1933

Art Meets Cuisine
Inspired by how New York Meatpacking District transformed into a style hub, Shanghai has recently refurbished its own former slaughterhouse. The Art Deco building and powerhouse were once the third largest abattoir in the world. A spectacular five-storey warren of low-ceilinged rooms clustered around a dome glass atrium that is connected by sweeps of curvaceous ramps, staircases and flyovers. As a "Creative Hub", there's much to do there. Home-grown designers, book launch, designer ware sold at Asianera or Les Lucioles. As for the restaurants, Laris, from 3 on the Bund, is opening a 1930's inspired steakhouse in spring '09. For Chinese fine dining, the renowned Jade Garden has played the Art Deco and Baroque style, with Mooi design and jade on walls.