Guang Ming Cun

I rarely get the chance to experience the same restaurants that my parents visit when they were kids, but Guang Ming Cun is a wonderful exception. Nestled on the busy Huai Hai Middle Road, it is one of the few restaurants that has endured throughout the times. Breakfast is an epic treat. For under $2USD, you're able to buy a massive steaming bowl of freshly-pulled, perfectly al dente noodles in a savory broth topped with caramelized green onions, generous slabs of marbled pork, and sprouts. There's also an extensive menu of favorite Shanghai treats such as wonton soup, chicken feet, crystal shrimp dumplings, and stinky tofu. With the reasonable prices and quick service, it's no wonder that they've been open for over half a century.

Jardin de Jade

It's about time for some eyecandy! Below is a visual recap of my excellent meal at Jardin de Jade (aka Jade Garden) in Shanghai. Some dishes were a bit adventurous, but everything was delicious.


Spicy Pork Kidney


Fried Baby Eel


Sweet & Sour Fish


Vietnamese Style Braised Beef Rib Tips


Clam Shell Steamed Buns


Sticky Glutinous Cake


Vegetarian Abalone

And that's not all! More pics (dishes) can be found here.

Colorado

Before I even had a chance to download and process my Shanghai trip, I was swept up into a flurry of work and life-related obligations. Next thing I know, I was on a plane headed for Steamboat Springs, Colorado for another short adventure (hint: involves many pre-dawn rises, a shotgun and camo gear). I know I have a lot to catch up on and hopefully I will be able to in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned...

Shanghai

Apologies for the lack of updates! I'm wrapping up a lengthy vacation in Shanghai and should be back soon with a massive post on the highlights of my eating adventures there. Stay tuned for more! (Photo above is vegetarian abalone... a bit strange in texture and flavor, but quite tasty!)

Dirt Candy

I recently watched Dirt Candy's Amanda Cohen duke it out against my chef idol Morimoto on Iron Chef America. I probably shouldn't have, but I guess it was better to have watched after my meal there than before. Why? Guess you'll have to find out for yourself!!! (Alton Brown captured my feelings so well during the show). What I can tell you is this: the episode's secret ingredient was broccoli! Also, one of Cohen's battle dishes featured a tempura poached egg, which I had experienced at her restaurant a few weeks ago. Like judge Kelly Hu's reaction, I found it to be quite aromatic, but lacking in flavor (guess it needed more salt?) Regardless, my overall meal at Dirt Candy was very delicious. I came away feeling just as satiated as I would have leaving a steakhouse (and now I know why). As Cohen puts it, Dirt Candy is not a vegetarian restaurant. "It's a vegetable restaurant." There is quite a difference, I think.