Smoothies and fresh watermelon juice, I just can't get enough!

Another weekend has past us by and we were out and about trying out restaurants that have outdoor seating.  And I am also drinking my way through Shanghai trying out all the refreshing smoothies and freshly squeezed fruit juices.  My favorite being watermelon juice!!  This was first discovered at Malone's Bar and Grill, the joint around the corner from our apartment back in July of 2009.  With Lisa(who was visiting) in tow we headed out for a cocktail before dinner and there is where we first drank a watermelon martini.  Now this was not really a martini. This was watermelon juice with vodka in a martini glass....yummmm.  They went down easily and realized this could be a dangerous combination.  Shortly thereafter I noticed on almost every menu in Shanghai, Chinese and western restaurants alike, watermelon juice is a staple!  So no need to drink it with vodka, just a straight juice please!!  And I do, often.

 Here we are at Mesa on Saturday morning having our mango smoothie and breakfast.  While it looks pretty good on the plate it was not very tasty at all.  Two COLD poached eggs with a pumpkin hollendaise sauce, a gratin of broccoli and potato. The gratin was not very good as it was swimming in a bland cream sauce and the potatoes were shredded but looked and tasted uncooked.  The bread was wonderbread in texture, no crust or crunch but the grilled tomatoes were excellent!

 Tony seemed to fare better, a small greek salad and poach eggs with spinach on one and smoked salmon on the other.  The outside deck was pleasant but we will not be going back as the food was miss-able. Although I liked the mango smoothie.

 Next up was Sunday breakfast, after Tony's 2 hour and 10 minute run outside in Shanghai - he went at 5am to avoid the crowds.  We headed down to Element Fresh, Tony's favorite restaurant, he eats lunch here almost everyday.  We like this outside deck and this location as it is on the second floor of our building.  Not too far to go.  And if you are super lazy or super busy.....like me!!....you can actually order a Watermelon juice or raspberry rage smoothie and they will deliver it!! No charge!! You don't have to have a minimum $$ order, you can just order one juice! It's unfortunate that I cannot go down, in the elevator, 28 floors and pick up my own juice, but I do enjoy the service and it makes me smile.