Cherie Blair @ The Bookworm

Recently, there have been some incredibly big British celebrities speaking at little venues around Beijing.

I was absolutely dumbfounded when I found out that Patrick Stewart (aka Jean-Luc Picard of the Star Trek Enterprise & Professor Charles Xavier of X-Men) spoke at The Central Academy of Drama in Nanluoguxiang last Thursday night.  Click here for my favorite video of Patrick Stewart EVER. Even if you’re not a Trekkie or X-Men fan, this brilliant video is reason enough to have gone to see this man speak.

…and this week, Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair will be at The Bookworm this Wednesday, July 28 to speak on her memoir “Speaking for Myself”.

“Mrs. Blair is a leading barrister specializing in public law, human rights, employment and European Community law. As well as fighting for human rights in her professional career, Mrs. Blair is an active campaigner on equality and human rights issues. She has spoken across the world on both issues and also on the need for improved work/life balance for both women and men.”

Beijingers, take advantage of these surprisingly golden opportunities while you can.  (I think we can all agree that this would never be so accessible in the US or Europe.)

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, July 28
• Time: 7:30-8:30PM
• Location: The Bookworm
• Tickets: RMB 100 (RMB 80 for Bookworm Members)
• Address: Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼; Tel: 6586-9507

TERRA Replaces Rickshaw

By the same culinary geniuses behind SALT (and before that Alameda), TERRA is a new cevicheria and bar that has taken over what was once The Rickshaw.  Once a shabby, run-down joint is now slick and brand-spanking new.  Although TERRA has kept the building’s exterior shape intact, their team has replaced absolutely everything else inside and replaced the walls with glass (according to PR chief, Jennifer Eden).

With a menu serving Peruvian-inspired dishes with an emphasis around delicious ceviches (seafood flavored with citrus fruits), the 2-story restaurant features a ceviche bar on the first floor with the main dining restaurant and full-service bar upstairs serving “boutique” beers, healthy cocktails and an extensive selection of fine wines.

“Drawing on the ages old traditions of ceviche – fruits of the sea delicately seared in citrus and perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and flavors – TERRA presents a cevicheria with a large selection of tempting treats as well as contemporary cuisine with Peruvian inspirations.“

The decor is contemporary and fresh with black wood furniture and a high bar area with stools. While the outside is mostly sprayed with blotches of black paint, insiders will still have a nice view of Sanlitun Nanlu through the glass walls.

First Floor Ceviche Bar/Second Floor Full-Service Bar:

Opening Party Pics:

While Alameda still remains consistent with their unbeatable lunch deal (click for article), it’s great to have Gaby back in the Sanlitun hood.  In addition to serving a great lunch, I have no doubt that TERRA will quickly become known as the new “after-work drinks” destination and start to give Apothecary a run for their money.  Only time can tell…

Congratulations to Gaby Alves and her unstoppable team on a successful new restaurant opening!

TERRA:

• Hours: Open 11AM-1AM daily.
• Address: 1 Sanlitun Nanlu, 三里屯南路1号
• Tel: 6591-9148