Branch Out to the New Middle 8

My favorite restaurant for Yunan fare, Middle 8 not only opened up a new branch in The Place, but it also has a slightly different menu with plenty of veggie dishes and a range of seafood.  The Sauteed Bamboo Shoots (RMB 28), Grilled Tilapia with Red Bean Curd Sauce (RMB 49) and Wild Matsutake Mushroom (RMB 126) dishes were highlights of the meal, and if you’ve ever had the urge to try a Papaya Vegetable Salad (RMB 36) with pop rocks in the dressing, then Middle 8 is your calling.

Some of the dishes may have been a bit stranger than others, but overall, everything that we ordered was delicious and fell in the same reasonably priced range as the original restaurant within the walls of a sleek, contemporary setting.

Review of Middle 8: L404A, South Tower, The Place, No. 9 Guanghua Lu, CBD/Guomao  光华路9号, 世贸天阶南楼L404A, Tel: 6587-1431

Best Part:

• Quality dishes with fresh ingredients & delicious recipes. Some of the best vegetarian dishes in town.
• Everything is new and design is sleek & modern
• Prices are very reasonable – at about RMB 60-100 per person
• A great restaurant to introduce to groups of out-of-town visitors who would like to taste Yunan cuisine

Comments:

• While most of the dishes were totally on point, I must say that the papaya salad with pop rocks that sizzled in your mouth was quite unique and unexpected.
• Service seemed a bit inexperienced, but that is sure to improve in due time.
• As the Middle 8 in Sanlitun is constantly packed with a waiting list, this new branch in The Place is a great alternative.

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 8
• Atmosphere: 7
• Service: 6
• Overall Experience: 7
  

Glitterati: Alfa’s Opening Party

If you were there to witness the mad house of Alfa’s soft opening party, then you won’t want to miss the Official Re-Launch of Alfa this Friday, May 21, featuring guest DJs VERTIGO & SEAN C. as they lead the Glitterati Entourage for a Night of Elite House.

Step Outside: SALT’s Deck Opening Party