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Ya Ke Xi (新疆亚克西酒楼) Xinjiang
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by : that's Suzhou
Jul 3, 2008
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| The new menu in this Shiquan Jie stalwart proudly displays official government recognition of its services; proof, if it were needed, that this remains the classiest Xinjiang restaurant in town. Even if the new, rather gaudy rainbow-colored wallcoverings don't exactly foster that impression. Either way, they certainly add a novel twist to the traditional Islamic arches seen in similar ethnic eateries. Thankfully little else has changed, including the cheerful waitstaff with their doyly-bordered aprons reminiscent of 1950s Lyons tea-girls. Granted, the cuisine is hardly innovative, comprising rustic staples such as Braised Lamb with Potatoes (32 RMB) and Fried Eggplant (12 RMB). Although the Caramelized Apple and Sesame Seeds (12 RMB) was probably an indulgence too far and should really be listed under the desserts. But whatever its shortcomings (the solitary washroom and cramped surroundings) this particular kitchen isn't content to rely on 'passing trade' to stay in business, an opt ... ... |
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Tomato Kitchen Café (番茄主义) World
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by : that's Suzhou
Jul 3, 2008
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| "You won't need to book ahead on a Tuesday night!" laughed a friend when I told her I was making arrangements for dinner. Ordinarily this would be true, but she evidently hadn't been to the Tomato Kitchen Café either. Sat at the bar while waiting for a table (at 6.50pm!) I had time to ponder what makes this place so popular. Is it just the lakeside view? It's certainly the best in Ligongdi with even the distant buoys lit up prettily in the shape of mini-pagodas. (I don't know what the SIP's power consumption is like, but don't tell Al Gore). Back inside, a half-open kitchen gives an air of transparency to the brisk proceedings and most of the dishes are equally reassuring. The Panfried Goose Liver with Red Berry Juice (78 RMB) tasted almost too good to actually be liver and the juice had a savory jam consistency. OK, the vegetables in the Cooked Vegetable Salad with Smoked Salmon (32 RMB) weren't actually cooked, but, hey, I'm all for healthier options. That l ... ... |
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A taste of Spain on your doorstep
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by : Apple Mandy
Jul 3, 2008
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| Can't live without Manchego cheese or the occasional bottle of silky rioja? Then a visit to the Espana Market Plaza (EMP) at SIP's International Expo Center should be your next port of call. This enormous (1000 sqm) ongoing exhibition provides a platform to promote the very best in Spanish gastronomy, all under one roof. With more than 500 food products available, you'll find a wide variety of Spanish standbys like extra virgin olive oils and more than 50 different types of cheese. And if you get thirsty, they will be happy to let you sample a wide range of liquid refreshment including wines from Rioja, Navarra and Somontano, as well as a selection of aguardientes (liqeurs made from cane sugar) and anisettes (a licquorice tasting spirit made from anise seeds). You can even pick up a few bottles of the world renowned Mahou beer imported directly from Madrid. The organization even arranges occasional Spanish language classes and Flamenco dance to give visitors an even better taste of I ... ... |
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Blessing Soups (祈福汤馆) Cantonese
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by : that's Suzhou
Jul 3, 2008
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| You might imagine that any new restaurant (or any old one for that matter) would be glad of a review as a way of drumming up business and letting the wider world know what a fantastic dining destination they're missing out on. Bay Garden's Blessing Soups, however, needed more than a little persuading of this fact, and were less than happy about us taking pictures to accompany an anonymous appraisal. As the old ad men used to say, 'there's no such thing as bad publicity', so what's to lose? But if these were indeed the owners' fears, they were unfounded. A clearly ordered menu (no Chinglish) of Guangdong specialities, and at decent prices, explains why this eatery is bustling on a Wednesday night when similar places are struggling on the weekend. To wit, the Coriander and Black Fungus (10 RMB) was delicately seasoned if a little too spicy on the aftertaste. And the only complaint about the Chicken in Sizzling Casserole (38 RMB) is that diced potatoes would have made a better accompan ... ... |
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Time, Gentlemen Please
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by : that's Suzhou
Jul 3, 2008
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| It's Friday night and you're enjoying a well-deserved pint after a hard week slaving over spreadsheets. But have you ever wondered how your night-out looks like from the other side of the bar? Suzhou's pub and club owners reveal all. First up, Grace Wang, who had never been in a bar before she started working in one.
"I had a great barmaid who left after a Norwegian customer gave her a goodnight kiss. Unfortunately her boyfriend was there and insisted she quit. We tried to explain it was just a friendly gesture in the West but he was unconvinced. I still miss her.
I saw a sign in the window advertising for a waitress who speaks English. I applied and 18 days later I was running the place.
This job may seem unusual for a young Chinese woman but I've had an unusual life. When I was young my father was wrongly imprisoned. He escaped and went on the run for 10 years, moving from city to city until finally his innocence was proved.
Even now I am real ... ... |
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SOS (苏州SOS风暴酒吧)
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by : Mathieu Demot
Jul 3, 2008
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| I f you're looking for some entertainment in Suzhou, then that's certainly the word to describe SOS, one of the most conveniently situated, larger nightspots in town. Teeming with a Chinese crowd every evening of the week, this place ranks high up on the list of any self-professed techno enthusiast who savors Suzhou's, admittedly small, choice of party destinations. The booming sound system delivers a broad range of techno beats, from regular dance music to more experimental sounds – and, of course, everything in between, all depending on the night you're there. Entrance is free and once in you'll be left reeling by the action as your first steps bring you face to face with the DJs and showgirls (and showboys) dancing on podiums dotted around the bar. The fact that the cramped dancefloor resembles a terrace enticing you to indulge in some high-volume socializing. might make you feel like you want to take a well-deserved breather at some point. If that's the case you can just a ... ... |
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The Drunken Chef
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by :
Nov 4, 2008
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| Expat haunt with that holiday feel
I've always been dubious about British pubs abroad - images of red-faced holidaymakers scoffing down ham, egg and chips usually come to mind. But with the promise of well prepared dishes made from imported ingredients, I had high hopes the Drunken Chef would dispel such fears. They certainly endeavor to cater to a wide range of tastes with an ambitious menu spanning 20 pages. And while I can't speak for the inebriation, or otherwise, of the chef, he knows how to get the most out of his dishes. Our Shepherd's Pie (90 RMB) was nicely flavoured with mint, while the Apple Pie (30 RMB) was delicately spiced with cinnamon. But although I was eager to wholly reconnect with these hearty favorites, the accompanying Yorkshire Pudding was disappointingly soggy and cold, while the garlic in the Pan Fried Chicken Breast in Herbs (82 RMB) was decidedly weak and watery. A meal at the Drunken Chef might do enough to satisfy a craving, but doe ... ... |
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Garbo's
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by :
Nov 4, 2008
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| Ok, let's get the jokes over with first. Yes, Ligongdi is quiet; but no, Garbo's isn't the place to go if you want to be alone. Or certainly not on a Saturday night when the staff are kept on their feet until closing time. In a heavily promoted tourist zone that - to put it mildly - is still 'waiting to happen', it seems this relatively new bar (run by a compatriot of the famously reclusive Swede) is at least managing to pull in regular punters. The attraction must be partly down to Garbo's movie-themed paraphernalia which undeniably adds a touch of glamor; black and white shots of actors from the golden era of film look down from the walls in all their timeless, celluloid beauty - Bette Davis, Vivien Leigh and Audrey Hepburn among them (this will surely be Suzhou's first gay bar when, or if, there's ever a market for one). It's a formula that has paid dividends, and the management also deserve kudos for refusing to hype up every gimmicky event that comes along. During Au ... ... |
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Restaurant Events
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by :
Nov 4, 2008
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| Oct 5–Oct 31
Hairy Crab Buffet All Seasons, Sofitel Suzhou, 818 East Ganjiang Lu (6801 9888). Sumptuous choice of Mediterranean, Western and Asian food including a large choice of Seafood! 5:30pm-9pm. 128 RMB plus 15% surcharge. 108 RMB plus 15% surcharge if you buy 10 coupons in advance.
Oct 31
Halloween Theme Buffet Dinner Café Soo, Shangri-La, 168 Ta Yuan Lu, SND (6807 1116). Beware of the sinister works by the haunting devils. Enjoy a thrilling and sumptuous Halloween night at Shangri-La…298 RMB for each adult and 150 RMB for each child aged 3-12. Festive feast and free flow of Coke, Sprite, orange juice and local beer with attractive lucky draw prizes. 5:30pm-9:30pm.
Every Monday to Saturday
Salad Bar & Desert Buffet Lunch All Seasons, Sofitel Suzhou, 818 East Ganjiang Lu (6801 9888). Free Salad Bar & Dessert Buffet available if you order one of our main course per person. 11:30am-2pm. 38RMB or more.
&nb ... ... |
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Where you eat if you are a foreign teacher
Food & drink / Restaurants and bars
Written by :
Nov 4, 2008
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| As much as I love cooking every night, sometimes, after a long day of screaming children it's nice to go out and eat dinner around other adults. But, where to go in SIP? Mister Pizza is an obvious and popular choice. The location is convenient and you might even run into a friend or two while you dine. The only downside might be trying to make a decision from the extensive menu. For excellent lunch deals I like Thai by Simon , especially the Monday, Wednesday lunch buffet which satisfies any cravings for delicious, Thai food. Casa Zoe is the perfect remedy for a Sunday brunch hangover. They offer large portions and the American breakfast with bacon reminds me of home. When I do venture downtown for dinner I go to Xinjiang Ya Ke Xi , an ethnic Chinese restaurant. The eggplant dish is amazing and you can even order an entire roast sheep. ... ... |
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