2011

Instagram Post — December 31, 2011

Dec 31, 2011

Instagram Post — December 25, 2011

Dec 25, 2011

Instagram Post — December 24, 2011

Dec 24, 2011

The Purple Onion, Shanghai

Dec 24, 2011

Where did the Thirsty Pig Go? The Purple Onion, part of famed Shanghai restauranteur David Laris empire, nice little European bistro. Though it is tucked away in a small alley, it is still convenientl

Instagram Post — December 23, 2011

Dec 23, 2011

Mi Tierra, Shanghai

Dec 22, 2011

I’ve been planning to return to Los Angeles for a visit in January for month now. And it is December now, and I have been literally counting the days. Near the top of the never-ending list of things t

Instagram Post — December 21, 2011

Dec 21, 2011

Instagram Post — December 19, 2011

Dec 19, 2011

Instagram Post — December 18, 2011

Dec 18, 2011

Instagram Post — December 15, 2011

Dec 15, 2011

Instagram Post — December 13, 2011

Dec 13, 2011

Instagram Post — December 10, 2011

Dec 10, 2011

Instagram Post — December 06, 2011

Dec 6, 2011

Mi Tierra, Shanghai

Nov 22, 2011

I’ve been planning to return to Los Angeles for a visit in January for month now. And it is December now, and I have been literally counting the days. Near the top of the never-ending list of things t

Old Shanghai Moon Restaurant, Shanghai

Nov 1, 2011

Located in the historic JinJiang Hotel 錦江飯店, the Old Shanghai Moon Restaurant 老夜上海餐廳 is restaurant imagined as if we were dining during the colonial 1930′s. The ambiance is mesh of the classic western

Haidilao Hot Pot (海底捞火锅), Shanghai

Oct 28, 2011

Every once and awhile, you go to a restaurant without any expectations and leave pleasantly surprised. This is what happened when I supposedly thought I was going for a simple happy hour.

Instagram Post — October 24, 2011

Oct 24, 2011

Whampoa Club Weekend Brunch, Shanghai

Oct 11, 2011

The Whampoa Club at Three on the Bund is promoting their new Shanghai Dim Sum lunch.http://www.thethirstypig.com/2011/09/08/weekend-brunch-at-whampoa-club-shanghai-announcement/ I was able to round up

Instagram Post — October 09, 2011

Oct 9, 2011

Instagram Post — October 06, 2011

Oct 6, 2011

Instagram Post — October 05, 2011

Oct 5, 2011

Instagram Post — October 04, 2011

Oct 4, 2011

Instagram Post — October 03, 2011

Oct 3, 2011

Instagram Post — September 28, 2011

Sep 28, 2011

The Stage – The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai

Sep 27, 2011

When I think of a hotel’s Sunday brunch, I think of a lavish food spread with all kinds of goodies with Bloody Mary’s and Champagne’s flowing. It’s time to be with family and friends to relax and enjo

Bankara Ramen (บังคาระ ราเม็ง), Bangkok

Sep 22, 2011

Trust in Mr. B. . . that’s what I kept saying. After being lead through traffic on motorcycle taxis, we had finally arrived. Just minutes ago, I was sweating bullets from the fear while riding riding

Dazzling Cafe Pink, Taipei

Sep 21, 2011

An interesting business model we see in Taipei is the chain restaurants that feature different cuisines. With the People and Shintori, they feature Chinese cuisine, Japanese Sushi, as well as a cool l

Instagram Post — September 21, 2011

Sep 21, 2011

Bellagio (鹿港小鎮), Shanghai

Sep 20, 2011

Comfort food comes in different shapes and sizes, and especially flavors. When people have cravings of foods, particularly of ones they grew up with, it’s like an itch that needs to be scratched. What

Instagram Post — September 20, 2011

Sep 20, 2011

Instagram Post — September 19, 2011

Sep 19, 2011

Instagram Post — September 16, 2011

Sep 16, 2011

Instagram Post — September 14, 2011

Sep 14, 2011

Instagram Post — September 13, 2011

Sep 13, 2011

Instagram Post — September 12, 2011

Sep 12, 2011

Instagram Post — September 11, 2011

Sep 11, 2011

Instagram Post — September 10, 2011

Sep 10, 2011

Instagram Post — September 09, 2011

Sep 9, 2011

Intercontinental Asiana Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

Sep 9, 2011

Ho Chi Minh City is a place where it has seen hard times in this past century. With different occupants, from the French, to the American, and to the communists. Only recently, with the trade embargo

Instagram Post — September 08, 2011

Sep 8, 2011

Noodle Bull, Shanghai

Sep 8, 2011

Noodle Bull is a trendy and popular noodle restaurant in the heart of bustling area near Donghu road in Xuhui district. This area is full of restaurants, bars, lounges, and nightclubs – basically full

Instagram Post — September 07, 2011

Sep 7, 2011

La Finca 庄源, Shanghai

Sep 7, 2011

Our next venture during the Fall Shanghai Restaurant Weekhttp://www.shanghairestaurantweek.com/ is La Finca, located in the Xintiandi area. La Finca is an upscale Spanish restaurant featuring tapas, S

The PuLi Hotel and Spa (璞丽酒店), Shanghai

Sep 6, 2011

On Thursday the 25th, Shanghai’s Food and Beverage F&B industry got together for a fund-raising event at Zeal, and raised more than 25k RMB for charity

Instagram Post — September 06, 2011

Sep 6, 2011

The Cook at the Kerry Hotel, Shanghai

Sep 6, 2011

The Cook at Kerry Hotel in Pudong was our first visit for Restaurant Week this year, here in Shanghai. The Cook restaurant is a unique concept which blends buffet style, but not an all inclusive all y

Instagram Post — September 05, 2011

Sep 5, 2011

Lemongrass, Saigon

Sep 5, 2011

Tourists, foreigners, and out of towners usually have little or no expectation for food, unless they specifically researched prior to their trip. Yet, the onus of pressure, lies with the host or frien

Instagram Post — September 04, 2011

Sep 4, 2011

Instagram Post — September 03, 2011

Sep 3, 2011

Madison, Shanghai

Sep 2, 2011

One of Shanghai’s decorated and awarded restaurants in the past 12 months, Madison opened to with a flurry of excitement from foodies, bloggers, and expats. After finally finding some time to go, I wa

El Mexicano, Shanghai

Aug 30, 2011

El Mexicanohttp://www.elmexicano.com.cn/ 485-2 Zhengmin Rd, near Guoding Rd 政民路485号-2, 近国定路 Shanghai

Instagram Post — August 30, 2011

Aug 30, 2011

Goga, Shanghai

Aug 29, 2011

The Xuhui district, the popular tree-lined district in Shanghai, is home to Goga. Hidden just around the corner, we find this small 20 seat restaurant with roof top patio. Shanghai is home to fine cul

Instagram Post — August 29, 2011

Aug 29, 2011

Noodle Bull, Shanghai

Aug 29, 2011

Noodle Bull is a trendy and popular noodle restaurant in the heart of bustling area near Donghu road in Xuhui district. This area is full of restaurants, bars, lounges, and nightclubs – basically full

Instagram Post — August 28, 2011

Aug 28, 2011

Boxing Cat Brewery (拳击猫餐厅), Shanghai

Aug 27, 2011

Sunday Brunch in Shanghai is a big thing. It is a hugh event with the foreigner and expat crowd. Though, personally, I like to sleep in on Sundays, so I usually miss Brunch. But recently, I was up ear

Instagram Post — August 25, 2011

Aug 25, 2011

Instagram Post — August 23, 2011

Aug 23, 2011

Bankara Ramen (บังคาระ ราเม็ง), Bangkok

Aug 20, 2011

Trust in Mr. B. . . that’s what I kept saying. After being lead through traffic on motorcycle taxis, we had finally arrived. Just minutes ago, I was sweating bullets from the fear while riding riding

Intercontinental Asiana Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City

Aug 13, 2011

Ho Chi Minh City is a place where it has seen hard times in this past century. With different occupants, from the French, to the American, and to the communists. Only recently, with the trade embargo

Happy Hour at Morton’s the Steakhouse, Shanghai

Aug 12, 2011

Arguably, the best happy hour on the Pudong side of Shanghai is at Morton’s the Steakhouse at the IFC shopping center. I recently had a chance to sample their great deal – for RMB 38 martini’s and com

Instagram Post — August 10, 2011

Aug 10, 2011

Instagram Post — July 27, 2011

Jul 27, 2011

Dazzling Cafe Pink, Taipei

Jul 18, 2011

An interesting business model we see in Taipei is the chain restaurants that feature different cuisines. With the People and Shintori, they feature Chinese cuisine, Japanese Sushi, as well as a cool l

Robin's Grill, Taipei

Jul 18, 2011

With growing emergence of Mexican restaurants, in both Shanghai and Taipei, I have seen both high end restaurants like Maya, everyday type of restaurants like Cantina Agave, and almost fast food types

Goga, Shanghai

Jul 12, 2011

The Xuhui district, the popular tree-lined district in Shanghai, is home to Goga. Hidden just around the corner, we find this small 20 seat restaurant with roof top patio. Shanghai is home to fine cul

Instagram Post — July 07, 2011

Jul 7, 2011

Instagram Post — July 02, 2011

Jul 2, 2011

Instagram Post — June 12, 2011

Jun 12, 2011

Old Shanghai Moon Restaurant, Shanghai

Jun 12, 2011

Located in the historic JinJiang Hotel 錦江飯店, the Old Shanghai Moon Restaurant 老夜上海餐廳 is restaurant imagined as if we were dining during the colonial 1930′s. The ambiance is mesh of the classic western

Instagram Post — June 11, 2011

Jun 11, 2011

Paulaner, Shanghai

May 30, 2011

Paulaner, Xintiandi 太仓路181号, 新天地北里, 近马当路 House 19-20, North Block Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Road, 200021 Shanghai CHNhttp://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=15403504959748163525&q=xintiandi&hl=en&sll=

Cantina Agave, Shanghai

May 26, 2011

Cantina Agave 静安区富民路291号悟锦世纪大楼1楼01A-2室近长乐路 291号 Fumin Road, Xuhui, Shanghai, China 021-61701310 www.cantinaagave.comhttp://www.cantinaagave.com

Instagram Post — May 25, 2011

May 25, 2011

Shanghai Slim's, Shanghai

Apr 25, 2011

From April 15th till May 8, Sinan Mansions is celebrating Restaurant Week. They are specials at each of the different restaurants – including Yuccahttp://www.thethirstypig.com/2010/12/07/david-laris-y

Mapi Espresso & Sandwich Bar, New York

Apr 24, 2011

On my search for the Reuben Pastrami sandwich, this challenge has brought me to City Deli. I had read about City Deli, along with New York Deli, from the different punits – Smart Shanghai, Urbanatomy,

Urban Soup Kitchen (吾伴浓汤), Shanghai

Apr 21, 2011

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Yellow Door Kitchen, Hong Kong

Apr 20, 2011

Located on the 6th floor in a non-descript office building in the crowded district of central is Yellow Door Kitchen. The Yellow Door Kitchen specializes the renown spicy Sichuan cuisine. The Michelin

Delicious Kitchen, Hong Kong

Apr 19, 2011

I had heard about their fried pork chop through friends in Hong Kong. Yet, strangely, fried pork chops aren’t even the part of Cantonese cuisine. But when you travel to someplace, the locals will boas

New Star Seafood Restaurant, Hong Kong

Apr 18, 2011

I have to preface that we intended to go to Tim Ho Wan, the Dim-Sum Specialists 添好運點心專門店. But after seeing the large crowds and queue’s. . . Mr. J smartly had a back up with New Star Seafood, which wa

The Kee Club Shanghai, Shanghai

Apr 15, 2011

> “Membership has its privileges” > - American Express Slogan from the 80′s

Joy Hing Roasted Meat (再興燒臘飯店), Hong Kong

Apr 12, 2011

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Maxim's Palace (美心皇宮), Hong Kong

Apr 11, 2011

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Tai Cheong Bakery, Hong Kong

Apr 8, 2011

When you expect a item to taste a certain way, you are more likely to embrace it. But when it doesn’t come out the way you expect it, results, are more often than not, to be disastrous. But I am going

Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong (香港四季酒店), Hong Kong

Apr 7, 2011

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Haidilao Hot Pot (海底捞火锅), Shanghai

Mar 31, 2011

Haidilao is Hot Pot restaurant. Their popularity started in Beijing and Sichuan, before they came to Shanghai, recently. Haidilao is known for their unique attention to customers and special complimen

Haidilao Hot Pot (海底捞火锅), Shanghai

Mar 30, 2011

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Restaurant Week – Jing’An at the Puli Hotel, Shanghai

Mar 23, 2011

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Peninsula Lobby Lounge (半岛酒店大厅), Shanghai

Mar 22, 2011

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西域风情 XinJiang Style Restaurant Shanghai, Shanghai

Mar 21, 2011

The Xin Jiang Province, شىنجاڭ‎ or 新疆, is located in the far west portion of China. With a population that is heavily influenced from the Kazaks and Hans, there is a blending of the different cultures

DaBuTong Tea City, Shanghai

Mar 21, 2011

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Good Hot Pot, Shanghai

Mar 17, 2011

My friends know me to not be a big fan of hot pot. I never liked the DIY cooking aspect of handling raw food cooking in a pot. But it seems that girls really like hot pot. I am not sure why, but they

Pane e Vino, Shanghai

Mar 15, 2011

Sometimes food prepared the traditional simple manner is all you need. But of course you need quality ingredients. Echo and her husband, Antonio have done just that. With imported Italian floor, spice

Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), Hong Kong

Mar 8, 2011

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Cheung Hing Kee Shanghai Pan-fried Buns (祥興記上海生煎包), Hong Kong

Mar 7, 2011

Roast Goose 燒鵝 is the preferred fowl in Hong Kong. Yet, geese are much more pricey than other winged animals, such as the duck or chicken, except maybe an ostrich. Economics is the reason why duck is

Che's Cantonese Restaurant, Hong Kong

Mar 7, 2011

Dim sum is Cantonese for desserts 點心 or 点心. This was evolved from Yum Chahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimsum – 飲茶 or to drink tea. In the olden days, travelers on the silk road and field labors would

Tai Hing (太興), Hong Kong

Mar 6, 2011

One of the more known styles of Cantonese cuisine is the Chinese Deli. Half butcher shop and half restaurant, the deli prepares, cooks, and serves popular meat dish of duck, chicken, pork, and sausage

DimDimSum Dim Sum Specialty Store, Hong Kong

Mar 5, 2011

Shenzhen is the city located right across the border from Hong Kong. You might say it is the Tijuana of China. A little over 30 years ago, this sleepy town, with around 30,000 people, is growing to ov

Lukshon, Los Angeles

Mar 4, 2011

Los Angeles has seen a recent trend of Asian fusion cuisine in the past couple of years with Chego and Tasty Kitchen. Sang Yoon, of Father’s Office, presents us with Lukshon in Culver City. http://www

Wood Ranch BBQ & Grill

Mar 3, 2011

Barbecue is a backyard American tradition. The birthright of males, during summer weekends, can be tasted over barbecuing grills. Steaks, hot dogs, and chicken are skillfully torched. The popularity o

bigmista's barbecue, Los Angeles

Mar 2, 2011

I had heard of Bigmista and his wonderful Barbecue from twitter feeds, blogger pundits, and the LA rags. Yet, I could never find a way or excuse to one of his farmer market appearances. So, this last

Smoke City Market, unknown

Mar 2, 2011

When people talk about BBQ, emotions and feelings run high. You almost get into fighting words when comparing the different BBQ’s. With the Carolina’s you get the smokey pulled pork and with the Kansa

The Lab Gastropub, Los Angeles

Feb 25, 2011

The Lab is a gastropub located across the street from USC. In the spirit of gastropubs and wine bars, like Bar Foodhttp://www.thethirstypig.com/2009/10/23/bar-food-october-choice/, Westside Tavernhttp

THE Blvd, Los Angeles

Feb 23, 2011

Dine LA 2011 is err was in full swing. I was able to catch the tail end with a visit to The Blvd during my short stay in Los Angeles for the Chinese New Year vacation. http://www.thethirstypig.com/wp-

Harbin Siberian Tiger Park

Feb 22, 2011

Harbin’s Siberian Tiger Park is unique outdoor wildlife conservatory. Which essentially means an outdoor zoo, with Siberian Tigers.

Russian Lunch on Central Street, Harbin

Feb 22, 2011

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Harbin Snow Sculpture Festival

Feb 21, 2011

One of the things to see in Harbin during the winter months is the Snow Sculpture Festival. Along with the more famous Winter Ice Festivalhttp://www.thethirstypig.com/2011/02/01/harbin-ice-sculpture-f

Orient King of Dumplings 东方饺子王, Harbin

Feb 21, 2011

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Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin

Feb 20, 2011

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Shanghai Slim's, Shanghai

Feb 19, 2011

Shanghai Slim is your classic unabashed American steakhouse. Located in the Sinan Mansion, Chef Adam Levin, from New York Style Steak & Burger, helms this classic surf & turf restaurant with with the

Haidilao Hot Pot (海底捞火锅), Shanghai

Feb 19, 2011

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Instagram Post — February 16, 2011

Feb 16, 2011

Harbin Ice Sculpture Festival 哈尔滨国际冰雪节

Feb 1, 2011

The thing to see in Harbin in the cold freeze month of January is the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival 哈尔滨国际冰雪节. This is the main reason why my classmates and I endured this bone chilling

The Harbin Pig Restaurant, Harbin

Feb 1, 2011

On a recent trip to Harbin, I got to try and sample some of the local cuisine. I went to a restaurant called 正宗杀猪菜 从头吃到尾 translated as Authentic butcher food – End from the beginning to eat. They spec

진주집, Seoul

Jan 31, 2011

Late night meals after drinking are great. You need them to help sober up, fill the hunger, and soothe your stomach. Hot soups are arguably the best things to remedy an alcohol fun filled night. 설렁탕 S

Cheongsujeong, Seoul

Jan 30, 2011

Located in the Samcheongdong area of Seoul is 청수정 Cheongsujeong is a little traditional Korean restaurant. They specialize in 반찬 or Banchan. Strangely, most restaurants Korean restaurants will have an

The Plaza Hotel (더 플라자), Seoul

Jan 30, 2011

Dessert for some is a religious experience. They associate sweets like chocolate to an almost sensual feel. I know a guy who lives for desserts and can’t stop endlessly talk about them. Girls could be

석관동 떡볶이, Seoul

Jan 29, 2011

There is a part of Seoul that is called Toppokki Town 떡볶이 타운. It started with small restaurant called Sinadong Toppokki 신당동 떡볶이 in 1953. These ladies produced 떡볶이 Toppokki or Ddukbokki, which is a dis

장독대김치찌개, Seoul

Jan 28, 2011

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CAFÊ MARION CRÊPES (카페 마리온크레페), Seoul

Jan 27, 2011

Crêpes is original French dessert-type pancake. The Japanese have taken crêpes to obsession to create savory meals with them. In Seoul, the franchise from Japan – Marion Crêpes has spread the crêpes t

Nolboo, Arcadia

Jan 27, 2011

In trying times, people will find ways to make do with what they have. If you look at new Chinese immigrants that came to Taiwan after the Cultural Revolution, they formed military villages can came u

Kkongdon Food, Seoul

Jan 26, 2011

Among some of things I wanted to try in Seoul was the Street Food known as Pojangmacha 포장마차. I have always been fascinated with street food everywhere I go – Los Angeles, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Shangh

Linus' BBQ (라이너스 바베큐), Seoul

Jan 26, 2011

In the area of Yeoeuido, there’s a small dingy and dirty place called Seogeulreongtang 서글렁탕. We had some of the best pork BBQ that I’ve had in a long time.

The Plaza Hotel (더 플라자), Seoul

Jan 25, 2011

All Restaurants usually have one dish, perhaps two dishes that especially stand out, either publicly, unofficially, or blatantly. HaDongGwan 하동관 is a Gom Tang Jip which means, in Korea, that they spec

Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), Seoul

Jan 24, 2011

Seoul is a fascinating city with historical sites that tell about Korea’s past. I was only able get a snapshot of a couple of different tourist places. Aside from the Kimchi Museumhttp://www.thethirst

Instagram Post — January 20, 2011

Jan 20, 2011

Youbae, Seoul

Jan 20, 2011

Youbae is a Japanese Restaurant in Seoul. Though not exactly one of my top choices in restaurant selection while in Seoul. Personally, I had thought I would eat nothing but Korean food. But that prove