Cooling Café

1 Photo

by Tom Lee
on Friday, July 15, 2011 12:00 AM

While blistering rays are perfect for a session of sunbathing, most people don't want to spend all summer in Shanghai feeling sticky and slightly irritable. Sometimes, we just want out of the unbearable heat. With two floors and a small patio, Seme is an ideal café escape.

When it comes to out-of-office working, this place is perfect: calm, chilled and with coffee (RMB17-25) "on tap".
A small food menu supplies the calories necessary for an energy boost, encompassing simple sandwiches, salads and pastas. There is a vegetable-filled panini for lovers of greens and a club sandwich (RMB32) for those that prefer meat in between their bread. Both are accompanied by a cup of French fries.

For bigger eaters, however, the hearty portions of pasta are the best choice. Choose between a big plate of bolognaise, carbonara, or beef and veggies, all for RMB42. Tough luck if you don't like tagliatelle though, because that's all that's available. Alternatively, lose the carbs with a crisp Caesar salad (RMB35).

One of the only negative points about this hidey hole is its lack of wine by the glass. A cupful of vino often seems to stimulate the little grey cells, but it's hard to imagine a whole bottle will be quite as advantageous to concentration let alone motor skills, those oh so essential things that come in handy when trying to stand up.

However, aside from this trifle, Seme is a sweet spot to settle in for an afternoon of contemplation. Should you want to be reminded of the summer heat, a trio of tables is arranged outside on a comfortable wooden deck.

A combination of cool escape and calm working environment.