SmartShanghai.com Wire http://www.smartshanghai.com http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/claude-speeed-lock-in-saturday-nighthttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/claude-speeed-lock-in-saturday-nightSat, 26 May 2012 12:52:31 +0700Sub-Culture's night.

They've done this a couple of times before at The Shelter, once when Kode 9 played an early-evening set as Burial and again with a The King Midas Sound DJ set. This is what goes down: 9pm, the doors open and DJ Faded Ghost (ChaCha) plays for an hour. Then the doors lock, mobile coverage is shut off and Claude Speeed plays a live ambient set accompanied with his own visuals.

Speeed is the guitarist and keyboardist for ... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/bounty-anniversary-celebrations-start-nowhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/bounty-anniversary-celebrations-start-nowFri, 25 May 2012 17:32:20 +0700Wuding Lu Rhumerie with free San Miguel and Pernod Ricard from 7-9pm, then a Gypsy jazz performance by Nikita Swing at 9pm.

Everything switches of to the Yongfu Lu Rhumerie in two weeks' time. There on June 7 there will be more Gypsy jazz plus a Cuban show and drink deals all night -- three drinks for 100rmb. A week after that on June 15, it's X Bistro's turn to blow out the candles. Again, drink deals and so forth. For the next month there's also pirate-themed competition -- dress up like a pirate. Send them a photo and you get a free drink. Something like that. Ask behind the bar.

While we're on it, just time to mention De Refter's grand opening, which starts tonight at 9:30pm. The Belgian beer bar on Jinxian Lu has been softly open for a while, but tonight they get all hard and serious. Fifty percent off all beer from half nine. Get the skinny.
]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/art/joint-openings-m50-art-booze-funhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/art/joint-openings-m50-art-booze-funFri, 25 May 2012 16:03:20 +0700
Exhibitions opening that day include Shi Qing at ShanghART, Zhang Zhi at m97, and new LED wonders by arts collective, island6 – they're celebrating Them That Glide Past Our Windows from 4pm 'til 7pm with bubbles and snacks. Elsewhere, stage候台BACK has invited British artist Chris Gill to stop by his current solo show, generally mingle and answer gallery-goers' questions; whilst OV Gallery are holding a closing party for their Abstract Expressions show from 5pm 'til 7pm.

Should be good, and no matter whether you're a Moganshan Lu maven or haven't been for ages, it's a nice chance to catch up on the local arts scene. All of those openings kick off at 4pm with festivities running through to 7ish. For the lowdown on what's what, check our exhibition calendar here. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/stunning-nightlife-innovation-take-away-cocktailshttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/stunning-nightlife-innovation-take-away-cocktailsFri, 25 May 2012 11:17:16 +0700new bar on the fringes of Xintiandi that does take-away cocktails, meaning you can now drink hard liquor while strolling merrily through the streets. They even put them in a soda cup with a straw, so to the casual observer they just look like any virgin beverage.

Right now they're doing two-for-one take out cocktails weekdays from 2-7pm, and the prices are refreshingly economical for the work-shy alcoholic about town -- 28rmb for something basic, 35rmb for something a bit more fancy. I popped in yesterday afternoon and left with a couple of "Mexican Iced Teas", a crude but effective blend of tequila and beer.

Nice one, Mix Drink, now we can be social and carefree without the bother of sitting cooped up in a bar with a load of drunk bums listening to mash-up, and the deal's good from 2pm, as well, so you can get stuck in straight after lunch.

Where Mix Drink has gone, will other cocktail bars dare to follow?]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/coming-soon-the-omnivore-world-tourhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/coming-soon-the-omnivore-world-tourThu, 24 May 2012 16:51:38 +0700here for a little refresher.

They've cobbled together quite an impressive list of chefs to participate in Shanghai's inaugural stop, which lasts from June 12-14. On the Shanghai side, it's the usual suspects, some of Shanghai's best and brightest, like Franck Pecol, Paul Pairet of Mr & Mrs Bund and UV, Scott Melvin of Table No. 1, and Steffan Stiller to name a few.

... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/shopping/mary-ching-shoes-preview-and-salehttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/shopping/mary-ching-shoes-preview-and-saleThu, 24 May 2012 15:57:41 +0700Mary Ching, Shanghai's original luxury shoes and accessories brand. Their collections feature vertiginous platform heels, saucy d’orsay pumps and retro-trad cashmere slippers.

Next week, designer Alison Yeung is unveiling her new collection at the boutique in Ferguson Lane and she's offering pre-production wholesale prices if you go down and check out the range. The preview is not until next Wednesday, 6-9pm, but they ask you to RSVP well in advance by calling the store: 3305 1173.

Cocktails will be served... Cocktails and shoes, ladies -- go fill your boots. Event details here. Map and full address of the store here.]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/pirate-bar-to-open-close-friday-nighthttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/pirate-bar-to-open-close-friday-nightWed, 23 May 2012 11:27:26 +0700Pirate Bar" on the Bund who are, this Friday night, setting a new Shanghai record in hosting their soft opening, grand opening and closing party all in the same night. There's one word for that: Progress!

It's all one night only at this place called "Pirate Bar" -- the club will be a "new and secret venue" from about 8pm to 9pm, a "hidden gem for those in the know" from about 9pm to 10pm, a "new, buzzed venue" from 10pm to 11pm, a "talk of the town" bar from midnight until 12:30am, a "bar for total dickheads" from 12:30am to 1am, a "tourist trap" from 1am to 2am, and then they're cycling quickly through 100rmb open bar hip hop nights and mash-up parties, before finally hiring Brad Ferguson to do live music there to close it out at 3am or so.

Just kidding, Brad. Luv u.

Anyways, Pirate Bar is (was) brought to you by the Dada corp. They got a space next to Captain's Hostel 2 (Yan'an Dong Lu and Sichuan Nan Lu) and are (were) going to open it as a new theme bar. They got the space, the contract, they renovated it, they brought the booze in, and then the landlord sold the building. So now it's not happening.

Or it IS happening but on Friday night only. Opening and closing party. Dress like a pirate. No cover. Have a drank with them. Say congrats and so long, Pirate Bar. Address info here.

The world was not meant for one as generally themed as you. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/openings-curry-kebabs-and-vinohttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/openings-curry-kebabs-and-vinoTue, 22 May 2012 14:53:28 +0700Nepali Kitchen has re-emerged with a new restaurant. This time, they're crossing the border to India with Tikka. The place has been open for just over a week in the same arts and eats complex that houses Di Shui Dong and Southern Barbarian.

Around the corner from that, where Ruijin and Julu Lu meet there is a new Turkish joint by the name of Kebab King. Unlike Tikka, however, we've given this place a try. Our advice: turn your back to the entrance and walk forward for as many steps as possible. No one should have to pay nearly 70 kuai for tough, barely warmed over döner kebab, bathed in grease, scattered over flat bread like a dog's dinner, and served with a mealy tomato. Awful. Just awful. Still, if you'd like to see for yourself it's there and open for business. Just an FYI for you...

... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/shopping/nuomi-fashion-show-this-saturdayhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/shopping/nuomi-fashion-show-this-saturdayTue, 22 May 2012 14:44:36 +0700NuoMi (Brown Rice Designs) are holding a fashion show this Saturday to showcase their fall-winter collection.

If you're not familiar with NuoMi, they work with local people living in poverty, those with special educational needs or special conditions that prevent them from working a regular job, to help them create sustainable businesses designing and making women's and children's clothing.

The aim is to offer viable ways to supplement their incomes and teach them useful skills that they can turn into small businesses. Around half of NuoMi's clothes are made in people's homes on sewing machines and looms provided by the charity. But there's a real focus on quality, too, as most of it is hand-tailored.

... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/june-is-80s-action-movie-month-sub-cinemahttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/june-is-80s-action-movie-month-sub-cinemaTue, 22 May 2012 14:21:00 +0700
All throughout June, your friends at Sub-Cinema are giving US THE PEOPLE what we want and showing a full month of '80s action movies staring the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Predator, JCVD, JCVD's kicking power, *cough* Mel Gibson *cough*, and more. Here's what's on:

Tuesday, June 4: Rambo: First Blood (1982)

Tuesday, June 11: Bloodsport (1988)

Tuesday, June 18: Lethal Weapon (1987)

Tuesday, June 25: ARNIE DOUBLE BILL!!! feat. Commando (1985) + Predator (1987)

All this at Dada. No entry fee. Doors at 8pm; Movie at 9pm. Free popcorn. All these are in English with Chinese sub-titles.

But the sweet sound of AK-47 gunfire -- baby, that's universal.

A suggestion to the organizers: free shots from the bar whenever someone is frozen in liquid nitrogen and punched into a million pieces.


]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/shanghai-bbq-cook-off-results-are-inhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/shanghai-bbq-cook-off-results-are-inMon, 21 May 2012 14:51:13 +0700
Best Sausage: Bubba's Barbeque All Stars, Ken Walker, Head Cook
Best Chicken: Boozers Barbeque, Mike Marriott, Head Cook
Best Pork Ribs: Team Pistolera, Jorge Leonardo Guerrero Vargas, a.k.a. "Tabasco," Head Cook
Best Beef: Kent Wang
Best Chopped/Pulled Barbeque: Zapatas Suzhou, Dave Henderson, Head Cook
Grand Master Award (Highest Average Score across any of the four categories): Zapatas Suzhou, Dave Henderson
Grand Master Award Runner Up: Bubba's Barbeque All Stars, Ken Walker, Head
Cook
Best Showmanship: The Shanghai Lacrosse Club

Congratulations to all.
]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/watertown-music-festival-this-weekendhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/watertown-music-festival-this-weekendMon, 21 May 2012 14:45:56 +0700
Step Into Bass kicks off 4pm on Saturday and doesn't stop until Sunday afternoon. During that time there's music from R3, Miss Mac, Downstate, Hamacide, Yen, Siesta, Boys Climbing Ropes, Icenine and a bunch of other usual suspects. There's also barbecue action, archery, rock climbing and paintballing on offer. It's not a commercial festival, it's just a bunch of friends letting rip for the fun of it. No one's going to make any money, it's all just for shits and giggles.

If you want to sleep, you can rent ... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/restaurant-review-of-the-week2012-05-21http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/restaurant-review-of-the-week2012-05-21Mon, 21 May 2012 11:03:46 +0700washing the stains of Apothecary from its being. Nene and Matto get loads of pizza plaudits. User Deirdre was happier than a pig in slop at the Grumpy Pig. Xibo is trending once again with two reviews. And Awana has tripped another blip on the radar.

Our winner this week, though, is Mrs Incredible for her review of Sushi Abuse. After dining there on this past Saturday night, I'm feeling a little abused myself. Have a drink on us. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/tomorrow-bubba2nd-annual-bbq-cook-offhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/tomorrow-bubba2nd-annual-bbq-cook-offFri, 18 May 2012 15:09:02 +0700Bubba's BBQ in the Expo Village hosts its 2nd Annual BBQ Cook-Off. Chefs, restaurateurs, and amateur grill enthusiasts alike will be going head to head to see who's got the best grill skills in Shanghai. 100rmb gets you in the gate, and before you even get started tasting they'll put a shot of Jaeger or a beer in your hand. Festivities last from 11am to 5pm. Word to the wise: If you want to eat, get their early. Offerings get picked over pretty quickly. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/community/museums-free-this-weekendhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/community/museums-free-this-weekendFri, 18 May 2012 14:18:57 +0700International Museum Day and all over the world this weekend museums that usually charge entry are waving it or cutting their ticket prices. In Shanghai, a bunch of sites will be free from today until Sunday, and others are offering cheap entry or organizing special events.

More than 90 museums are taking part in the city, including the China Maritime Museum, the Animation Museum, the Jewish Refugees Museum and the the China Tobacco Museum, which will all be free over the weekend. The stunning Shanghai Museum of Glass is free, but only today.

The Science and Technology Museum is half-price all weekend. Over in the Expo site, the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, the Italy Pavilion and the Memorial Exhibition are all half price tomorrow. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/tonighthttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/tonightFri, 18 May 2012 11:00:26 +0700interview with Enoterra's Pierre Monie, that's cool. No, really. Don't worry about it. But, you did so at your own peril. You missed one crucial detail: the availability of obscene amounts of alcohol for only 200 kuai. Tonight, both branches of Enoterra, Anfu and Taicang Lu, are celebrating the wine bar's fifth anniversary. 200rmb gets you in the door, and from then on you can drink all the wine you care to drink pretty much all night. Starts 6pm. More details here and here.

Meanwhile, out on Pudong's suburban fringe, Haiku's newest branch is celebrating its grand opening tonight. 150rmb gets you unlimited sake, cocktails, sushi rolls, and all kinds of nnn-tttss nnn-tttss nnn-tttss action from DJs Studz and Sao. More details on that right here.

So. There you go. Now. Let's get pissed!!!! ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/this-blows-addison-groove-cancels-shelter-datehttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/this-blows-addison-groove-cancels-shelter-dateThu, 17 May 2012 17:15:26 +0700
"It is with great regret that we have to announce that Addison Groove will be unable to make it to China next week. Having toured around the USA for the last 3 weeks he has ran into some passport issues and isn’t going to be able to travel for the next few weeks, thus not be able to make it to China next week. We are very sorry to everyone who was excited to see Addison Groove’s live set, believe me no one is as disappointed as we are, but this situation was totally out of our hands and we have done everything to try and solve the problem but have come to a point where nothing can be done.

SubCulture are lining up another date for Addison Groove. Next Saturday, they still have Lucky Me Collective’s Claude Speed in town, so it remains a night of large sounds. That's also the China launch party for the Outlook festival, which happens in Croatia, but you can find out about that next weekend. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/booze-news-beer-week-and-hendricknighthttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/booze-news-beer-week-and-hendricknightThu, 17 May 2012 15:32:42 +0700The BREW. As you read this, he's probably already boiling the wort inside that glass enclosure behind the bar. It's probably starting to smell pretty good in there right about now. Mickelson will be there until 9pm hanging out, brewing, talking beer, and if you're really nice, he may show you around the brewery and let you add the hops.

On the other side of the river, we've got The Cat. Last night, brewmaster Michael Jordan did a slam dunk with two new brews, a bourbon barrel-aged stout and a mango ale. Both are quite delicious. That stout is scrumptious and thick with lots of oaky vanilla sweetness. It's almost 9 percent ABV, so you'll get totally housed on it too. But we knew that one would be good before even trying it. The big surprise is the mango ale. Don't let the fruity moniker scare you. Its mango-ness is a semi-sweet undertone at the most. It's nice and hoppy, crisp and quaffable, a great summer beer. Both are on offer at either branch of Boxing Cat.

... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/free-screening-tonight-from-jack-to-jukehttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/free-screening-tonight-from-jack-to-jukeThu, 17 May 2012 11:31:14 +0700The House Sound of Dada, a series of Thursday night parties mixing film screenings with house sets from local DJs, continues tonight with a showing of From Jack to Juke: 25 Years of Ghetto House. ChiCity Films' documentary charts the course of Chicago's house music from its origins in warehouse parties to the recent explosion of juke.

It's a 60-minute essay on the origins of house music in the late 70s, told though interviews with DJs and producers from the city. Trax Records, The Warehouse, Jackmaster Funk, the advent of acid house, it's all there. Plus it shows you what juke is really all about, when stripped of the skinny-white-Brooklynite hipness that it's picked up in the past few years.

After that you get an acid house set from Shanghai Ultra and then a house werkover by DJ Siesta. All starts at 9pm. Full info here. Free to get in. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/wellbeing/free-scuba-diving-all-weekendhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/wellbeing/free-scuba-diving-all-weekendWed, 16 May 2012 15:34:54 +0700
No experience is necessary. It's a promo deal arranged by this group to encourage more people Shanghai to take up diving. While the waters in and around China are pretty filthy, some of the best diving in the world lies on our doorstep in the Philippines. You can get your PADI here in Shanghai with five pool dives and four in Qiandao Lake, which is the best place to dive within driving distance of the city. Big Blue PADI courses cost 5880rmb and they can be taught in English.

But for a taster, head to Minhang any day this weekend. Full details and maps here.

]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/openings2012-05-16http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/openings2012-05-16Wed, 16 May 2012 13:37:48 +0700
Following closely on the heels of Brioche Doree is Ravaud. Hailing from nearby Hangzhou, this small bakery/cafe offers "cake, bread, ice cream, western style set menu, chocolate." If you can read Chinese and would like to learn more, you can click right here. Dig the stock photo of the French baker guy.

A few blocks away on Jinxian Lu, we've got Le Vin, which does pretty much what it says on the packaging: wine. It's a tiny, quaint wine bar and retail shop. To go with that, they serve a small selection of charcuterie, imported cheese, olives and the like. It's a cozy, tucked away space with a postage stamp-sized patio. They also do an after work aperitivo deal: 48rmb for a glass of wine and a plate of finger foods.

... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/yikes-london-elektricity-tickets-give-awayhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/yikes-london-elektricity-tickets-give-awayWed, 16 May 2012 13:36:16 +0700this Friday night show. Sweatshop hosts in, London Elektricity, Tony Colman, founder of Hospital Records to The Shelter. First time he's been back to China since 2004, behind his new album Yikes!.

Tickets are 80rmb to get in, but if you want to get in for free, SmartShanghai is giving away two sets of two tickets to the show. All you have to do is email phreaktion AT gmail DOT com, with your name and mobile number and put this in the subject heading: "SmartShanghai / Sweatshop Guest List" and you and a friend get in for free.

Rad.]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/casualty-report-the-bulldoghttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/casualty-report-the-bulldogTue, 15 May 2012 17:12:11 +0700The Bulldog over the weekend. Saturday was the longtime pub's final night in business. A reliable source has indicated that the landlord decided he wanted twice the rent for the same decrepit space. Neither side was available for comment. The Bulldog's owners have already hightailed it back to Qingdao, and the landlord was unreachable. No word on what will become of the space, but, suffice it to say, the dog is thoroughly dead. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/shopping/from-may-21-guest-artist-denis-decaroli-at-shanghai-tattoohttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/shopping/from-may-21-guest-artist-denis-decaroli-at-shanghai-tattooTue, 15 May 2012 15:04:38 +0700Shanghai Tattoo is hosting in guest artist Denis Decaroli, in for a week or so around May 21.

Originally from Italy but based in Bangkok, Decaroli works in the neo old school, gearhead style -- sailors, skulls, and pin-ups, oh my. With a little dash of that "Dia de los Muertos" aesthetic. Check out his stuff right here. Pretty slick and creative.

Anyways, book earlier rather than later to ensure your slot. Shop owner, Dylan can sort you out for consulting. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/community/ted-talks-return-to-shanghai-this-weekhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/community/ted-talks-return-to-shanghai-this-weekTue, 15 May 2012 11:18:54 +0700TED events this week in Shanghai, the third time the global ideas conference thingamy has come to Shanghai. The first is on Thursday in the Grand Ballroom (4/F) of the Bottle Opener in Pudong, and that's part of TED's search for speakers for their 2013 conference in the states.

TED's global curator of conferences, Chris Anderson, will be hosting the event, and it's the first time such a senior TED personage has visited a Shanghai event. Around 25 speakers will give talks of three to six minutes on the theme "The Young, The Wise, The Undiscovered." The best will be invited to speak at TED USA in 2013, TED's biggest conference of the year, which has a live audience of 1,600, and an internet audience of millions.

If you're up for that, the doors open 3:30pm Thursday. Talks start at 4pm. The organizers have been patchy getting back to us so it's hard to tell whether there are tickets left for that event. We were told they were "close to a full house" so get there with enough time to finagle if need be. ... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/tonight-shanghai-beer-week-kicks-offhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/tonight-shanghai-beer-week-kicks-offMon, 14 May 2012 17:21:34 +0700
It all kicks off tonight at Kaiba Tap House. From 7-11pm, they'll be pouring La Chouffe, Maredsous Blonde, BCB's Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, The BREW's new summer ale, and more. 100rmb gets you in the door with four beer tickets. The Library Project is the charitable sponsor, so if you bring a Chinese children's book to donate, they'll give you two extra beer tickets on top of that.

On Tuesday evening BCB's brewmaster Michael Jordan is pairing some of his brews with a five-course dinner. Dr. Beer is hosting a beer trivia quiz with, you guessed it, free beer for the winners. Or, you can always hit up De Refter, where they're doing Chimay beer flights. 100rmb gets you a glass of each one -- the fruity Red, to the hoppy White, and the potent Blue.

... read on]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/captain-picard-sets-course-heading-to-the-geisha-warp-factor-awesomenesshttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/nightlife/captain-picard-sets-course-heading-to-the-geisha-warp-factor-awesomenessMon, 14 May 2012 15:13:28 +0700
"After moderating the Brenari / Dralian peace accord on Rigelian 34 -- a particularly arduous undertaking, as anyone familiar with Brenari greeting rituals can testify to -- I decided to embark on some much need rest and relaxation, at the advice, of course, of the indomitable Dr. Beverly Crusher, ship's surgeon and head medical officer.

After much deliberation, I opted not for Commander Riker's suggestion, Risa, by for solo shore leave to Shanghai, the year 2012, and to what the terrans of the time period referred to as a "nightclub" -- a venue in which the order of the day seems to be the consumption of ornate alcoholic libations and the enjoyment of popular music of the era.

Ended up at The Geisha... Anyways, this is just a Captain's Log supplemental, really. Nothing of significant note to report.

But here's a picture of me with some of the local inhabitants.

Gave my tricorder to someone there for a quick snap."

]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/smsh/metro-card-checker-app-releasedhttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/smsh/metro-card-checker-app-releasedMon, 14 May 2012 14:24:49 +0700Card Checker at the iTunes store, enter the serial number on your Jiaotong card -- your Shanghai pre-pay Metro card -- and it will tell you how much cash you have left on the card.

You only have to enter your card details once, then every time you open the app it connects to the internet and grabs your latest balance. The developers note that sometimes it takes the Shanghai Transportation Card people 24 hours to update your balance when you've used your card, but still, useful if you're in the back of a cab with no cash and need to check your situation.

The app was made by ExploreMetro, who make another app that has maps of the Shanghai Metro system, route planners and guides to your nearest Metro station, all of which work offline. That one costs two dollars. The card reader is free. Download them here and here. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/restaurant-review-of-the-week2012-05-14http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/dining/restaurant-review-of-the-week2012-05-14Mon, 14 May 2012 10:50:09 +0700answers with a resounding "yes." Thetallguy has gold star from courtneyconching. Taistealai cheers for the chicken kiev at Matreshka. Finally, a fish tale about Catch! from fortunecookie127. That's our winner this week. For your trouble, fortunecookie, we'll send a voucher for some free wine your way. Congratulations. ]]>http://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/community/forget-it-jakehttp://www.smartshanghai.com/wire/community/forget-it-jakeFri, 11 May 2012 14:47:35 +0700Bikes & Friends, as part of Cinephilia's weekly serving of classic cinema. First up, it's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Milos Forman's 1975 take on Ken Kesey's novel about life - and death - at a mental hospital. It's a movie about disobedience and misbehavior in a world where individualism and common sense are strangled by a mindless system of rules and diktats. Jesus - hard to imagine a place like that.

Next up is Roman Polanski's 1974 homage to LA noir, Chinatown. Private dick Jake Gittes goes after a philandering husband but gets sucked into a corrupt world where land and resources are stolen by politicians to enrich the well-connected overlords of a newly wealthy city. Jesus - imagine that happening?

So there you are, two of the best American films of the 1970s screening free with inexpensive potato snacks and mugs of San Miguel, all right here. Starts about 8pm.

Wow there, they changed the time. Things now start with Chinatown, at 6pm, then it's Cuckoo's Nest about 8pm or half eight. Chinatown's pretty long. ]]>