Legend has it that directly underneath Shanghai's transport epi-confluence lives a fierce dragon. His lair, right where the Yan'an and Chengdu elevated highways meet, would otherwise have a prime claim to party-wall disputes were it not for a gift from the city - the Nine Dragons Pillar.


As the Shanghai winter seeps through to the bone, thoughts of "I could be this cold at home" start to creep in. Of course, frozen toes are not the only detractor. Living in a country where the 25th is a work-day (even if it's on a weekend) and Christmas = Louis Vuitton don't help when December rolls around.


Nolita, on the re-gentrified Dagu Lu has, just like the street, a few good things to offer but also a couple off-balance dishes that lack that vital spark of energy.


Located on the corner of the blossoming 800 Show complex, this sultry, Dianping-recommended spot is at least a cool place to watch the world go by. But maybe that’s what the kitchen is doing too.