Catshanghai

Last night I saw a new American diner at 200 Taikang Lu. It's called Superdiner.

The sight of mirrors and neon sickened my stomach. This may work in Las Vegas or even Tongren Lu, but it does not fit this place. Taikang Lu-Tianzifang is special, because it is an organic collection of independent shops, art galleries, bars and restaurants. It has an independent, artistic sprit that is difficult to find in Shanghai. The hordes or hipsters and package tourists may be a sign of ongoing gentrification, but it is not Xintiandi and there are no Starbucks or McDonalds in this asylum.

Replacing a lesbian night club with a hideous looking sports bar restaurant diner monstrosity is a most unwelcome development. Let's hope it fails. I don't want to look at it so there are no photographs. File under #boycott.

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