Gotta love that Chinese entrepreneurial spirit

The New York Times has a great story today about Chen Xianzhong, a native of Jilin Province determined to operate "the best Chinese restaurant ever in Iraq." There are certain, um, obstacles:

Things were looking up for Chen Xianzhong, proprietor of Baghdad's first authentic Chinese restaurant in the new Iraq, until a suicide car bomber blew up outside the place less than two weeks ago. The deafening blast shattered the windows and spewed body parts into the dining room. A foot landed on the pavement outside and a tire landed in the restaurant's second floor.

"There were small pieces of flesh all over, even on the roof," Mr. Chen said. Now, he does takeout only for the few loyal customers that continue to call.

It's a fascinating, fun story -- as much as any story from Baghdad can be fun these days. Go read it now. (And then come back to Shanghaiist.)

Photo by the New York Times.

(Thanks for the tip Luis!)