Shanghai Brewery
21C, Hongmei Pedestrian Street, 3338 Hongmei Lu ,
Gubei/Hongqiao
near Yan'an Xi Lu
虹梅路3338弄虹梅路休闲街21C
近延安西路
6406-5919
www.shanghaibrewery.com
info@shanghaibrewery.com
Open Sun-Thu 10am-2am; Fri-Sat 10am-3am
Accepts International Credit Cards
- City Weekend
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This microbrewery has seven beers made on site plus an extensive menu of food featuring pizzas, pasta, burgers and some Asian dishes. Excellent pool tables, friendly staff, decent prices and a warm, welcoming interior offer far more than just beer (though the brews are first class). Families will appreciate the kids’ room. There’s sports on TVs, too.
- Contributor
Description -
Shanghai Brewery is a microbrewery, a high-quality international restaurant and a sports bar located on Hongmei Pedestrian Street in Hongqiao District.
Shanghai Brewery always has 7 kinds of fresh, hand-crafted micro-brewery beers available by award-winning American brewmaster Geoff Engel. Plus, special seasonal brews. The beers all are brewed on-site (upstairs) so they are uber-fresh and piped directly to the bar.
Shanghai Brewery is also a high-quality restaurant. The head chef, Justin Birmingham, worked at one of the world's top restaurants (rated Michelin 2 Stars) in the UK. The international menu features German, American, Italian, Mediterranean, British food, hand-rolled pizzas, burgers, salads, appetizers and more.
Shanghai Brewery is the perfect place to watch all sorts of international sports events with 14 large flat TV screens, 4 large screen projectors and many live sports satellite feeds. Or you can relax and play some pool on the two professional quality pool tables or foosball on the semi-professional foosball table.
For the kids, Shanghai Brewery has a Kids' Room with Xbox and Wii computer games, DVDs, kids games and colouring books.
Reviews Been there? Add a review!
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cityweekend
Most Recent Reviews
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I would have to agree with the previous few reviews: good food and environment etc but poor service, although the service critique sounds a bit too extreme compared to what I've seen. Indeed I have also seen the staff standing chatting together while customers are waving their hands towards them. Sadly this is a typical thing. Service in Shanghai and all of China does not even come close to service in the West or in places like Thailand. I have hardly been to a restaurant in China where the price is less than 200rmb or 300rmb per person that has good service. I don't know whether it is because staff in China don't have a good work ethic or they need to be watched over every second of every day or if it has anything to do with the country's history. Maybe it is because the tipping system works differently in China? I really don't know. Actually, the quality of restaurants in China, generally, is also much lower than in the West. Jean Georges in NY is superb. If the Shanghai branch of JG was in any other city it would not be anything special. Likewise for places such as Madison, El Willy, etc. In Shanghai/China they are good but anywhere else they would be average or below average. Standards seem to fall here. Again, is it due to the Chinese staff's work ethic or what? I'm not sure.
I'll give Shanghai Brewery 4 stars because 4 out of 5 things there are good, which is very good for China. The 4 good: Food, environment, music and beer/drinks. And the 1 not good: Service.
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Have to agree with the last two postings. I have been to both locations. Unless you are at the bar (and sometimes not even there) the service sucks.
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What is the problem with the service here? Is is just our family or does everyone have the same problem? I am wondering if the wait staff don't like me or my family as the service is really terrible every time we come in. There's one bossy lady who is so rude I wouldn't even bother to come back if it wasn't for the fact I really like the food and the drinks. The atmosphere and music is good. I have tried quite a few things on the menu and never had anything I didn't like. I love the fish and chips as the batter is so crispy - unlike many places we have been to. I really want to keep coming to the Shanghai Brewery but I might have to go back to my old haunt if the service doesn't start to pick up. Does anyone know if there's a better time to go to get decent staff and avoid the ones who don't seem to care whether you are there or not? Any help on this would be appreciated! I see someone else just posted they have bad service too when they go here so at least I know it's not just me being paranoid! Please, please, Shanghai Brewery give us good service we really do want to enjoy coming here!
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I have been to both Shanghai Brewery venues. The food is awesome. I met the guy who I think is Head Chef Justin or Jason and he really knew his stuff. I strongly recommend the Pork Knuckle - I have had these in Germany and this guys version absolutely knocks the socks off any version I have had! I could happily eat this at least three times a week!
It's a real pity that both places are let down big time by the terrible service. I have had the wrong food twice and the wait staff couldn't care less. The just don't seem to care. These could be the best places in the city of they knew how to train their staff. I will keep coming for the food until I can't stand the service any longer then I will just have to go elsewhere which is a shame.
The manager needs to take action quickly if he/she wants people who know about food and drink to keep coming here regularly and not give up!
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My favoured venue in Hongqiao suburb of Shanghai. It is well-appointed than the other venues with attractive adornment and palatable cuisine.
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Please note that Shanghai Brewery II will be soft opening in mid-January 2012 at the Hengshan Road and Dongping Road intersection. We have already started brewing our fresh, hand-crafted microbrews, which should be ready for our soft opening.
We hope you will have a chance to visit us there.
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The last comment falls into the vague niche, of ill informed expectation. Lack of research, fortified with a liberal dose of bravado. But in saying that I will steer clear of the burgers with cheese. I am trying to look after my shapely figure.
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Perhaps I should have read these reviews before going there and tried the fish and chips, as everybody seems to be raving about that particular dish.
I had a burger with added cheese (+5 RMB for a cheap slice of flavourless creamy grease) that was awesomely uninspiring. The fries were in the main hollow, over crunchy and dry. Very dry.
The search for a good burger in Shanghai, goes on...
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After reading germs review on there fish and chips then seeing a review on shanghai expat today i went to the brewery tonight only for fish and chips, well im blown away how good they there. Tryed a few places at other well known places and have been dissapointed this is definatly a stand out for me.
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I love their fish and chips!!!!
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I enjoyed the refreshing change in quality of service and an atmosphere that made me feel like I was in Hong Kong. Certainly it can be stated in an emphatic way that this is the place that has raised the bar on the Hong Mei walking street. The fish and chips took me on a sea sojourn of salivation, a journey worthy of a revisit. A standout must try addition, beer battered and well seasoned fish of quality rarely seen in Shanghai. I felt like I was back in Australia. Kudos to the chef on a well sourced product served to perfection. The only niggle I have to share is the pips in the lemon that accompanied the fish. A personal angst that I also experienced at the Westin Bund Sunday Brunch buffet today. Improvement factor from last visit. Huge!!!!! Get the lemon pips sorted out and be a clear stand out, leader in quality. Makes the other bars and restaurants looking overdue for a regime of renewal, inside and out. Good job. Improvement tip, do not like to wait more than 5 minutes for a drink. Keep improving. I hope its better next time I pop by.
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Enjoyed the Liverpool v Everton match last night. Especially the result! So many big tvs and projectors in this place.
I like the overall feeling of Shanghai Brewery. Oh, and the food was quite good too.
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Silly me didnt even realize that this is a microbrewery. Look at the name duhhhh!
This is not your typical restaurant for german food pork knuckel. But last thursday i was craving it. Surprise, the pork knuckel was a bullseye. The meat inside delivered on the taste and the skin was crunchy. The litmus key for good german pork knuckel is crunchy skin.
Thumbs up ,,/
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I went to Shanghai Brewery last week and was disgusted as I watched patrons egress in disgust. Having been made to wait, up to 15 minutes to be noticed by the new service staff. Food is great, but I think management may need to be changed. Beautiful design, terrible slow service. Lack of training evident. Shanghai Brewery is not a museum, service is important. Look forward to seeing a distinct improvement next time I pop by.
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Really enjoyed the pizza and pork knuckle friends had the burger and steak and they said really good. Beer is fantastic really like the amber wiezen. Over all great experiance.
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On our latest trip to Shanghai, we recently visited Shanghai Brewery. We have been before but the food this time was so much better than it has been in the past. We find the wait staff don't really have a clue what is on the menu and are not very bothered if they serve you or not. When we said the food was so much better, we were told it was a new menu and a new chef. We will be travelling back to Shanghai soon and will definitely be back to the Shanghai Brewery. If they can keep up this standard with the food and improve the front of house staff this place will rock!
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I am a regular at this place because I like their beers. Usually good atmosphere, nice to have live sports and all these things going on.
Last Thursday I went there and was surprised to find a whole new bunch of arguably not much trained and younger than usual waiters and waitresses. NOT impressive. Staff was unresponsive and clustered around the bar area and chatting, and only after tirelessly calling them my wife and I were served. Guys, I am used to, and expect being treated like a client at Shanghai Brewery, and not like a "disturbance" to staff - get your act together!!!
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We've been to the restaurants on Hong Mei Entertainment Street many times. Over the years I have watched the entire street really growing and flourishing.
Shanghai Brewery has now become one of my regular places to go on the weekends and I'll explain why: they have got many things right. The ground floor when you go in is an open, wide space which feels comfortable. To me, that's one of the most important things. I like the wall with all the firewood and I like the overall feel of the place. But also practically... the tables and chairs are comfortable and padded and wide enough for expats. Also they have got the food mostly right. I've tried many things off the menu... it is quite a mixed menu from soups and salads to grills, german food, mexican food, pizzas and other things. The dishes I have tried have normally been quite good, and I like that they have an international selection so there is plenty to choose from when there with friends. I have eaten the German Pork Knuckle, nachos and pizza many times. I should say, though, that they should warn people that their grilled chicken is spicy. I like spicy food, but when I ordered it I didn't feel like eating spicy food. And it does not say "spicy" on the menu.
I think that generally the have got the music right, too. It has good bar or restaurant music, not too heavy rock like at some places. And not too loud. That helps the overall feel of the place.
The pool tables adds to the casual atmosphere. I have only played a couple of times. When its busy you have to wait by putting your name on a blackboard. I normally don't like to wait.
As the name suggests they also have a microbrewery, which is nice. I like the concept to have "Fresh" beer... when I am in the mood for beer. And it's nice that they have several types from light to dark and shades in between.
I also appreciate that they have sports on TV, although it's not a typical "sports bar" atmosphere. Actually, I prefer to watch Formula One (especially when Ferrari wins!) in a more comfortable environment rather than a dedicated sports bar, which can get overly crowded during races.
One thing that is inconsistent at Shanghai Brewery is the service. Some of the staff can barely speak any English. A couple of times I have tried ordering things and I could tell that the waitresses did not understand what I was telling them. Like I asked about what comes with the steak and the answer was "yes" and the waitress tried to take the menu. Another waitress came by and asked if I needed any help. I think it was the other waitress that needed help! I know we are in China but it would be good if the waitresses spoke a bit better English... at least enough to take my orders.
Given that they have several things right, especially the comfortable feeling of the entire place... Shanghai Brewery is now one of my favourite places in Hongqiao. I give it a thumbs up.
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bigbear, I think most people should already know what to expect already for 98rmb. You say it's "acceptable" or "OK"... for that price I say it's really good. Lots of places cost double and you don't really get any more quantity or quality, and the service at other places is worse, sometimes even downright rude. Plus, I've been to places with chewwwy steaks which are basically all fat and they cost more. This place's meat was good. And the selection, from the steak, burgers, sausages, chicken and skewers to the potato salad, etc, was as good as anywhere else around if not even better, with a bargain price of 98rmb.
Agree that one guy slows it down, but when you order in a restaurant you have got to expect that they need 10-15 minutes to cook something. Plus, they delivered it to your table... normally for barbecue you need to get it yourself. Actually, when I went it was quicker probably because of the fact that I got the orders for myself and didn't have to rely on the one guy doing the barbecue delivering to me upstairs.
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@Barnes. Fair enough. 98rmb is very cheap and I suppose you "get what you pay for". My main gripes are: As you mentioned, the BBQ guy is overworked and the turn-around time is just really slow (even if it is par for the course in Shanghai)- so I just feel like all-you-can-eat is a bit misleading since in an hour's time I was only able to get served twice. I certainly wasn't expecting Morton's but the "steaks" are really just thin strips of flank steak (the same stuff they use for the fajita's?) and I didn't get anything "grilled to order", everything was pretty much well-done- can't blame the guy either since no one can remember 6 people's orders and cook on that tiny grill. I guess my purpose of the review was not to lambast or slander the Brewery but just to give people a realistic expectation of what to expect. Based on the ads they posted I hauled my whole family (wife and three young kids) there (we live near the river) and was just disappointed and we didn't really have a good time. If someone had posted a review of what to expect I would have saved ourselves the trouble or at least knew what to expect. Should I have done more research and scoped the place out? Maybe- and so I just got what I deserved. But that's what I think online reviews are for, so that you don't necessarily have to in person go to a restaurant each time you're considering a new place to eat. I'm just trying to help other people not to make the same mistake. So (as to not ignite a flame war here), I would agree 100% with Barnes that for the price and with the right expectations, it's an OK deal. You have to be patient, and to really leave full you'll need to commit a good few hours to really get "all-you-can-eat". Not a great setting for young kids or families. But for the group of friends just hanging out on a weekend evening, wanting "unlimited" BBQ and not looking for gourmet stuff...acceptable.
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What do you guys expect for a 98rmb all you can eat barbecue? It's already good that, along with the fresh meats and skewers that are grilled to order, they have pasta salad and potato salad and some other things on the buffet table. And the potato salad was pretty good. For 98rmb, are you expecting even more, with huge thick steaks to boot? I, personally, was imagining that the steaks would somehow be "sold out" or that the steak meat would be tough or very chewy and fatty, but it is actually pretty good. As were the rest of the meats. Agree that the steaks are not the thickest around, but that doesn't mean that it's not a good bargain... and you can go back as many times as you like. I've seen steaks in some places that are about 200rmb alone, which is hardly satisfying. This is 98rmb for all you can eat steaks, burgers, chicken, etc. I really don't think that you can realistically expect more.
The barbecue guy there really does quite a lot and you're right that he is quite pleasant about it, despite the barbecue heat and fumes going to his head. And someone should inform them that only one guy for the barbecue makes it slower, so they should have at least one more guy there especially when it's busy. And, yes, the size of the barbecue similar to other barbecues on Hongmei Lu and even around Shanghai, although the price is more reasonable at Shanghai Brewery. And one or two of the other places on Hongmei Lu look like the cheap grill guys that you find at every street corner.
Frankly the Shanghai Brewery barbecue there is really a great deal. For that price I wouldn't dream of more.
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@ narsfweasels- I can't criticize the facilities, good spacious patios and second floor balconies. But FYI except for the weekends it's not a BBQ place per se (menu is online). You can also refer to my previous review when I went there without the weekend BBQ. I would try Bubba's on Honqiao Lu for a dedicated BBQ place (though not sure about the patio). Latina's in Xintiandi has nice outdoor space if you are a fan of Brazilian style BBQ and the food is top notch.
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@bigbear
We had the same affair in Sun Island, but the grill guy wasn't friendly. And the short grandmas with the big, thick elbows tended to just take ALL the meat on the grill for their family.
As you say, par for the course. Is there a patio here though? We're looking for a few nice event places with Western-style BBQs and patios.
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Wanted to update my review to mention their weekend BBQ. The "all you can eat" affair and luxurious spread consist of a single picnic table with some pasta and salad. There's a single grill cook who is in charge of cooking the BBQ buffet for the ENTIRE brewpub. I should also mention that his grill is about the size of what a typical person would buy retail for their own house, in other words- small. So while the ads for this BBQ conjure up a non-ending stream of succulent char grilled meats, what it really consists of is lining up- getting some OK potato and pasta salad, pointing to the grill guy which meats you want (really a selection of 4-6 things) and then returning to your seat. Depending on how busy he is, 15-20 minutes later you get your food. If you want more food then you repeat the process. I will say this, the one redeeming factor is the personality of the grill guy- I'm not sure if it's the same person each time, but given his working conditions he was supremely cheerful and went out of his way to salvage the experience for us- including adding some extra meat and bringing it to our table (we where on the second floor). But otherwise don't expect to leave stuffed or even satisfied. The "steaks" are thin, the chicken was salty. The burger patties were acceptable but not great. Now I will also mention to be fair that it seems to be a similar set up with a lot of the other restaurants in the HongMei Lu pedestrian street that weekend (i.e. a single grill and "all-you-can-eat" signs posted) so maybe it's just par for the course. You've been warned.
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Really good pizzas! They are thin crusted, a bit crunchy on the edges and they taste just right. One of the best pizzas I've had for a long time in Shanghai.
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You know the maintenance guy in your complex? The one who does a bit of this or that (plumbing, door handles, etc)- he does everything well but nothing spectacular? IMHO Shanghai Brewery, while offering some solid fare, is not outstanding in any single aspect. Maybe because it tries to be a bit of everything (brew pub, family friendly, sports bar, German cuisine) that it fails to impress in anything. Let's start with the beers- while the variety is better than most places (6 microbrews and multiple standards), I can't say any single one knocked my socks off as a beer drinker. I got a sampler (4 offerings)- the stout was very flavorful- lots of chocolate and coffee notes, but lacked smoothness and was a bit over carbonated (again IMHO). The Lager and Pils was served too warm and was ironically under carbonated and thus lacked crispness and a good mouth feel. Again, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed them but can't say they would stand up to any solid brew pub in the US, especially the Northwest. The food, again solid and tasty but, and to quote my wife, the fajitas she had were neither better nor worse than say Applebee's or TGIF's at home (and the side offerings of refried beans and rice were a bit skimpy). My German pork knuckle was tasty but had quite a few places that were burned to a black crisp. The kids room, while I applaud the owners for doing something different than the standard outdoor slide set (the TV/DVD players, sticker and coloring books are esp a nice touch) was a bit dirty and stuffy. No kids plates or utensils either (even though there's a kids menu) and the high chairs strangely towered higher than the low set tables making eating in them an adventure. I ran into the owner and he was especially nice about setting up the room and chatting me up, but once he left we were basically ignored by the servers (maybe it had something to do with wanting to be seated in the back corner near the kids room while our kids played). Twice we had to approach the bar to find someone to take our order and twice we had to tell someone to bring the kids food out first (our quick mac and cheese did not have to wait for my slowly cooked pork knuckle). Oh yeah, and no free glasses of water. That hurt a little too. So to sum up, I would say that BCB and the new brewpub at the Kerry Hotel still stand supreme IMO for best microwbrews in SH. For eclectic global pub food I'm more impressed by the new menu at OMalley's and again good ole BCB- for Mexican it's still Cantina Agave. The HongQiao Blue Frog or Pudong Flying Fox or say Pizza Marzano is still a bit more kid friendly (though kudos to SH Brewery for that unique kid's room- your teens will love the XBox). So if you need a cheap, do it all place that is solidly average in everything, not particular bad in anything but doesn't particularly shine in one thing- then here's your place. 3 stars.
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Dear Shanghai Brewery. So I went to Shanghai Brewery last Sunday. The Döner Kebab was serving outside and was very delicious. Thank you. So now I give you 5-stars rating.
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I always order the chicken fajitas. They have been good except once recently they had too much onions. Hope they can be made like before with a normal amount of onions.
Also, I like the new 18 Creeks Lager. It is my favorite Shanghai Brewery beer.
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Hi hanss,
We are glad that you like the Doner Kebab Wraps at Shanghai Brewery. We were preparing them with our Weekend BBQs when the weather was warmer, before winter. They will be available again with our upcoming Weekend BBQs every Saturday and Sunday from 5pm - 8pm (whenever the weather is good). We hope to see you there!
From Shanghai Brewery
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Dear Shanghai Brewery. I went to your restaurant a few months ago and outside you were serving Döner Kebab sandwiches. They were very delicious. I went a few weeks ago but they are not available. You should have them again. So I will give you 5-stars rating at that time.
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Went for Sunday afternoon of football (soccer) and wow giant screens, all games showing, good beer and surprisingly good food...IPA, Weissen and Pils were all good...needless to say felt pretty happy....but NO hangover...Fajitas best I have had in SH.
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I live in Hongqiao. So I have been several times to Shanghai Brewery. I like the decoration there. I don't really like beer so I havenot tried it. I have had food and red wine. I recommend the steak and the pork nuckle. And the carrot soup I had was ok.
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Went there last night. The stout is really good.
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When I saw Shanghai Brewery I immediately wanted to try their beer. So I went in with my girlfriend and was not disappointed. I went straight for the IPA, called North Star IPA. Nice and hoppy. Haven't had such good brew since the States. It reminded me of Sierra Nevada's IPA. Awesome! My gal tried the Pils and said it was good.
While we were there we had the pizza, which was surprisingly tasy, especially with the brew. And our waitress recommended the sweet potato fries, which were actually quite tasty. Good recommendation!
Overall we liked the atmosphere. Music was good. So I give it 5-stars. Will definitely go back for their micro-brew.
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A new microbrewery in Shanghai? I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip ericsv.
This micro brewery on Hongmei Lu has been open since late last year but only popped up on our radar last month. It’s a large space that churns out eight of its own brews, from its light People’s Pilsner to its rich North Star IPA, as well as a sweet Peace Weizen and a Black Eyed Bear Stout (all at RMB46 for a pint or RMB28 during happy hour). The food is equally diverse, from Mexican to Italian, but is surprisingly flavorful given the range. Throw in tasteful decor, friendly staff, plenty of space, excellent pool tables and a lavish upstairs terrace and you have one of the nicest spots in Hongqiao, and one fitted out to suit all tastes, from groups of girls to sport-addicts.[HTML_REMOVED] Our rating: 4/5[HTML_REMOVED] [HTML_REMOVED]Reviewed in April, 2011[HTML_REMOVED]