Not Quite Your Typical 9 to 5

In many ways, my schedule, my life is pretty opposite to your typical ‘day in the office’.  It’s rare if I’m home before midnight and it’s common for me to fall asleep as the sun is rising. But I don’t mind.  To be honest, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

I’ve done the ’9 to 5′ gig where I sat in my little cubicle and 80% of the job was sitting in front of a desk all day. This ‘office job’ has its pros and cons. Pros:  It’s stable, it’s consistent and you feel like a grown-up. Cons: You fall into a mundane routine, life gets predictable, you get comfortable, you get lazy, you get bored.  Or at least I did.

People tell me all the time that I must have the coolest job in the world.  And I don’t disagree. I have the freedom to choose my weekly schedule, I’m out most nights of the week, and the best part of my job is I get to network, socialize, throw kick-ass parties, drink champagne and eat bomb food…on the job.  Doesn’t get much better than that.

A Typical Weekend Party @ Bling

But a life in PR isn’t all parties and fun.  To be quite honest, the “social” part of my job is only 40% of what I do.  Most of my job is actually “behind the scenes” work, from writing press releases, brainstorming event concepts, event organizing, a lot more admin and “office work” than you’d expect.

Whether I’m replying to e-mails, attending meetings, answering a million phone calls a day, welcoming customers at Hatsune, or partying at Bling,  it’s all part of the job.  But it’s more than just a job for me, it’s all part of my life, what I do, and how I choose to spend my days. Even though I’m always on the go, running off to another meeting or another party, I’m happy to be busy out and about rather than sitting in an office waiting for the clock to move faster.

Alan said something once that’s really stuck with me.  He said, “I’m never working and I’m never not working.” As the creator, designer, and man behind the successful restaurant empire The Hatsune Restaurant Group, he is so much a part of his restaurants and in turn, his restaurants are a part of who he is and everything that he does.  Which is something I can completely relate to.

There is so much truth to what he said because I too am never “not working.” In my job, there is no “getting off work” or “weekend break” or even “holiday” for that matter.

Tonight I found myself quite bitter that tomorrow morning I have to get up at 7am for a 12 hour photoshoot while everyone else I know is out all night partying and celebrating this National Holiday, but then my senses kicked in and I realized I don’t need a “holiday break” because, in essence, the life I live in Beijing basically is a permanent holiday.

And at the end of the day, I love my job, I love my life and I really wouldn’t choose to have it any other way.

Happy 60th Anniversary PRC!

Where the Sad French People go: Blue Frog

The popular Shanghai chain Blue Frog seems to do very well with this great outdoor terrace and convenient location in the Sanlitun Village.  I’ve been there multiple times for private parties, event functions, and meetings, but I’ve actually only eaten there a few times.

Blue Frog 蓝蛙:  American Dining on the 3rd floor of Sanlitun Village opposite the Apple Store.

The Best Part:

• Their spacious and massive outdoor seating space, perfect for a lazy afternoon under the sun
• They’ve got fantastic promotional specials – like their Monday’s buy-one-get-one-free burger deal
• Probably the longest happy hour in town: 4-8pm 2-for-1 drinks
• Great menu design, restaurant design, and furniture
• Great buzz and a lively, fun dining/drinking atmosphere
• Super friendly and helpful staff, all very proficient in English
• Food in generous proportions

Comments:

• Food overall was very average and quite expensive without a promotional deal (80RMB burgers, and
• Burgers were bland and tasteless
• I recommend switching your French fries for sweet potato fries

Bei: A Beijing Paradox

In my opinion, Bei‘s cuisine blows The Opposite House‘s other dining outlets Sureno and Village Cafe out of the water.

As a restaurant that continues to win awards for its innovative, creative cuisine, conceptualized by chef entrepreneur David Laris and inspired by cuisines from Northern China, Japan and Korea, Bei serves up delicate yet flavorful and exquisite dishes creating a true dining experience.

The service is not only attentive and professional, but it’s all the small details throughout the meal make a world of difference.  From the moment you step in to the in-house chocolate fortune cookies you receive at the end of the meal, you are so pampered that I could even compare the service to Maison Boulud’s (which is, in my opinion, hands down the restaurant with the most impressive sequence of service standards I have ever experienced).

And yet, we were the one of the only 3 tables in Bei throughout our 2 hour dinner. Despite Bei’s incredible cuisine, awesome chef Max, and great service and location, Bei still seems to be overlooked and continues to remain in the shadows of its neighbor, the Opposite House’s flagship restaurant, Sureno.

So I raise the question – why aren’t people flocking to Bei as they seem to do for Sureno? Is it the venue design?  The food quantity? The pretty price tag? The lack of buzz or liveliness in a busy restaurant?  Perhaps there isn’t one single reason or answer, nothing is ever that simple. But it does goes to show that Beijing is a very complex market and quite unpredictable.

Unfortunately, there is no secret formula that will make a venue work, especially not in Beijing. Even if a venue has delicious food, perfect service, beautiful design, it does not mean that the place will be a hit. It’s interesting that so much depends on the location, on the price, on the way the menu looks, on every aspect of your dining experience from the minute you walk in the door to the satisfaction you feel as you leave. I’ve had experiences where I’ve dined at packed out places that are ‘the talk of the town’ and I just can’t see what the fuss is all about.  And I’ve also dined at gems that continue to be overlooked.

I’m not saying that Bei is perfect, but I am perplexed that it isn’t more popular. Bei is a prime example of a venue that reveals how truly complex and unpredictable the Beijing market is.  Bei isn’t cheap, but neither is Maison Boulud. It’s centrally located in the Opposite House in the Sanlitun area (a hotspot for dining/nightlife in general) and they serve chocolate fortune cookies with funny fotunes inside for goodness sake!

Bei: Basement of The Opposite House. Building 1, 11 Sanlitun road, 三里屯路11号

Best Part:

• The Quality and Presentation of all the Food
• Attention to Detail in Food & Service
• The Location (anything in Sanlitun is easy to find and very accessible)
• Witty fortunes inside chocolate fortune cookies
• Lighting and Design (a great venue for a date)

Comments:

• Quite empty and quiet atmosphere (especially compared to neighbor Sureno)
• Seating tables and arrangements should be switched around (cafeteria style)
• Definitely quality over quantity (delicious dishes, but portions were quite mini)

Fashionista: Project Runway

What’s on the catwalk?  CityWeekend’s very own Fashionistas taking their turn to strut their stuff on the runway.

Hosted by the beautiful and talented Meili Autumn @ Scarlett Wine Bar + Restaurant in Hotel G, this was such a fun event! For the first time, all the fashionistas got the opportunity to get together, get dressed to the nines, and have a ball.

As one of the previously featured Fashionistas, it was such a privilege to be among Beijing’s Fashion Superstars and see first-hand each Fashionista’s unique style and ingenious creativity in putting together every last detail and touch of fashion flair and finesse. From Allie Weisberg‘s high-waisted skirt, mini crop top and layers of jewelry to Candy Lin wearing her very own Candy&Caviar Fall Fashion Line’s Madison Hooded Tuxedo Vest and LinLin‘s denim work-of-art gown, it’s not hard to see how each fashionista earned their title to be on that runway.

Congratulations to Mo & Linlin!  (Mr. & Ms. Beijing Fashionista!)

Some Hot Shots of Beijing’s Fashionistas:

**Thank you to Meili, everyone at CW, & Hotel G for putting together such a fun and successful event!  And Happy Early Birthday to Meili!!

Spilling the Beans: A Taste of Hatsune’s Secret Menu

For all you die-hard Hatsune fans, there is a secret menu that was created for and dedicated entirely to you.

For anyone who knows me or anyone who comes into Hatsune and wants a recommendation for something different, something new, I’m quick to let you in on the scoop – on all the goodies you won’t find on the regular menu.

Maybe I shouldn’t let the secret out, but I figure who ever reads this, most likely already knows me and also knows Hatsune’s reputation for making Bomb Sushi Rolls. So I figure I ought to reward you somehow for reading my blog – just one of the many perks for all those following LumDimSum.  :)

A Little List of My Favorite Hatsune ‘Secret Menu’ Items:

1. The South Beach Roll 南海卷- Fresh Scallops with spicy tuna topped with seared maguro with unagi sauce
2. G-roll G卷- Soft-shelled crab roll topped with torched unagi and white tuna topped with special sauces.  **If you like the Moto-Roll-Ah, you’ll LOVE the G-Roll, which is basically a pimped-out version of the Moto-Roll-Ah.
3. Nokia Roll 诺基亚卷- Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll topped with Uni
4. Japanese Burrito 墨西哥卷- Burrito with spicy chicken, guacamole, sour cream **only available at The Original Hatsune at Guanghua Lu

Tonight I got to try a new secret roll Alan had only recently revealed to me:

• The Q Roll Q卷- I’m not telling you what’s in it to keep it a surprise for any of you who have yet to try it.  But if you like Unagi, I will warn you now: that there is a high risk that you will become a Q Roll-addict.

Bon Appétit!

The Newest GOSSIP in Town – In Case You Haven’t Already Heard

In case you haven’t heard already, the word on the street is…GOSSIP is the new Wednesday hot spot and it’s spreading like wildfire.  

Every Wednesday, GOSSIP Pour Femme is an event hosted at [Touch] bar in the Westin Beijing Chaoyang.

GOSSIP, a new event concept, was created by Alchemy’s founder Sebastien Noat together with his talented DJ crew- DJ Azat, DJ Simon Adams, & DJ Keza have created the event concept that combines soul-drenched house mixes together with a different live instrument every week – this week will be featuring live keyboardist Zheng Zheng.

[Touch] is a beautiful venue that’s easy to fill with tasty drinks easy to match and appease the elegant and eligible ladies who are craving their fill of GOSSIP.

Gentlemen, come accordingly.  :)

Event Details:

The ladies night everyone is talking about in Beijing, is preparing for it’s third session.

Every single Wednesday, GOSSIP and TOUCH Bar (Westin Hotel) offer Beijing’s sexiest ladies free drinks from 9pm til midnight.

Special event and bottle prices for all table bookings.

Gossip’s resident DJs bring a fresh new sound to the capital, dropping a mix of the most up-front soul-drenched house music, recreating the vibe of the Riviera, this week topped off with accompaniment by live keyboardist Zheng Zheng.

You missed out on Mykonos and Ibiza? Join us this and every Wednesday night from 9pm.

For Table bookings contact: Simon: 13816790574 (English) Azat: 13501072027 (English / Chinese)

See you all this Wednesday @ GOSSIP

When: Wednesday, September 23 @ 9pm

Where: [Touch] bar @ the Westin Beijing Chaoyang

25 and None the Wiser

25 is a pretty intimidating number. As a kid, I always associated the number 25 with being an adult – someone with a career, who is financially independent, at a prime age to get married and start a family.  Ok, I’m 2 for 3.  As a kid, I also wanted to be a Disney fairy-tale princess and meet Prince Charming at the age of 16.

I realize age is just a number and age is absolutely relative. But just I don’t feel 25; I feel like I’m still 16.  Maybe that’s because the last time I had a birthday party was when I turned 16.  Due to the awkward timing of having a birthday in early September, my birthday always coincided with the start of a new school year, when everyone is still sorting out their new class schedule and their new circle of friends or in most recent years, my birthdays have coincided with vacation time – which was nice to be celebrating in an entirely new, exotic setting, but also away from my friends, my family, my home.

So for the first time in almost a decade, I have reached the quarter century mark and I was ready to go BIG.

My Birthday Week Break-down:

Monday: Pre-Birthday Home-made Dinner & Movie

Tuesday: Birthday lunch & Birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant Kagen Teppanyaki followed by birthday drinks @ d. lounge

Wednesday: Post Birthday Dinner and Pre-Birthday Party @ GOSSIP Pour Femme at [Touch] The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Friday: Post-Birthday dinner & drinks @ none other than Hatsune @ the Village

Saturday: Birthday Champagne @ Riviera’s Pool Party

Birthday Make-Over courtesy of the beautiful & talented Meili Autumn (CW’s Fashionista Editor)

Birthday Dinner Party & Drinks @ Karaiya Spice House

‘Bling-isine’ Champagne Limo Ride courtesy of BLING (Can be booked regularly through BLING)

After-Party @ BLING

Sunday: Birthday Recovery @ Capital M’s Opening

By the same people behind M on the Bund in Shanghai and M on the Fringe in HK, Capital M launched its official opening this Sunday, September 13.

Best Part:

• The bright & colorful painted artwork that runs along the walls of the venue
• The pointed roof-top lounge area
• The spectacular view from the spacious rooftop terrace of the Tian An Men Area
• The boxed fireplaces throughout the space really warms and illuminates the venue for a very romantic and intimate lighting in the evening
• Fabian, the restaurant manager, was very welcoming, attentive and a perfect host
• The food was fantastic – I particularly was pleased to be served fresh oysters, and some top picks included the beef bearnaise and smoked salmon with poached egg and spinach. WOW, gave a really great first impression
• Capital M will bring more attention to the Qianmen area
• The location is a great destination for afternoon tea or dinner after a day of sightseeing around heart of Beijing’s history and culture
• They are bringing Danish Smørrebrød to Beijing!!  (world-famous piled-high, open-faced sandwiches from Denmark!)

Comments:

• WARNING for girls with high heels: Taxis can not reach the venue and you must walk quite far to catch one home.
• With a massive space that fills over 400 seats both indoor and the outside terrace, it will be interesting to see who their regular clientele are and their incoming business post-launch period
• It will also be interesting to see how Capital M will compare and compete with the Legation Quarter’s supreme dining outlets.

This past week I have been living in a cloud of BIRTHDAY BLISS – birthday lunches, birthday dinners, birthday e-mails, birthday text messages, birthday FB wall posts…I’ve been down-right spoiled with love, it makes me wish every day was my birthday!  I truly feel blessed to have had such a happy and loving birthday week – Thank you to everyone for making me feel so special, this birthday exceeded all my expectations. It was better than I ever could have imagined or asked for.

Here are some of my favorite birthday shots:

The New Kid on the Block: d. lounge.gallery.food

C-Dice & I @ d.lounge

For over a month now, I’d been hearing about the new kid in town – d. lounge (not to be confused with D-Bar in the Renaissance Hotel). After celebrating my birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant Kagen Teppanyaki, I was eager to check out the space and pay a visit to my dear friend Warren Pang (former manager of Punk in the Opposite House), especially after hearing so much about this new bar and considering Tuesday nights are not exactly the most bumping night of the week.

Unsure if it would even be open on a regular Tuesday evening around 11pm, C-dice & I poke our heads inside and walk down a long corridor to find an intimate, high-ceilinged space covered in red brick with a tall, elegant bar against the back wall and funky leather croc sofas and modern furniture throughout.

After speaking to Warren and seeing their drink menu, I was quite surprised to discover that d. lounge has not even officially opened yet!  According to Warren, for the past month, d. lounge is still in its soft-opening stage, offering private gatherings and inviting limited guests while they are still working out some pre-opening kinks and are in the process of finalizing two other sections that have yet to be open to the public.  Warren may call this an “extended soft-opening period,” I call it a brilliant marketing strategy.

In the meantime, d. lounge is now open daily featuring various artwork on its high brick walls that will be changed on a regular basis and a basic drink list with 9 cocktails and 4 regular well drinks priced RMB 50-60.  In the future, the space will serve a bistro-style menu with mini burgers and tapas and the space will also be a hub to feature designer clothing/street wear.

By the same owners as Jazz-Ya and Izaka-ya, d. lounge is located just behind Nanjie on Sanlitun Nanjie and is set to officially open Mid-October 2009.

Best Part:

• The Bar – its design is original, classy and its very impressive without being imposing
• Their Kiwi & Strawberry Caipiroska is my new favorite drink
• The design of the venue is modern, fashionable, and very New York without being pretentious
• A small space with super high ceilings makes it easy to fill with a cozy, intimate vibe without feeling claustrophobic (I love red brick walls)
• Warren is a fantastic host & bar manager, it’s no surprise he’s got such a loyal following from Punk – he’s personable, welcoming, and his concept of keeping d. lounge in this “pre-opening stage” while being open to public is ingenious PR. Well-done mate!

Comments:

• In my 2 hours stay, my legs were eaten alive by mosquitos
• I am eager to see d.lounge officially open – to see the rest of the unopened space, to taste their bistro menu, see what type of designer clothing they choose to feature, and above all, the type of music they will play (As much as I like the crowd and design at Punk, I never cared for the music).

Going Dutch – There’s so Much More to the Netherlands than Amsterdam’s Red Light District

Don’t get me wrong.  Amsterdam is a fascinating city in terms of its intricate canals, charming architecture and lovely inhabitants, but it’s reputation set by the red light district and its many cannabis coffee shops as a hub to do naughty things and still abide by their lenient and liberal laws overpowers the rest of what Amsterdam and the Netherlands have to offer.

I think many visiting tourists are naturally drawn to Amsterdam for various reasons: its many famous art museums including the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House & Rijksmuseum, its historical and intricate canals throughout the city, its unique architecture and beautiful parks, the plentiful boutique and commercial shopping available, Dutch cheese & Stroopwafels (HEAVEN ON EARTH), etc.

But let’s be honest: everyone and their mother also knows about Amsterdam’s infamous Red Light District, a designated area for legalized prostitution, sex shops, porn theatres (so people can watch together?), cannibis coffee shops, and even a cannibis museum! I heard once that many of the kids coming to Amsterdam on holiday have one mission: to light up and smoke a joint while talking to a police officer.  I’m sure the local police units can’t get enough of that.

The entire area is a network of narrow alleys and roads with several hundred women standing practically nude behind glass windows or doors illuminated by red lights. While the area is filled with tourists going for the shock-value, it is said that the percentage of tourists going for a “look” is only about 26%. Creepy and Disturbing. But at the same time, this concept of having the freedom to do these forbidden things does set Amsterdam apart, providing something exceptionally unheard of anywhere else in the world.

While Jan and I chose to reside in the city of Amsterdam close to Museumplein, we actually spent most of our trip outside of the city.  My dear friend Alice arranged a day trip for us to explore Den-Bosch and Housden, where we took a canal ride, walked around the city, sampled their famous chocolate desserts, and discovered the absolutely peaceful and serene town of Housden where we went straight to the Pannekoekenbakker (Pancake Bakery). All of the streets were cobbled and lined with homes over 200 years old, yet in perfect condition set within a castle wall perimeter with a background of exquisite gardens and windmills atop hills overlooking the sea.

On another day trip, we spent the afternoon biking through Eindhoven – through the lovely suburbs, their local market, and visited some nearby castles and mansions. I was pleasantly surprised to discover so many fields of corn, wheat, pastures with farm animals, ponies and horses, a perfect place for biking (except that the bikes were definitely not made for vertically challenged people such as myself).  It was such a treat to visit such grand and medieval fairy-tale like castles in every city we visited (from Stockholm to Olso, Bergen, and all over the Netherlands).

The Netherlands is such a charming, peaceful country with so many quaint little antique towns and castles all around.  It was such a treat to get out of the hustle-bustle city of Amsterdam and have the opportunity to discover so much more of the Netherlands.