"Shanghai Cafe, a staple dining spot for Detroit’s Chinese community, was located in Cass Corridor long before Chinatown was relocated there. The restaurant was a place for the community to gather, connect, and, of course, eat. Shanghai Cafe was frequented by the Chinese community, who appreciated the restaurant’s ability to host large parties and provide custom homestyle meals: ginger-rich Cantonese-style lobster, crispy Chinese fried shrimp, and chow mein with colorful veggies. If a dinner party wanted any other traditional dishes prepared, all they had to do was ask. The restaurant also was inclusive, offering American Chinese dishes such as chop suey, egg foo yong, and Detroit’s own Chinese American creation almond boneless chicken. There were even non-Chinese dishes including American flame-broiled steaks, sandwiches, and homemade custard." - Carolyn Chin