It’s time to bid farewell to the Dragon, as the Year of the Snake comes slithering in. One of the 12 years of the Chinese Zodiac, which follows a lunar calendar, Snake years are said be a period of great change. It’s a time for shedding your old skin, shaking off what was slowing you […]
Asia
The Best Hot Chocolate in Shanghai
Last month I gave myself the arduous task of hunting down the best hot cocoa Shanghai had to offer. I spent many a cold, blustery afternoon sipping chocolate drinks at cafes and restaurants across town, all in the name of blog research. It was challenging work, let me tell you! My favorite by a mile […]
A Brief Introduction to Hunan Cuisine
Before moving to China I could barely eat jalapeno peppers and now I pop them like pickles. Chinese food – real Chinese food, not the bland U.S. take-out variety – can be seriously spicy. Sichuan dishes are most notorious for their heat, and I still struggle with those numbing pink peppercorns that bite like a shot of Novocain. […]
In China, Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery
I have greatly enjoyed spotting all the quirky English store names around Shanghai, but it’s the copycat stores and products that I find most amusing. They are just so blatant! Tommy Hilfiger becomes Tommy Welai and the Nike swoosh gets turned upside down. There are also some unexpected surprises, like finding the Kodak store that […]
Belgian Beer and Chinese Deer Wine at Jackie’s Beer Nest
Shanghai is home to a delightful little bar by the name of Jackie’s Beer Nest. The small space centers around a beer hall-style wooden table with benches along all four sides, meant to encourage sharing and camaraderie. One wall is lined with floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with imported beer liquors and an impressive selection of Scotch. The back […]