Hatsune’s 10 Year Sushi Winners Announced!

Out of the 37 sushi rolls that were submitted to Hatsune’s 10 Year Anniversary Sushi Roll Contest, it was near impossible to select this year’s winning rolls.

In the end, there were 7 that stood out as clear winners.

See for yourself the creative genius that came forward and stepped up their game…and our’s!  Although it may be a few months before these rolls appear on the new Hatsune menu, each winner received RMB 1,000 restaurant voucher

Hatsune Sushi Winners (in no particular order):

1. LUNI UNI ROLL by Haiwen Lu

Uni aka Sea Urchin, sea scallop and finely minced tuna rolled in cucumber slices and topped with tobiko and a raw quail egg.

2. Cro-COD-ile ROLL by Sophia Ouyang

Glazed miso cod fish with asparagus rolled in sesame seeds and topped with a lotus root chip and a pinch of orange tobiko

3. PAC HAND ROLL by Diane Chia

Nori dusted tempura shrimp with fresh crab meat and avocado, wasabi mayo and sprinkled shichimi chili powder

4. THE MARCUS ROLL by Paul Marcus

Medium Rare Beef Tenderloin, asparagus and tempura shrimp wrapped in an inside out roll and topped with thin slices of asparagus and topped with wasabi mayo and tobiko.

5. The HUTONG ROLL by The Hutong Team

A roll dedicated to vegetarians and foodies alike: Roasted pumpkin, sauteed mushrooms and arugula topped with a thick spread of avocado and sprinkled seed mix.

6.  WHITE RUSSIAN ROLL by Dima K.

Fresh crab meat, deep-fried gobo, avocado and oshinko pickled cucumber topped with torched white tuna and black caviar.

7.  a-MAY-zing ROLL by May Cheng

Soft-shell Crabs Swimming in a pool of Singaporean Chili Crab Sauce.

(There is still no photo as this recipe is still in the works.  If you know Singaporean Chili Crab, you know this is an amazing sauce that we must master to perfection..!  This is to be released soon!)

Once again, MASSIVE thanks to all who took the time to submit your own sushi roll creations!

If you didn’t make the final cut, hopefully this year’s winners will give all aspiring sushi addicts a ray of inspiration and don’t worry, you have another 10 months to tweak and perfect your rolls to submit next year around..!  Better luck next year!

‘Red Memory’ on Display at The Opposite House

“Chen Wenling’s distinctive sculptures evoke an intensity that reflects his own life-embracing personality and an unflinching look at his environment.”

Inspired by the innocent and carefree children playing in the Chinese countryside, “Red Memory” is a series of sculptures created by Chen Wenling. Made of bronze and auto-grade paint “drenched in his signature fire-engine car duco red is a testament of the artist’s fiery attitude towards life”.

Presented by Red Gate Gallery, the installation will be on display in the atrium of The Opposite House until mid-September 2011.

“The glossy figures with an emboldened blend of cheeky expressions and arresting poses are a celebratory call to embrace the inner child in everyone.”

- Anthony Ross, GM of Swire Hotel Group

LumDimSum Snapshots of Red Memory by Chen Wenling:

The Opposite House

Building 1, No.11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing China 100027

Tel: +86 10 6417 6688

www.theoppositehouse.com

LumDimSum Discovery: Jambo’s Jumbo Fresh Salads

When I first saw this place, I figured it’d be a bad copy-cat of the popular US smoothie franchise chain Jamba Juice, but I heard from several reliable sources that Jambo Smoothies & Juice Bar was actually pretty good.

Turns out, the smoothies and fresh fruit at Jambo in Central Park are both delicious and, in my opinion, way better than Beijing’s other juice bars like Eden Juice or Pure Smoothies.  They have a great selection of smoothies made with both frozen yogurt and natural organic yogurt, and even juices with wheatgrass shots!

For the past few months, Jambo has been one of my favorite places to grab a morning breakfast smoothie/juice.  They even have smoothie options that come topped with freshly cut fruit and granola – a perfect snack or light breakfast.

But more than just juices, smoothies and wheatgrass, my new obsession is with Jambo’s salads!  They are huge, they are packed with fresh vegetables/fruits and they are all only RMB 35.  Don’t mistake me, they are not the “jumbo” size salads like at Element Fresh, but they are definitely bigger than most places and more than enough for one person (Element’s salads are big enough for 2 to share).  Last week, I ordered delivery of Jambo’s salads 3 times.  They have about 3-4 salads available and I highly recommend both their avocado vegetable salad or their chicken & sprouts salad.  Both are packed with freshly picked sprouts and a tangy, light dressing.  My friend at work opted to try Jambo’s avocado & fruit salad with yogurt dressing.

Jambo Avocado & Sprouts Salad (RMB 35)

Jambo’s Chicken & Sprouts Salad (RMB 35)

Jambo Avocado & Fruit Salad (RMB 35)

LumDimSum Snapshots of Jambo’s interior:

Jambo Juice has got some great products for great value, but unfortunately it’s not a nice place to sit and pass the day.  Normally, I enjoy spending time at Livewell Cafe (also one of my favorite places in Central Park), but with my current obsession with Jambo’s juices and salads, I decided to spend a few hours there instead and was quite disappointed with the available seating (seemed quite bare and unkept) and their wifi kept cutting in and out!  Food and drinks aside, it was a rather unpleasant experience.

My advice for Jambo fans, rather than parking here, you should instead order either take-away or delivery!

Jambo Smoothies & Juice Bar:

• Address:  S9-10 101 Tower 17, Central Park, 6 Chaowai Dajie , 朝外大街6 号新城国际公寓2B期 17号楼101, S9-B号 商铺
• Tel:  6533-6488

Let’s Smushi: Snooping Royal Smushi House 皇家慕喜

The Royal Smushi House, house of Nordic food and design first caught my eye a few weeks back and one day, I decided to park my bike outside and have a look around.  I came on a weeknight around 8PM and was in a mood for something light or something sweet. I heard the bakery inside Smushi was pretty good as they specialize in Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches.  Unfortunately, their bakery and cafe closes by 7PM, so I was out of luck this time around.

Outside of their bakery, they also feature a little Monocle Shop and an area dedicated to Georg Jensen.

…and there’s more!  Up a spiral staircase, they have a grand piano and a long hallway with an equally long bar with deep colors and a large formal dining room with leather couches and dim lighting.  A few tables dining, I had a sneak peak at their menu offerings of contemporary Danish dishes which looked quite impressive.  Unfortunately, I was not in the mood for a fancy, sit-down dinner…perhaps another time!  The decor is stunning to say the least:

Just newly opened, Royal Smushi House has it all with a restaurant, a bakery, a cafe, a bar, a Monocle Shop and Georg Jensen dedicated shop. Expect big plans for it’s opening in the coming weeks and I definitely plan to return for their Danish Smørrebrød and Smushi lunch!

In a recent press release from Royal Smushi, they describe an experience in their venue as so:

“We are open all day offering guests a unique experience of food, design and shopping. You will have a chance not only to taste the fantastic wine, the Scandinavian flavor of Smushi and to appreciate the latest released masterpieces of the exclusive Danish design and luxury brand Georg Jensen, the newly opened Monocle Shop, from the global affairs, business, culture and design magazine.”

Royal Smushi House 皇家慕喜 Contact Details:

• Address: No.12 South-West corner of the Dongzhimenwai Ave. and Sanlitun Rd. crossing.
• 地址：三里屯北街 (东直门外大街12号与三里屯路交叉路口西南角)
• Tel: 010-64169 66
• Website: www.royalsmushihouse.cn.com

Music at Capital M: Lustige Streiche Quartett

Still one of my favorite weekend brunches in town, Capital M regularly hosts music events on the weekends.  If you make a trip down for a late brunch this Sunday, you can enjoy a performance by the Lustige Streiche Quartett at 4PM.

The Lustige Streiche Quartett includes two violinists Fan Baisong 范柏松 and Wang Nan 王楠, viola by Han Xiao 韩晓 and cello by Liang Ping 梁平. Hear them play two of Classical music’s most legendary artists – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven this Sunday.

The Programme 曲目

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: String Quartet No. 14 in G major, K. 387
莫扎特：G大调第十四弦乐四重奏，k387
I. Allegro vivace assai
第一乐章：活泼的快板
II. Menuetto
第二乐章：小步舞曲
III. Andante cantabile, in C major
第三乐章：C大调如歌的行板
IV. Molto allegro
第四乐章：急速的快板（复调）

Ludwig van Beethoven: String Quartet No. 11 in F minor, Op. 95, Serioso
贝多芬：F小调弦乐四重奏，作品95，“严肃四重奏”
I. Allegro con brio
第一乐章 ：生动的快板
II. Allegretto ma non troppo
第二乐章：节制的小快板
III. Allegro assai vivace ma serioso
第三乐章：严肃的快板-更快板
IV. Larghetto espressivo; Allegretto agitato; Allegro
第四乐章：富于表情的小行板；激动的快板；快板

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, August 28
• Time: 4PM
• Price: RMB 65 or RMB 20 for students (includes drink)
• Location: Capital M
• Address:3/F, 2 Qianmen Pedestrian Street, 前门大街2号3层
• Reservations: Call (86-10) 6702 2727

Rekindle the Flame: Lantern Club’s Re-Opening Weekend

“Rekindle the flame, and light the spark on a new era! ” – Acupuncture Records

The point of destination for electronic music dance fanatics, Lantern’s sudden close last September was devastating for many, and even worse was that its space was demolished to be remade into yet another KTV club in Beijing.

Lantern’s Closing Weekend Party in September 2010:

Just one year later, Lantern returns in an even more spacious basement in the Worker’s Stadium with a big Re-Opening Weekend.

“Lantern 2.0 will not only be the epicenter of electronic music and visual art in Beijing, but also hub for all creative cultures.” – Miao Wong, Acupuncture Records

Featuring a line up of Acupuncture Records main DJs together with a few of Beijing’s top DJs, everyone is encouraged to welcome back Lantern 2.0!

Lantern 2.0′s DJ Line-Up:

Weng Weng

ELVIS.T

OuYang

Eddie Lv

QQ

Eric Lee

ShenYue

Sean.C

Patrick Yu

M.Ross

VJ: Hibanana

Lantern Re-Opening Weekend Details:

• Date: Friday, August 26 & Saturday, August 27
• Time: 11PM-late
• FREE ENTRY
• Location: NEW Lantern Club
• Address:  100m north to Worker’s Stadium west gate, (in the basement behind Xuxianlou), 工体西门向北100米
• Tel: 13901348785
• Website: http://www.acupuncture-records.com/

Last Chance: CFFC’s Final Summer Charity Dinner

The final of three summer dinner series hosted by the Chi Fan for Charity team, they will be finishing off with an exceptional dinner planned for this Saturday, August 27 at The Hutong beginning at 6:30PM.

Multiple award winning Top Chef Jeffery Powell who also happens to be the mastermind behind Beijing’s much-beloved restaurants like The Orchard, Element Fresh and Flamme, will create a special menu of bocadillos for a crazy low price of RMB 100 per person.

Knowing that theBeijinger will be sponsoring the drinks and entertainment for this dinner, you are guaranteed to be in for a treat! To follow in suit with the food theme, I expect plenty of tequila and definitely some lively entertainment…possibly a mariachi band even?

Only RMB 100 per person, this is an awesome price for great food, drinks, entertainment, company and to make it even better, all event proceeds will benefit The Dandelion School and of course any additional funds can be donated to a featured charity at your own discretion.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, August 27
• Time: Starts at 6:30PM
• Price: RMB 100 per person
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: 1 Zhongxiang Hutong, Jiudaowan, Dongcheng district  东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号
• RSVP: erin@thehutong.com
• Website:  Click here to RSVP online

About The Dandelion School:

The recipients of both 2009 & 2010 Chi Fan for Charity proceeds, this is the first government approved middle school specifically for children from low-income migrant families in Beijing.

Rah Rah for Ramen: Japanese Ramen Noodle Pavilion

This autumn season, Wang Jing is been hosting a Japanese Ramen Noodle Pavilion.  Started on the last weekend of July, this pavilion will run through November/December (kept hearing different end dates from different sources). Open daily from 11AM-10PM, everyone is treated to a mini fair featuring a variety of vendors selling Japanese specialties from snacks like tako yaki and okonomiyaki to several ramen vendors and of course a Japanese Asahi Beer stand!

We rummaged our way through on a rainy night and tried both tako yaki and of course giant bowls of Japanese ramen which left all of us in very satisfied food comas.

Similar to many Chinese food courts, the Japanese Ramen Pavilion requires all purchases be made through a card, which can be purchased at the front gate before you enter the wonderful world of Japanese ramen.

Japanese Ramen Pavilion Purchase Card

LumDimSum Snapshot Tour of the Japanese Ramen Noodle Pavilion:

Other Japanese Food & Beverage Stalls:

Japanese Okonomiyaki

Japanese Tako Yaki Balls

We couldn’t resist the urge to snack on some Japanese Tako Yaki (squid balls), but of course we saved our stomachs for the main attraction: Japanese Ramen!  I confidently say that it really won’t matter which ramen stand you choose to try as they should all be exceptional, but if you would like to follow in my footsteps, here’s where we ended up.

Standard bowl of Japanese Ramen was RMB 55, order of 5 gyoza potstickers was RMB 10 and did you know eating a boiled egg is supposed to prepare you palette for Japanese ramen? Bowl of boiled eggs were complimentary!  (see LDS Snapshots below)

Here’s where we picked to grub on Ramen:

As happy as I was to be a part of this Japanese Ramen Fair, knowing that a portion of all proceeds will go to the victims of Japan’s tsunami, but I must not get your hopes too high.

Although the ramen was superior to most Japanese ramen options in Beijing (with the exception of Invincible Ramen, click here for LDS Review and Details), it still does not compare to the ramen found on the streets of Tokyo where the broth is three times thicker, more rich in flavor and leaving you 2 kilos heavier.

In any case, this is as close as you’re going to get to satisfying your Japanese ramen cravings so grab a couple friends, head to Wang Jing and indulge in ramen heaven.

Japanese Ramen Noodle Pavilion 日本拉面街

Event Details:

• Date: Running from July 28, 2011 – Mid-December 2011
• Time: 11AM-10PM
• Location: 望京国際商業中心 (中英广场）
• Address:  北京朝陽区望京街9号
• Website: http://ribenlamian.com

Forget Popcorn: The Hutong’s ‘Movie & Smoothie’ Night

A haven for healthy living & creative culture, The Hutong is presenting a night of “Movie & Green Smoothies” this Thursday, August 25.

From 6PM-8PM, Raw Food, Raw Pastry Chef and Eco Health Advisor Jennifer McClelland will be serving her magical green smoothies for all to enjoy as they watch a documentary on the positive life changes that are possible through just a 30-day change in diet.

An uplifting story, “Simply Raw:  Reversing Diabetes in 30 days“ is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with ‘incurable’ diabetes switching from the Standard American Diet (a.k.a. the SAD diet) consisting of fast food, refined flours, white sugars and chemical additives to a plant-based vegan, “living food” diet for 30 days.

“Simply Raw reveals, with startling clarity, that diet can reverse diabetes* and change the quality of people’s lives. The film captures the human drama and struggle of these courageous individuals making a quantum leap of faith from a traditional junk food diet to a raw vegan diet and it shows revealing moments of nurturing, compassion, and human spirit. It is a film about a life changing journey on a simply raw diet and how nature is the original medicine.”

Those interested in attending this event, just register online and buy a green smoothie ticket for RMB 35. Movie or not, RMB 35 for one of Jennifer’s amazing smoothie concoctions is worth every penny!

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, August 25
• Time: 6PM-8PM
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: 1 Zhongxiang Hutong, Jiudaowan, Dongcheng district  东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号
• Register Online: Click here
• Register Tel: +86 10 1590 104 6127 or Email: sophia@thehutong.com

A Home Run for Home Plate Bar B-Que

Home Plate is home of the best pulled pork sandwich of my life and let me tell you, their savory BBQ corn-on-the-cob and homemade corn bread and yummy Oatmeal Raisin and Peanut Butter cookies for dessert were equally as impressive.  Serving authentic All-American Southern BBQ favorites, Home Plate has a wide range of BBQ burgers, sandwiches, fries, hot dogs, wings and BBQ platters.  Highlights are their pulled-pork sandwiches and briskets where the meat is slow cooked for 8 hours over apple wood.

“Smoked for ten hours, the pulled pork offers a moist, juicy bite that even the most toothless hillbilly could chew his way through.” – theBeijinger
Click here for their review of HOME PLATE.

Other than their slow-cooked BBQ meat and ribs, I also recommend ordering their homemade drinks like their Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade and Iced Southern Sweet Tea and for desserts, try their homemade cookies or their pies and cakes delivered fresh from Life of Bread Bakery.

Home Plate Bar B-Que Menu

LumDimSum Snapshots of our meal at Home Plate:

Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade (RMB 20) and Ice Southern Sweet Tea (RMB 18)

Corn Bread (RMB 5 each) and BBQ Corn-on-the-Cob (RMB 10)

Pulled-Pork BBQ Sandwich (RMB 35):

Slow-cooked over 8 hours over apple wood topped with slaw and BBQ Sauce

Homemade Cookies: Oatmeal Raisin and Peanut Butter Flavors (RMB 5 each or 3 for RMB 12)

If our tummies allowed us, we would have wanted to consume twice more what we ordered as the rest of their menu was sure to shine, but alas, this is just an excuse for us to go back for more!

I’ve been meaning to get my foodie buddies out here for ages it seems and I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to make it!  Since the first time I went, I can’t stop singing their praises and my very foodie friend and talented Resident DJ of PUNK, Saul Diaz has been back three time in one week and I have appointments to bring more friends this coming week.  If it’s your first time to Home Plate, be sure to make not of their address and map (see below) as it’s not the easiest place to find (on parallel street north of Xiaoyun Lu along a strip of Chinese restaurants resembling a less-busy version of Ghost Street 鬼街。Biking down this road, we knew exactly when we reached Home Plate not because of the big sign posted outside the restaurant but because the outside seating was packed with foreigners (with a wait might I add).

LumDimSum Snapshots of Home Plate Restaurant:

Word-of-mouth on this little American BBQ joint has spread like wildfire and it’s easy to see why.  If you are a serious fan of slow-cooked BBQ meat and Southern American favorites at it’s finest, Home Plate may soon become your second home.

Review of Home Plate: Go down alleyway behind Kro’s Nest on XiaoYun Lu and turn left on food street to Home Plate, 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard, 朝阳区霄云路35号院（Kro’s Nest后面200米）远洋新干线美食步行街 Tel: 5128 5584, Open from 11AM-10PM.

Best Part:

• Best Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich of my life
• Quality All-American Southern BBQ
• Try their BBQ Corn-on-the-Cob, corn bread and homemade lemonade!

• Burgers and Sandwiches are all great value with prices ranging from only RMB 30-40
• They will soon begin to offer delivery!

Comments:

• Some of their good stuff is not on their menu (like their corn-on-the-cob) so be sure to ask what’s available!
• I hear it is common for them to run out of popular menu items…hopefully they will never run out of pulled pork sandwiches!
• Location is definitely off-the-beaten-track and not the easiest venue to find, but your efforts to find Home Plate will be rewarded once you try their food!
• Their interior decor is nothing to write home about, but then again, who really cares when the food is this good.  While the weather is still warm, I recommend sitting outside if you’re able to wait for a table to free up.
• Service was mediocre, but owner Seth Grossman was really friendly and personable and able to make some great recommendations.
• They are relatively newly opened, so they are still figuring out their website (link here), some kinks on their menu (still don’t have chocolate chip cookies) and service (working on offering delivery option).

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

• Food: 9
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 7
• Overall Experience: 8

Map to Home Plate Bar B-Que, on street parallel north of Xiaoyun Lu

Directions: Go straight down alley by Kro’s Nest (all the way through), turn left at major street and you’ll find Home Plate on Left-hand Side

Nathan’s Famous Sponsors BBQ DAY for CMC Kids

As a part of Nathan’s Famous China National Championship Hot Dog Eating Competition back in June, Nathan’s Famous China generously donated 1,000 hot dogs to the children of Compassion for Migrant Children (CMC), a non-profit organization founded to help China’s urban migrant children through social and educational programs.

World-record holding hot dog eating champion Joey Chestnut presented the donation himself in a giant check to the representatives and children of CMC.

To follow through with our commitment, Nathan’s Famous sponsored its first BBQ DAY at CMC’s Ping Xi Fu Center with a donation of 500 hot dogs to approximately 350 children on Wednesday, August 17, 2011.

Transporting ourselves from Nathan’s Wanliu Branch, we packed a van with all our hot dog ingredients, four new BBQ grills (to be donated to the CMC Center as well) and of course our Frankster!  Together, we were ready to share the World’s Best 100% Beef Hot Dogs with a community of children where the majority  had never even heard of a hot dog, much less tasted one before.

Witnessing their all-consuming curiosity spread like wild-fire was thrilling and not only were these children incredibly well-behaved, their level of politeness and genuine gratitude was melting…if course it didn’t hurt that these kids are all absolutely adorable.  Shy at first, by the end of their first Nathan’s hot dog experience, they were running, skipping, jumping, playing with our Frankster, drawing us thank you cards and giving us giant bear hugs.

But in the end, class must resume.  Hugs were given, tears were shed and mutual gratitude was shared before we waved goodbye.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Nathan’s Famous Sponsored BBQ at CMC:

What happens to our Nathan’s Frankster after 4 hours of playing with 350 running, jumping children

About Compassion for Migrant Children (CMC)

“Compassion for Migrant Children (CMC) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping children of migrant workers in Asia and their communities through social and educational programs.  CMC fills a gap in migrant communities by establishing community centers that offer comprehensive, holistic programming to migrant children and their families including vocational skills training, after school programs, teaching training seminars for migrant school teachers and family workshops.”

For more information about Compassion for Migrant Children and how you can donate or volunteer with their social and educational programs, visit their website: http://www.cmc-china.org/

Agua Aperitivo: New Weekend Brunch

Agua’s getting its weekend brunch on with traditional Spanish tapas and all their signature dishes.

Price is set at RMB 248 for all you foodies and for all the lushes who enjoy getting tipsy too, just throw in an additional RMB88 for free flow drinks including juices, cocktails and sparkling wine.

This pretty much speaks for itself (contact details below):

Setting the Record Straight: Haru Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar

I’d like to set the record straight – Haru Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar is absolutely not affiliated with the Hatsune Restaurant Group in any way, shape or form.  There have been a few rumors spreading that Haru was telling its customers that their restaurant is associated with Hatsune and I would like take this opportunity to dispel all false rumors and make it crystal clear: these two restaurants are not related AT ALL.

That being said, these rumors instigated my curiosity to come and check out this Haru Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar and see just how similar it really compares to my beloved Hatsune.  I hear their original restaurant out in Shunyi is excellent, but for convenience sake, I opted instead to venture to their recently opened second branch located just north of Sanlitun Village to an area rather unexplored by me – Sanlitun Village North. There, I went up the third floor of the West Building 西楼 and walked into Haru without a reservation during what I presume to be peak dining time - 8:30PM on a Friday night.

Enclosed in glass, the restaurant is very sleek and modern and I was warmly welcomed in Japanese by three staff.  Not having made a reservation, I was told the wait would only be a few minutes as they were clearing up a table that just left.  With a few minutes to spare, I began to explore and snap, snap away.

Other than a completely empty sushi bar with not even one sushi chef, the restaurant is mostly filled out with 6 private teppanyaki rooms ranging from rooms for two up to rooms for 12 pax.

Is it primarily just a teppanyaki restaurant? Confused, I asked for their menu and the first half is entirely filled with sushi options from sushi rolls (all named after people I presume) and then followed by both a la carte and set teppanyaki meal options.

Not wanting to sit at the deserted sushi bar, I opted for a two person private room where we ordered a few items off their sushi menu and a teppanyaki set to share.  Without a photo menu, I ordered based on my dining experiences at Hatsune and Kagen Teppanyaki.

Haru’s Sushi Roll Menu (offering 25 different rolls)

Trying to pick a roll off their sushi menu, I wasn’t quite sure what to order since there were no photos and there were 25 different rolls to choose from with more than half with basically the same three ingredients- tempura shrimp, snow crab and avocado. Most rolls ranged from RMB 60 (vegetarian roll options) to RMB 92 with the exception of their Toro roll, priced at RMB 185.

After much avail, I finally just randomly ordered the Kevin Roll (RMB 72) with avocado, cucumber and crab meat topped with a rainbow of assorted seafood: shrimp, salmon, tuna, and flounder.  The roll was nicely presented, very clean and neat, but without any sauces or many ingredients for that matter, it didn’t impress me.

*Reader, take note – I openly admit to being a total sushi snob. As the #1 fan of Hatsune’s sushi rolls, I tend to be overly critical when it comes to Japanese food, and especially when it comes to sushi rolls.

That being said, I was more than excited to discover their Nigiri Cucumber Rolls.  With each roll priced around RMB 30, I ordered their Uni and Salmon Roe (RMB 30), Sweet Shrimp (RMB 30) and their Foie Gras Roll (RMB 30). The cucumber wrap is beautiful and these fresh tasting mini rolls were all winners.

Haru’s AMAZING Cucumber Nigiri Rolls (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!)

Thinking another two orders of Teppanyaki sets would be over-the-top, we decided to share one set between the two of us.  They had a range of steaks and seafood options and I wanted both so we ordered their Filet Mignon and Ocean Scallops Grilled with Garlic Butter Sauce Set (RMB 305).

Similar to Kagen Teppanyaki’s set dinner menus, each set includes appetizers, Miso Soup, Salad, Sashimi and teppanyaki shrimp, vegetables, fried rice and fruit for dessert.

Small Appetizer Platter

Salad & Sashimi

With the portions being a little smaller than expected, we still had room for more and decided to give it to more dessert! Teppanyaki banana is quite possibly one of the best inventions ever created so I ordered each of us an order at RMB 18 for one.

Bananas Simmering in buttery Sweetness…

Haru Dessert: Melon Slices, Taro Crepe Balls and our additional Teppanyaki Bananas!

Overall:

Haru is obviously much more of a teppanyaki restaurant than it is a sushi bar so rumors of Haru being related to Hatsune seem to be a stretch. If anything, Haru is more similar to Kagen Teppanyaki as both restaurants feature elegant private rooms and both a la carte and set teppanyaki menus.

For the past 3 years in a row, I’ve celebrated my birthday in Kagen Teppanyaki so that just goes to show much I love the restaurant.  I know many of you may consider my opinion to be biased or swayed in Kagen’s favor, but I can confidently say that the portions are bigger and prices are lower at Kagen Teppanyaki and I also prefer the decor of Kagen over Haru.  But Haru does win points for offering both teppanyaki and sushi rolls together in one place.

Verdict:

Haru’s Teppanyaki is  a million times better than Taiyro Teppanyaki (it’s Sanlitun competitor for Japanese Teppanyaki), but still pales in comparison to Kagen Teppanyaki.

Review of Haru Teppanyaki & Sushi Bar 铁板烧餐厅: 30, Bldg N4, Sanlitun Village North, 11 Sanlitun Rd, 三里屯路11号院N4楼30号商铺 Tel: 6415-2112

Best Part:

• High-Quality Japanese teppanyaki and sushi
• Sleek, elegant design of space featuring 6 different private rooms ranging in size from 2 pax to 12 pax.
• Teppanyaki Business Set Lunch priced between RMB 85-RMB 225.

• They offer an extensive wine list and a range of sake and cocktail drinks.
• Two branches: One in Shunyi as well!  Address here: 902 Pinnacle Plaza, Jingshun Lu, 京顺路荣祥广场902. Tel: 8046-5112

Comments:

• Haru’s quality ingredients and sleek, modern decor wins hands-down over the ever-popular Tairyo Teppanyaki (in Sanlitun Village), but pales in comparison to both Hatsune’s legendary sushi rolls and Kagen Teppanyaki’s teppanyaki sets.
• Pricer than Kagen teppanyaki, a dinner for two (excluding alcohol) will be RMB 300-350 per person.
• Service was polite and very professional.

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

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

BJ FoODiEs: ‘Photo’ Charity Dinner at Cornerstone

“We have happily volunteered our group as guinea pigs for Cornerstone” – BJ FoODiES

A recent addition to the CBD dining hood, Cornerstone is the next pick for featured restaurant host for BJ FoODiEs event this month.  On Sunday, August 21, BJ FoODiES is confident you will love digging into some hearty Italian at one of their new favorite eateries.

“The cuisine is Hearty American Italian cuisine reminiscent of what ya’ll love back home – Owner Damon Sun has agreed to host our crazy foodie group & come up with an awesome menu of all the restaurant’s heartiest dishes & we are confident ya’ll will be food-comaed out.” – BJ FoODiES

RMB 100 gets you an Italian Feast + drink (ice-cold Beer/Gin & Tonic).

RSVP ASAP with the BJ FoODiES team: bjfoodies@gmail.com

HELLO ITALIANO!

Cornerstone Dinner Menu + Drink = RMB 100

‘STARTERS’

Italian Prosciutto Salad

Seasonal Cantoloupe w/ italian prosciutto & baby argula salad

‘SOUP’

Mushroom soup

Mixed mushrooms medley w/ light cream

‘MAINS’

(1)

Crispy-skin Salmon Steak

Slow pan-fried salmon w/ Nicoise salad

(2)

Home-made Spaghetti & Meatballs

Parchment baked spaghetti & meatballs w/ mildly spicy marinara sauce

‘SWEETS’

White Chocolate w/ strawberry ice cream

+ Glass of sub-zero temperature Beer / Gin & Tonic

“Indulge for a Cause”

August Charity Theme: ‘Photo’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ANJALI PHOTO WORKSHOP –  The NGO believes in the value of providing children the opportunity to express themselves through fun activities that also foster each child’s creativity. The Anjali Photo Workshops is a special photography workshop for the children of the Anjali House – A registered Cambodian NGO providing food, shelter & education for under priviledged children

For more information: www.ulule.com

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

Sneak Peak of Spice Factory & Tatami by d.concepts

Let me begin this post by saying this is not, and I repeat – NOT! ‘an official LDS review’ for two reasons: 1. The restaurant is still in its beginning soft-opening stages and 2. I promised Warren I wouldn’t.  Instead, this post is just a chance for me to show off just how friggin’ gorgeous this space is (see photos posted below).

Spice Factory is one of two new restaurant venues recently opened by d. concepts, the same team behind d.lounge with the one and only F&B wizard, Warren Pang, working his magic once again. Yum is located on the second floor just left of d.lounge and the other new restaurant concept Tatami, a Japanese fusion restaurant, is located below Spice Factory.

Presenting a modern take on Thai cuisine, Spice Factory restaurant looks nothing like other Thai restaurants in this city with no hint of Thai culture or flavor other than in its food and drinks. Although the decor of the space doesn’t appear to have much correlation to Thailand, the food is kicking with flaming hot Thai spice and flavors.

And naturally, with the same management as d. lounge, Spice Factory boasts a massive bar with a wide range of Thai-inspired cocktails that are especially delish.  I tried both their Gin Gin cocktail (RMB 70) – a gin martini with ginger, apple, etc. and Phuket Mojito (RMB 60) – with chili, lime, mint, etc. which were both hands-down some of the best tasting cocktails I’ve had in Beijing.

The restaurant design eerily resembles d lounge but with dining tables instead of sofa couches. Like it’s older brother d., Spice Factory carries on the same brick/industrial style with high ceilings and the same warm, trendy ambiance that d lounge is notorious for.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Spice Factory Thai Restaurant:

Invited for a massive birthday celebration for the very lovely Mei Ping Doery, I dined with a group of over 30 and we were served a set menu for dinner at Spice Factory.

*Just to emphasize to my readers, Warren has stressed that Spice Factory is currently in its very pre-opening stages and they are very much still tweaking and adjusting food, concept, etc. to make the experience more Thai-fusion rather than serving very traditional Thai cuisine.  Regardless, the food was delish (and VERY spicy) so they’re off to a great start…!

LumDimSum Snapshots of the Spicy Thai Dishes by Spice Factory:

Happy Birthday Beautiful Mei!

After-Dinner Drinks at Spice Factory:

Birthday Shots!

Master Drink Mixer, Warren Pang workin his Magic…in what appears to be a zen-like state  haha

Located just below Yum, Tatami is the other new restaurant by d.concepts.

Serving fusion Japanese cuisine, the presentation of each dish was beautifully done and absolutely captivating.  Portions were a little small for my big appetite, but the flavors and taste of each dish was spot on. I was a huge fan of the seafood ceviche and seared steak with coffee salt.

Unfortunately, I don’t have my own LumDimSum snapshots since Warren forbid me to take any photos for fear of a pre-mature LDS review, but lucky for me, other diners that night were sneakier!

Here’s a teaser of what’s to come at TATAMI soon (snapshots I’ve taken off Warren’s weibo):

**Stay posted on LumDimSum for more details to come on launch opening dates for both Spice Factory and TATAMI restaurants by d.concepts.

In the meantime, I recommend that all you foodies and lushes to pop on over for a try at Spice Factory’s delicious Thai cocktails and flaming hot Thai dishes.