You've probably seen this sweet dish of jujubes (red dates) stuffed with glutinous rice (RMB30) on a few menus in Shanghai, but the very best one is at Jesse Restaurant. Even on a table with dishes like marinated crab and the signature soy sauce stewed pork, this pretty appetizer always steals the show. Each glossy, piping-hot jujube is filled with a fresh morsel of rice cake. The combination of rich, earthy date combined with the satisfying chewiness of pure white rice cake is thoroughly delicious and quite addictive. It's also a bit of a diva. Though listed as a starter, this steaming treat has invariably pranced onto my table along with the entrees, after every other appetizer is kapoot. They're work it though. when I ask why the dish is always such a lagger, the waiter said the same things to me: we don't start these jujubes until you order, and be careful, they're hot! Just believe him. Approach these "red hots" like you would xiaolongbao--don't pop more than one into your mouth at a time if you want to taste the rest of your meal.