We're not exactly sure what it is about this winter that's causing a sudden spate of closings - is it just a terrible coincidence? - but several well-known institutions around the city are shuttering or have shuttered their doors. Sometime recently, costumed restaurant ICONs was cleaned out and replaced with a nightclub called Ming. Then we were hit by news that The Uighur Restaurant (on 1 Shaan Xi Nan Lu) had closed, to the dismay of everybody who loved joining in a Xinjiang conga line halfway through your meal.And then went City Diner and the adjoining seedy bar M-Zone on Tongren Lu last week, according to a tipster. more ›

• Malone's has written in to tell us that in the 15 years (count 'em!) they've been in Shanghai, they've sold a whopping 750,000 burgers. That's a lot of meat! Congratulations, Malone's, from all our deliciously clogged expat hearts.
• Six of the best bartenders in town compete to make the most delicious martinis they can. We’re especially curious about how the Minty Gin Martini and the Fig Martini taste. Mmmm… [Cityweekend]
• Speaking of drinks, Chef/owner of el Willy, Guillermo Trullas Moreno, is trying his hand at mixology at a new place called el Coctel... two floors up from The Shelter. Soft opening is expected to be in late November. [Urbanatomy]