“Hello Hello” Chinese Foot Massage

November 2010, Shanghai, China

The art of Chinese acupressure massage dates back more than 5,000 years.  This technique of applying pressure to particular “pressure points” is thought to relieve tension, improve circulation, and increase overall health.  As the chart shows quite clearly, you can get an overall “tune up” from a simple foot massage.

“Hello, Hello. . .”

The diminutive, white-shirted speaker greeted and cajoled in that one simple phrase.  Inside the shop (let’s not get ahead of ourselves and call it a studio or clinic) a row of eight apparently comfortable armchairs fronted by ottomans stretched down one side.  Seated on low stools, women in well-worn white shirts kneaded, slapped, and wrestled with the feet, ankles and calves of patrons who sat sipping tea from disposable cups.  Led by Chef Dave and accompanied by Keeblero, this was my initial trip to what became known as Hello, Hello Foot Massage.

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Fresh Chinese Noodles (Lamian) & Restaurants in Shanghai, China

Living in Shanghai, China has opened my eyes to much of China’s deep food culture. China is the birth of all things gastronomic, don’t be mistaken and think the Italian’s came up with pasta, it was a spin on the ancient art of Chinese noodle making, Lamien. The restaurants I frequent around Shanghai  (Pudong) by the Expo Village have been given nick names. This is simply because we can not read Chinese, so it is much easier to just call them by a memorable or identifiable names, such as Purple Chair, Crystal Underground, Duck Face…and so on.

Lamian noodles, known in Chinese as Lamian or Lamiantiao are popular with many ethnic groups both in Xinjiang and the rest of China. The name “Lamian” means “pulled noodles”.  These noodles are the best I have ever had!  It took me a while to find a recipe , but they are made with simple ingredients. Click on the LaMian link above to read more on the process.

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Chinese Fire Cupping

The Chinese gave birth to this philosophy of healing from the inside out, starting back thousands of years ago in the Shang Dynasty (16th-11th centuries BC). They believe in the total balance of the body’s ying/yang properties.  So many people fear the Chinese massage (and especially the cupping), but I couldn’t wait for the experience.  I strolled into this small family run massage clinic close to Expo Village in the Pudong district of Shanghai.  Not sure what to anticipate, the next thing you know I am having pressure points drilled with elbows and limbs stretched out like play-doe! (…Of course I am lovin’ it!)

Then my new friend (Sunny, in photo above) looks at me and says in very limited English- Cupping??? The next thing I know this ball of fire appears out from nowhere and the look on his eyes was priceless when my head sprung up!  The rest is history; the small beta bowls were stripped of their oxygen and stuck over specific pressure points.  Imagine having an octopus sucking your back for ten minutes. The feeling was foreign, yet not painful (I know someone who would argue that comment), then the release comes.  Simply Bliss!

So, after several friends and family saw these photos they first told me I was crazy, yet somehow I created intrigue in so many.  Fir st it was, “David you are insane, look at your back!…why would you do that”?

Simply put, why not?

Best Restaurant to Celebrate a Birthday, Shanghai, China, New Year

A birthday to remember, that’s for sure!  I wanted to get the whole kitchen team together for a big celebration for my 33^rd… How often do you get to spend your birthday in China with a bunch of locals, and of course a few X-Pats.

Our birthday traditions are quite different to the Chinese.  Celebrating here in China was more like a brutal night at a frat house with new found friends drowning you with beer and great food!  Not that I have any complaints with either of those two topics!

One of the traditions that was most memorable that evening (and the following morning….) was that anytime someone toasts you (as the birthday boy) you need to finish all the beer in your glass!  That sounds easy enough…but when you celebrate any event in China, plan on a large group… we had 18 people (and somehow everyone “forgot to say something” during their toasts…so had to raise their glass again…and again…and again…)

The girls in the kitchen asked me what I wanted to eat on my birthday- hmmm, tough decision.. I choose roasted duck.  So they quickly worked their magic, booked us a private room and preordered 3 roasted Beijing style roasted duck.  The Chinese say the best duck is prepared in Beijing (the capital city)-so that was the highlight of the dinner.

I had the girls order a whole bunch of other items, because this guy can only do the “point and order”, so why not leave it to the pros!

Traditional Food of Shangahi, China Street Food

These past few weeks have been full of long work hours, settling in, and of course eating local!

Discovering Shanghai’s true food scene is not as easy as one would think, but finding the true blooded street vendors is no question where the urban culture thrives! I am currently living in what is known as Expo Village, which is a brand new complex much like an Olympic village. We have restaurants, bars, shops, etc. Filled with western style eateries, for example Tony Roma’s and Bubba’s BBQ, thanks but no thanks!

The common topic of conversation around the village is “I found this new place…”, not many speak the local lingo so everything is based on general landmarks, ordering at the local joints is always an adventure in itself

Truth be told, how can you blame them… who wants to spend 15 dollars on a dozen “Smoked Chinese Chicken Wings”… no thanks, I will stick with the people who have been perfecting their craft for generations. So in the event any of these people from photos below ever read this xhi-xhi! (thank you)!

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