Shanghai

Gourmet Caf¨¦
Best burger bet

455 Shanxi Bei Lu
Tel: 021 5213 6885

It seems to be a favorite topic of discussion on any expat website in Shanghai: Who serves the best burger in town? The competition used to be between some pretty standard, but classic, selections, but the new kid on the burger block has raised the bar when it comes to the "gourmet burger". Just what is a gourmet burger, you ask? How about choice ground beef mixed with herbs and spices then topped with panceta and roasted peppers, or apple sauce and foie gras? Gourmet Caf¨¦s motto is "Simple, Fresh, Gourmet", and it meets the goals it sets; the bread is fresh, the lettuce is crispy and the meat is clearly top-grade. But if you don't go in for red meat, there are plenty of other selections on the menu, like gourmet pork and chicken creations and vegetarian selections for non-carnivores.

Beijing

Shang Palace
Tranquil and refined

Shangri-La Hotel
29 Zizhuyuan Road
Tel: 010 6841 2211

Homesick Francophiles in Beijing don't despair! Brasserie Flo, opened by French restaurant conglomerate Flo group, has a menu chock full of French favorites from foie gras and filet de boeuf to homemade cakes and an inventory of canap¨¦s longer than Santa's naughty list this year. Three rotating set business lunch menus, the Express, the Chaoyang and the Sina, are RMB68, 98 and 138 and offer one, two and three courses, respectively, and all include a soft drink, coffee or tea, or one glass of beer or house wine. Brasserie Flo can also accommodate larger meetings in one of their three VIP rooms holding from six to 30 people at no extra charge. Special catering services and even equipment, including video projector screens and sound systems, can be provided.