Big splurge

Thought I'd splurge and go to the upscale Crystal Jade in Xintiandi (sort of a Ghiradelli Square) inside a big glassy shopping mall. I sat at a long bar with seating on both sides. The tabletop was glass and lit from below. I wanted to try the hairy crab since it is now in season and everyone seems to be going crazy over it. The waitress suggested I have it steamed. As you can see it is a pretty minimalist dish. Lucky I didn't cut myself with those sharp pointy scissors on the incredibly hard shell. I dipped the little meat that I was able to pick out in the black vinegar and ginger sauce. Afterwards I was served a sweet ginger tea. Also had the xiaolongbaozi - steamed soup dumplings. You bite a little hole in the purse and suck out the hot soup then dip the rest in the sauce and pop it in your mouth.
If a dungeness crab should every make it to Shanghai - watch out. The hairy crab is just not that great.