, SmSh.alevasquez72, Dec 21st, 2010
Sometimes it is good to be politically correct ... I personally do not like when people make fun of animal charities or art activities (such as the one of the philharmonic orchestra). THOSE ARE BIG NO-NOs!JosephineW, Dec 21st, 2010
making fun of an animal charity? you should be truly ashamed..EXTREMELY BAD TASTE and not at all funnyalevasquez72, Dec 21st, 2010
Jaiya's Animal Rescue (JAR) is a charity ... as such does not have professional photographers, publicists, designers, etc.JAR does what it can with the resources and volunteers available ... it is a "non-profit" animal rescue group!!!
How somebody can laugh of the JAR flyer??? The end of the year should be marked with a happy and positive attitude towards the good things in life. Even if the flyer is not the best one, certainly it is not the worst ... and to mock a charity is "at least" regrettable.
JosephineW, Dec 21st, 2010
I agree totally with the above- the 'writer' of this list has reached an all time low in my opinion and I believe many others would think the same!!!Shame on you for dissing people who actually try and help Shanghai be a better place .Martin V, Dec 21st, 2010
You know Morgan ... I enjoy the funny stuff, but to make fun of a charity??? That is NOT COOL man!!!mattiavisconti1, Dec 21st, 2010
happy to be listed with at least one flyer every year in the past 3 years.... I hosted more than 20 events in 2010, so It's a good average.. In 2008 I had 4 flyers in this list! ahahahCaspperXX2, Dec 22nd, 2010
i like the new site....good handling.the iphone app though is...functional at best.
Why is SO much information still outdated (try waldorf astoria for starters)
Room for improvement guys....but keep up the good work !
Andy Best, Dec 23rd, 2010
Oh, shit i'm in the Smart Shanghai Flyers round up - I can retire, it's the holy grail of z-list net celebrity here ... best or worst will do.Nice.
By the way, I'm 100% serious, this rules.
johnotoole, Dec 23rd, 2010
Short answer: Mina Salad at Goga. I think I've had that dish 5 times now. Never gets old.Long Answer: Kind of a toss-up, early last year I had family and friends in town and I took them to Vargas Grill. Eric made an absolute feast of a meal for us, personally, and the company was excellent. It was just a good night of great food, drink, and people, and it's tough to match something like that kind of revelry. I also had a great experience at El Patio (I wrote a review) which was more a more intimate date, but again, the food was superb, and it matched to atmosphere perfectly. Two cases where everything about the meal came together really well.
viviangu, Dec 24th, 2010
Man, you must have had your head stuck into the flushing toilet when you wrote it..... and you probably ate some shit to puke out so much shit from your mouth...sorry for man..I think you need treatment..Martin V, Dec 24th, 2010
Hey! To tell the truth about a bad journalist does not need treatment ... the truth is the truth!To make fun of commercial parties "could" be ok, but to make fun of charities and art is just plain sh*t!
Martin V, Dec 24th, 2010
Actually ... maybe what is missing here is a post done by the author of this list. It is never late to apologize for being a dumbass!Martin V, Dec 24th, 2010
WTF! A penis and a dead worst are "the best" and the flyer of a charity is "the worst"???I guess Morgan got the lists confused!
CaspperXX2, Dec 29th, 2010
So..i run 3.13. on my phona and made the mistake to upgrade to the NEW SMSH ipa...(erasing the old...) and apparently the NEW one does NOT work with the version number i am running. S can you PLEASE send me the OLD IPA?Cheers
Shawn Kregan, Jan 4th, 2011
Milan J,.. has great passion for music and very persistent.Each time i hear him he improves over the last time.
Shawn Kregan, Jan 4th, 2011
Tang Hui`s " Alcoholy" LOL i mean seriously what a scribble job of a flyer , I could probably do a better one by lodging a pen in my butt and squat guiding it around the paper.I`s sure the Lord o Mighty sitting in his heavenly throne will be wondering what the connection is between alcohol and all things Holy until he looks down to the right and notices his half empty bottle of Grey Goose, no wonder my prayers are never answered! :)
Trashcat, Jan 5th, 2011
you're so cruel morgan... waahh wahhhh how could you wahh wahhhh waaahhh off limitssss.... shamey shame shame shamington shameroo... PUKE on you bastards!Andy Best, Jan 11th, 2011
I just saw all these comments. I'm an animal lover and was responsible for the PETA flyer and event in the other list, but come on get some humour.This is not being down on a charity, it's just a bunch of readers/friends riffing on some flyers, it doesn't affect the charity at all and no one will read this and suddenly change their mind and be down on animals.
Getting in the worst list is an honour in my view.
troyce key, Jan 14th, 2011
Simply, it is not what it used to be. When I first started to dine at Guyi 8 years ago long before the reviews, one could get a very competent meal and service for two for about 110rmb, which was a formidable price in those years. I just went recently and ate for 375rmb and I walked out hungry and disappointed. I won't be returning any time soon.Justin Fischer, Jan 14th, 2011
troyce key, totally agree. If you can get in before the crowds, it's not too bad. No longer worth the wait anymore, though. Really is a shame.rob.r, Jan 14th, 2011
Given that Di Shui Dong's ribs lately haven't been any better than what you describe here what would make this article *really* useful is giving any alternative suggestions for where to go eat good Hunan...Justin Fischer, Jan 14th, 2011
Solid, carlonseider. Thanks. We're looking for intern copy editors. Care to sign on? :)Der, Jan 14th, 2011
One needn't travel to the furthest reaches of the city for an authentic Hunan meal in a grubby location; just walk two blocks west to Wulumiqi Road and head to Hunan Xiangcun Fengwei. The restaurant is much more consistent and much cheaper, with the added bonus of being able to eat under the watchful eye of the Chairman himself, a Hunan native!Justin Fischer, Jan 14th, 2011
Der, that is an excellent suggestion. One of my favorites around town. If any other readers are interested, here is the listing. http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/5357/Hunan_Xiangcun_Fengweithirdwavehk, Jan 16th, 2011
Ha. DJs are over-rated. I don't go to parties to be with DJs. I go to be with people who dance. DJs are so 90's.Try something new, think about who you enjoy going out to dance with...
Having said that...
GRAND MASTER FLASH - the only DJ that let me slam dance, cuz he dropped punk rock in Club MAO. Talent & track selection - haa hah!
I know I know, ya'll think you're hard cuz U droppin' names. "DJ Premier this DJ Premier that..." Did you hear how he treated Guru? Please try to think this over clearly.
Take it from a dancers point of view. All sorts of people can make great music.
Heck why even dance to DJed music? Why not dance with live bands? OMG what a concept?!
Heck, go dance salsa. Shanghai got people dancing salsa EVERY SINGLE DAY of the week...
Hopeless... 'Best DJs'... totally hopeless. Try making a 'Best Dancers' list...
You all failed.
MarcN., Jan 18th, 2011
Hmm... Spray painting the walls of Lune? It's actually pretty cool as it is right now.Justin Fischer, Jan 18th, 2011
We're going with the direct transliteration from Hanzi on this one. 阿=A, 斯=Si, 曼=Man. Besides, would you at at a restaurant called Ass Man?Justin Fischer, Jan 18th, 2011
I'm sure it's pronounced differently in Uyghur, too. However, my Mandarin skills are more proficient than my Uyghur skills. So in this case, I err on the side of caution and go with the pronounciation that I more immediately recognize from the signage -- the Mandarin.Greg Edwards, Jan 18th, 2011
ZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Is there nothing else to write about this week than the over priced snoozeville of punchline comedy club. Rmb350 my ass now that`s a jokehelena ma, Jan 18th, 2011
Those are really functional tips at their best! It's good to know that there are still such whole-hearted people as the author who care about the well being of others. Thank you Viola!robjamdj, Jan 19th, 2011
Heattech is absolute bollocks, the toilet warmer works though, ive had no issues there.Justin Fischer, Jan 19th, 2011
Very astute, scottyg. That is correct. Hamish just called me to tell me as much.... After I spent the better part of an afternoon wandering through all the longtangs near that intersection.MarcN., Jan 21st, 2011
Sounds really delicious. I would try it. But it is quite pricy even with the 680rmb deal. Well it just opened. We will see. :)Karibdis, Jan 21st, 2011
The full listing says no cards excepted - are diners really expected to turn up to this "elegant glass box" with a huge wodge of dirty 100-kuai bills?Justin Fischer, Jan 21st, 2011
Karibdis,How long have you been in China? People buy cars and make down payments on homes with cash here. Paying with "a huge wodge of dirty 100-kuai bills" isn't regarded as an unreasonable proposition anywhere in this country. The place only opened a few weeks ago. Newly-opened restaurants in Shanghai seldom accept cards or issue fapiao. When I went, this, indeed, was the case. However, I just called them to see if the situation has changed and it has. They now accept domestic cards. They indicated that they won't be accepting international cards until next year. I've edited the listing accordingly.
Crumpets, Jan 21st, 2011
Excellent roundup and photos! Very thorough. I think the only thing I'd add is stuff up the holes around your home/work. Look wherever pipes are going into or out of rooms, around window frames, and under doors, sometimes even in cupboards (where sloppy workers hide such mistakes).We spent a lot of RMBs pumping heat in, but that's only half the battle.
You know, the typical two-inch gap circling the fan exhaust pipe from your stove? Yeah. Fill that up with automotive spray foam.
cks7848, Jan 22nd, 2011
hahah yeah tenya at huashan road still only accept cash, n they let u know when u make a booking n apologise like a mad man as well.Justin Fischer, Jan 26th, 2011
Incidentally, I went to Fulton Place last night to check it out. It was my first time trying haggis and I must say it was absolutely delicious. Very hearty (no pun intended). Folks, do not ever be afraid of this delicacy. If it was served on your plate and no one told you what it was, you'd absolutely love it.djsexypaul, Jan 28th, 2011
Jesus H. Urban 18 didnt last long did it ? Oh well it proves that even Laris has big failures too. Latitude, we could all see that coming ages off. Last Oct Ex Manager Alan Fulton said it would close at the beginning of 2011. He was right.Justin Fischer, Jan 28th, 2011
To be fair, djsexypaul, Laris owns Urban 18 about as much as I own SmartShanghai. He works for them as a consultant. They hired him to design a menu and train their kitchen staff and that's it.Andy Best, Jan 29th, 2011
I went up a little before the Expo started, it was good. Although my thoughts on the climb were a bit different. A few steps and then it gets flatter as you go, like it's being nice to you.xiaotiqin, Jan 29th, 2011
I wld like to go - anyone want to get together to do it this week if it's open? I mean, it might be closed part of the time for the holiday.
djsexypaul, Jan 30th, 2011
ok sorry Justin. I digress. Proves even his menu`s and training has failures too thenShanghaimagic, Jan 30th, 2011
Sounds like a publicity stunt to me..did anyone ever confirm with the "landlord" that this in fact was going to happen?Shawn Kregan, Jan 30th, 2011
LOL `no smoking`` it has to be the most ideal place for lighting a fag in the whole city what with all that wind to low the fumes away, gotta love Shanghai, they allow you to smoke in elevators and closed spaces but not on top of open air bridges:)Shanghaimagic, Jan 31st, 2011
The possibility of failing is extremely high in the restaurant, bar and nightclub business even if everything is done right. Sometimes so-called good ideas just don't catch on with the general public. Then after getting over the first hurdle to keep things lively and well maintained is another area where once popular venues lose their loyal customers. To all owners: Beware of the buyer - don't take them for granted because your days are numbered if you do.theymightbedavis, Jan 31st, 2011
sunnrisey, do you do international style latin/ballroom?check out http://www.sbdas.com/ - it's a dancesport school, you might have to use Google Translate though.
bestlove, Feb 1st, 2011
Yep, Shanghai has gotten a lot colder recently, and one had to up one's game 3 levels or have a lot more cash coming in to stay warm in the bedroom. Tuff times! I had to go for plan B: fill a 1,5l water bottle with hot water to snuggle under the blankets...MikeH84, Feb 4th, 2011
i remember when this bridge was only 38rmb to climb. Done this bridge 6 times during my time here, better place to take visitors than the Lujiazui scene.
shangerd, Feb 10th, 2011
i enjoyed it back in the day when it overlooked the rusted out shipyard. i found the suicide prevention guard who accompanied us fairly annoying. overall, it was a better than 马马虎虎。Shawn Kregan, Feb 10th, 2011
Valentines day has became too commercial, used to be more about the heart but for sure the wallet or master-card comes out on top now.In my opinion i think Barbarossa is a great place for a valentines day dinner, being by the lake,inside a lush tree filled park with moonlight shining down cant get much better than that, the ambient lighting inside only adds to the romantic vibe.
My girlfriend is already asking what her gift will be for lovers day but i beg the question, is a gift really a gift is people are expecting waiting and asking for it?......
Treamer, Feb 11th, 2011
It's No Good that they are only playing in Beijing, Useless. But Everything Counts when it come to getting any great UK artists over here, so no Condemnation from me and it's just A Question of Time before they are back Behind The Wheel and heading to Shanghai. You can always listen In Your Room, it's A Pain That I'm Used To.Cheesetony, Feb 12th, 2011
Am I mistaken, or do I remember the actual schedule of events coming out sooner than this in years past? I'm waiting anxiously to buy my tickets.willow, Feb 16th, 2011
Nice, many people in the scene here already miss JP and DAMN RIGHT Shanghai has a good jazz scene, like a beautiful pearl in the muck of an epidemic of BOOM BOOM BOOM techno DJ clubsmorgan, Feb 17th, 2011
typos yes... sorry about that. was tired at the end of the day and scrambling to put this on...yeah, I heard Mono were going to be playing some festivals as well. That would be a sight to see -- that band playing to thousands and thousands of people.
morgan, Feb 17th, 2011
From above there's this: "X-Large Shoes, which is really rather appropriate, because that's exactly what they sell -- up to a size 46 (!!) for women and 49 for men."But maybe we can convince casey to go back out and look for more shoes specifically for men...
flyswatter, Feb 17th, 2011
Yeah it would be a sight alright. Well, y'know, for like four or five songs. Even with a big crowd, after a while you'd still want someone to singmrgn3476, Feb 17th, 2011
i hear chris brantley will be hosting it... how in the world did they land him?djsexypaul, Feb 17th, 2011
And a brand new Ladies night at Malone`s Thumb Plaza entitled "Lipstick" with free unlimited drinks of all kinds for all ladies, plus house band djs, giveaways all wrapped up in a sesame seed bun every thursday at Malone`s Thumb Plaza from 9pm.djsexypaul, Feb 17th, 2011
I hope the next Malone`s Comedy gets a little write up like this one and Punchline dobluemaurino, Feb 18th, 2011
I'm a private chef working in Shanghai with some experiences in michelin star restaurant too..Average prices are around 250 each!! www.soundinner.comrobjamdj, Feb 18th, 2011
Interesting article, new angle, lets see some more SMSH investigative journalism...next time push the boat out a bit more... bit more naming & shaming on the landlord front.moneyinabox, Feb 18th, 2011
How can we dance when our earth is turning,How do we sleep while our beds are burning?
Crazy story. Glad Nicholas lived to share the tale!
djsexypaul, Feb 18th, 2011
I think the best part is that the local guy held his hand up and said "yep, twas me" and put his other hand in his pocket and paid for everyones stuff. Its stories like that that reaffirm to me that not everyone is a complete cnutKaribdis, Feb 18th, 2011
"the landlord is now remodelling the place and making everything new, so now the rent will go up" - and my estimation of Shanghai landlords drops even lower - if that's possible...What are the chances of this remodelling including windows of sufficient quality and thickness not to be broken by a firework?
carlonseider, Feb 18th, 2011
Poor neighbour having to stump up. I mean, accidents happen, but it doesn't seem right that he has to pay 100k rmb.
NicolasBalcazar, Feb 19th, 2011
I want to thank all of my friends and people that supported me with their help! THANK YOU! And also Morgan for getting this out there :)If you want to contact me or follow more of my photography works, this is it: http://nicolasberlin.tumblr.com
Best wishes! Nicolas
MirrorMirror, Feb 20th, 2011
I agree with carlonseider, it's a bit crap the neighbor has to pay over 100K RMB!! It was an accident!Any one know what would happen if the neighbor didn't have that cash or hadn't made himself known? Who would pay????
Krusty, Feb 20th, 2011
There's a good online source for men's large size shoes, incl. name brand exports, daftshopping dotcom. They were helpful when my size 46 Ecco loafers were actually too big, they sent over the next two sizes down and let me choose which fit best. They also sell clothing incl big/tall but I have only bought shoes so far.adey, Feb 21st, 2011
umm...you sure the Subs are playing at YYT?....their Douban has Mao Live listed...tisk, tisk....Morgan, maybe we shouldn't be so hasty in writing up these little blogs whilst still under the influence of various narcoticsDJ_SynRG, Feb 21st, 2011
If someone burned down your house i don't think you would think it's "crap" that he has to pay you for damages. If anything kudos goes to the neighbor for doing the right thing; I don't feel sorry for him at all. Also judging by those pictures he needs the entire place re-done, for a 3 bedroom apartment 100k is just barely gonna cover it.I once had the apartment 2 floors up burst a pipe and the water leaked through the apartment above me and into my apartment. I couldn't even get the bitch to buy me a new bathroom ceiling because "she didn't think it was necessary". In the end it wasn't worth the fight, b/c we were talking 1000 rmb not even. But it was really frustrating and annoying that she would not take responsibility for it.
seoul4seattle, Feb 21st, 2011
holyyyyy! I live in this same complex! building one so right next door to me....sorry about your apartment man....so chinese by the way for them to raise the rent after a FIRE!? wtf. oh well......T.I.C ;)
sumoedo, Feb 22nd, 2011
Azul is still open for 5-6 more months. We changed the menu, painted the walls, change the music and we made it a little bit the feeling of the new concept "cafe con leche" will be. A peruvian bistro with great sandwiches and unexpensive food. We still having our famous brunches on weekends but with fresh juices, tropical fruit smoothies and fresh home made tarts for desserts.See you there..eduardo
chen179, Feb 25th, 2011
yakiniku is japanese bbq not korean... you can also tell by the sauce and the meatquietAmerican, Feb 26th, 2011
Seems like a really nice and balanced guy, it's a shame that he's signed on for 4 years of purgatory in Orchard Park. that stadium is a dump, and since ralph wilson is some machine from the future that will never die, toronto won't be poaching the bills anytime soon.I wish Mr. Wang well, but I really can't ever see the nfl catching on here. Without any lucrative tv contracts & surrounding media hype here it would probably only take one Dave Duerson piece to go viral and take down nfl china's house of cards. I just can't see enough Chinese parents gambling with their children's grey matter when there are so many sports to chooser from.
dimwhittington, Feb 27th, 2011
most this review could be used to describe pretty much any restaurant targeting ex pats in shanghai.Justin Fischer, Feb 28th, 2011
Casey, you didn't happen to find the Ark of the Covenant while you were there, did you?djsexypaul, Mar 1st, 2011
and thanks to DjSexyPaul for his review of a brand new venue that wasn`t Fulton Place , Xibo,Laris, Eduardo,etc etcpsinology, Mar 1st, 2011
They stopped being good about a decade ago; went to their show at VIP a few years back, left after 5 minutes. Their psy-metal craptacular show to a screaming teenage crowd is a far cry from their proper psytrance roots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gathering_(Infected_Mushroom_album))Then again I may just be getting old...
morgan, Mar 1st, 2011
Apparently, the new one features the guest vox of Jonathan Davis, he of Korn fame.Nu metal + psy-trance = ...
flyswatter, Mar 1st, 2011
That Strawberry link is for the Beijing one, this is the Suzhou/Wujiang one: http://www.douban.com/event/13479252/grey, Mar 2nd, 2011
Should also mention that in Nanjing there is also a festival in the works for that weekend...psinology, Mar 2nd, 2011
how the mighty have fallen...then again i guess Korn wasn't that good in the first place...cool video fro freak on a leash tho...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K27d7Ut5bXomorgan, Mar 2nd, 2011
Yep, for sure. Nanjing is host to a music festival of their own, running from April 30 - May 2. They're building off the one they threw last year, which saw Shanghai represented by The Fever Machine, along with as bunch of other solid Chinese acts.We hear that this year, they're trying to throw in big foreign names with that thing, so we'll see how it turns out...
Shanghaimagic, Mar 8th, 2011
Talking about a load of people kissing Chinese ass..well, some SmartShanghai writers and readers have certainly had their share of ass-sniffing on this story.Firstly, fireworks are a hazard, plain and simple. The "it's part of their culture" argument just doesn't hold water in today's world. Guns are part of America's culture too but no sane person would say that they hold any value for keeping a peaceful society. In some parts of Europe and Africa people often shoot guns directly into the air as a sign of some sort of twisted celebration all the while not letting their pea-sized brains consider "what goes up must come done". If a child is playing with a weapon and it goes off who can reasonably say "oh well, it was an accident". Hogwash. For those of you that say guns and fireworks are totally different need to study the mechanism for the discharge of a bullet to understand that gunpowder plays a major role in it.
There are countless stories of property and personal damage that can be attributed to loathsome Chinese fireworks. They are a menace. Noisy, dangerous and hazardous to life and property. Hotels, apartment buildings etc. have been burnt to the ground because of them.
Call it like it is writers or perhaps you are afraid that some Chinese person might get their little feelings hurt because of the big, bad laowai. Grow a pair will ya?
Finally, just because something is/was part of a country's culture doesn't always justify their continuing use. The historical trash pile is full of numerous examples of dangerous and insane ideas born out of culture.
haofei, Mar 8th, 2011
totally agree with Shanghaimagic, this article just sounds like kissing Chinese ass. I would not feel sorry for the guy at all. Fireworks can be dangerous and can set things on fire = do not set it off close to a house, does not matter if you have a kid with you or not.Chinese people just have to realize that fireworks should not be set off next to houses. I just had someone blowing up a big firework next to my house and if I would have get a hold of the guy I would punch him in the face.
Grow a pair, it is okay to criticize things in China as well!
OFWGTA, Mar 8th, 2011
GOOD! Fuck'em, we don't need their commentary on the unhealthy ideal image all our women should aspire to. Give me a bitch with curves over a boney chick any day. Fuck off Mattel, eat a dick!vjbchina2010, Mar 8th, 2011
hahaha same thing happened to me, well kinda I fall asleep with a heater on a heater reflector I think its called, next thing I know I wake up on FIRE!...Awesome experience...
Sictor
Wave Manipulator, Mar 10th, 2011
Some interesting glossing over and omission of the stuff which makes up the 30% part of the man in there too. Plenty of coverage of the 70%.Justin Fischer, Mar 14th, 2011
bottledpoetry, please email us your mailing address so we can send you your prize.johnjoemac, Mar 15th, 2011
I want to support my local favorites Rainbow Danger Club, but Besnard Lakes isn't coming back to Shanghai any time soon. Tough call. F.Tama Iti, Mar 15th, 2011
I'm not sure that the MAO Livehouse's guest list is so much "VIP-only" as a selection of reluctant "industry bigwigs" press-ganged into it by Lisa Movius...Pinball Lizard, Mar 16th, 2011
Korean boy band bomber jackets compulsory Spring wear for gig goers.Email editor (at) smsh (dot) com for a style assessment and general heads up where to buy.
Andy Best, Mar 29th, 2011
if they can say that location is 'noise complaints' they can pretty much say anything.clb, Mar 30th, 2011
Just had a few items delivered to the office. Good quality (for delivery). Would be great to see simpler rolls on the menu - bring on the California Roll!undergroundstatus, Mar 20th, 2011
Also had a sneak preview of Char last week and the views, general ambience and food itself were impressive. The sauces accompanying the steaks were quality affairs and the steak itself was fantastic. Sides and a salad accompaniment also matched in effort and delivery. Its a good option for the Bund and should give some of the more famous and more 'tired' locations a run for their value for money. Wine list needs a bit of work though.dteeban, Mar 21st, 2011
Thanks, Morgan! Just one thing - cover charge for the Moon Tyrant show is actually 35 RMB, and 25 for students :)- Ivan
punchlines, Mar 24th, 2011
Try stonescraping if you want to experience true pain. I accidently chose the treatment once thinking it was hot stones placed on my back (the pics you see of it looks quite nice at least). Although it's hot stones on my back they didn't lie still...My massager started to grind his way down my back on both sides of the spine with the intensity of a person trying to clean burnt pots and pans with scotchbright. My back looked like someone had pinata priviliges on it, all red and purple.
chinarab, Mar 30th, 2011
I actually joined to post a review of this teahouse. My parents were in town for about 10 days in Shanghai, and I was stressing where to take them to get a good sense of Chinese tea. I wanted them to not only experience the taste of Chinese tea but also to have someone explain a bit about the tea and how to prepare it. Additionally, this all needed to happen in a quiet and peaceful environment.Therefore, it was quite fortuitous when I found this place when I was just walking around Yongjia Lu area. When we first went in, a couple was sitting down and getting tea made, but the sheer range as well as the quaint feel of the place kept us looking around for a bit until the other couple had left leaving their seats open.
We sat down and the very nice and friendly young lady offered us some tea to sample. We ended up sitting down for the best Pu'Er Tea I have had in China for better part of an hour. All the while, she explained in a very cheerful and pleasant manner how to brew the tea, its health benefits, and other interesting facts. Though she speaks good English, she was bit shy so some translation was necessary. The prices were a bit high, but for good tea, why not?
urgent, Mar 30th, 2011
Antidote line up for Nanjing INt'l Music Festival, DJ Stage, April 30-May 2(*not sure exact dates and time slots yet)
AM444 [Live Set] featuring ChaCha
Caliph-8 [Live Set]
Jay.Soul
Drunk Monk
ConRank
Trix
Siesta + MC Stride
LON [Live Set]
Acid Pony + The Horses [Live Set + DJ set]
Blaise
morgan, Mar 30th, 2011
From wikipedia: "In July 2008, Lawrence told TV Guide that he is working on a new album composed mostly of ballads."Where is that shit, Joey?
Justin Fischer, Mar 30th, 2011
Agreed, clb. The virtue of sushi is in its simplicity. Their menu would do well to have a plain tuna roll or even cucumber roll, especially since it's delivery. I think eventually they'll realize that sushi topped with crab salad, sauce drizzles, or fish roe isn't going to travel well.Teun, Apr 1st, 2011
every night until Monday 28th of March? Is this meant to say coming Monday the 4th of April, or last Monday?engie24, Apr 1st, 2011
It should say Monday April 4th. Can't wait to see this guy... grrr check out that eye patchmsjulia, Apr 1st, 2011
I live right next to this joint and from my apartment I did not here a thing last Friday. There were a lot of elements given to whooping/shrieking milling on the streets however.Krusty, Apr 1st, 2011
You should be sorry to review a band that's been playing here for 3 months but now has only 3 days left in Shanghai. Wish you'd have published this in January. HOB&J sometimes has good blues acts but never seems to promote them well.msjulia, Apr 1st, 2011
GREAT interview, love it, totally going to go see him. Too bad about the spelling errors - it's Bill Monroe not Munroe.blackbettyrocks, Apr 1st, 2011
The band is Moonshine Society, not Moonshine 5. www.moonshinesociety.comChahinsc, Apr 6th, 2011
Maybe they need to look for a better location.It's a pity though, they were decent places.
Justin Fischer, Apr 6th, 2011
It's not a matter of location. They're undergoing a conceptual overhaul. Here are the details: http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/f-b-news-jogtroyce key, Apr 6th, 2011
Mr Fischer, I couldn't agree with you more. I order everything you've mentioned and everything else on their menu. Its all good. I also think its a perfect Thursday night or Sunday night place to take a date. Busy and loud. It's perfect. The only downbeat is the smoking. Its like a living ashtray there.Heatwolves, Apr 7th, 2011
"I see people here walking backwards man. I like that. "Yes...Need to see this dude.
MarcN, Apr 7th, 2011
Looking at the "older" picture of Guandi, http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/51/Guandii_shanghai, and looking to the right of the picture... If that is the dance floor, then we are in for some serious squishing!david1111, Apr 8th, 2011
It's not the right time to eat oysters after March 20th as oysters are smaller now and they are good to be treated into dry oysters after that date.georgewyndham, Apr 13th, 2011
probably it's because they don't have a licence so they can't technically chargea.fierce, Apr 13th, 2011
every year i wait for you to grab the magnum with the red wrapper. i have no idea how you pass up the crunchy cookies bits on the outside and chocolate on the inside. also, i can't believe you get for corn and pea guys again. takes a special man.basilgirl, Apr 13th, 2011
Rice pudding... lols... such a pity, it's a Shanghai staple, NOT meant as dessert.morgan, Apr 13th, 2011
I keep giving corn guy and lame pea guy a go because I'm hoping to one year like them -- a circumstance that will thereby signify spiritual growth in a willingness to embrace the different.Of course, it's not going to happen. As you can see from the earlier links, I'm still using the word "bogus".
Which is, of course, just totally bogus...
troyce key, Apr 14th, 2011
This is not like any review I've ever read before. What is the point of this? Also, to say that one needs to read Hamlet to understand this play seems preposterous. Can this rag get a real reviewer in here please?psinology, Apr 14th, 2011
Not just in Oz, Europe too. Seven years of bad sex if you don't...which begs the question, better to have no sex, or bad sex?psinology, Apr 14th, 2011
The Magnum you had - or the one pictured at least - is Belgian Chocolate, so by default awesome.And Sympathy for the devil huh...and there I thought it was just witty journalistic flair.
Swirlcore, Apr 14th, 2011
couldn't find BANANA BOY. got myself a mango bro from the same company. it let me down.yello, Apr 14th, 2011
you've got to try the green jelly boy - it looks like a green popsicle but once you've licked it, it becomes this wobbly jelly... very weird and not bad tastingKrusty, Apr 14th, 2011
Magnum is OK, but take one bite and too much of the chocolate shell cracks and falls to the ground before you get a chance to eat it.And what, no cones available in Kedi? I like me that one with the little dollop of chocolate inside the bottom to prevent drippage. Blah, Kedi are the losers that don't even refrigerate most of their drinks. Dank, room temperature refrigerators that are switched off for way too many months of the year.
I'll stick with Lawson or Family Mart or 7-11 whenever possible. Kedi is only marginally better than Buddies and Quik etc. Even some of them sporting new signage still reek of tea eggs.
Le Rob, Apr 14th, 2011
Instead of going to work in a timely manner today, I decided to rather read the 2011 Kedi-Ice-Cream Ranking. There's priorities, ya know? And instead of going to work after that, I went to Kedi to find our new friend Banana Boy. Bzzzt. Meiyou. Just that afore mentioned Mango Dude. Didn't want him tho. What a disappointment.Seriously - After winning the 2011 ranking of an intershnationally renowned online-newspaper-thing like SMSH, how can Kedi NOT stock up all of their fridges and have Banana Boy ready for legions of craving expatriates flooding into their stores...
It's just sad.
morgan, Apr 14th, 2011
Was thinking of doing only 7-11 this year. Seems like they're just beginning to really dominate the convenience store scene. They just opened two on my block.Plus they got some unique stuff in there -- pretzels? slurpees? -- and all the others are basically the same.
Except for Buddies, which is on it's own plane of existence. Fuckin Buddies, man. Just thinking about them makes my soul tired.
morgan, Apr 14th, 2011
and yeah, ill keep an eye out for green jelly boy. that sounds like good times.Swirlcore, Apr 14th, 2011
As Charlie D pointed out there is no love for Ba xi. That shit is the bomb. Some bro blogged about it too. http://www.beijingtravelbug.com/baxi-ice-cream/threetwoone, Apr 14th, 2011
The "The Most Bogus Thing Ever Conceived of By Man" IS NOT A FUCKING ICE CREAM!!!...you're supposed to steam it!
eilidhmccabe, Apr 14th, 2011
Sorry, I should clarify - you definitely don't need to ever have read Hamlet to understand the play, but as it's based on Hamlet's events and characters it's way easier to follow if you wikipedia the plot synopsis first or whateverterjia, Apr 15th, 2011
Not to be a dick but it says no sugar added right on the wrapper of Lame Pea Guy. Are you accusing them of lying? My ex-gf used to crush them shits bc she thought it was all healthy and suchGreg Edwards, Apr 15th, 2011
happy hour an all is fine but it depends on the price they set it at. If a Paulaner normal beer is Rmb95 then half price is normal bar prices anywaytheweatherman, Apr 18th, 2011
I love that guy - he used to scare the shit out of me in EXIT bar. Everytime I ordered a beer I felt like he was about to jump over the bar and eat me alive! It beats some dumbass waiter staring into space behind the bar!morgan, Apr 18th, 2011
Dad, you don't have to comment on these articles. It's alright. All my best to mum.sebastianfrith, Apr 19th, 2011
that event blew.shit music
crap people.
and a HORRID door girl who physically attacked my girlfriend for no apparent reason.
fail. fail. fail.
jginsh, Apr 20th, 2011
so i hooked a left on 2-1 and lewis saw some brothas shooting dice so i said lets do this.carlonseider, Apr 21st, 2011
Sounds kind of bleak. I hate being in places where there's no people around. I will probably give it a miss. Nature freaks me out.quietAmerican, Apr 22nd, 2011
a hippie ski bum friend of mine moved to Whistler and survived on 7-11's Big Bite combo for 10 months.(.99 hot dog & Large soda combo) All the money he saved went to mushrooms and acid. His secret was filling the hotdog box lid with chili, which he proclaimed was 'condiment-into-side-dish' just like 'water-into-wine'.theApartment, Apr 22nd, 2011
One little remark - there is entry fee after 12:30, and it is 100rmb including one standard drink.See ya'all at The Apartment!
dteeban, Apr 22nd, 2011
7-11 on Jinling Lu has had slurpees since last fall yo!Also, Cheddar Snyder's own everything.
mayuxi, Apr 23rd, 2011
Thanks for the post.Where are photos of Orthodox Church on Gaonal road? There will be two Easter services tomorrow, starting from 8am to 10am and another from 10 to 12am
tlloren, Apr 24th, 2011
It's definitely better with a bike! Occasionally I go to Chongming Island as part of my personal sound project and to offset some of my travel costs (tolls and gas), I am carpooling up to 4 people with their bikes to the island in my car. I have roof/back racks that can accommodate all the bikes. Its 80rmb but judging from the taxi costs it would actually save your money. I usually stop in obscure parts of the island that are no less beautiful than the touristy parts and its usually for around 8 hours. For more info about the project please see http://www.chongmingtapes.com. If you are interested or have any questions, please drop me an email or a message at info@bivouacrecording.com . Thanks!JohnG, Apr 26th, 2011
You also left out St. Peter's Catholic Church on Chongqing Lu next to the Sinan Mansions, but apparently people knew about it anyway as the place was packed.msjulia, Apr 26th, 2011
are you kidding frank01? I love this writer and consider going here just to meet him.phantira, Apr 27th, 2011
Thanks Justin, any other recommended restaurants in town? Last night dinner was more than great, we love it!ty_canadian, Apr 27th, 2011
nice article, have a similar one here http://peoplesbike.com/pplsen/?p=5786 . been hanging out at this space on the weekly - so nice !msjulia, Apr 28th, 2011
ahhhh, so going here! Thanks "koreanguy", just leave the garbage to us garbage pickers.princess79, Apr 28th, 2011
Your writing skills are awful. Can you express yourself fluidly instead of using the word 'shit' to describe the corn ice cream? Also, do not understand your rating for Frenchie Vienetta. When did SmartShanghai change their editorial staff to a bunch of dope smoking, idiots that confuses readers with over opulent words that do not make sense?morgan, Apr 28th, 2011
There's been no recent editorial changes. It's always been like that.*sparks huge spliff*
Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh.........*
Justin Fischer, Apr 30th, 2011
Yeah. But so convenient. I mean, I really work up an appetite shopping for Rolexes and LV bags.
LindaShanghai, May 3rd, 2011
This is my favorite place to shop in Shanghai. I wanted to keep it a secret!
silversun, May 5th, 2011
Great work, but it confirms to me that the French concession is the only area I like in Sh. Sasha's is the only place I'd be seen in of those. But then that's me. There's something a bit unsettling about a really fancy al fresco patio within sight of tall buildings that are within a stones throw of an armada of cars and bikes. It's not always enough to be in a relaxing bar/restaurant, it's nice to know the area is somewhat less chaotic too.clb, May 8th, 2011
MoLaksa should be a no go for the next few weeks, maybe months. I like things spicy. Kitchen's solution was to pour half a cup of chilli oil in to the laksa. Absolutely terrible. I don't eat chicken, but my prawn laksa (even though I was extremely clear that I eat only seafood) arrived with large gristly pieces of chicken in it.Miss it until someone else tries it out and can vouch for it.
carlonseider, May 6th, 2011
I don't get why the expat publications go all out for Mothers' Day. It's not like any of us have our moms living here.Justin Fischer, May 6th, 2011
Shanghai's foreign population isn't just a bunch of feckless twenty-somethings teaching English to fund their backpacking trips to Nepal. There are loads of families living here. You just don't see them out on Saturday night because they're busy at home taking care of their kids.hapaxjc, May 8th, 2011
Mr. Thompson's productions are always top-notch. Two Cities is a nice venue the band that night was excellent. Always inspiring, these guys are masters of their craft and they are doing something truly fresh with music in Shanghai. If only Burnett could stay in town and do more of these shows...alex, May 11th, 2011
No it's a different park. They are both in the north/east of Shanghai. Binjiang Forest Park if further north of Gongqing Forest Park where the Huangpu River flows into the Yangtze.
jjx, May 12th, 2011
Oh boy! I cant believe it i've been commenting nothing but on this article for 3 years, truly good one, hilarious and funny!!Kedi is such typical local store, i miss Shanghai so much and that whacky corn boy...:(
PS: where's ke'ah'do this year? That was my long time fav.
songstash@126.com, May 12th, 2011
how can u have a music "industry" event when there are zero major labels showing up? and claim that "virtually the entire SH music community" is involved, when half the people are foreigners who are guest speaking mainly because they speak english?irenedai, May 12th, 2011
Rice pudding is not an ice cream at all!!! It is need to be steamed before serving :)shanghai_ultra, May 12th, 2011
China is full of fake shit and event promoters are no exception. ARKA claim to be "leading with Robert Hood", when VOID pointed out politely on their facebook event post that we had introduced him to China three years ago, our post was deleted. So were some friends posts. So no choice but to go more public and point out that Arka is, like some other Beijing promoters, prone to misleading electronic music fans with endless untrue statements.These are the same guys who said on their flyer for a "warehouse party" in NYE 2010 that Shanghai had "never experienced warehouse party culture before" (obviously bollocks). Their "warehouse party" at 1933 charged 150rmb on the door to get in and had TABLE RESERVATIONS, whilst the DJ line-up was like something straight off the Bund. Yet they described taking fans "away from the mainstream and closer to the underground". They also did a "Great Wall secret party", hard to see what's secret about the great wall. And according to their website, Arka are also a modeling agency. This is about as mainstream as you can get - why not just admit you are doing commercial parties instead of pretending to be underground? There is a time and place for everything, including popular music.
Chinese electronic music fans deserve much better than to be fed this glitzy and misleading horseshit. This kind of fake information needs to stop, for the benefit of the whole scene. Hyping an event and bigging it up is a promoters job, making false claims or hi-jacking established party concepts for financial gain is not.
songstash@126.com, May 12th, 2011
no i'm pretty serious, asking foreigners where hiphop went in china makes as much sense and holds as much credibility as asking chinese people where hiphop went in NYC.morgan, May 12th, 2011
Totally. You should just skip that event.Maybe spend your time doing something more credible.
mostlyharmless, May 13th, 2011
i was wondering where these arka wankers had gone after that atrocious nye "warehouse" party and now they have finally surfaced.. We were new in Shanghai when we heard about that party from our friends living in Pudong (fair enough, what were we expecting anyway? You don't just move to New York and instantly find out about THE warehouse party to go to on nye from someone from New Jersey, but still...) 100 Yuan entry, hired dancers(wtf?!), and people wearing fur coats... thank f*** it got shut down before we vomited our disgust on the dj table.So, arka and promoters alike, please stop labeling yourselves and your boring events as "underground" or "counter-culture" etc. It's very misleading for true music lovers and rave goers who have just arrived in Shanghai. You are as USHER as it could get.
songstash@126.com, May 13th, 2011
Sure. I could have a talk with Chen Qun, who put together Hi-Bomb, China's only hiphop group to ever break into the mainstream and who gave Dana (one of the speakers) his first break when he was just a black guy who didn't know how to DJ trying to pass himself off as a DJ. I could talk to Andrew Ballen, who put together the parties that V-Nutz used to DJ at which got SH hiphop off the ground but which crashed after Andrew left. I could talk to Shou Jun Tao from last year's China Talent who is now China's highest paid MC. I could talk to Lei Chen or David Ng from Sony Music since they've worked with SH's hottest rap artists. List goes on, my point being foreigners know only hiphop within the context of their little foreigner bubble. And you are ill-informed to think that these panelists are relevant.Yossarian13, May 16th, 2011
Morgan Short - I worship the ground that you threw Corn Guy on, spat out Rice Pudding evil and barfed "Real Food Guy". Why havent they given you the pulitzer or man booker or whatever yet? Life of Pi is drivel compared to your work on Kedi's cold storage. Also, you risk your life for us, year after year after year.I salute your greatness.
Der, May 16th, 2011
I'm at the Little Sheep, I'm at the Taco Bell, I'm at the combination Little Sheep and Taco Bell!quietAmerican, May 17th, 2011
As much as I feel like a douche following up a das racist reference with a seeking alpha link, this article below gives a great perspective on the matter:http://seekingalpha.com/article/267032-will-yum-be-able-to-pounce-on-little-sheep
mylesh84, May 17th, 2011
We now have 7-11 and with that comes slurpees but when will we be getting the toasties to go along with our slurpees....Southern Star, May 17th, 2011
Errrr..... this sounds weird.. will the hotpot taste like sheep anymore?psinology, May 18th, 2011
Mo doubt somewhat similar to this, albeit with som emore gore:http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1354553/
Available at ye friendly neighbourhood dvd shoppe.
phreaktion, May 21st, 2011
official schedule at the hubDAY 1
14:00 独立唱片厂牌创建梦想可望也可及
AD HOC CHINA: Indie Label Set Up 101
听听中国本土最早实现梦想的前锋和后浪们的故事，没有公式，也没有绝对的逻辑，只有诙谐的感动和幕后的热诚。
A humorous conversation between some of the first and latest label headz in China.
有话说SPEAKERS：Sulumi（山水 Shanshui Records/BJ），韩涵 Han Han（弥勒Miniless Records/SH），了子 Lezi（竹露荷风 Zhulu Hefeng Records/SH），Fred Hu（针灸 Acupuncture Records/BJ）
16:30 浅论中国嘻哈现状
HIP HOP IN CHINA – WHERE ARE WE NOW?
国际嘻哈唱片销售量年年剧减，反观国内现状又如何呢？国内业界楚翘首次共聚一室热烈探讨中国现状及未来趋向。
Hip hop record sales have been decreasing over the years. Has it affected China? What is everyone doing these days?
有话说SPEAKERS：V-Nutz (Hip hop pioneer in China), DJ Wordy (Beijing), Sondra Chaikin (Premiere Artists Group, world’s leading artist management)，Dana Burton (Founder of Iron Mic China 国内Iron Mic MC大赛创办人), Stanly Wang and Conan from Dragon Dance Studio (The first B-Boy/hiphop dance studio in China).
19:00 音乐录像－让眼睛也听音乐
THE BIGGER PICTURE – AUDIOVISUAL & VJ CULTURE
这群视觉魔术师，或者影像骑士们(VJ)将呈现他们引以为傲的作品，分享出他们的灵感来源，希望带领新一代强浪们一齐感受这种骑士精神
The relationship between the eyes and ears, brought together by these visual mavericks. Lots of cool visual clips & stories brought to you by VJ Hean, Must Production and more 阵容陆续增加！
DAY 2
13:00 听我私房制作 DEMO LISTENING SESSION
请于5月20-30日之前，火速缴交你的私房作品至info@ilove2mesh.com，MESH将选出10名强浪让业界厂牌大老和资深音乐人为你的私房制作给于评论和意见
Send in your bedroom masterpieces to be selected for some face time with the industry’s elites for advise and critique, helping you to take to the next level.
有话说SPEAKERS：Conrank (Electric East/Rankadank UK), Sondra Chaikin (Premiere Artists Group), Jake Newby (白杰 kungfulogy.com), Drunk Monk (庇护所Shelter)， 春齐 (资深音乐媒体人)
14:30 派对搞手如何实现满腔热情？HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST
一票派对和音乐季搞手们齐聚分享各中酸甜苦辣。办活动难吗？正宗搞手需要具备的除了无限热情和能量之外，还有什么呢？
What does it take to be a successful party/event promoter in China? Some of best in business will share some of their stories, insights, and experiences.
有话说SPEAKERS：倪兵Neebing (Beijing/SH, one of the first party promoters in china第一代派对搞手)，Fred Hu (北京针灸／Intro Festival, Beijing), Nikki Li (STD, Shanghai), Mark Elliot (JZ Festival, Shanghai), Gareth Williams (庇护所Shelter, Shanghai)
17:00 创作总动员 CREATIVE PROCESS PLAY-BY-PLAY
不管你是整天对者电脑敲打出节奏，还是脚踩哇哇器大声嘶吼，我们全部点名一起发掘彼此创作背景，根源及过程。大家到底是怎么个不同，还是压根儿一个模样呢？
Musicians from all genres, styles, and backgrounds, come together to share+learn about each other’s ways. Find out if they all have very different perspectives, or share fundamental similarities as artists. More stories!
1st HR: MHP (SH), Mia (SH), Sig (SH), Doggy (SH), Acid Ponies (SH)
2nd HR: 韩涵 Han Han (Duck Fight Goose/SH)，小朋克 Little Punk (Boys Climbing Ropes/SH)，了子 Lezi (Sonnet, Shanghai)，MC CHACHA (AM444, Shanghai)
3rd HR (30mins each): Sulumi (Shanshui Records, BJ) & Elvis T (Acupuncture Records, BJ)
#Finale: MESH UP SESSION
traveller22, May 21st, 2011
Went here for the soft opening and lets just say if you were a country peasant you'd be happy. Im not so I wasnt. Service was not bad - just utterly confusing and definitely not adhering to the "customer is always right" rule. They have some fu$%@d up system where we couldnt sit where we wanted and the hostess kept denying our requests. The food was average as and pricey at 100rmb a dish. Have a soft opening when youre ready - your not a club anyway. Why dont you just "open" when you have your $hit together...phreaktion, May 21st, 2011
@songstash,would love to pick your brains about which credible panelists we should invited *next time*. pls get in touch.
CaspperXX2, May 23rd, 2011
...I believe COLORS doesn't exist anymore.....Another "patio-like" experience at budget price can be found in the hostel right next to Napa (behind tmr square). If you are into cheap beer and backpackers al fresco
alex, May 23rd, 2011
Colors does exist, went there 3 weeks ago.It might have a different name now, though.
giftedg, May 23rd, 2011
You expators are so typical . Expect "10" in service and pay 0 in tip. What do you expect? Servers probably make 1600 rmb a month, it would help To show a little appreciation. It is what it is, don't like it, leave Chinadisinterestedbystand, May 23rd, 2011
Yeah, and what about the obligation of the restauranteurs to provide good service for the extremely expensive (for what you are getting) food? We aren't talking lamian here, we're talking expat prices for expat customers. If the service is underpaid, perhaps the owners should pay them more, train them properly, and then, just maybe, they'll get a good tip- because good service comes before the tip. Oh, I forgot, China isn't a tipping society, and most places where the staff are tipped, the owners steal it.That's how it is, and if you don't like it, fuck off.
disinterestedbystand, May 23rd, 2011
Dude, you complain about 15 USD (100RMB) for a 6 pack of international beer then spout off on this? Hypocrite. Import beer is expensive here, all those taxes and underpaid bad service staff to pay, but you expect a low price and great quality? Obviously you don't see the irony in this, but really, it's the same issue. Pay too much, feel ripped off, blame: a) China, b) expats, c) expat business management, d) Chinese people e)Chinese business practices or f) all of the above then go out boozing.Cost for cost, restaurants not aimed at expats do not have these service issues in nearly the same magnitude- and Chinese don't tip. So why then are you hating on the expats for demanding decent service for their money?
Ada232, May 24th, 2011
Hey,I been working in the hospitality industry in Melbourne, Australia for the past 10years before I came to Shanghai to work. Most of us have a certain perception toward wine and we just drink Aussie wines, coz it really good, including me.
I reckon that we should not be judgmental when dealing with wine. We should give every bottle of wine, despite their country, region and grape varities the benefit of the doubt. Try it first before, you decide.
White....."red grape", it good. Either it white zenfindel or white shiraz, it beautiful. You can still taste the character of these red grape but with a lighter bodies and chilled, which is great for summer. As white grapes have less characters and more mellow/"gentle" compare to the red grapes.
Personally, I reckon Rose should be a good drink for summer. Nice and easy drink with character. A full on red might too hard, especially on a hot and sticky SH summer. For those who been in SH last summer, you will know what I meant.
Just to share something with you. I reckon pinotage from South Africa will become as popular as Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc with be the new Sauvignon Blanc, given time due to the character of the grapes.
Drink up. The cheer... Wines is good for your health and soul.
Ada
insomnico, May 24th, 2011
Mr Morgan,I hardly ever comment on anything around here, but let me tell you, your ice creams for 2011 piece is one of the most entertaining, laugh-while-reading articles I've read in a while.
It's even better than the one you wrote last year.
Good work dude.
motormike, May 27th, 2011
Location, location, location.I dont care if Ferran Adria is in there, that location is terrible.
Sorry Harold.
Greg Edwards, May 27th, 2011
nice to see you have changed your tune about Avalon as you guys were very very anit-avalon for awhile
carlonseider, May 31st, 2011
Nicely written, but that place is my idea of hell. All those people, watching. All those people... *shudder*Kungfusilas, Jun 1st, 2011
The correct website for Sai rui MMA & Fitness club is www.sairuimma.com and we are located at 456 Hongzhong lu near yan an xi lu and hongmei lu.We offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Fitness and of course, MMA!
insomnico, Jun 1st, 2011
And to princess79, you sound like you are a financial controller or something like that... Go to Cityweekend if you don't like profanity in your precious articles.Ps: There's nothing opulent about the word "shit". And if an ice cream is described as that, well, maybe it's because it tastes like shit?
rob.r, Jun 1st, 2011
If memory serves me right, the sign in front of Mistral promoting their aperitivo says "tapa" and "glass of wine" as in "one of each."psinology, Jun 1st, 2011
Fuckin'ell, hats off Jane for pulling together a massive chunk from all walks of China's music life together for what seems to be a pretty unique event in terms of breath, scope and ambition. Wish I could be there, sure this will be an amazing event!luckyone2006, Jun 1st, 2011
Best part:"Bet the hashish-marijuana- hashish-marijuana- hashish-marijuana guy is really looking forward to this thing."
djsexypaul, Jun 2nd, 2011
"featuring those two wonderful, magical words, Open Bar, and those far less wonderful words, Live DJ"hahahahahahaha love it
CaspperXX2, Jun 7th, 2011
Bye Bye Bin Jiang one....Hello Käfer...or as we gourmets say: "The restaurant formerly known as Bin Jiang One" TRFKABJO.......Bobp, Jun 7th, 2011
there is a great little japanese place just opened in the cool docks, you order lots of small plates so you can tatse as much as you want, try the beef and fried chicken, also great hotpots and noddles.Jeremyj, Jun 8th, 2011
Shit happens :/ Got the refund and still enjoyed the first concert so no bitterness what so ever... I 'll keep buying my ticket through smart shanghai as you still offer a damned efficient service guys.spacemotherlord, Jun 8th, 2011
Bitterness would be probably said too much, but the way they handled this I fell definitely out with the Eels. To start with: how crazy (in a negative way) can a band be to schlepp all their gear to two shows in China? And then take it on the road (literally) from Beijing to Shanghai (anyone ever driven that route? I haven't, I'm not crazy. What distance are we talking here? It's gotta be a 15 hour drive or s.th.). No need to be an expert in transport logistics to foresee that this is likely to fail. Travel light. Bring your guitars — anything else is here anyway.Also: why not come up with a plan B once it is maybe around 8pm and the gear not there, not set up, no soundcheck done at which point it should be pretty clear to anyone with basic experience in these things that it is not going to happen anymore: Play through the French guy's gear, use rented equipment (no problem to get what ever you can dream of in Shanghai), play an unplugged show ... All not the real thing but better than the lame way out they chose in the end.
At least the band could have stepped in front of their audience themselves and apologize and not just keep sending out their road manager with his 'it's not our fault' stand-up tragedy routine.
Eels = Clowns
P.S.
Yeah, SmartTicket absolutely rocks. Best way of purchasing tickets I ever experienced.
lawrence, Jun 8th, 2011
...and other concert at Mao that got cancelled.2 for 2 for events at that I've been to there that's happened for.
Honestly, I went for Nouvelle Vague, and got my moneys worth, but those who want refunds can get.
Oh well, always a next time, and I should have one or two or twenty decent photo's out of it.
death_by_1000_cuts, Jun 9th, 2011
Amateurs. Tourists. They were here for the sights, not for the music. Agree with spacemotherlord; all they had to do was WANT to play and ask. They could have spec'd their wishes and the city would have gotten it for them.Weasels. Not eels.
But kudos to the promoters = keep at it. Just find us bands that actually give a shit.
morgan, Jun 9th, 2011
Thanks for your comments. From my experience in these situations, there tends to be enough blame to go around.More hearsay: heard from a friend that in general the experience of the band in China wasn't a positive one -- organizational gaffs all over -- and they probably were pretty frustrated at that point and wanted to take off.
I do agree though that the band should have tried something... accoustic set, or even just come out and meet people, shake their hands, and tell them you're sorry. Similar sort of thing happened at Brett Anderson's show last year at the Dream Factory.
http://www.kungfuology.com/jakenewby/2010/10/a-spot-of-bother-at-the-dream.html
Power went out early into his set and he still came back out and played accoustic. Class act. Of course it's not the show you planned and want to play for people, but at least you're trying to do something to reduce the shittiness of the situation.
But yeah, even if you don't want to do that -- maybe it's too much to ask a band traveling with 9000000 guitars to relax and do something off-the-cuff -- at least come out into the crowd and meet the people who are there, paying a lot of cash, because they like your shit.
I remember at around 12:45 there were these two girls sort of milling around that hallway near the backstage, hoping to meet the band despite the cancellation, but they'd already taken off at that point. Depressing.
jginsh, Jun 10th, 2011
You completely missed the point Apothecary is stuck in the past, man. the past!! They only focus on drinks made and loved by dead white men and slave owners.Mudslides, sexes on the beach, and candy apple martinis are drinks of diversity and modernity and should be celebrated as such. These are celebratory beverages that allow men and women of all ages to scream at the top of their lungs "i am so drunk" or "wooooooooo whoooooooooooooooo", and "Spring Break Bitch!!".
Come on apothecary, time to modernize.
The Dawg, Jun 10th, 2011
Apothacary SUCKSWill never go there again after being spoken at so badly by the bouncer. WTF !!! I should have called the boys over to teach him some manners. If you want a good drink just stick to Alchemist and tell Apothacary to FKUC OFF back to Beijing where they belong
johnotoole, Jun 10th, 2011
jginsh,I genuinely can't tell if you are being sarcastic or not. That said, some other places that are stuck in the past: PDT, Death & Co., The Franklin Mortgage & Investment Company (they don't have vodka - Gasp!) et. al. Places like that aren't for everybody, to be sure, but there's clearly a market for the style, and there's clearly profit to be made from it. I find it hard to insult a working business model, even if I don't really like the business or the product.
Also, if modernization includes ever yelling the words, "Spring Break Bitch," I'm trading in my laptop for a typewriter.
insomnico, Jun 10th, 2011
Dawg, it sounds like you and your boys should be getting your drinks from Kedi and not Apothecary.anomie, Jun 10th, 2011
Hope I can see them some day.. Was kind of a let-down knowing they were cloistered away backstage.. in the same building, so close. But I can understand why they didn't come out.rats ass, Jun 10th, 2011
Went there for a mate's birthday and loved it. Had the fried chicken, gumbo and pork plate, food was amazing. We also tried the gin & tonic, old fashioned and something else that I can't remember, all very good. No problems with service, but I'm probably not as picky or feel as self-entitled as most wanker expats here.kongo, Jun 10th, 2011
I agree with rats ass. Most expats think the sun shines out of their a-holes. Waiters put up with a lot of shite from customers especially the expats, try giving shite to an airline hostess, you will be shackled and dropped off at the nearest country.CStadler, Jun 11th, 2011
Inventing a new column just to address - and in an itemized fashion - user complaints? Seems pretty far from impartial, SMSH / Justin. (Dare I say advertorial?) As much as you don't like or disagree with your users, the function of a review is not to discredit your readers by calling them drunk or implying that they don't speak enough Chinese to communicate with waiters -- its to give a objective opinion solely on your experience and not to generalize it to the experience of others. el Coctel and Constellation very well may have "no standing" policies, but no one has ever heard of them. Why? Their interior design promotes sitting; Apothecary has a standing level bar, high tables, and plenty of open space that all invite mingling. Your comparison to those to bars makes it seem like you're apologizing for a plainly wrongheaded policy on standing patrons. Again, not so impartial. (Note: I'm in the industry; this post is really about editorial policy. I love the charcuterie plate at Apothecary)carlonseider, Jun 11th, 2011
All this "molecular" stuff is just too laughably earnest for words. These are the sorts of clowns to call themselves "mixologists"."A gin and tonic, you say? You'll have to wait while I hand-extract the DNA strand from a mosquito's ass in order to brew pure quinine for the tonic. Then I need to get Tibetan virgins to harvest fresh junipers from the hillsides of Yunnan with their labia. After that, I must-"
"Just give me a drink, you jumped-up fool. I should have gone to Tara 57."
Justin Fischer, Jun 11th, 2011
@CStadlerFirstly, what business in their right mind would purchase an advertorial in which so much of the content is critical? I'm not white-washing Apothecary. I plainly point out where I see faults with the place and there are plenty.
Secondly, no one ever said this piece was supposed to be "impartial." It's a REVIEW. It's an opinion-based piece of writing. By its very definition it is the exact opposite of "impartial." If you're looking for "impartiality," read The Radar.
Thirdly, I didn't write this review to discredit or insult anyone. I wrote it to provide a different perspective and to manage peoples' expectations of the place. As I clearly state, this bar is not for everybody. And that's fine. But if it's not your kind of bar, don't come in expecting it to become your kind of bar at your behest. I wouldn't go into Windows Scoreboard, order a Negroni, complain about how too many people are standing up, and then ask them to put on some Miles Davis so I can drink in peace. Why should people expect Apothecary to compromise their vision of what they want to be? Furniture and layout are beside the point.
More importantly, I wrote this review because Apothecary is new, has been open long enough to meet our review our criteria, and people have strong opinions about it. I knew it would provoke people to engage in a conversation. It obviously got you to your keyboard, so I see it as a success.
jginsh, Jun 12th, 2011
I went last night. Walked in at 10:30 and asked if they could seat a group of four, they said sure no problem. Drinks as good as a USD 11 drink should be. Service, friendly, not terribly efficent but a an A for effort.If you want a Negroni at scoreboard go on thursday night and ask for Big Tex. He'll give you all the negroni you'll ever need.
terjia, Jun 11th, 2011
No dice on Negroni at Scorby. My asshat friend once tried to order a drink with Campari there and was told in no uncertain terms that the bottle was filled with bai jiu and Red 40jzzy, Jun 13th, 2011
Normally, the last thing you want to do after you've pulled your back is to have a literal ROFL. This article made me make an exception.You should give TMBTECOBM another shot, in steamed/microwaved form though. Can't wait to hear what you call it afterwards.
lynnclarekramer, Jun 13th, 2011
total disappointment but nouvelle vague was great fun. still waiting on the refund, but am sure smartshanghai will make good.Gatsby, Jun 13th, 2011
The PuLi Hotel in Jingan Park have just open a new terrace / patio space overlooking Jing An Park.Cerentha, Jun 14th, 2011
It's not so much that they won't seat you when the place is half empty (or half full depends on how you view the world), it's the abysmal attitude of the door manager who obviously has no idea about "hospitality" or how to politely and calmly look potential clients in the eye and quietly explain the situation, with the view that these clients will return during a more suitable time. Instead on the several occasions that I have visited, I have faced scowls, been forced to wait outside the door while hasty and heated conferences are held at the til, more scowls, then the door manager grabs a young server and aggressively instructs them to show us to a table. So while the final objective is achieved, there's 7 minutes of witnessing what appears to be sheer panic and a complete lack of genuine hospitality from the first representative of the business. Dude. Learn to take a breath, speak calmly to all, force a smile (or at least wipe the scowl from your face), and realise that everything you do front of house is witnessed by your guests, and that as members of the hospitality industry, you have a responsibility to be hospitable. Which means not making your guests feel like thay've walked into a full nervous breakdown. Chill, have a drink. They're actually good where you work.Neffy, Jun 14th, 2011
The author nonchanlantly and kind of jokingly describes her experience but a ferret is not your run of the mill pet. I didn't even realize these were legal in China since ferrets are considered exotic pets. As a former owner of two ferrets I can tell you these are high maintenance pets. They require alot of attention and are extremely active; almost like a toddler and get into everything. They do have an odor so be sure your roommates are cool with that. In the U.S they are required to get a distemper shot and are usually fixed but not sure how that works in China. Also keep in mind that you probably won't be able to take them outside of the country if you decide to move. Please do your research before you decide to purchase one.GawainMcQueen, Jun 15th, 2011
Who is Megan Short, and why have I never met her before? This writing is incredible.GawainMcQueen, Jun 17th, 2011
Jasmine and Mia at drop is ALWAYS such a great combination of music! Really excited for this party as well though!Nicholas Zamz, Jun 18th, 2011
signature tracks? didn't god say something about signature cocktails...borisk770, Jun 20th, 2011
"At home, music never stops flowing, and you get to listen on the same day people from John Coltrane to Kelly Joe Phelps and Andy Mckee, from Gil Scott Heron and Tom Waits to Pink Floyd & King Crimson, Quincy Jones, Bob James, Curtis Mayfield, from Melody Gardot, Muddy Waters and the Rat Pack to Deftones, Hed (PE), Pendulum or Porcupine Tree... apart from electronic music."Dear editor,
It appears you've accidentally misspelled the interviewees' name! Its supposed to be M-Y-L-O.
Cheers!
undergroundstatus, Jun 20th, 2011
This is the problem with some artists, they have some grounding in music, they are able to promote themselves but they clearly lack a clear understanding of the history of the genre that they play. Please Miss Li go and do more research and understand who gave you this music and how they are way way more important than yourself. The DJ's you quote are largely commercial tripe who make music for the masses, some are great names and originators of their genre but try not to mix everyone up...It devalues the individual and what they have done. Delve in to the history, you will become a more humble person and better DJ for it.Heatwolves, Jun 20th, 2011
meh."you do have some tracks on your suitcase that express better than others the way you feel at a certain point in time, but nothing that lasts more than a month really."
pretty wack/SB perspective, really.
jgamboa, Jun 21st, 2011
Yeah. If anything, they need to move all the chairs from the bottom to the second floor. It really could have left some extra space.djsexypaul, Jun 23rd, 2011
love his honesty, i bet there are not many Chefs who would admit to eating at McDs.And totally agree with Le Bouchon, Its been my number one restaurant in Shanghai for 9/10 years nowcarlonseider, Jun 23rd, 2011
He seems like a great chap. I crave that pizza he is holding on his photo... Time for a trip to Da Marco.carlonseider, Jun 23rd, 2011
That looks great. I'd never heard about it before. I love that white stupa on the last pic.stanhipkiss, Jun 23rd, 2011
Tried it. Loved it. Great rolls, especially the philharmonic roll. Nice balance of avocado, cream cheese and salmon.Good delivery service too.
borisk770, Jun 24th, 2011
Interesting article, unlike the simultaneously boring and pretentious (is that possible??) article about Cindy you posted today! Shame on whoever's idea that was!carlonseider, Jun 26th, 2011
The weekenders are always ass-wipery though. Either gimpy entrepreneurs or dumb ABCs. It should be Da Admiral's weekender, every week.borisk770, Jun 27th, 2011
lol @carlonseider! I would have put it similarly, but didn't think it would be cool with site editorsShanghaicityslang, Jun 28th, 2011
I think that this is a great review. I happen to agree with just about all of it. Apothecary has new help on the management team that I trust will clear up those hiccups (at least I hope). Their charcuterie plate IS awesome. Their cocktails have, more than, satiated me whenever I had them and I think that if most people (especially expats) knew just how difficult it is to staff and train a bar or restaurant is in this town they would think twice about posting online bitch-fests about any F&B establishment in SH. If you don't find mixology a valid craft, art, profession, etc., don't go to places where people are exhibiting their talent for the sake of making people that appreciate it happy. It's kinda like, if you don't think that a DJ is a musician, don't go to the disco. No one made you go there and no one says you have to like it. Just take it (or leave it) for what it's worth.Shawn Kregan, Jun 28th, 2011
I never had a stereotypical though that DJ ing is easy, it takes a lot of time to find new tracks, put them together in a well blended sick mix and above all, keep things fresh.Anyway seems at last hip hop is on the decline in Shanghai, long live house and electro, esp progressive house :)
Andy Best, Jun 29th, 2011
Even after ten years here, Pudong still seems like Mars to me as a Puxi resident. Getting me to a show by the Expo site would need the same kind of motivation as when I traveled to another city for a show in my younger days in the UK. Ie. Metallica come to the country once in three years and don't play my home city.PureXTC88, Jun 29th, 2011
We went to the wetlands about 2wks ago, it was an enjoyable day of walking out on the boardwalk. Catching crabs on a homemade bamboostringsquid fishing pole. I was a bit disappointed as most of the water is dried out but it's FREE to enter.Asdas, Jun 29th, 2011
More of that please! I am in Shanghai for years but never had the chance to check the shops out, they are simply too many of them!undergroundstatus, Jun 30th, 2011
The Guardian brought this fishtastic article out this week, so for the latest in fin-food sustainability check this fish shit out:http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2011/jun/24/information-beautiful-fish-eat?INTCMP=SRCH#zoomed-picture
redwood, Jun 30th, 2011
Beer and the naked ladies, sounds like a fuckin awesome time. Through a little Hip in there and you really got a party. (I hope you all know the Hip...)Sammy 6000, Jun 30th, 2011
Blasphemy!! Danny Zhao is a god amongst men. Also their hamburgers are top notch, by far the best in the city!joshatkin, Jun 30th, 2011
i think this review fails to talk up the piro experience which is far more entertaining than this misinformed reviewChef Frank, Jun 30th, 2011
burgers are shite, small fries, processed cheese and unwashed lettuce when i went therethe fat bitch however is not bad and worth every rmb
lawrence, Jun 30th, 2011
They have food?Popped in with a friend to check it out, as it was new to me (actually the whole frikking area was astoundingly new), haven't been down that way in a while obviously.
Hmmm. Drinks at 80rmb a shot. Not very impressive ones at that either. I would at least expect some alcohol in an 80rmb drink. Mine barely had any, and my friends had too much, although it did look pretty pimp what with the showbiz co2 bubbling out of the jar. Service was fine to good. Staff were attentive, knew the menu - I asked what they would like, and they rattled off a bunch of options with some good suggestions. The snackfood popcorn was also decent if a little over-infused with spice.
Seemed like the new mwa mwa dahlink buzzy place it wanted to be wasn't quite there yet.
No issues getting in, and getting a seat.
I think I'll stick with El Coctel for that crowd, although one does have to wade through at least seven or eight coke dealers *and* xinjiang ren offering warez outside (and if shelter is open, youngsters puking in the corners).
For drinks - southern cross for the 80rmb *but worth it* drinks.
I also have a decent japanese semi sekrit venue thats great, nay excellent and has better cocktails and drinks options, but I'm not divulging that one out.
Lawrence.
Justin Fischer, Jun 30th, 2011
@ joshatkin, my experiences at Piro have been as uninteresting as the food. What have I been missing that would have been so entertaining?Justin Fischer, Jun 30th, 2011
Lawrence,You're thinking of The Alchemist, not Apothecary. They're in the same compound but at opposite ends.
Justin Fischer, Jul 1st, 2011
I like cats as much as the next person, but when I see one in a restaurant, the first thing that goes through my mind is, "They're storing a box of shit somewhere in this restaurant..."joshatkin, Jul 1st, 2011
Justin, it's a pretty quirky dining experience from my time here that certainly adds to the charm. check my review if you want to know more.The fact that they have taken on so much feedback from the reviews is a compliment to the staff who clearly want to make this place work.
For example, the processed cheese was a new addition, based on feedback, and I really can't see how it could be criticised. burgers are built on a processed cheese foundation. if you want bland, gourmet burgers i guess you are looking at the wrong place...
It's not a game changing burger, but it certainly is now coming up trumps in this city which ain't exactly a burger haven.
Justin Fischer, Jul 1st, 2011
joshatkin,The burgers are definitely this restaurant's strength and I say as much in the review. The processed cheese isn't a deal breaker for me. I just tend to avoid things labeled as "food product."
tripdub, Jul 1st, 2011
Definitely worth going. Delicious food. They also have "leg of lamb" and you can get the small or large portions. Get the large. It literally comes on the bone and you feel like a caveman eating it. AWESOME. PLUS: the meat is actually tender! Who'da thunk it???ferret, Jul 1st, 2011
Based on cursory glances inside from a taxi cab and the font used on the marquee, I always thought that it was a place for burgers... and Magic the Gathering, maybe Warhammer.Processed cheese isn't a deal breaker for me. I actually have a confession: my favorite part of the burgers at McDonald's (gasp) is the fake cheddar cheese. There. I said it.
Andy Best, Jul 1st, 2011
I'm gonna listen to Our Lady Peace's album Happiness is Not a Fish You Can Catch.theweatherman, Jul 1st, 2011
Went last night - brilliant show, Charlie and Jim work great together... But the biggest laughs of the night come from the comedy poker crew. Definitely worth catching.Food lover, Jul 2nd, 2011
Last evening in Shanghai after a three weeks stay, I was hoping for a really good Japanese meal before going back to the U.S.Called in and make a reservation for 7:00 pm, arrived on time and sat at the counter for nearly an hour before the first bite of food, another 35 minutes went by was the second dish, by then it was 8:45pm, we decided to leave before the rest of orders come.
Conclusion of this restaurant is never go there.
Decor is more Chinese then Japanese, service is your typical Chinese standard, not one would expect at a place that is costing US0.- average per person. I have to say the fatty tuner was very good, other then that, everything else are bad.
death_by_1000_cuts, Jul 2nd, 2011
The Kush place sounds promising. But the abuse and their sustainability concept does sound like trying to hitch a ride on that band wagon. Even if it is farmed fish, these will be imported species, none native to Chinese streams. So now the latest is to do wine bars a la country?GawainMcQueen, Jul 3rd, 2011
If they're serving up the Fat Bitches, they better put up a Rutgers University flag up... That's our sandwich!Manfredo, Jul 4th, 2011
Last time I had a breakfast sandwich there all of the food products were sourced from the local wanjia; it was mad grotesque. On previous visit I learned that the chili is actually Bolognese sauce with some beans mixed with it. As I hadn't ordered that on my burger, it was double the surprise. Beastro Burger for life, yo.borisk770, Jul 4th, 2011
"This place’s aim is to be your quintessential everyday average American restaurant."I'm still not getting it... Your saying it's average? Come up with some more synonyms next time, to clarify.
borisk770, Jul 4th, 2011
And for god's sake, write with words you actually use in conversation! Some of the big words you threw in there felt really unnatural.Justin Fischer, Jul 4th, 2011
Sorry, borisk770. You're absolutely right. I've summarized each paragraph into terms you'll better understand:Paragraph 1: Piro Average
Paragraph 2: Piro serve all-day breakfast, quesadilla, and sandwiches. Pancakes okay. Fritattas not so okay. Use fake cheese. One frittata on menu refer to semen. Author think food named after semen sound gross.
Paragraph 3: Shrimp quesadilla have no shrimp. Shrimp served on side. Confuse author a little.
Paragraph 4: Piro sandwiches just adequate (adequate mean just okay, not great).
Paragraph 5: Piro hamburgers pretty good. But use fake cheese. Wish Piro would use cheddar.
Paragraph 6: Piro is owner's first restaurant. Author think it shows. Author want Piro to get better.
I hope that clears things up!
borisk770, Jul 5th, 2011
Good to see critical feedback is appreciated at SmSh. Don't be so touchy, Mr. Fischer, your writing will doubtless improve with experience.My first comment was pure jest, but I'd like to clarify what I meant by the second. It's not that your diction was too complex, or even inappropriate, it's just it didn't quite feel right (pretend "right" is in italics) sometimes, which tended to make for a very objective reading experience, as opposed to an immersing one.
Please don't post another snide reply, regardless of whether or not you'll be incorporating my comments into your next review's writing style.
choco_coco, Jul 6th, 2011
just watched. bizarre.3d effects and the money spent on the plastic surgeries are the only factors saving the movie from a total collapse.hardly erotic.a few histerical giggles somewhere in the middle of the plot - based on the rudimental jokes make it even more ridiculous.oh my in my mind hk could ve done so much betterSwirlcore, Jul 6th, 2011
Rataxes (Sweden)Montée (Norway)
These are the bands I'm looking forward to.Montée is a band from Norway including Anders Tjore, Maya Vik and Erlend Mokkelbost. The trio have musical backgrounds as diverse as orchestral pop and energetic punk.
Who doesn't like energetic punk?
Problem?
55events, Jul 6th, 2011
if the author were to exercise a moderate amount of professionalism rather than minimal, this review would have some merit in its approach to the food or menu. but, in some irony, the author falls as short or shorter than the proprietors, in his endeavor. very few professional food critics indulge so much in moral judgment in a restaurant review. it becomes evident, as one reads this, that the author wants readers to receive such a heavy filter over the experience that he will not allow standard professionalism to seem appropriate. the author writes as much or more about himself than the restaurant and its food. though it seems like anyone could be a food critic, it seems that he is untrained in the field, but aspiring to be insightful and vogue.Justin Fischer, Jul 6th, 2011
The author would like to exercise a moderate amount of curiosity rather than minimal and ask exactly what he was being so morally judgmental about with regards to said restaurant.cyril2305, Jul 7th, 2011
Hell yes! By far the best french food in town. And the Tartare, my god the tartare... Can kill my one for a tartare from Franck.Shawry2481, Jul 7th, 2011
Went their on my bday earlier this year and was kind of excited to have some snobbery and rudeness directed my way, we were a bunch of pre-drunk Australians trying to act composed - we choose to sit at the bar next door and it was fabulous service from beginning to end, they chatted away to us and kept us lubricated from start to finish, will be heading back for a more dignified meal sometime in the near future.
jacobflowers, Jul 7th, 2011
hmm... praise for the water service alone may get me over there someday. Really encouraging to see a unanimously positive review, even the dessert mistake was handled well. Good job Franck!55events, Jul 8th, 2011
does this sound professional in the least:"I like cats as much as the next person, but when I see one in a restaurant, the first thing that goes through my mind is, 'They're storing a box of shit somewhere in this restaurant...'"? you take similar indulgences throughout the review, as i count them in each and every paragraph. by the way, how many times does one feel the need to utilize insult on the processed cheese slices? this does not by any means reflect experience or an advanced palate, but lack of knowledge or experience with cooking and chefs. first of all, it is too redundant to be strong writing. moreover, many food critics know that such snap judgments about mere ingredients on the plate are not always guaranteed to be correct. chefs often reveal reasons for what they are doing, but it appears that you did not discuss it with them nor anything else food wise. is that a sign of professionalism or lack thereof? their burger has already won an award in Shanghai and was featured in some mags. if the burger is rich and high in calorie, a cheese slice is lower in salt and calories than finer cheeses, and can also be creamier. those flavors and ingredients can easily work, but you seem to know less about food issues and combinations than they do at Piro, which is such a strange irony in the matter. it is not always as evident as it is in your piece. you might want to be more cautious about airing your own ignorance in the future. alas, it well appears, if you are making the inquiry: you are much, much too concerned about conforming to what you think other people will think and even should think, to be considered a legitimate food critic.
yet to be fair, your writing is not that much unlike the typical Shanghai style of restaurant review, which suffers from excess insider mentality, as well as overly personalized views about food and restaurants. nonetheless, your review struck me almost immediately-- as generally less mature than even the typical Shanghai food critics. your subsequent comments on the blog are making things even more clear about you and your problem with bias. a vigilant attempt to defend yourself from any "critics" is almost hilarious and again, i have never seen any professional food critics do the same. all people have the right to make comments about your critique and why can't you accept that and move on, just as professional food critics do? gee, maybe the answer is hidden somewhere in my question! almost anyone who has read reviews or is involved in food would recommend that you get more breadth and maturity in the field. good luck with.....others.
Drbigfish, Jul 8th, 2011
Reading this review makes me make plans to travel from Mexico to Shangahi I think it's worth the trip.Justin Fischer, Jul 8th, 2011
55events1. Reviews are by their very nature subjective. I will inevitably be informed by bias. I'm American, I AM biased in so far as I have a certain way I like my American food cooked. The only way one could look at Piro in an objective way is to ask whether the place succeeds in doing what it sets out to do. And in that regard, I think it falls short. And even then, that's just my OPINION. Ultimately, if you're looking for something objective and unbiased, that's what the Radar is for.
2. I see nothing wrong with calling into question a restaurant's sanitation standards when I see that they've got animals crawling around the place.
3. Again, I say that the burgers are the restaurant's strong point. I don't care if it was the chef's intention to use processed cheese. I don't like processed cheese. Seeing as how this is an OPINION piece, I saw no problem mentioning this. But in the end, that doesn't really matter either. I can always go back and just order a burger without cheese.
3. I'm not "vigilantly defending myself" against perceived attacks. We're only talking about food here, not health care, tax policy, or America's debt ceiling. I'm engaging in dialogue for the fun of it. No one is going to have the same opinions as me and that's fine. In fact, that's great. I WANT people to disagree with me. And I want to see their opinions on the restaurants I write about. That's why we have this nifty little comment feature on the bottom of the review here.
Southern Star, Jul 8th, 2011
wow.... why people keep talking about the process cheese?! Is that as important as service, food quality but a process cheese? Move on people.. Personally, I had not very pleasant experience here but I don't care about the process cheese.
leirda, Jul 8th, 2011
Although my service experiences here have never been great, credit where credit is due; the food is amazing.Heatwolves, Jul 8th, 2011
Chongming island is ill. like 80% of the cab drivers in Shanghai come from there too.Definitely get a bike and wild the fuck out. Sleep in some farm people's house. Honestly I had the best Chinese food I've had in Shanghai, cheap too.
chatabicyclette, Jul 8th, 2011
That comment section just made my afternoon.May I kindly suggest to anyone who took this article and the following comments way too seriously to remember that this is just a person describing his meal, and not a political activist...
And, if anyone wants a good and reasonably priced burger in Shanghai, just go to Bistro Burger on Fumin Lu, and everything will be just fine. And dont shout at me if the cheese wasnt good.
Sabrina1967, Jul 9th, 2011
DAZ, at Jiashan Market has the Keratin Treatment to straightenthe HAir, the stuff comes from all over the world, minimum 15 Years experience.....more Information on there webside...
daz-sh.com
macmarsh, Jul 10th, 2011
You didn't mention the price of the wine - exorbitant! Also the fact that they use rum syrup not pure rum on the babaLadyMac, Jul 10th, 2011
I think that i don't like french food but I love Franck, truly the best food I've had in Shanghai. Simple ingredients, perfectly prepared. When I first ate there my friend said she thought it might be the best meal she'd eaten in her life...Justin Fischer, Jul 11th, 2011
macmarsh,Exorbitant wine prices aren't unique to Franck. I long ago resigned myself that I'm getting fleeced wherever I drink wine in Shanghai. Also, thanks for pointing out the bit about the rum syrup. You're absolutely right and I have edited accordingly.
macmarsh, Jul 11th, 2011
Justin,It's just that some places fleece you much more than others!
Actually the choice of wine and prices seem to be getting better generally
PureXTC88, Jul 11th, 2011
I was there this weekend and must say that I'm pretty impressed by this park. We were there for over 2hrs and had just walked around 1 of the 5 areas. This place is huge and there were not many people there. It's much better than Gongqing Forest Park and Century Park as those are always packed with people. We'll have to go back and explore some more.
undergroundstatus, Jul 13th, 2011
Alas, tis not what we call a warehouse party, me thinks they got that original idea elsewhere...TeddyBoy, Jul 13th, 2011
Piemonte rules for the wines, I totally agree with you Justin.. stereotipes that champagne is better cause it's called "champagne" (when many drinkers don't know that some producers cut the grapes bought from other wineyards to increase the quantities!) doesn't mean that italian bubbles are less quality, simply have been less marketed before! There are many small producers that can look at chateau Lafite or Gaja straight in the eyes without fear of the competition at all (and cost less than half!)..wine lovers, eyes opened and beware the very marketed brands!Same thing happens for many champagne/cognac products, everybody drink Mumm, Veuve C, Hennessy, Remy Martell, Louis XIII...actually they are selling advertisement, not quality and there are many champagne/cognac less advertised producers that worth 10 times the above brands for "sheeps-followers"!
marduko, Jul 15th, 2011
Well I have to say that you picked my favorite beer, Inedit Estrella so far the best beer I have tasted, I love the texture and the simple packaging.For the Italians, well I am not a great fun of Piedmont sparkling wines, but you should move a bit to Veneto, pass by the Franciacorta area and there you got the best sparkling, I know is not available in China right now, but Ca del Bosco Cuvee Prestige, give it a try if you are lucky to find a bottle.
carlonseider, Jul 15th, 2011
Shouldn't it be "not to be confused with Heather Locklear" not Heather Graham?morgan, Jul 15th, 2011
No, incidentally, people confuse her with Heather Graham more often. We all have our crosses to bear...jacobflowers, Jul 17th, 2011
"'Tis a crushing blow for decency and morality everywhere."Do you mean dominating victory for decency and morality everywhere? lol. Dragon has been here since I first got here 4 years ago... and I can't seem to remember much of the times I've been there. :-P
mattiavisconti1, Jul 18th, 2011
it's a pity ;-( 3 years ago was the best afterhour!!At least better for Shanghai clubbers health
juliaguulia, Jul 21st, 2011
You need to update the price for the Marriott - they have put it up to a whopping 500rmb!shanghai_ultra, Jul 21st, 2011
3000 RMB in free deliveries? That's a lot more than1 the crappy 300 rmb voucher they finally offered me after endless fuck-ups on my orders. Thy sent food to my apartment instead of office more than half a dozen times before I managed to convince them it was a bug in their system, not my mistake. Then later they messed up another order, waiting 90 minutes before calling me to tell me what I ordered "wasn't available". Despite being a long-standing customer who has spent thousands of RMB on food ordered through their service, I was offered a shitey 300 rmb voucher. That isn't even enough to cover two pizzas.They didn't reply to my message saying I thought it was an insulting offer. Shit service, never again.
Shawn Kregan, Jul 21st, 2011
JW Marriot has a nice view and convenient location but the pool is way too shallow, i prefer mandarine city and of course Radisson Blu hotel at thumb plaza near century park in pudong, great large pool, plenty of grass and its deep enough to jump into or to push people in:)ferret, Jul 22nd, 2011
Linger? That's the best you could do?Come on SmSH? Where's the creativity?
Zombies... the lot of you...
morgan, Jul 25th, 2011
Single/double deluxe's (bed and breakfast) start at about 900-1000rmb a night, depending on when you stay.carlonseider, Jul 26th, 2011
That looks surprisingly appetizing for Shanghainese food. I especially like the look of the fried potato skein.Der, Jul 26th, 2011
I thought this place was just ok. In my four years of searching, the two best local restaurants I've found are Hong Qi Lin Lao Zhen (洪齐林老镇) and Xiao Shi Tang (小食堂), with the latter being the better of the two. Definitely check 'em out.Justin Fischer, Jul 27th, 2011
Thanks, Der. I'm Always looking for new places to eat and new material to write about. They are on my list.carlonseider, Jul 27th, 2011
All those people...But it actually looks better than I imagined.
Nice article!
dikenozan, Jul 28th, 2011
no way it s overcrowded you people never been to water parks in Europe ? have some real comments please , the pool is full of thousands of people you don't get a personal space i personally think it s 3 times overcrowded than it s average(If you want to get on a ride you must queue at least an hour under burning sun!) recommendations: go after 5 pm you will still have to queue an hour for a single ride( or take round pool and have some relaxation without waiting ) given population here i guess its ok for locals but not for westerners, these are my personal opinion you may have different ideas, i invite you to go and then write ( i went there at 2 pm it was overcrowded) i was told better to go weekends as it more expensive maybe less people but we all know it s never gonna make it satisfactory, note my words ...fwegwe, Jul 27th, 2011
cheaper during the week and bring plenty of cash for deposits on keys, rings etc. No food or drink is allowed in the park so your pa
triplefivedrew, Jul 27th, 2011
Cheers.It's way better than we've all heard. Hit the wave pool and within 10 mins you'll be seeking out where the biggest human crush is. Guaranteed. It's like a synchronized swimming mosh pit.
shabi, Jul 27th, 2011
WTF... I've been in shangers for a baker's dozen and I still have yet to experience the waterpark awesomeness that is dino beachkiyu727, Jul 28th, 2011
Thank you so much for telling me about this place ^~^ Im gonna lose a fortune there for sure !triplefivedrew, Jul 29th, 2011
Welcome in china! Would you like some people to go with your fries? Coming right up buddy.hubertshanghai, Jul 31st, 2011
Had a couple of brewdog beers at the shop recently and also some belgian trappist beer. great place. good to have you in the neighborhood guys!Nilgunsh, Jul 31st, 2011
Ordered some beers tonight. Delivered right on time! Duchesse de Bourgogne is awesome. I recommendundefeated, Aug 1st, 2011
I cooked this on sunday, it was delicious!! i varied the stock for the vegetables I found but it is a tasty way too cook and cutting the chicken is pretty easy if u have sharp Knife!STD Shanghai, Aug 2nd, 2011
If you want to go to Zebra Festival for free then check this out -http://www.wearestd.com/r3ggie/win-tickets-to-zebra-beach-music-festival-this-weekend/
psinology, Aug 2nd, 2011
will deliver to my office, but only after the soft opening when the 20% deal id off. poop.riederalp, Aug 3rd, 2011
I tried their "The Swiss" Sandwich and it was very tasty. Gruyere cheese is expensive so at 48rmb this is an excellent deal. Arrived 25 mins after I placed my order online. I also like that they dont charge a delivery fee.seoul4seattle, Aug 4th, 2011
agreed. the MC is awesome too, so i hope we can catch him at another place in town!Justin Fischer, Aug 4th, 2011
You can catch him on ICS's City Beat. That's been his gig for the past few months....foddler, Aug 5th, 2011
This review is hilarious. I completely agree with CStadler. Justin, what were you thinking? If you are going to write advertorials for venues with bad reviews, surely you could do it in a less obvious way. ;) I have opened an account simply to comment on this thread.You mention you thought this article would drive comments from readers, I think that is quite obvious seeing as a large majority of people that read this will disagree with it. Whilst you make 'criticisms', they are quite insigificant, complaints in regards to the reading material are not complaints in my eyes.
Lost alot of respect for SMSH opinions with this one....
joshyjosh, Aug 6th, 2011
OH! Megan Short. Oh man, she's super hot. She has long curly brown hair, she's very tall and big boned. She has lots of facial hair and plays in a band called Boys Climbing Ropes. Check her out next time they play!Little poem, Aug 6th, 2011
Makato staff are nice too, without actually having eaten there, I was walking past one night many months ago when a man on his scooter knocked down a bunch of parked bikes before slamming his head into a tree right in front of makato. The staff came out brought napkins for the blood on the mans head and let him sit on their chairs outside and kept his bike keys when we realized he was a tad intoxicated and called a ambulance. They sure made me and my friends feel better since we had to idea what to do with this man with blood all over his face.zmann999, Aug 9th, 2011
Time to Roll Some Rubes. I'll be working the "Guess Your Weight" booth, stop on by....psinology, Aug 9th, 2011
Screw sum 41, they're bringing White Snake over to Taipei!WHiiiite Snaaaaaaakkkkeeeeeeee!!!
nomad04, Aug 11th, 2011
I have been to Stocchi twice, and I loved the chocolatey cocktails! If you like sweets, this is the place for you.Andy Best, Aug 9th, 2011
I personally like the sleazy travelling carnivals of old, just for hanging out at. We had one come to my home town each year as I was growing up. It was so dodgy and yet created a complete alternate night time world. You could also actually join it and run away if you liked. That, for me, is what the true carnival offers.pixel, Aug 12th, 2011
Pho Real has one of the better pho in town, but at almost double the price, you're more or less forced to have a set, there's only one Pho option and finally its always too packed, makes choosing an alternative an easy choice.kongo, Aug 13th, 2011
Oh, you guys are so funny-normally I don't write any comments but if you complain about such woosy stuff like ooooh the bouncer said I can't come in because I'm wearing cheap flip flops , a grungie top and look like a cheap bastaard. Well, yeah , I wanna throw my 2 cents in.( Cheap people are the most sensitive ) Sooow sick of cheap lao wai running around town and being such cheap basstards , oooh no free water give them 1 star and bitchh and moan till the cows come home.. Give the restaurant waiter 20 percent tips on your bill and , wow free water shows up ! U>S>A waiter will take you outside and gang bang your ass if you don't leave tips ., But China is different right ? ( just like in the good ol' U>S of A. Give the bouncer 100 RMB ( cauze if your with friends and , wow u get in, BAM BAM) Now you are in the club and everyone is smiling. Morel of the story- If you are a cheap basstard A. you will leave nasty comments on various blogs because you have too much time on your hands. B ,You will hang out at free wi-fi places for endless hours and sit on 1/3 of a coffee with the free aircon as a bonus cauz your home only has one mattress for sleeping. Botom line , when i was poor I was also very sensitive- get over it !Weekend Warrior, Aug 15th, 2011
The first time I heard A-Sound was at a yurt on the Mongolian grassland. It surprised me that Monglia had such refined brit-pop sound. It surprises me even more now that they are playing here. Awesome!gregcheersin88, Aug 17th, 2011
Great article! Very nice pictures. We hope that Shanghai scene will see the "Sink the bismark" (42%!) coming soon. Cheers!duke0665, Aug 17th, 2011
Hi - Is this shop still in existance?The Google Maps link, when viewed in Satellite View (not Map View) shows the address is now in the center of a park.
I will be traveling to Shanghai in a few weeks and am looking for a shop to buy a similar wok - anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks, John
Please let me
mydo, Aug 18th, 2011
Surely a special edition run of "The End of History" would go down well in Shanghai?joshatkin, Aug 18th, 2011
good to see these beers here, hopefully the start of some better UK craft brews making their way hereundergroundstatus, Aug 18th, 2011
Damn! im gonna miss this...if you look up your recent history on the band though its Mr Hook who is perceived to be the current rebel of the group. The other band members slating him for breaking away and trying to profit from the groups success without them...SMSH could have fun delving into that one...anyway a guy who was part of one of the most legendary bands in history, a band that sat in indie music, right between rock, punk and dance blending all genres to create stunning music that even Curtis didn't quite understand. If you are from the UK they or their post JD subdivisions were it and still are it.http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jul/14/new-order-split-peter-hook?INTCMP=SRCH
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/jun/14/joy-division-ian-curtis-suicide?INTCMP=SRCH
morgan, Aug 18th, 2011
Heard he's a prickly dude. We'd probably just stick to questions on Freebass, his band with Andy Rouke (bassist Smiths) and Mani (bassist Stone Roses).Fear the wraith of the world's best bassist.
daz, Aug 18th, 2011
d#*n ! im outta town ! the man is a legend ! JD/NO the most influential bands ever !! ......his best bass line though is " shes lost control " greatest bass line of all time...check it out ...
cluebus, Aug 19th, 2011
I think he really sounds like Fran Healy from Travis. But, of course, Healy always gets compared to Thom Yorke.shanghai_ultra, Aug 20th, 2011
"in the middle of nowhere", heh heh heh. Is that SMSHese for not in the French concession?Rodri, Aug 24th, 2011
Well, i will like to say that this information is not truth or maybe is out of date, La Finca is a really nice restaurant, and the food its not expensive at all, is very good food, the bussines lunch its only 98 Rmb for a 4 course menu and the Dinner set is only 258 Rmb on the second floor, I dont know where the range of 600 Rmb came from???kigocheng, Aug 25th, 2011
i really like this place , the food is so good , this month is my third time go there,so cute ,love itquietAmerican, Aug 25th, 2011
Even though I only read the last paragraph, I get the impression that Justin eats out a little too much.Shanghaicityslang, Sep 1st, 2011
Nice! "Cook It" rocks! Love the idea of having a cooking column on the site and Chef Kevin did a great job with the recipe. Can't wait to see more of these.aysu, Aug 28th, 2011
justin this sounds amazing. i might try to squeeze in a visit there before i leave shanghai :)peterbush, Aug 28th, 2011
Bella Mia is GREAT value for money and I don't agree on the service at all - it's normal for any restaurant that you have to wait a bit, if the place is crowded.I did a party there once with 20 people and it was absolutely fantastic. Good portions, tasty, nice ambiance, friendly manager and again, very reasonable priced. There are too many Italian restaurants in SH that's is just a rip-off, except this one.
Heatwolves, Sep 2nd, 2011
that's Friday for Peter Hook "DJing." but i will smash Shelter on Saturday.Mount Kimbie, Optimo, Gold Panda, Titus Andronicus > Paul Van Dyke.
carlonseider, Aug 29th, 2011
I love how the jellyfish are described as "rejuvenescent immortals". Sounds like something L. Ron Hubbard would worship!djsexypaul, Aug 31st, 2011
Like this new column, everything at a glance, good job, just a shame that the only halfway decent musical event this month is the nnn tsst, nnn tsst, nnn tsst sound of PVD. Lets hope Hooky kicks ass at Shelter on Saturdayfruitytooty, Aug 31st, 2011
Love this place- the manager and staff are very friendly and the pizzas are so SO good...literally indescribably good. stay away from the 4 cheese though, there is ironically less cheese on it than a margarita.lt.col., Sep 5th, 2011
Never been to Bella Mia.As for the review, it's well written and argumented. But. But, I'd like to point out, there is nothing woeful, or unimpressive, for that matters, in providing you olive oil and balsamic vinegar in lieu of tossing the salad with a pre-made vinaigrette.
It's just the way it's done in Italy, where most Italian would find intrusive for the chef to decide which proportion of oil, vinegar and salt to put on their salad.
TSkillet, Sep 8th, 2011
@ty_canadian - in the city, I'm sure you'll win - especially this city. Also because I'm old and fat. But let's go to the hills . . .ty_canadian, Sep 8th, 2011
@TSkillet - game on, if we can find some hills surround Shanghai then I'm in! Spectators welcome.TSkillet, Sep 8th, 2011
They're not "fake" fixed gear bikes, they're single speeds. Or just fakies with a flip-flop hub that is flopped over to the singles speed side. Jeez. Anyways, good on you for having more about biking culture in this town, but you know the amount of annoying people riding brakeless fixies is also increasing and I'm sick of blowing by you jerks while you try to learn how to ride fixed gear in a town where danger lurks around every corner.1. Put some brakes on that thing - no one thinks you're cool that you ride a brakeless fixie and then break your ankle by getting hit by a car.
2. Helmets.
3. Could you not make it like every single foriegner in this town rides a fixie or a track bike? I ride a road bike.
ty_canadian, Sep 8th, 2011
There's a group ride tonight (Thursday the 8th) - we're meeting at Hengshan Lu and Jianguo Lu, 8pm sharp. See you there!carlonseider, Sep 8th, 2011
Fixies are to the hip laowai crowd what copied Vespa e-bikes are to Italian expats.Magazine looks cool though.
ty_canadian, Sep 8th, 2011
TSkillet : let's race. My brakeless track bike against your road bike. Ya down?va_ngo, Sep 9th, 2011
It's actually open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. (8-10 september 2011)http://www.shcontemporary.info/en/
morgan, Sep 9th, 2011
Yes indeed... more so looking to the future, but yeah it opened up to the public yesterday.morgan, Sep 10th, 2011
http://www.smartshanghai.com/smartticket/JZ-shanghai-music-festival-2011-greennotePinball Lizard, Sep 13th, 2011
Taxi is about 85 kuai during the day and from the Yongfu bar strip, takes about 35 minutes through the Xiangyin Lu SuiDao (tunnel) on a weekday (probably 25 minutes on a Sunday). I know because our office is next to said bar strip and I have made the journey about 100 times in the last few days...Thanks for the write up Morgan. It's gonna be huge....
morgan, Sep 13th, 2011
Ah... I stand corrected. Sorry about that... 85rmb it is... will change that bit.xavier123456, Sep 14th, 2011
Not in the http://hei-tu.com/2011/en/schedule-shanghai/so I guess Titus Andronicus is cancelled, right?
Pinball Lizard, Sep 14th, 2011
Yeah, sadly Titus and Saigon had some problems with visas and immigration. Titus will be back soon without a doubt..... Saigon probably notHeatwolves, Sep 14th, 2011
five more days (上海)... we starting this off at Shelter tonight - come down you might win some tickets.peep the Optimo mix for Fabric, it's a preview of the Matrix 12...so good.
gunsella, Sep 14th, 2011
The line 2 station that transfers with line 6 is Century Avenue, not Century Park.morgan, Sep 15th, 2011
BCR is planning to do all Saigon covers. That's what you call a classic "win-win situation."kittkat03, Sep 16th, 2011
In case you're looking for a more energetic trip to and from the venue, jump on Drunken Dragon Pub Crawl Shanghai's party bus. 50 RMB gets you some hot beats, beers, shots, and all the debauchery you'd expect from the Pub Crawl team. Meet at Inferno @ 1:30. RSVP at reserve@pubcrawlshanghai.com.konstantin, Sep 20th, 2011
hey members of smartshanghai....i have to say that I like your reviews a lot...but actually there happened a lot during the last weeks...so art and stage should be more on time...all the exhibitions shown here are over...never the less thanks at all for your work...
undergroundstatus, Sep 21st, 2011
C'mon the Don DJ Sexless Paul, lets see your comments on this one....robjamdj, Sep 21st, 2011
organised a gig there once as have friends of mine, the owners never paid up as agreed so no sympathy. Their live efforts are appreciated though. Just pay your artists and organisers as agreed!
winexz, Sep 21st, 2011
I went there on Monday and it was very nice. The water is a little dirtier then in the pictures but it did not smell. Everything is pretty well maintain unlike a place like Tongli which looks rundown. There are not a great variety of shops but their are some unique things and the shop cheaper are nicer then other places.maxxxx, Sep 22nd, 2011
wow ,this article is totally WRONG!!! just came from ANAR,i asked the owner, they said ANAR DEFINITELY WILL NOT CLOSE BY 30TH OF SEP, AND THEY GONNA BE THERE FOR ANOTHER COUPLE OF MONTH AT LEAST. so yeah ~~~ nothing gonna change... more music .....lol~~~morgan, Sep 23rd, 2011
The above information comes from their PR dept relayed to us earlier this week. If the situation has changed, or if they just got their wires crossed down there on their exact closing date and are staying open longer, we'd, of course, be very happy to hear it.Heatwolves, Sep 27th, 2011
mixtape tracklist coming soon.first song is our blend of Hudson Mohawke and Gucci Mane, called "Bat Pillz (Ayi Team Special Cereal Blend)."
Gucci Mane does make another appearance on the tape...
last track is Ghost Town DJ's "My Boo (Balam Acab Remix)."
pls check out the mix, cause we got dat fire.
jeffreyk, Oct 4th, 2011
i love the jellyfish room too. but be advised, do not go on public holidays...its madnessHeatwolves, Oct 11th, 2011
glad you like HK food but dude why is taco mama so expensive? it's good, but 115RMB or something to get a burrito + beans and rice delivered to the crib???? I could ride my bike to Cantina for burrito (not as good as yrs..) and get a massage for that price. and prlly buy some double happiness too...carlonseider, Oct 11th, 2011
Yay for Taco Mamas! No better tortilla in town.Nice recommendations too.
hungrypanda, Oct 12th, 2011
i love the passion with which he describes the food at these places. can't wait to try the zha jiang mian!seoul4seattle, Oct 12th, 2011
yessss! i used to order zha jiang mian to my house in korea weekly for a good midnight treat....cant wait to reunite with it here in the ShangNicholas Zamz, Oct 14th, 2011
"Risk, and I'm not talking about the risk of Ableton crashing." POW. Great interview.psinology, Oct 20th, 2011
Happy Happy birthday to Shelter, your mark on Shanghai nightlife cannot be understated.
thebeaver, Oct 12th, 2011
Just looked at Taco Mama's website ( www.tacomamas.com) and can't find a regular burrito for 115rmb unless you are talking about their 1-kilo burritos which is a totally different story. A shredded beef burrito is only 59 rmb, and adding FULL SIDES of rice + beans + sweet corn cake (which is awesome btw + Mexican coleslaw is only an extra 22 rmb. Please be cool when you post about a place...any place...
emilyice, Oct 21st, 2011
i am so happy to see Marc in this new shop(north shanxi rd close to west nanjing rd),i used to go to benson ,Marc is my stylist who is very good at western highlights.and he knows what is different between western hair and asian hair. he always do the great job with my hair, the team is very kind .this new shop is big and comfortable,i will recommend my friend to here thank u so much.
atchang14, Oct 23rd, 2011
Love the article, Connie. You're selection of healthy, tasty choices makes my tongue tingle with excitement.And the food labels, I totally agree. Don't even bother. Sometimes not knowing is better.
Keep up the good work.
bbamboo, Oct 24th, 2011
Well done Tabasco. You are da man and UNBEASTABLEGlad your on our team !!
Well done
djsexypaul, Oct 24th, 2011
Nice win. And great bit of promotion for Pistolera and Big BambooBest Chili of the day by far
CharlieD, Oct 25th, 2011
been a while since I saw them. They are very kickass the last time i saw themKrusty, Oct 26th, 2011
I haven't seen him, nor tasted his bread yet, but he's got a fascinating bio if it's even mostly true:http://www.anitacorp.com/modx/index.php?id=55
Douglas D. Ascarrunz, Founder and Chairman of the Board
(Photo)
Douglas D. Ascarrunz has over 25 years experience in the invention, offshore manufacturing, and marketing and sales fields. From A-Z, Douglas has used his talent to develop and bring to market his own successful companies, and has assisted with international corporation development as well.
He is the Founder of Dental Vacation in Baja California, Founder of Leight Notika Yachts, USA, and inventor of the Knee Deep Leg Poultice for thoroughbred race horses. He took Howard Leight Industries offshore into Korea to manufacture his hearing protection ear muff allowing Howard Leight Industries to compete and capture the global hearing ear muff market. Howard Leight Industries hearing protection company sold for over 100 Million dollars fifteen years after inception. He is the founder and creator of Valashi custom -made suits. He started Clear Water Gold Mining Company in the jungles of Colombia, South America, invented the Ace Tennis Ball Caddy, helped develop the Xtremegate Slide-Out Truck Bed Extender, and wrote "Learn The Bible Books In An Hour”.
Douglas has remained an Entrepreneur until present. He is the Founder and Chairman of ANITA Solutions, Inc., and will turn his visions over to Mr. Marcel Georgi upon funding. Douglas has brought together the best team possible, to ensure our investors' success. Douglas will oversee the daily functions of his team to make sure his vision of being a global leader in nanotechnology comes to fruition. He resides in Shanghai, China, and will be working side by side with his nanotechnology team to help keep them on the forefront of creating and developing new commercial applications for nanotechnology. Douglas began his flying career as a pilot at the age of 15, obtained his commercial license at the age of 18, and was further certified as a professional flight instructor at the age of 20. He was licensed in private, ground flight, and instrument instructor by the time he was 21, and accumulated over 5,000 hours by the age of 25. Douglas pursued commercial aviation as a professional pilot until the age of twenty six.
--
**My question is about the facial scar -- see photo: Was it earned during a gold dispute in the jungles of South America, during an unfortunately rough landing as a young pilot, or while testing early models of the truck-bed extender???
buzzworthy, Oct 26th, 2011
@Krusty I think it came from a particularly nasty "hearing protection" ear muff product test. Those things are sharp.dteeban, Oct 27th, 2011
Just came to say the following...Nice Screamin' Jay pic!
and
Death to Giants & DJ B.O experimental collab silent film and improv music set at Lune on Friday!
Krusty, Oct 28th, 2011
Fearing a ruse, I just sic'd the google on 'Leight Notika' to see if they're real. Umm, they're real if you have Million USD for a super-yacht. Holy crap.Smartshanghai: please dispense with the wet rags plugging their born-to-fail startup business and/or DJ party night and tell us where Douglas Ascarrunz spends his weekends!
(Sidenote @Justin: I'm calling BS on the 100% imported, surely the bananas are local...)
Justin Fischer, Oct 28th, 2011
@Krusty,Seeing as how it's just banana nut bread and not the Watergate scandal, I didn't really bother to do much investigation on this issue. Nevertheless, I'd be willing to bet that his bananas do NOT come from China. Most of the bananas I see in the markets around here come from the Philippines. I'm going to make an educated guess that Mr. Ascarrunz is sourcing his bananas from where everybody else in town is.
richardlee, Oct 28th, 2011
looks like the guy has long history & not for being an airline pilot, baker or nanotechnoligist!http://law.justia.com/cases/federal/appellate-courts/F2/838/759/281473/
Gaz Williams, Oct 31st, 2011
Oh, and by the way, anyone who has already signed up to our mailing list at our showings and havent been getting our emails please also email us at subcultureshanghai at gmail dot com. Some of the handwriting is a bit difficult to decipher and a few of the email addresses have been bouncing back. CheersFunky Monkey, Oct 31st, 2011
To all the player haters who have nothing better to do than bash me have fun! I was convicted back in 1985 for conspricy to fly drugs. I have maintained my innocence to this day! I was convicted by corrupt drug enforcemet agents who themselves were later convicted of laundering drug money...They did not care about their own lives let alone mine!... Google his name Dennis Harker...Why don't you contact someone first before putting judgement on someone's reputation? My life is an open book...transparent...Is yours? My life as a commercial pilot was runined and my childhood dreams were shattered on December 7, 1985...like all Americans this day will live in my mind forever! Perl Harbor attack December 7, 1941. And all my bio is true and that is just some of the things I have accomplished!Yes the scar on my face was from a horrible plane crash that claimed the life of my friend and passanger! How many scars do you have? Not on your face, but in your heart? To people who have nothing better to do than bash people...Get a life...If you have nothing good to say about a person...Better to say nothing at all until you know all the facts!olddetroiter, Nov 24th, 2011
It's actually the last Thursday of November in the USA, whatever date it falls on, (at least since Congress made it official in the 40's). In Canada it is observed in October, (same feast, different seasonings; USA=Sage Canada=Savory).It is a big holiday on both sides of the 49th parallel, and even by our standards a dinner blow-out with left-overs to last a week.
Rarely however would you find any of the creations that are touted by the restaurants in Shanghai, and in 5 years trying the gourmet turkey here, I have yet to sample even one that would pass muster amongst turkey aficionados,seems there are plenty of fine food chefs in SH, but very few versed in traditional American style. I'll keep trying though, and thanks for some new ideas on where to go, (we'll try the Westin this year, as they seem to hit the US style closer than most places in town). Your descriptions are great and have me anxious to forge ahead to some of the places you have outlined.
Swirlcore, Oct 31st, 2011
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=4581419598&ref=http%3A%2F%2Fsearch8.taobao.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dsea%2Bbass%26commend%3Dall%26ssid%3Ds5-e%26pid%3Dmm_14507416_2297358_8935934&ali_trackid=2:mm_14507416_2297358_8935934,0:1320050248_4z2_204416770You are welcome.
thetallguy, Nov 3rd, 2011
I tried this place after seeing this interview, and the food is cold and awful. Plus they charge 15rmb for delivery and considering it's a delivery only restaurant that really doesn't make any sense. Anyway, the food was terrible, avoid this place!
chopinlova, Nov 3rd, 2011
is this restaurant new? I never seen this indonesian restaurant before. but I WILL GO THERE!djsexypaul, Nov 4th, 2011
You will go there after that review ??Am i the smartest person in here now ??
reinhart, Nov 4th, 2011
As an Indonesian, Bali Laguna's offerings are bland at best. The only winning points for Bali Laguna are the location and the setting.I recommend Bali Bistro as the best restaurant in Shanghai that can offer the closest taste of real Indonesian cuisine with the most reasonable price.
carlonseider, Nov 4th, 2011
Did you even read the article, Chopinlova, or just look at the pretty pictures?Woaizhongguo, Nov 4th, 2011
"However, what Bali Laguna gives you is, at best, a “made for TV” movie adaptation"This sums up Bali Laguna PERFECTLY. The setting is lovely, really impressive by the lake, but if you want authentic Indonesian food, this is definitely not the place for it. Even Bali Bistro just across the road is much better, but in far less elegant surroundings.
Nedved, Nov 4th, 2011
As an expert on Indonesian cuisine, I find your comparison to reading autistic Irish urophiliac Joyce a preposterous oversimplification.Each island and area is its own literary god, Mr. Fischer.
The menacingly complex dishes of Komodo are clearly Kafkaesque. To dine on Lombok is to take an epic journey Leo Tolstoy would have been proud to have penned. While the wild abandon with which those of West Kalimantan whip up feast - and forgive me if I come over a little gauche here - is the culinary equivalent of a 17-year-old Arthur Rimbaud howling with delight as he crosses the pleasure-pain threshold for the very first time while on the receiving end of a bloody good rogering from Paul Verlaine.
I could go on, but fear I may have strayed into the realm of the pretentious...
thebeaver, Nov 5th, 2011
Typical in the Shanghai restaurant scene - a restaurant knows when they have done things right when the competition begins the attacks :) TallGuy - did you call the restaurant? Did you call Mealbay? Did you make any complaint at all? Me thinks not :)bernardngb, Nov 7th, 2011
I totally agree with Nedved's view regarding the comparison made by Fischerphillipvasels, Nov 7th, 2011
I rather enjoyed Mr Fisher's review. He writes with enthusiasm for the subject not disdain. To focus on his passing remark of Joyce is hardly worth any commentary at all. Let's get back to business here-Indonesian food at Bali Laguna.veronicab, Nov 7th, 2011
hi there...i just arrived in shanghai, and im in deeply need to have my colour done! Its dark blonde, and i dont mind either highlights or colour, i just got a bit scared about some comments about the blonde colour, and the prices... any recommendation? I need to save money for a while, so nothing too pricey please...and would love to keep my 'unnatural ' blondish colour!carlonseider, Nov 8th, 2011
God 'a mercy! 太贵了! Who in their right minds would pay such prices? Print off the photos and take them to the Fabric Market where they'll run 'em up for a tenth of the price.frenchtoast, Nov 10th, 2011
this could benefit from a little diversity in both price range and actual boutiques..surely there are more than three new places to shop where there's more than crocodile leather bags and gray/black draped sweaters for sale?frenchtoast, Nov 10th, 2011
sorry, just read the lede on first page that says it is a 'first peek'; now i feel like a jerk.
shanghaiann, Nov 10th, 2011
was planning to have my bday dinner there... my favorite pork belly is gone!!! so sad....sambraybon, Nov 10th, 2011
Agreed - I went to a screening begrudgedly but really enjoyed it. Recommended.Taigr, Nov 10th, 2011
white spot??? not in my part of canada...also big bamboo has poutine...it's nawt bad.AxelFifou, Nov 10th, 2011
You can also ask one at Piro :D with some pepper sauce and it is delicious !!rob.r, Nov 10th, 2011
RE: Piro/Poutine, I didn't know cat hair was a key ingredient in Quebec's finest tradition...morgan, Nov 10th, 2011
Ahh man. I didn't know Bamboo and Piro had poutine. Gonna have to giv'er on that shit. Thanks for the heads up.matteroffact, Nov 10th, 2011
I haven't tried the poutine at Masse, but I'll definitely make my way there next Thursday. Seriously, what a great deal. I eat poutine and drink Moosehead when I'm trolling the streets in Canada, so this just makes everything a little better in Shanghai.sidenote: Julie's Food Experience has poutine as well, but it's not very good. Not nearly as bad as when Kabb had poutine on the menu however. Blandest bowl of soggy mush i'D ever eaten.
tmdmike, Nov 11th, 2011
Worst Indonesian food in the WORLD maybe. its debatable but this food here is overpriced garbage that makes you BUY water too.I hope this place shuts down so someone else can produce good food and use the nice scenery here.
This place really puts Indonesian food to shame.
riederalp, Nov 13th, 2011
Good luck to them. It's a lot of green curries that they have to sell to pay for their 100.000 rmb rent at the new location. http://www.smartshanghai.com/housing/commercial-spaces/120259Satsuke, Nov 13th, 2011
I'm a Canadian and this article is a little weird...i really don't understand the humour in this article...but we're here to talk poutine. Fries with cheddar and gravy is not a real poutine however it is still a delicious alternative. Poutine is known for it's cheese curds. Not any cheese curds(there are such thing as bad cheese curds), cheese curds that squeak when you chew on them, with the perfectly fried fries(not to soggy, just crisp enough) and the perfect flavoured gravy(not to salty not to thick and served hot).You really need the experience of going to a poutine house on a negative 20 day in quebec and just indulging on some great poutine. or yes...i'll admit it tastes amazing when your hammered.
rob.r, Nov 14th, 2011
@riederlap - if memory serves me right, the 100K rent ad likely refers to the former space of La Grange: http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/3761/La_Grange_shanghaiotakrew, Nov 14th, 2011
Focus on =ROM=www.romshanghai.com
weibo.com/romfuture
site.douban.com/romfuture
djsexypaul, Nov 16th, 2011
I think the Thanksgiving Dinners list was a lot bigger and more comprehensive than this list Justin. This list just has the usual suspectsJustin Fischer, Nov 16th, 2011
That's because, by and large, the same restaurants do Thanksgiving here every year. Out of countless descriptions turkey and pumpkin pie, the restaurants above sounded unique and interesting to me. However, if you happen to know of any obscure noodle stalls way out in Baoshan that are serving a bang-up Thanksgiving dinner this year, please don't hesitate to send them our way. We'll put those up as well.Heatwolves, Nov 16th, 2011
"it sounds like a pretty intense place." bet.I'm DJing there on Saturday...not in a birdcage though.
djsexypaul, Nov 17th, 2011
Good interview J. Thought replacing Ryan would have been a nightmare but seems Kelley has pulled it off once again.Krusty, Nov 17th, 2011
That's a "Harlem Sangria": pint glass with plenty of ice, fill 2/3rds with house red wine, top up with Coca-Cola. Used to drink it occasionally in New York, in the summer, way uptown.How much is a Maker's Mark Old Fashioned at The Alchemist? 145 RMB! ( USD) Explain that, gents...
pacosuero, Nov 26th, 2011
Shanghai people needs to know, than in spain the only restaurants with 3 stars michelin, stay in Catalunya and Euskadi(north spain).People who really love the good food. Mr. Willy Trullas, its from Catalunya, like me, and i feel like in my country Catalunya when i visit "el willy".Really good team since the waiter untl the cheff.My congratulations for the new book and i hope to see very soon the new restaurant in bund. (For willy..amb dos collons chaval, t´ho mereixes)carlonseider, Nov 29th, 2011
Totally agree with the review - it was fantastic. Christy Shapiro is the best actress in town bar none.Fubaobao, Nov 29th, 2011
Julie's Canadian Food Experience at Hongmei Lu and SWFC also makes poutine, with hunks of mozzarella. They have some variations on it, too (Italian style I think?).rob.r, Nov 30th, 2011
The only thing any of us needs to know about December: "wherever you go, whatever you do, I will be right here waiting for you."Nicholas Zamz, Dec 1st, 2011
Everyone in these photos looks really strange. Did anyone see that fight at the end? That was good too.carlonseider, Dec 2nd, 2011
Looks pretty tasty. That camembert needs to get in my belly, as Billy Connolly would say.jimmywaves, Dec 3rd, 2011
Food is great, just went again last night. The grilled fresh oyster with miso paste is amazing.non-sugar, Dec 5th, 2011
with the large amount of bad press it consistently received i am quite surprised that it did not close earlier and Adam is far too young to run a bar so looks like he will be knocking on Charles Cabell 1V door again soonfood reviewer, Dec 5th, 2011
marvellousthank you Mr Fischer. i will toast to your good taste and Jamie Oliver`s fun food facts book when i receive the vin.
Am thinking of doing a poem for my next review which will be of Guyi, El Willy or Barbarossa soon
Merci
Bistoo, Dec 6th, 2011
Thanks Morgan. You can listen to some Battle Cattle tracks from the "finished product" here: http://battlecattle.bandcamp.com/album/kennys-not-deadHeatwolves, Dec 6th, 2011
the guests at the Das EFX show are Shanghai's own Ceezy, playing his original beats with MC One Consciousness rapping over them. big night for hip hop. if u see some girls getting hysterical or fainting they're more than likely Ceezy's fans.Stefan.Hensel, Dec 6th, 2011
Le Saleya, Butcher & Sailor Boys and Jessica Craft - just make sure my freaking Dry Cleaning is staying - I've been using this guy for 5 years now (!) - would be sad to see him being forced out for another lame ladies drink Wednesday nights free. Thank you.bentobox, Dec 8th, 2011
What's the difference with the Shanghai location vs. the Beijing location and owners, etc.? I've only been to the Beijing location, and liked it quite a bit -- Nali Patio. Business seemed to be good. This was as recently as 6 months ago. What gives?cff, Dec 8th, 2011
Merry Christmas and all that, but seriously, that's the list of gifts under 100 rmb?? Overpriced chopsticks, chocolate, coffee mugs and some knick-knacks for kids?I know they may be your competitor and whatever, but Timeout Shanghai did their homework: http://www.timeoutshanghai.com/features/Shopping__Style-Shopping_features/4979/Shanghais-best-shops-50-41.html
-baller5
comecorrectshanghai, Dec 9th, 2011
Wow what a rip of "Roscoes" http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com/Justin Fischer, Dec 9th, 2011
I think that's the whole idea, comecorrectshanghai. You know, it's the whole painfully self-aware irony thing that's all the rage these days.traehsnow, Dec 10th, 2011
hey ya'll i'm looking for a place that does amazing coloring & hair tattoos. would like two colors done, pink from the roots then gradually change to purple. if you know of any salon/stylist that has a talent for coloring and hair tattooing, please let me know!!thank you!!
phillipvasels, Dec 13th, 2011
Mr. Fischer, I'm glad you're out there doing the advance work. For this one though, you haven't made a compelling enough reason to make a visit. I'll take a pass.jgamboa, Dec 13th, 2011
Happy to see at the end that all the "best" reviews aren't just (hilarious) scathing reviews.
dteeban, Dec 15th, 2011
How dare you speak in such harsh tones about my beloved Pujabi. How dare you, abaq53!
olivepixel, Dec 16th, 2011
I especially like the brown carpet, it looks warm and comfy. You’d want to watch out for mites though…matteroffact, Dec 16th, 2011
Spenny was just chilling like that when they photographer popped it. Spenny lives like that. I heard he has a pet tiger.B6B6B6B6, Dec 16th, 2011
Damn, it's so much fun here, I will have my designs on both (best + worst) next year 2012 !!! Please ! B6 :)H4F, Dec 16th, 2011
Beside the poster from Antidote at "Best Flyers", I can't really see so many difference between the worst and the best... Looks like both lists are just a joke when could really be useful for the designers and promoters who made a great job and haven't been recognized for their jobs. For sure who choose doesn't know anything about design... Lame...matteroffact, Dec 17th, 2011
H4F, you can't tell the difference between the good and bad flyers? Seriously? And you're tell the writer HE doesn't have any taste in design? Ha!
H4F, Dec 17th, 2011
Well, for sure you guys that commented on my post are one of the "designers" of these posters :D ~ SMSH is looking for a Senior Designer, maybe you guys should apply...gillesyu, Dec 19th, 2011
I really like the POP3 one, I don't know what is it doing here? Different minds, different taste.dteeban, Dec 19th, 2011
"Mouse on Mars at Mao Livehouse -- not so many people there... but the two guys were really enjoying the time, you can tell, man."I didn't say this, nor do I have any idea who Mouse on Mars are. Thunderstrike Boom!
dteeban, Dec 19th, 2011
Oh nevermind, I see what happened. That's Han Han's bit there. Thunderstrike rescinded.jginsh, Dec 20th, 2011
"walking w/ dinosaurs" was the hands down most awesome thing to happen in 2011.musique, Dec 20th, 2011
Hey,2011 have been pretty busy for Acid Pony Club aka The Horses:
3 vinyls out on Jazzmin
http://www.juno.co.uk/artists/The+Horses/
1 vinyl out on Kat Records, supported by big names like Dimitri from Paris or Ron Basejam:
http://www.piccadillyrecords.com/products/TheHorsesEdits-ItJustHappenedBackedUp-Kat-75200.html
got a bunch of digital release as well that you can find on Beatport or Junodownload.
and check out our free edits on www.disquesponey.com
album coming out in 2012!!!
Cheers
Clement Pony
Satsuke, Dec 20th, 2011
I'm new to shanghai. my dad is vietnamese, i eat his home made pho every weekend or i go to one of the pho shops when i'm at home in toronto. Big viet population so they do it right. Been hunting for a good pho place and so far i've been heavily disapointed pretty pissed off actually. Too many Places trying to add complexity to an already perfected dish and ruining it. Someone needs to open a real pho joint. They would make a killing.Satsuke, Dec 20th, 2011
Pho sizzlings soup broth is weird and bland. The meat cuts are not up to viet standards and the servings are too small. They also try to do some japanese style presentation which is weird for me to see as a vietnamese. spring rolls are prepacked frozen and taste bad. The viet rolls are weird too and the bun thit nuong is so wrong. disapointed.Jamie WU, Dec 20th, 2011
ADDRESS: 2/F, Entrance No.3, Shanghai Culture Square (Maominnan lu,near Yongjia lu)Welcome old friends and new friends!
Justin Fischer, Dec 22nd, 2011
Just verified and updated the listing for you. Right here: http://www.smartshanghai.com/venue/6727/Bikiniconrank, Dec 22nd, 2011
Well obviously your investigative journalists didn't think of calling me and asking me..... Hahaha!This year I have released digitally and on vinyl... Including an EP on Suicide Dub, a remix on Top Billin, Y4K Records, Bass=Win, Hydra Records and in December an EP on Simma Records. Also a load of free downloads.
You can check out all my releases here:
http://www.soundcloud.com/Conrank
Peace
Conrank
Trashcat, Dec 22nd, 2011
Wudang Gongfu, I think in English it's called Kungfu Noodle. Xiangyang Lu and Huaihai Lu, fantastic noodles!ferret, Dec 22nd, 2011
RE: Sugar's Full Moon Party posterI can't tell you the number of times I have been sifting through random PR nonsense and have heard, reverberating in my tired skull, the sounds of defecation.
Justin Fischer, Dec 22nd, 2011
Noodles there are definitely good, Trashcat. I'm not sold on their beef tendon, though. It doesn't have that meltingly gooey texture that I love....epoca, Dec 23rd, 2011
There is another Russian restaurant, going through some soft opening, - Red Square (in 1933 building)! Very authentic food and decor, they don't do a lot of PR, but so far it is a better option. Still, no one can beat the Russian Expo Pavillion food, that was a treat!Jesuslovesthischick, Dec 23rd, 2011
There are actually 3 russian restaurants here now. Krasnaya ploshad (red square) opened couple of months ago in 1933. Food at Matreshka was pretty good at the beginning but it all changed recently since they sent awesome chefs from Uzbekistan back home ...Still love their draniki ( kind of hash browns)and cottage cheese dumplings.
Justin Fischer, Dec 24th, 2011
Correction, folks! Shanghai's Russian restaurant scene has tripled! Thanks for the heads up!marduko, Dec 26th, 2011
I went once, it was pretty good I have to say, to be my first time trying Russian food it was quite delicious, a salad with chicken and nuts, and a soup extremely tasty, good price for vodka, of course! and good selection of wine! no the crappy ones that you can find in other restaurant, the price is quite OK, is an experience to go there and see the show, very Russian, but come on guys, is part of the game! Absolutely Enjoyable.psinology, Dec 28th, 2011
Agree. Nothing particularly wrong, but also nothing to write home about, or that would inspire a repeat visit.ty_canadian, Jan 4th, 2012
slated to be one of the best shows in China this year. even thought i don't have a boner for Lamb Of God, it will be an epic concert with Chinese kids moshing till their feiyues explode.rob.r, Jan 5th, 2012
Sounds like this "team of pioneering entrepreneurs" would have done better to embrace "the challenges and reputation of this location."tranescend, Jan 7th, 2012
yo, whattup, photon fuckin' torpedoes. thanks for the Break for Borneo and Friend or Foe love. Just for the record, tho, the title of the B4B album was "Life Gets in the Way". Don't know how you missed that one cuz i know it was on repeat for you throughout 2011.jginsh, Jan 11th, 2012
Justin, well done. While I haven't been to the plaza 66 location as of yet, i have been to their Hong Kong restaurant a few times, and on each occasion it always been one of the best meals on the island. Good to know that they have kept up the standards with the Shanghai location.dteeban, Jan 11th, 2012
I've been checking this site nearly every day for LoG tix. Nice to hear an updatemorgan, Jan 11th, 2012
Got 'em on my desk, brohammer. Uploading now. Tickets available in an hour or so.
thomas_travels, Jan 11th, 2012
Tavola??? really. i thought it was average. great maître d, but average service. also playing the radio is not a great setting for the atmosphere! ... and what about Char bar & grill on the bund @ hotel indigo, thats a new great addition, plus tabe # 1 @ waterhouse hotel, also a great addition, and Xibo ... be a little more adventurous justin and not so obvious!Justin Fischer, Jan 12th, 2012
I never heard the radio on my visits to Tavola. By the way. Xibo opened in 2010 and therefore doesn't qualify as a "Best Restaurant of 2011"
Krusty, Jan 16th, 2012
Nice work, Jefe. I am glad you included Jesse because despite it's frequent mentions as a lauded Shanghai stalwart I rarely hear what dishes people actually enjoy there.I also look forward to trying your XJ place. All the ones I know are so horribly manky...
carlonseider, Jan 17th, 2012
Good to see some places people have actually heard of, not "that little dumpling stand on Tamade Lu in the arse-end of Qingpu behind the metro" that some industry folk pretend they go to.Heatwolves, Jan 16th, 2012
yeah ya'll killed it. missed your set unfortunately but the vibes were big when i walked in.Pinball Lizard, Jan 17th, 2012
RobdeJam. You would think to read this article that your Chinese was awesome. I smell Julia's culinary expertise....buckwurst, Jan 17th, 2012
Your weekender thingy made you appear a wee bitty knob-ish, buy your writing's top drawer. Looking forward to more. (BTW, am pretty sure my weekender would make me look like a mammoth tosser so no hard feelings, it's the nature of the beast).carlonseider, Jan 17th, 2012
Are you serious? Nick's Weekender was unique for the very fact that he DIDN'T come across as a prize knob, unlike most of the yoga-practising onanists whose bletherings customarily grace these virtual pages.Heatwolves, Jan 18th, 2012
lulz...at this article and the second onanism drop i've heard in 2012. nice photos too.rob.r, Jan 18th, 2012
The best part about Nick Taylor's MyWeekender how upfront and natural he was about discussing antiquing with Bob Lai. And this article's pretty on it too.@editor: please allow comments on MyWeekender again!
morgan, Jan 18th, 2012
If we allowed comments on the My Weekender the internet would break. Just sit there an enjoy it in silence, you savages. You love it.carlonseider, Jan 18th, 2012
Cool article!I particularly admire the curious "rudimentary cock" design on the CK tighties.
bobixp, Jan 18th, 2012
Solid picks. Tavola was amazing, the Chef's a nice guy too some 10+ years in muay thai and makes one of the best pizzas in town :]. Cuivre - I've never had a bad experience there, Fanny and Michael make a good team... I'll have to try Naramoto... Table 1 opened in 2010 and I'm sorry but that place disgusts me.Krusty, Jan 18th, 2012
I think those are skeletal bits, ie. the other kind of bone... Rudimentary nonetheless...Florian10, Jan 18th, 2012
we called there and were told, that there was a minimum consumption of 200 Yuan for food only, drinks extra.Justin Fischer, Jan 19th, 2012
Florian10, That's correct. This is their policy and has been for as long as it's been open.Justin Fischer, Jan 20th, 2012
Yeah, Man. I think it's safe to say that you're not going to see a nickel of it. Probably time to move on.buckwurst, Jan 20th, 2012
@ carlonseider. OK I see your point. Compared to the standard wasn't so bad...@ Morgan, comments on reviews would be click-click page view gold.
buckwurst, Jan 20th, 2012
We tried this place a while ago (with old Chef). Food was generally excellent except for steak. However the restaurant manager sat down next to us at the bar and ate, drank and played with his phone while we were eating... Not a good sign. Also had same problems finding our server, sometimes she was annoyingly close, but most of the time was nowhere to be found...carlonseider, Jan 20th, 2012
The day chefs stop using "foam" in dishes will be a glorious one for the F&B industry. It genuinely looks likea) that weird larva spittle from those spring bugs
b) the ayi dropped suds from her rag onto the plate
augustinm, Jan 21st, 2012
Dear Justin,I just fine your comentary a little bit unfair.
Everybody know that Peppone is not a restaurant but a friend kitchen where you can enjoy of your friends at home... if you come one day (everyday are the same) you will see thats its crowded as never (Peppone and Cafe des Stagiaires). I think there is a reason for that.
Regarding Gourmet which was one on the only place in FC to find decent cheese, wine etc. to an afordable price, I discover they are destroying it because of city regulation... and not because that place would not stick.
It's funny but i read all your article about this fellas and their restaurant, and you look like a little bit upset with them. You should be a real critical and not took part...
Happy Dragon new year
Justin Fischer, Jan 22nd, 2012
If you'd read carefully, you'd see that I never said that Saleya Gourmet closed BECAUSE it was a failure. I just observed that over the years that space has had several different faces, and that the only thing that's been a constant is the neighboring bistro, so it makes sense that they'd expand that portion of the business.As for Pizza Peppone, I was never critical of the atmosphere. I just didn't think the pizza was that great. I also acknowledge that it's pretty reasonably priced and that it's better than Saizeriya. I also, don't recall casting any aspersions whatsoever on Stagiaires. As far as I'm concerned, that place is fine. So, please explain how I was being "unfair." Are you sure you're not conflating the the word with "honest"?
funkatudinal, Jan 24th, 2012
meh, the posters aren't that bad this year. Or perhaps the comments not as funny as years past? sniff.Heatwolves, Jan 29th, 2012
...and this is our new mixtape. if you enjoyed this article, or didn't, you might like this too. perfect for these dark and smokey post-CNY nights.- http://soundcloud.com/heatwolves/love-u-long-time/
jacobflowers, Jan 30th, 2012
T8 has been one of my mainstays for better or for worse (but mostly for better). I did not know a new chef was at the helm however, and with Catalan roots no less.I very much look forward to paying this place a visit soon.
Heatwolves, Jan 30th, 2012
mad <3 for mentioning us. big up Conrank, Adrian, and Jiong//Pause crew as well -Naohai are really good, and I think I saw CandyShop play at a skatepark and they held it down. "Cosmic Cake" is a chill name for a band.
Pinball Lizard, Jan 31st, 2012
Welcome back to Shanghai Da Admiral. It was tough while you were in Jiangsu....liletong, Jan 31st, 2012
went to Hengshan Lu Shanghai Brewery today at 3pm, hoping to catch some happy hour microbrews. it was closed. what's up?zeroG, Feb 7th, 2012
Review regarding pizza is right on. I like the crispy pizza, but that extra char may be a big turn off for many. Also, the space is enormous. Its bigger then food courts in the city. (Exaggerating.)morgan, Feb 8th, 2012
Damn, you're completely right... think I need help with reading comprehension.The above post has been corrected to obliterate any trace of error on my part.
TSkillet, Feb 8th, 2012
Although their HK branches do not serve dim sum, this one does. And while the menu isn't the widest - what they do have is among the best in the city - a far sight better than Lynn (ugh), Zen, Crystal Jade or Fu Lin Xin. Especially check out their non-steamed char siu bao.The Dude, Feb 8th, 2012
whoever not whomever... If you're going to try to sound like a douche at least do it grammatically so.The Dawg, Feb 8th, 2012
Used to have some credibility for you until you mentioned Southern Belle as "one of your picks" for Vday. Hold your head in shameFor anyone else who is reading this, just follow this link and ignore the page filler above
http://www.smartshanghai.com/specials/valentines
djsexypaul, Feb 1st, 2012
Yeah, its fun to knock the 80s they are an easy target and all things associated with them but just to update you. Roxette emerged in 1989 and only had one or two hits then, the majority of their Scandanavian duo`s pop reign was from 1990-1997Maybe you were thinking of bananarama !!
Heatwolves, Feb 1st, 2012
fuck yes Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Lamb of God, and Doc Daneeka. That flyer is next level.djsexypaul, Feb 1st, 2012
Hi MorganYeah agree to a point, I was going for the fact that they were not really totally a 80s band say like Wham, Duran Duran, FGTH etc. I have the US and UK Guinness Book of Hit Singles in front of me and as you say they did form in 1986 but they didnt have hits until latter 1989. The singles Must have been love, joyride,dressed for success,sleeping in my car, crash boom bam The Big L were all after late 1990
In 1989 when they first released Dressed For Success and Listen To Your Heart both singles peaked at 48# and 62# on the billboard chart and likewise on the Brit chart until they were re-released in 1990 and 1991.
It must have been love was their biggest hit and was released for the first time in June 1990 in conjunction with the movie Pretty Woman.
Lets take it were both right but one moreso :-)
morgan, Feb 1st, 2012
Man. They formed in 1986 and released their first album in 1988, which had like five number 1 singles on it, including their quintessential songs: "The Look", "Dressed for Success", and "Listen to Your Heart".Their biggest song ever, "It Must Have Been Love", was released as a single in 1987 and then it blew up huge from being included on the Pretty Woman soundtrack, which came out in Q1 of 1990.
Granted they kept going in the '90s, with "Joyride", which came out in the early-mid 90s sometime, I forget, but when that was released they were already an established international band that properly emerged in the late '80s. And even though it was successful, that album was pretty much the last of it.
It's not much of a stretch to call them an "80s band", which I didn't intend as an insult. I like tons of "80s bands" including Roxette. Roxette are the shit.
Want to go? Think I can get free tickets.
888shanghai888, Feb 2nd, 2012
I think i remember seeing a photo of the limitedly attractive djpaul in one of those bars he mentions. It was on some public domain a while back, i'll see if i can locate it...rob.r, Feb 2nd, 2012
Paul - perhaps they were 3 of the several words I used to explain to you the meaning of "pot-kettle-black" when you asked me on Facebook [and strangely, not here...]morgan, Feb 2nd, 2012
Both right maybe be ME moreso. Haha.From the unerring wikipedia:
""The Look" and pressed copies of Look Sharp! were issued in early 1989 to record stores and radio stations. "The Look" became their first No. 1 in the US on April 8, 1989, where it remained for one week. The breakthrough for Roxette became international when the song also topped the charts in 25 other countries, and at the end of the year, Billboard named "The Look" one of the 20 biggest Hot 100 singles of the year."
That year again being 1989.
And that's just the States. They were already big in Europe since '87 or whatever. Gold record in Sweden, top 10 hits in several countries, national music awards.
Here's popmatters reviewing their Greatest Hits:
"They were a legitimately popular band, but they don’t fit neatly into the story of American pop music. The Swedish duo wasn’t a boy band like New Kids on the Block, they weren’t glammy enough to be hair metal, and vocalist Marie Fredriksson didn’t have the outsize personality to be a diva like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, or Janet Jackson. They were far from the only guitar-based pop act on the airwaves in the ‘80s, but they came too late to be mentioned alongside Journey, Survivor, or REO Speedwagon, and they didn’t have the rock legacy of Heart or Starship."
... firmly within the context of '80s music (Whitney Houston, New Kids, Starship, etc.) and describing them as a "guitar-based pop act on the airwaves in the ‘80s"...
But yeah, I give: 87-92 are their main years. Fine... not exclusively '80s. But I would also argue that the '90s didn't even officially really start until they started smelling like teen spirit in '92.
djsexypaul, Feb 2nd, 2012
Well Rob, I did`nt want to detract from Justin`s food blog, but obviously you do`nt carerob.r, Feb 2nd, 2012
Paul - seriously relax I don't know why you're so upset here and why you're asking me why I'm angry at you via Facebook.In the spirit of how many of us - yourself very much included - used to verbally joust on the SmartShanghai forum of days long past, I was merely making a possibly humorous quip about the irony of you talking about whore bars given your previous, successful stints as manager of bars that some may consider to just that.
Nothing more intended or to say other than apparently 888shanghai888 agrees with me!
All my best,
Rob.
Heatwolves, Feb 3rd, 2012
Gary please make sure that Madlib comes to Shanghai. That would be a preview of the Matrix 12.Justin Fischer, Feb 9th, 2012
If we put all of the restaurants on the Valentine's Day page in the Big List, that would be a little redundant. Don't you think?Heatwolves, Feb 9th, 2012
@ The Dawg, why you mad at Southern Belle? dem got oatmeal cookies with ice cream fo like 20.that Grumpy Pig pork deal sounds right on.
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Henry 623, Aug 10th, 2010
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