HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM SHANGHAI

My friend, Nikki, came to Shanghai from California to visit me. We celebrated Halloween American and Chinese style this weekend.  We did not have costumes, so we went down to the fabric market.  To make it easy, we bought two beautiful silk robes.

We got back to my apartment and then we realized something, what are we suppose to be?  Well, we never figured it out, but went out anyways in our silk robes.  We had dinner at MAYA - Mexican Restaurant (my friend was already missing Mexican food).  After we went to the Marine Bar at the Ritz Carlton.  Both of which purchase wine from Via Pacifica.

Hangzhou 杭州 - Great American BBQ

Last month I was invited to pour at an event put on by the Agricultural Trade Office in Hangzhou.  This gorgeous city is a two hour drive outside of Shanghai and is definitely worth the drive if you are here. 
Back to the event.  The event was called the Great American BBQ.  There were stands from various American companies that sell in China (like Via Pacifica).  Some popular ones were Budweiser and Ocean Spray. My stand at the event was right on the water.  People on their paddle boats were trying to sneak into the event and also get a taste of the wine. They had an awesome band that played country and rock music.  There was also tons of food.  Unfortunately, I did not get to indulge in the food because I had to watch my booth. All in all, it was a great time and I cannot wait to go back to this beautiful city!

JUST A LITTLE JEALOUS

As you all know, I am having an amazing time in Shanghai.  Even though it is great, there are many things I do miss from California... one of which my family is doing this weekend.  My parents, my sister and brother-in-law are making a trip to Napa Valley.  They are visiting just a few of my favorite wineries in the area.  I am sure they are going to get great sandwiches from the Oakville Grocery and have a picnic in the high 70's, low 80's weather.  I cannot help to be jealous, because these wineries are not only gorgeous and they have fabulous wine.  Want to see where they are going?  

Duckhorn Vineyards

Cliff Lede Vineyards

Ehler's Estate

Have fun fam bam!  I'll be hiding under my umbrella in Shanghai this weekend (not complaining, I do love the rain).

EATING CHEAP IN SHANGHAI

Now that the weather is changing and Shanghai is not a sauna, I am finally craving warm food.  The location of my apartment is very local and I have a mass amount of great street food joints. I think I finally found my favorite neighborhood place. It normally cost me 11 RMB, which is under $1.75.

First you get to select all the veggies, meat, noodles, etc on your own.  You can get anything from duck blood to sausage.

My personal favorite combination is, cilantro, greens, lotus, mushrooms, ramen noodles, quail eggs, and sprouts.

Once you pick out your goods, you give your soup to this guy.

He then cooks everything in a giant hot pot full of broth.  

Then I get a fabulous soup that fills me up for lunch and dinner!  

MY OFFICE IS AWESOME!

The pictures say it all....