Shout Out! Winopete, Now Available in Shangers
A long time ago (three or four years) in a land far way (Taipei), a newsletter arose that not only saved readers some hard-earned coin and directed them to the city’s best drinking holes (which they quickly filled), but also gave them plenty of mid-week laughs (thus burning off calories gained by drinking beer). Its author, the often wily and sometimes wobbly Winopete, has now relocated to Shanghai and turned his pen and liver loose. Here is an excerpt from his first newsletter (email winopetechina@yahoo.com to get on the mailing list. Mention Beijing Boyce and you maybe might possibly be entered into a draw that could have you driving away in – or is it drinking? – a brandspanking new Flaming Lamborghini!)
TRADER VIC’S (598 Fengyang Road, cnr of Da Tian Road)If you’re willing to pay more for good, polite service, well made cocktails and cozy ambience, Trader Vics might be for you. The Shanghai branch of this international, US-based chain opened on 29th December. Staff include a manager who worked in their London restaurant for 8 years, and some staff from their Dubai establishments. Like other Trader Vics, wooden Polynesian fishing traps, tikki carvings of well-endowed tikki gentlemen and other Pacific-influenced artwork adorn the walls and ceilings. Their specialist list of 70+ cocktails (alcohol and fruit jiuce based) makes for fine reading and even better drinking. Priced mostly around the RMB75-85 mark, the cocktails are served often in fancy mugs, bowls and other unusual receptacles. Compared to the Trader Vics in Taipei, the Shanghai TV drinks are slightly weaker, but add the magic words, “the old way” to some, like the Mai Tai, and you’ll get a much stronger concoction. There is also a good wine list but prices are at least 30% higher than most other Shanghai places that fancy themselves as wine purveyors. House wines begin at RMB80/glass for the ubiquitous Eaglehawk Chardonnay. Note, drinks are half price during the daily 5-7pm happy hour.
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