Macau is known as the gambling of the East, but there's more to the city  than just tables. Cash in your chips and discover the real-deal macau: designer, shopping, top-notch dining, chick bars, and laid-back hangouts. Where to shop? The Sparkling new gem in Macau's crown is te Venetian Resort. Not only does it take the glitz and glamour up a notch. There's nowhere else in macau to experience authentic local culture tan at the Red Market. Its where the macanese come to meet and shop for fruit, vegetables, flowers, and clothes. Most of the market is closed off to traffic, making browsing a pleasant and relatively easy experience. The nearby red buildings are home to the fresh produce and meat stalls. It is open all day, but the best time to visit is in the morning, so you can have first pick at the fresh produce. Where to Eat? For aunthentic macanese dishes made with closely guarded family recipes. Tuck into traditional Portuguese food in an old-school macau setting at the Clube Militar  de Macau. Housed in a flamboyant pink and white colonial mansion in one of coolest neighbourhoods, the Clube was built in 1870 as a private members only organization. If you happen to be in Taipa and get a craving for some quick fare, head for the Monsoon Noodle Bar, Macau's one stop shop for Chinese comfort  food. You'll find all your local favourites from congee, dim sum and fried rice, to mouth watering barbecued meats. Where to Drink? The Bellini lounge is tha talk of the town. Situated at Cotai, its MAcau's newest and flashiest venue  plush but not pretentious, excellent live entertainment great atmospher and has the meanest selection of champagne cocktails around. On stage, performers bop about and belt out high energy Broadway tunes and classics, while the party people get into the groove on the dance floor. With a cringe worthy name like The Fashion Club, you'd probably think twice before stepping inside. As you might expect its where macaus beautiful people come to party the night away and is worth exploring, play hide and seek in one of its many private booths or chill out on the giant outdoor deck with mojito in hand and your new bestfriends. For a more toned down evening with the most spectacular view in town, point your compass to the Lounge and Grill, which is housed at the macau tower a much loved local icon. You'll find trendy locals and out of towners mixing together and enjoying a glass of wine. The view isnt bad eirther breath taking experience. A selection of finger foods and more hearty meals are available for those set on working hard to soak up the minimum charge and scenery. Where to Hungout? There is only one pastelaria in Macau that deserves a decadent afternoon visit, and in a city famous for its pastry, it was a pleasure to hunt down the best. Look no further than the glazed sugar and puff pastry delights at Caravela. Its a bit hard to find, but totally worth sitting a long side the cool euro set are portuguese elders who happily munch on pastries, smoke their pipes and read newspapers. This is the real deal macau, and dont you dare leave without trying the custard tarts.