In a city like Shanghai, new openings are aplenty and sudden closings even more so. It seems that the evanescent nature of the city's restaurants and bars make it so that when something stays open for over two years, it ought to be counted as an old stand by. We are, of course, talking about expat establishments - there are tons of old Chinese restaurants that have stood the test of time, probably because the Shanghainese Shanghai population is a little less transient. And yet, somehow some of these places have managed to survive the volatility of the city. They may have changed their appearance, they may have moved, but all and all they're still here, giving anybody who hasn't been here since 2000 something at least somewhat familiar to cling to. We tip our hat off to them - for better or worse, they haven't quit for at least ten years. Listed in no particular order or importance, ten places that have been here since at least 1999. more ›

The Shanghai Center location of Gourmet Cafe opened up two months ago... and we were there to try it out then. Like the Element Fresh across the way, Gourmet Cafe features an extremely spacious outdoor dining area. You can choose between one of the wooden lunch bench tables or from the cushioned wicker lounge chairs. more ›

It is hard to miss the new Chill café, located at the Ritz Carlton Plaza on Nanjing Xi Lu. more ›

We just got off the phone with a very upset American Steak & Eggs employee who confirmed the diner's forced closure until August 6. They said it was because the teams playing in the USA Basketball International Challenge are training in Jing'an Stadium, which houses the restaurant. "There's lots of security outside right now," she said. "It's really bad." She said Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, also in the building, was also forced to close. This is all quite strange to us — wouldn't the members of Team USA, who we hear are staying at the Portman Ritz-Carlton next door, enjoy some American steak and eggs? Also read: Tongren Lu to close for the Olympics? more ›

We know that many of you have been affected by the tragic aftermath of this week's devastating earthquake in Wenchuan and are looking for ways to help the victims, so here is your chance to immediately get involved. We received word from ShanghaiExpat that the blood mobile will be out today in front of the Shanghai Exhibition Center opposite the Portman Hotel (a.k.a. the Shanghai Center). Those interested in donating blood have been instructed to make an appointment with Shanghai United Family Hospital by calling 5133-1968. more ›

I got to the lobby with my camera but the staff made me delete the photos I got. I have some from the outside on my Flickr page tagged with Shanghaiist. more ›