Shanghai in mid-March; please recommend places/dishes I shouldn't miss

I didn't get to that many places b/c of business but was taken to Jade on 36 in the Shangri-La Hotel, Pudong. It was delicious but I didn't pay and I think it was quite expensive. Parmesan flan to swoon over and awesome scallops. If you are around that area, there is a wonderful huge buffet at Yi Cafe in the hotel on the second floor but again, it is pricey.

Across the Street, in the basement of the mall, is a big food court with 2 good, cheap noodle places. Upstairs there is a Thai place that was pretty good. In the mall next to the hotel, is Din Tai Fung (Xintiandi) which has very good dumplings and vegetables.

We also went to a very good casual noodle place next to the big fabric market. Sorry can't remember the name.

Here's some good info from a friend who lives there:

Have fun!

Since you are in Shanghai, let's start with the Shanghai's local traditional food (snacks) such as "Sheng Jian" (pan-fried meat bun); "Xiao Long Bao" (small steamed juicy crab-meat bun), "Xiao Wonton" (small dumpling with very thin skin and tiny little pork meat), and "Da Wonton" (big dumpling with local green veggie and pork), scallion pancake, cold noodle and crispy rice cake. Usually only the locals know which eateries is the best for which one of the items. They are not regular restaraunt, almost like the fast-food, definitely not fancy, but cheap, tasty and very local. (you don't find them even in the other places in China).

For the more decent setting Shanghainess restaraunts, I'd recommend "Fu 1039" or "Fu 1088"; "Xi's Family Garden on the 888 JuLu Road", "Shanghai Old Railway Station"; "Su Zhe Hui"; "Xiao Nan Guo". The local families usually hold their banquet there. The food quality and hygene is guaranteed.

"French Concession" is an area you must see. I usually take my visitors to one of "historical House" to eat. There, you pay a lot not just for the food but for the location and the history associated with it. Among the well-knowns are "Yong Fu Hui on Yong Fu Road" - home to the old British Consulate, "Old Mension's Garden on Shaoxin Road" - the garden is the gift of a rich Shanghainess men given to this favorite conccubine. " He Ping Guan Di on Fengyang Road" - private home of a well-known General, "Maller's Mansion on Shaanxi Nan Road" - a landmark archytech looks like an European Castle

I'd also recommend a drink at the "Katherine 5 on the roof-top of Shanghai Modern Art Meusum", "Bali in Jinan Garden"; "Tianzi Fang"; "Old Apartment"; "Hyatt on the Bund" or "Club Flair in Ritz Calton". You will get a good view of old or new Shanghai.

rmanna in China & Southeast Asia

Shanghai in mid-March; please recommend places/dishes I shouldn't miss

Thanks for your reply. i'll check them out and look through the city weekend for others. I'm surprised there's not too many people in Shanghai using this board! Appreciate your help.

rmanna in China & Southeast Asia

Shanghai in mid-March; please recommend places/dishes I shouldn't miss

Hi chowhounders,

Gong from Boston to Shanghai for 7 nights for business. Mostly, I will have only evenings to venture out. I'm staying at the Pudong Shangri-La but am willing to travel for great food. I'm especially interested in food quality, whether street food, markets, or fancy. Hoping I don't have to depend on the concierge.

Many thanks,
Robin

rmanna in China & Southeast Asia

Report on our week eating in Miami with thanks for your suggestions--long

We are just back to frigid Boston after having a wonderful week in your city exploring and eating. Thanks to all of you for your help; it made a huge difference.

We loved Sakaya kitchen which was very close to where we stayed. It was so tasty and reasonably priced that we had one lunch and one dinner there. The 2 large short rib tacos were fabulous-- meaty, spicy, citrusy and crunchy. We also really liked the spicy tator tots, cracklin duck sandwich, Saw woo spicy Korean shrimp, ginger brussel sprouts and dae ji spicy pork croquestas. GiGi was also delicious, especially the beef brisket and duck buns; roasted Brussel Sprouts and Cauliflower with bacon and soy; soba noodles with spicy peanut and scallion; and duck fried rice. In the same area, we had some quick, good breakfasts at Brooklyn Bagels-- egg and cheese bagels were $3 and really good bagels--and Angelina’s which had delicious omelets, grilled cheeses, café con leche; and excellent frozen yogurt—the dulce de leche, strawberry, and vanilla were especially good.

We had a delightful, leisurely dinner at NeMesis, at which we sampled most of the Chews for Jews Christmas menu. The food was creative and very good although the portions were rather modest. Even so, we totally enjoyed Britt and Micah’s hospitality and the eggrolls, scallop coins, spicy pork, bison, and duck fried rice were terrific.

We made it to Garcia’s but they had run out of food at 7:30pm. Instead, we had Harry’s pizza. They had terrific combinations and flavors—bacon, gruyere, caramelized onions; rock shrimp, lemon, escarole; pork, fig, fontina—but the dough needed something more to hold up the toppings. Also one pizza was pretty burnt, not just oven char. Meatballs were great and the polenta fries were tasty. It seemed pricy for what it was.

From Laurenzo’s market, we got fantastic asiago gnocchi and a light, bright marinara sauce, and very good lasagna to cook for xmas eve, along with good prosciutto, and serviceable gorgonzola and taleggio. The pistachio and the chocolate canoli were quite good too. The fruit stand was underwhelming but did supply a meager salad.

Sra Martinez was stellar; great service and food. We really enjoyed the octopus, artichokes, corn with lime, garbanzo stew, and bone morrow. The paella was quite tasty but so small that we giggled when it arrived; must be how you all keep your figures. So not even trying to accomplish that, we went for the fabulous chocolate marshmallow sunday and churros. Yum!

Twice we tried to eat at Enriquetas. No signs were up, no phones were answered. No food to be had--so sad. We ended up by virtue of proximity eating at Puerto Sagua in South Beach, mostly average but really good Cuban coffee, grouper sandwich, and killer caramel coconut flan.

Buena Vista bistro’s food was disappointing. A $24 entrée of scallops had 3 medium sized rubbery scallops with no sear; my grouper was just okay. We were also unimpressed by the crab cake, caprese salad with unripe tomatoes, and tuna tartar. The accompanying ratatouille and the fries were delicious though. Another day, we tried the BV Deli, sadly, our opinion didn’t improve. It took forever to get a quiche that was already cooked and in the case. Nicose salad was unusual but good; leek quiche and chicken quiche were fine but with soggy crust --incredible given that it took almost 45 minutes to arrive.

Even with the few hiccups, we are very grateful to you for all of your help and suggestions. We hope we can return the favor if you get to Boston, LA, or Chicago. Happy New Year!

rmanna in Miami - Ft. Lauderdale

Have researched a week of good eating; looking for input and info about particular dishes to order

Thanks for this info. Yes, we've determined that we would be insane to try to do it all in one day. Probably go to the Everglades; it is vacation after all. Milkshakes at Robert is Here sound great, as well as the driving tour.

Also, decided to get a reservation at NeMises for Christmas Chinese feast rather than Hakkasan. The chef was really nice and is open to suggestions of your favorite Chinese food as she is putting together the menu. Sounds like just the thing for 5 wandering Jews from Chicago, LA, and Boston! Curious if people have eaten there; the menu sounds very interesting.

The Frieze Ice Cream Factory 1626 Michigan Ave. was recommended for their great tropical flavors, any favorites? Thanks to all for your suggestions.

I

rmanna in Miami - Ft. Lauderdale

Have researched a week of good eating; looking for input and info about particular dishes to order

Thanks for the info aobut the Everglades; we'll go to Camella Street Grill. Also, I heard that Colombian Grace in Key West might be good. I also read about a new pizza place--zaza pizza napoletane at mm17 Sugarloaf key. Do you know any of these?

Also, a general question: Where is the best breakfast in Miami?

All the best,

rmanna in Miami - Ft. Lauderdale

Have researched a week of good eating; looking for input and info about particular dishes to order

Thanks Frodnesor, for the great info. I read about The Local, it sounds wonderful and I'm not that huge of a cuban fan that I care. Just seems like you shouldn't leave Miami without eating some of it. We'll make sure to hit the Buena Vista Deli. I think I may have gotten Catina 27 from Trip Advisor--I said I looked broadly. I'll try to get a reservation at Sardinia. BTW, I called Red Light and they told me they close today through the 30th. Too bad.

Is Laurenzo's Italian Market worth a trip?

rmanna in Miami - Ft. Lauderdale

Have researched a week of good eating; looking for input and info about particular dishes to order

Hi Miami chowhounds,

I’m turning to you for help after spending a lot of time researching. We are 5 people converging from LA, Chicago, and Boston for a week next Thursday. Mostly adventurous, like spicy, interesting, casual food. Although I am willing to organize my trip around food, not all of my family will. So I’m wondering if in addition to commenting on my choices, you can help think about location. We are staying in a condo the design distict/wynwood area. Many thanks in advance for your help.

Thursday –Arrive mid-day, thought we could go to Sakaya Kitchen for a close by, quick lunch or maybe Gigi; not sure about dinner. I have to do an airport pick up at 6:30. Is there anything interesting around the airport or in route? I heard about las Canarias Restaurant? Is it worth going to? Also do you know if there’s market with good produce around DD/W to stock the condo?

Friday–We may go to Bill Baggs State Park/cape Florida lighthouse for beaching and kayaking. I heard there’s a casual, good fish restaurant Boater’s Grill/no name Bay? Is it worth going to? Is there something better around here? If we are using a day for beaching, (beside some time at Lummus park—son’s a volleyball player and hoping to see some), would it be better to go to Biscayne National Park and Vizcaya Gardens. What are good places to eat around there?

Saturday— I’m thinking brunch at Sustain or Crumb or Buena Vista Bistro/Bakery. Which is the best choice? I made a reservation for xmas eve at Catina 27. They were very nice on the phone; they seem to get good recs on this board. Is this a good choice or are there better ones? Not looking to spend a fortune.

Sunday xmas—dinner reservation at Hakkassan. I know it’s expensive. What are standout dishes?

Monday— we’re thinking about an Everglades/Key West day trip. Is this feasible in a long day? If so, what are the best food options for lunch on the way from the everglades to Key West and dinner in Key West?

Tuesday—We have early lunch reservations at Michael’s Genuine; dinner is up in the air. I thought maybe we’d take a river boat ride and have dinner at Garcias? Or maybe we should go to the TapTap. Is this more of a lunch place? Can we see little Haiti in the evening, in an hour or does it take longer and is better to do during the day?

Wednesday—daytime in little Havana; thought we’d check out one of these: la rey de las fruitas or casa juanchoor or la Carreta. What is their relative deliciousness? We’re going to Sra Martinez for dinner and would appreciate knowing any special dishes to order?

Some other places I’m interested in:

Yakko San—sounds great, supposed to have ½ price lunch in December. Which part of town is it in?

Michy’s —seems to be far away from most tourist sites.

1st and 1st southern baking company—is it worth going out of our way to have breakfast here?

rmanna in Miami - Ft. Lauderdale

Boston foodie spending 2 days in Utrecht--need help please!

I will be in Utrecht for 2 days on business in mid-March. From initial web research, not too much info on great places to eat and/or drink. I arrive early Monday morning and have most of the day and Tuesday dinner, possibly with colleagues. Seems like museums are closed so I figure I'll eat. Can anyone offer good recommendations for cafes, bakeries, restaurants? Are there any specialties? I am staying at Karel V and hear that their bistro is good. Is this a place for dinner? If so, what’s great there? Thanks for any help you can offer.

rmanna in Europe

"Ace of Cakes" style cakeries in the Boston Area?

Cakes To Remember on 248 Cypress St Brookline, MA (617) 738-8508 does wonderful, custom cakes that taste good.

rmanna in Greater Boston Area

Best birthday cake in SF

Thank you!

rmanna in San Francisco Bay Area

Best birthday cake in SF

Hi all,

I'm looking for a fantastic birthday cake to present to someone at a business event in SF next month. It should look and taste great, and needs to feed 50-100 people-- not sure of the number yet. Price isn't a huge consideration.

I appreciate any help you can offer.
Robin

rmanna in San Francisco Bay Area

Bread - Watertown Armenian, Arax, Sevan

I concur. I've always found the prepared food really great and at the register they sell wonderful falafels with lots of spice and sesame seeds that freeze great and make for easy, tasty pita sandwiches.

rmanna in Greater Boston Area

Suggestions: moderate dinner for 16 near loop

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm checking in with my friends. I didn't realize Greek Town was so close. If we do go to Greek Town, we'll go Greek Islands or Santorini. I have a fondness from my adolescence for saganaki, anything else that is a must get?

rmanna in Chicago Area

Suggestions: moderate dinner for 16 near loop

Help! My oldest friend is getting married Saturday Sept. 1 in Chicago. I'm a foodie from Boston charged with finding a place for Friday night dinner for out of towners and bride and groom, about 14-16 people on Friday 8/31.

This is not a traditional wedding, nor a traditional rehearsal dinner. It will be informal and probably people will pay for themselves or if I can get it cheap enough, maybe I'll host. I don't know all of the people but was told that a few are not into spicy food, too bad! Bride wants to eat early so she's home by 9pm and wants something quiet. Searched this site and thought of Greek town--Greek Islands or Costas-- but wonder if they are too boisterous and tho I grew up in Chicago my geography is bad, seems like it might be too long of a trek?

Most people are staying at Club Quarters on 111 W Adams St, near LaSalle. It would be great to get a place that's is walking distance or easy cab ride.

I really appreciate any ideas or help you can give me. Thanks so much!

rmanna in Chicago Area

Block Island recommendations

Does anyone have any recommendations for 3 days of meals on block island?
I have no problem going fancy or casual, as long as the food's good.
Thanks,
Robin

rmanna in General New England Archive

Farmers' Market opening date?

Harvard's opens this week.

rmanna in Greater Boston Area

Dinner @ Stella! tonight!

We ate there Saturday. The iron chef shrimp appetizer was great, as was the risotto. The asparagus soup with crab was very good but not as amazing. Couldn't fit in dessert but the little give giveaway at the end, white chocolate with praline was wonderful. Also, the wine list was pretty pricy but we found a good value from Spain--big, purple, and delicious. Have fun.

rmanna in New Orleans

Help me sort thru research & "stage" 5 dinners

Do Cochon and Herbsaint have the same chef? Thought I heard that somewhere. Are they significantly different?

rmanna in New Orleans

Help me sort thru research & "stage" 5 dinners

Thanks, that's a great idea. I'll check it out.

rmanna in New Orleans