I’m more fortunate than many in this recession. Friends I know have had pay cuts, some have had benefits trimmed, and a few have lost their jobs. The odd thing is, even though I am (so far) no worse off, I still find myself looking at my spending differently now and trying to be a bit less reckless with my hard earned cash, and so the 500 rmb Lawry’s prime rib meal I used to have from time to time now seems an over-indulgence.
That’s probably why I’ve been buying the Enjoy Shanghai card for about 4 years now, but it’s only now I am really using it regularly. For those of you who don’t know, it’s a book of vouchers for big one off (first visit) discounts, as well as ongoing smaller offers from a wide variety of restaurants, bars, clubs, massage spas and so on. And at 299 rmb, it’s what American’s call a no brainer, because you pretty much get your investment back after the first or second use.
Some of the offers are amazing : buy one buffet get one free, or 50% off your first visit. Some are frankly a waste of time : get a free special shot which could be just sugar and water or something you don’t particularly want. But even after you sift through the duds, it’s well worth it.
And from time to time, there are these special promotions. I could not believe my eyes when I saw that in February, you get 50% off prime rib at Lawry’s. I honestly thought it was a trap or there would be a catch, like it’s only for one diner and the guests have to pay full price. But no, I’ve now been to test the water and it’s a genuine offer of 50% off the prime rib meal, even though anything else such as wine or side orders are charged at full price.
And so my 1100 rmb meal was knocked down to a mere 700 rmb. Yes, it’s still expensive for roast beef, but it’s at least moved from the “now way on earth” price segment to the “well, it’s a lot but I can handle if from time to time” segment. And so, I will be paying one more visit before the month is out. Thank you Enjoy!
By the way, if you mention my name or any other Enjoy member when buying the Enjoy card, you get a free bottle of wine and a box of hand made chocolates from Laris!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Why is your meal at Lawry’s costing 1100? I spent 550 last time I was there.
(and honestly, 200 US is sometimes in my meal budget – say for example Spoon or l’Atelier de Joel Rubechon [review on thehailife.blogspot.com coming soon!]or Nobu in Hong Kong – or French Laundry, Masa, or other fine dining experiences further afield)
February 17th, 2009 at 10:52 am
Only 70 quid for Roast beef and yorkshire pudding?
How do they make a profit?!?!
Seriously though, I heard Lawry’s is closing soon, and no wonder. You can eat Wagyu beef with a bottle of wine and a bunch of side dishes for the same price at Prime.
February 17th, 2009 at 11:07 am
If I had a meal for 700 rmb I would feel guilty for a week! Haha! I normally eat for 40-50 kuai… Not saying its not nice with indulgence… I guess I am just not there quite yet.
February 17th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Sorry my fault for not being clear, that was 700 rmb in total for the whole meal for two, not just me. The huge Lawry’s cut of prime rib is 460 rmb so I paid 230 rmb which I think isn’t bad. I added other stuff including some Pinot Noir and bottled water.
That makes it cheaper than Prime at full price, but yes, without the Enjoy promotion it’s more.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Oh for two that’s not so bad I guess.
I feel less happy paying out top dollar for rib than I do for steak still though. It seems like the rib should just be the same price as a roast dinner back home, but with steak, the sky’s the limit.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Yeah but Swiss, there are no good steak houses in Shanghai (outside of the grill in the grand hyatt). Lawry’s is a very good prime rib place.
February 17th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
wow that is a good deal for 2! But since I’ve been made part time for over a year now, I seldom spend that kinda money on a meal unless i have to (eg: friends birthday etc..) and i used to say, why is it always someone’s birthday when you go out to eat?
February 17th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Swiss – Good prime rib is just as expensive as good steak. Moons do both and the prime rib costs more. But sure, if you prefer steak as your chosen cut of meat then Lawry’s is not gonna be for you.
The California cut is still a generous cut of meat and costs 260 rmb so 130 rmb at half price. That’s a pretty good deal. I had the huge Lawry’s cut which was far more than I needed (over an inch thick), but the 50% off clouded my judgement!
February 17th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Sue – I hoped I made it clear, I have a full time job but I’d still never do Lawry’s more than once every few months. There’s no question it’s not cheap.
February 17th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
You dun have to feel guilty….if you can afford it why not? I dun understand why ppl get upset.
February 17th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Sue – I’m not guilty or upset. I just feel I gave some people the wrong impression. I’ve been wanting to have prime rib for months but only felt comfortable now that the promotion is on. But it seems some people felt it was just a normal dinner for me so I thought I should clarify that point.
February 17th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
I believe that’s “Diamond Jim” WoAi. His usual dinners are crushed rubies sprinkled over pure gold noodles.
February 17th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
LOL i dunno but i think i get ur drift T!
February 17th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I need to see you a video of you doing a jaunt to Lawry’s in a rented 911 Turbo. Classic posh!
February 17th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Ur Rich Uncle – That can be arranged. Perhaps 4 or 5 tall gorgeous models on each side of me as well.
February 17th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Dinner for two sir? and you picked up the bill?
Pray, tell us more!!
February 17th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
even woai is feeling the chill of recession? mmmmmm…..
i just had roast for lunch!
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February 18th, 2009 at 3:30 am
You guys have real beef up there. I mean here it’s beef-like. Ikea and Steak. Shanghai how do I love thee…
February 18th, 2009 at 9:34 am
do they not do the “Diamond Jim” cut in Shanghai? Also curious what the waitsaff is like, highly doubt its the older matrionly waitresses that they use in the US…
February 18th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Dingle – This is Shanghai, the guy always picks up the bill!
D – Yes, the recession is indeed far reaching.
Expatriate Games – It’s real beef indeed. Imported from Australia I think. Come on over for a weekend. You’ll never want to leave!
Judge_Panda – It’s EXACTLY as it is in the US. So yes, they have the Diamond Jim Brady Cut which takes up the entire plate and the uniforms are exactly as they were when that first branch opened in Beverley Hills in 1938.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I once ordered their smallest cut (called ‘the nancyboy cut’ or something) and the waitress sniggered at me, I’m sure this is a ploy to make you order the biggest cut!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Dingle – That is the “snivelling half man” cut. Funnily enough, we had the opposite experience. We tried to order the 20oz Diamond Jim Brady cut for one of my colleagues and the waitress said it’s impossible to finish so we went for the 10oz Lawry’s Cut.
The truth is, even the smallest “California” cut is ample for most people.
February 18th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
This is what I’m always trying to tell people, you don’t need some huge portion of meat to satisfy!
February 18th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
I agree with Swiss James.
February 18th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
Indeed. Less is more. At least, that’s what I tell all my lovers!
February 18th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
500 for a meal! That’s a lot. I can go a week and spend less than that. My birthday dinner with nine people cost less than that. @_@ Woai is rolling in the money.
February 18th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
Tripfriend – I spent about 8 rmb on dumplings (Da Niang Shui Jiao) for lunch today, so I am not rolling in money, I just enjoy the occasional upscale dinner, just like everyone else. Now, where did I put the keys to my Porsche 911!
February 18th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Da Niang? That place is overrated (as is Yang’s Fried Dumplings).
Jia Jia Tang Bao is where its at.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
Thanks T but I don’t think they have one by my office. Agree about Yangs though. It’s emperor’s new clothes syndrome.
February 19th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Loads of similar deals over here right now cos of the recession. Not just the high street chains (all of them seem to have a buy one, get one free deal) but great deals at the high end restaurants too. Even the michellin starred restaurants are dropping their prices to fill seats. Just check out the deals on toptable and book your flight home!
February 19th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Oh Thanks！ past not“passed” got it。