查看原文
其他

Saying Our Last Goodbye to Dongping Lu

ShanghaiWOWeng 2018-11-27



As one of the highly renowned and newsworthy streets in town, Dongping Lu saw the destruction of its fence at Exit 11 after a drunk driving incident last week in a freak accident that rocked the community. This week, in even sadder news, it's been reported that six stores will be ceasing operations by the end of the year due to noise disturbance, among which is one that has been operating for over 20 years. Looks like it's time to say goodbye. 





Past and Present

An incredible history

 

Built in 1913, Dongping Lu used to go by the French name Route Francis Garnier and, at 105 years old, saw many changes. It was once Ya Shi Zhong’s favorite street and hideout, the residence of four of Republic of China’s most powerful families, as well as home to many of China’s rich and famous.

 


No. 1


Starting from the east side of Dongping Lu is the Xi Family Park.

 


From the Qing dynasty and Kangxi period, the Xi family were wealthy businessmen from Suzhou and, with the economic revolution in China, Xi De Yi became the Governor of the KMT Central Bank and the owner of this residence.

 


As the pride of the Xi family, the residence was converted to a garden and bar after being rented out. Recently, operations have ceased and the venue is now quieter than before.


No. 7


The former residence of Kong Xiangxi, the residence stands poised and elegant against the crowd.

 


Built in 1935, this European-style building spanned around 180sqm complete with a luscious garden and rooftop with chimney. Along with the small but sturdy windows, the different elements come together to give it a Northern European twist.


No. 9


Right next to No. 7, this building is the residence of the President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek and First Lady, Soong Mei-Ling. Purchased by Soong Ziwen (who stayed at No. 11 which was built in 1921) for his daughter and son-in-law, the two story building served as the daughter’s wedding dowry.

 


The beautiful house was then taken over by the Shanghai Peking Opera House and, most recently, the Shanghai Music School.


When we were there in the afternoon we caught a glimpse of some of the music school students were strolling around the school compound and having a quick snack. 


Dongping Lu Happenings

Numerous stores to cease operations by the end of 2018


No. 5


Starting with No. 5, three of the restaurants on the street were not spared from the move.

Di Shui Dong Restaurant



Having been open for 22 years, Di Shui Dong Restaurant is an essential part of Dongping Lu. Following a Xiangxi Village style with a red signboard, checkered tablecloths and more, this place looks right out of a location setting of a period drama.


By the end of September, the store had officially ceased operations, and we will no longer be able to enjoy the spicy diced chicken. However, for long-time fans of the place, they can still head over to the Maoming Nan Lu and Xianxia Lu branch to satisfy their cravings.

Address: 2/F, Maoming Nan Lu

Tel: 021-62532689

Address: 634 Xianxia Lu

Tel: 021-32070213

Simply Thai



Established in 1999, Simply Thai on Dongping Lu was the group’s first restaurant in Shanghai and a pioneer for Thai cuisine in the city.



Serving authentic Thai food, fans should come for a final meal here before it officially ceases operations in November.

Address: Building C, 5 Dong Ping Lu

Tel: 400-0007117


D.O.C GASTRONOMIA ITALIANA



Like Simply Thai, D.O.C GASTRONOMIA ITALIANA will be ceasing operations as well. Serving authentic Italian food, D.O.C will be closing its only store here in Shanghai.


The vintage looking restaurant is known for its iconic oven which cooked many of the delicious Italian dishes we grew to love.

Address: A2, 5 Dong Ping Lu
Tel: 021-64739394


No. 7

ZEN café



As the city’s first cafe and homeware concept store, ZEN café is near a music school and is filled with oriental furniture for shoppers to get home decor ideas or purchase a piece for their place.


When we visited, the place was filled with guests and had a serene ambience. It’s such a pity that it will be closing down after December this year.

Address: 7-1 Dongping Lu

Tel: 021-54590560


No. 9

The three stores here have an international flair with a Chinese twist.


Lapis Lazuli


In 2002, Wei Ziyuan opened Lapis Lazuli, a Spanish restaurant, on 9 Dongping Lu. Thereafter, he switched gear to serve Yunnan and Northern Thai cuisine.  



Within the same building, there is also a homeware store selling oriental and Japanese ceramics as well as different colored bottles, which serve as great decor pieces around the house.


A great place to shop, we are sad to say the store will be closing after December, and pieces found here will not be available on Taobao.

Address: 2/F, 9 Dongping Lu

Tel: 021-64331646

Pirata


Fusion Spanish restaurant Pirata moved at the start of the year to Dongping Lu and will be moving to Columbia Circle at the end of the year.



Behind the heavy wooden doors is a warm and friendly boss who runs the show and greets guests with a familiar smile. Serving Taiwanese and Spanish fusion dishes, some must-try dishes here include the basil and clams. Don't forget that glass of Sangria too.


Address: 1/F, 9 Dongping Lu

Tel: 15800643345

No. 11



On 20 October, the garden fence on Exit 11 was destroyed by a drunk driver who left two injured and the place in ruin.


When we visited, the exterior was fenced up, however, we could see the debris left behind. It is said that Sasha’s will be closing by the year's end, and will definitely be missed. 


Another place to be missed is Zapata’s, which hosted many fond party nights with great music.

Sasha’s

Address: 11 Dong Ping Lu

Tel: 021-64746628

Zapata’s Mexican Cantina

Address: 11 Dong Ping Lu

Tel: 021-64746170


Where are they now?

Wonder where some of your favorite shops from Dongping Lu are?


Not the first major shakeup in Dongping Lu, the first one was back in 2016 when many of the shops’ leases were up, and they had to move away. Many of the stores who moved went on to move into bigger store fronts.


1 Wulumuqi Nan Lu Jia



The start of the west side of Dongping Lu, the four-story building at the corner used to house Blackbird and glo London’s flagship store in Shanghai. 


Blackbird


The Italian restaurant here was a successful attempt by Bar No. 3 to serve both food and drinks. Right opposite the American Consulate, the place provides a great and rare view of the French Concession.



After amassing a large fanbase, Blackbird moved to the Columbia Circle and occupied a three-storey building to better serve their fans. The restaurant continues to serve Bar No. 3 homemade wine and boasts a spectacular terrace view.

Address: Building 8, 1262 Yan’an Xi Lu

Tel: 18701990479


glo London



Occupying a single building, the glo London flagship store served British delights with a coffeehouse on the first floor, a meat lover’s paradise on the second, cocktail bar on the third, and terrace on the fourth.


Today, the building remains as a mark of glo London’s previous occupancy in the place.

Nanjing Xi Lu

Address: 1/F, 688 Square, 688 Nanjing Xi Lu

Tel: 021-62118828


No. 15


Shanghai Brewery


For all craft beer lovers, Shanghai Brewery is the place to go. With a great selection of craft beer and food from pizzas and hamburgers, to tacos and more, it is a great place for a fun night out with friends.


Dong Hu Lu Branch


Unlike the other two terrace-styled bars, Dongping Lu’s Shanghai Brewery paled in comparison. Nonetheless, it holds many fond memories for diners and guest who once frequented the place.


Other branches

Address: 20 Donghu Lu (Huai Hai Zhong Lu)

Tel: 021-33563996

 

Address: 21 C Hongmei Lu Xiuxian Walkway, 3388 Hongmei Lu

Tel: 021-64065919


Holding the Fort at Dongping Lu

Two stores will continue operations 


No. 6 Green & Safe



The organic supermarket, canteen and restaurant will continue operations on Dongping Lu selling fresh produce on the first floor and restaurant with an open concept kitchen on the second.


When we visited this time around, we spotted a small canteen opposite the music school, which has a cover to shelter its outdoor seats on rainy days.

Address: 6 Dongping Lu

Tel: 021-54651288

When: Monday - Sunday 08:00 - 24:00


No. 16 Peace Mansion


This private residence houses the last restaurant on Dongping Lu. Former residence of politician Chen Lifu, the place was converted into a private restaurant thereafter.



By reservation only, the place is guarded by the service team, and is famous for their braised pork.

Address: 16 Dongping Lu

Tel: 021-34605150


With a competitive landscape, many stores come and go quickly in Shanghai. As the story of Dongping Lu opens into a new chapter, you should hit up the street and have some of your favorite eats before it’s too late!




37 Killer Halloween Events That Will Slay Your Weekend



[WIN] Tickets to a Halloween Warehouse Rave!


    您可能也对以下帖子感兴趣

    文章有问题?点此查看未经处理的缓存