Delights of Shanghainese cuisine

The elegant Shanghai restaurant in the Central Hotel Shanghai is introducing a new menu of traditional Shanghainese cuisine, highlighted by seafood dishes such as steamed hairy crab and fish soup with sheet jelly and prawns with pepper sauce. 021-5396-5000 Ext 80209.

The pastry chef of the Swissotel Grand Shanghai will offer baking classes through the end of March, focused on chocolates and various types of cakes. In the March 16 session, participants will learn how to prepare coffee rum cake. 021-5355-9898 Ext 6358.

Fiery Sichuan soup

Award-winning chef of the Hilton Shanghai is introducing a traditional Sichuan soup menu for the spring. From February to April, the Hilton's Sichuan Court restaurant will feature various Sichuan soups and seasonal vegetables. 021-6248-7777 Ext 1890.

Chinese herbal cuisine

Sheraton Shanghai Hongkou Hotel is introducing a menu of Chinese herbal cuisine at its Yue Chinese Restaurant to stave off the winter cold. Executive chef from Hong Kong has created a number of dishes that can help digestion, and detoxify and nourish the body. Highlights include double-boiled eight-treasure superior soup, stewed lamb with Chinese angelica and braised chicken in Chinese rice wine. 021-2601-0088.

Snake-year room package

Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel is presenting a special snake-room package to celebrate the Spring Festival during the month of February. The experience includes the chance to relax on the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed, a delicious breakfast at the newly refurbished Cafe Bistro and free high-speed Internet access. 021-6275-8888.

(China Daily 02/16/2013 page13)