Happy Halloween ... I <3 Chocolate

Adam and I spent Halloween apart, not that it really matters since we're not really into dressing up anyways. I'm not against eating candy though! Especially chocolate covered extra-crunchy peanuts. I like this brand (see picture) and definitely could not resist the Halloween packaging.

Comfort Food

Whenever we feel like a bowl of no-frills Shanghainese noodles, we head over to 王家沙. Inevitably it will be in the evening for dinner, when the items on their menu board start to dwindle (we like the counter service area on the ground floor). I've been on a mission to try their eel noodles, only to find it sold out each time we go. This time, however - success! The eel strips are served on the side, covered in a glossy, garlicky, dark sauce. The noodles are al dente, swimming in a simple broth. I was very pleased with this choice and rank it a close second to our all-time favourite, the dan-dan noodles!

Fall has arrived

Since the beginning of October, the weather in Shanghai has been so pleasant! The humidity is gone, the sun is shining and it comes with a crisp breeze. It's no wonder so many friends/family pick this time of year to visit~

Yu Garden

Adam's dad is in town, so we're finally hitting some of the tourist spots that we have been saving up. The destination today was Yu Garden.

I last went to the Yu Garden area in 2001 with a friend - it was a rushed affair, the driver dropped us off and directed us to the xiaolongbao take-out window, we lined up for it, then hurried back to the car to eat the steaming dumplings in 35 degree summer heat. We didn't get to see much and needless to say, it was not the best experience.

Today was a pleasant contrast. The weather was cool. The crowds from the national holiday break had since gone home. And I actually got to see the inside of Yu Garden. The garden is serene, like an oasis in Shanghai city. Yu Garden has been around since 1559 and showcases some beautiful architecture, ancient trees, and lots of lucky koi and turtles swimming in the ponds. There are also two resident cats, seen here napping in the shade.

The maze of stores in the Yu Garden area provides plentiful choices for souvenirs and trinkets. The day so far had been relaxing and I didn't mind a bit of good-natured bargaining on behalf of Adam's dad. After wandering through the stores, we ended up back at 南翔, the ever-popular XLB joint. As expected, the line at the take-out counter stretched along the wall. Instead of waiting in line, we went to the upstairs sit-down section and enjoyed the XLB while taking in the view. Much better.