Nothing's safe to eat anymore: "INDUSTRIAL chemicals have been detected in frozen shelled shrimp in eastern Shandong Province as sellers made shrimp to absorb more water and weigh more after they are frozen, a local newspaper reported today. A vender surnamed Tian told Shandong Business Daily that some wholesalers soaked shrimp in sodium hydroxide or formaldehyde solution, which is harmful to human health. Tian said "glazing" of seafood with water and certain amount of chemicals is allowed by law as a method to keep seafood fresh, but some people had gone too far. In some seafood markets in Ji'nan, the provincial capital, ice can make up more than half of the weight of shrimp, Tian said." [Shanghai Daily] more ›

Second in our winter series of hotpot reviews is Aberdeen (春秋火锅), a Cantonese style hotpot located in a renovated old house on Fuxing Lu. For us, Cantonese hotpot has always connoted clean and uncomplicated broth spread across a variety of regions. Want a spicy or satay stock? Aberdeen's got it, but don't expect anything more than a mild tang. What they do have is an assortment of seafood and premium meats that you wouldn't find at your local Little Sheep. more ›

Before you click play on this video, be warned: it is not for the squeamish or for animal lovers. more ›