Say it ain't so, Eduardo! 239 unexpectedly closes.

(Shanghai - January 19, 2007) - Shanghai lost a star earlier this month, when Eduardo Vargas' popular 239 Restaurant on Shimen Yi Lu was forced to close its doors unexpectedly.

It seems 239's landlord wanted to cash in on the sudden property value appreciation as a result of the residential complex going up next to the Four Seasons Hotel just down the street. And to help expedite the eviction process, the building suddenly began experiencing "perfectly-timed" power shortages to make life uncomfortable for both restaurant employees and diners.

It is unknown whether or not 239 will find a new place to call home - but if it does, it is unlikely to keep the name (which doubled as the actual address). One thing is for sure, Eduardo is already planning to do something, somewhere that will ease our minds and palates. Stay tuned for more details.