Old Shanghai (Part I)
| 05 July 2010
After arriving and seeing a few things around the Expo Site I was dying for some real Shanghai… you know the image we all have of China! Let’s forget about the giant Trinitrons and flashing lights- let’s get back to the basics… fabric markets, street food, and wild dogs roaming around (then cooked on a stick for you..)!
Well, lucky to say I have met an excellent chef here- who was given the job of making sure I got settled in. (sounds dangerous)So needless to say we have become friends and from Day 1, and has shown me the starter ropes of Shanghai! Enough to say hello, thank you, and a few other things that can only lead one to get hitched or in big trouble- thanks for the lessons in Mandarin!
The real China that every chef is craving for… I had a friend (another chef) visit me from the States who’s general plan was to see Shanghai- I agreed but in trade he was going to have to help me in the kitchen… (… so much for that vacation he thought he was about to have!)Guys this post is dedicated to the good times we had in OLD Shanghai… what’s actually left of the 200 year old French Colony.
Not sure what was better- the street food or the 18 items we ordered at the restaurant (no English on the menu… yes, a major crap shoot in what was coming out..)
First few Photos... The arrival
| 02 July 2010
First shots of Shanghai…Touching down in Shanghai after a long flight “across the creek”…
I was picked up by Mr. Chow (the official driver for the Pavillion), great guy! It was an excellent introduction to the kindness and warmth of the Chinese people.
The Flight To Shanghai
| 29 June 2010
My journey began in Dallas at 4am this morning (now 8pm Dallas time), and I am finally getting the chance to fully relax 36,000 feet in the air. The route was Dallas-Chicago-Shanghai. Now that is like the ultimate tease, having a layover in Chicago with no time to get out and swing my one of the many outstanding restaurants! Joking with a friend this morning (aka “Big D” or “DA” -a true foodie), I texted, arrived in Chicago, wish I could stop off and grab 12 courses “to go” from Alinea! Another friend pings me an email- swing through Hot Doug’s! Thanks geniuses like I am not thinking along the same lines and salivating at the mere thought of some of my favorites! Sadly settled for a hummus/greek salad with walnuts and dried cherries… no comparison but beats the typical airport slop!
