The BBQ - Shanghai Style

We live in a big big city, 22 million residents, 988 skyscrapers, and 125 parks.  In most of these parks (95%) it is forbidden to sit on the grass, you certainly cannot bring a BBQ, no frisbee or ball playing.  You can do Tai Chi, fan dancing, line dancing, singing, playing an instrument and playing cards are all acceptable.  That is if you can find an unoccupied bench or you can put one of your folding stools on the walking paths or you just dance on the walking path.  And yes that would mean you are in the way. Oh, riding your bike through the park is fine too. And yes you are in the way when you ride your bike trying to get around ALL THE PEOPLE.

I live in a lovely building with it's own roof top terrace, OK 8th floor terrace.  We have a play ground in one corner, a driving range, basketball court, a strip of grass with lawn chairs to sun yourself, a pool with a pool bar.  Pool bar only open May 10 - Sept.1, which I think is strange as it belongs to the hotel part of the complex not the serviced apartment division.  But they serve my favorite, watermelon juice, unfortunately at Ritz Carlton Hotel prices.  But I digress....

The upper part of the terrace has tables and chairs and two BBQ's.  You can reserve them and have parties, or just have a nice BBQ with your family.  Our good friend Julian decided to have take advantage of the warming weather, not too hot, not too cool and invite friends out for a BBQ.  Julian supplied the meats and drinks and everyone else either brought a salad or dessert.  Sort of pot luck BBQ.

Here is our chef, Julian! He grilled up a storm!  BBQ chicken, sausages, ribs and a lamb shoulder!

The party started at 4pm and lasted well into the evening.

After we had finished eating we pulled our chairs around and had a lovely chat about living in Shanghai as expats.  Lots of funny stories were told.

Lots of left overs.  The metal bowl on the left side of the picture is my cous cous salad with feta, tomato, cucumber, onion and parsley with a lemon dressing.   It was very yummy! The bowl was full when I brought it, I suppose it was enjoyed as two thirds are gone.

And that's how it's done Shanghai style!