Hurry Before They’re Gone: Kiosk & The Taco Bar

Posted: March 25th, 2013 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene, Hot Tips | Tags: Alameda, Back Alley Chili Cook Off, Capital Brew, Christina Aman Riglet, Elin Wedin, Jazz-Ya, Kin Hong, Kiosk, Kristian Li, Modo, Modo Urban Deli, Purple Haze, Sanlitun, Sasha Unkovic, See Dice Go Productions, The Big Smoke, The Taco Bar, Xingfucun, Xingfuyicun, 京A | 2 Comments »

Why Don’t All Sandwiches Come with a Gooey Cheesy Center?!

Kiosk Sandwich Cafe has been around for ages and many know the original location by Jazz-Ya and Alameda in the little nook just east off Sanlitun Bar Street, then they opened a different branch in Nali Patio (closed in September 2010) and last week, I finally made my way over to their most current location is just off of Gongti on Xingfuyicun (the hutong east of Purple Haze Thai Restaurant). We had tried to come here multiple times, but it was either still closed for Chinese New Year or it was a Monday (the one day a week they are not open). Finally, we got in last Friday and couldn’t have been more pleased.

Kiosk’s Serbian owner Sasha Unkovic was working the room and all smiles, which came naturally to him, but also making it that much more heartbreaking after hearing from him first-hand that Kiosk would be (once again) closing its doors on April 15, 2013.  Forced to move out, they are currently on the look out for other locations to move into, but the date is set and that only leaves us with a couple of weeks before they close indefinitely (but hopefully only temporarily).

For those who haven’t been before, Kiosk is an age-old Beijing favorite.  Known for their giant, meaty sandwiches, chunky fries and cheap prices, it’s difficult not to be a happy camper after a quick lunch at Kiosk.  

You can’t deny you like the look of these prices

Their Grilled Chicken Sandwich (RMB 31) with Bacon, Cheese & Onion is a classic, but I’m all about their Big Bite Burger (RMB 38) with 250 grams of pork and beef with a gooey, melted cheese center that oozes out with each bite. Awesome.

Kiosk’s Big Bite Burger (RMB 38): 250 grams of Pork & Beef Sandwiched Between a French Baguette 

Same Sandwich, Different Perspective

 Kiosk’s Classic Pork & Beef Burger, 160g (RMB 29): A smaller version of the Big Bite, but without a cheesy center

We each ordered our own sandwich, but we also couldn’t help noticing that everyone else in the restaurant was drinking big red bowls of soup.  After inquiring into this matter, we were quick to jump on board and were delighted to find another Kiosk winner.

Apparently every Friday, Sasha says he prepares a traditional Serbian Bean and Pork Bone Soup served alongside bowls of sliced baguette and shredded lettuce.  Hearty and healthy, this soup was exactly what we needed after biking on a classic Beijing Spring day with fierce and violent winds. So not only should you plan to come to Kiosk before they close in two weeks time, you should plan to come on a Friday for a taste of this tasty Serbian soup!

Traditional Serbian Bean & Pork Rib Soup with Bowls of Sliced Baguette & Lettuce

Kiosk’s Crispy Potato Wedges (RMB 15)

So, in summary, get your booty over to Kiosk before it’s too late. You’ll regret it big time if you don’t get to try that Serbian bean soup at least once! Closing Date is set for April 15, 2013 (which falls on a Monday, the one day a week they are not open).

Kiosk Contact Details:

• Address:  Just off of Gongti, this street runs east parallel to Purple Haze Thai Restaurant, Xingfuyicun, 幸福一村

• Tel: 6416-3068

• Closing Date for this location: April 15, 2013

Beijing Won’t be the Same Without these Tasty Tacos

In case you haven’t heard yet, The Taco Bar team has just announced that they will be shutting down at the end of May.  Their lease is up and they’re looking for new spots but no news on that front as of yet.  So there you have it – you have about two months to eat all the tacos you can stomach before May comes to a sad and bitter end, but rest assured, they have a number of new projects brewing, promising to “unleash more madness onto this town, for better or worse”.

With See Dice Go running their annual Back Alley Chili Cook-Off, The Taco Bar is jumping on the band wagon and hosting their own “disgustingly entertaining” Taco Eating Competition and there’s also rumors of a Private Crawfish Boil with Louisiana seasoning, corn, potatoes, housemade chorizo, etc.

“We aren’t closed yet! So save your moaning and sappy faces until the time comes. Don’t fret, there’s still tons of time to enjoy this space that we will truly miss.” – the forever grateful Taco Bar Team (Kin, Rocky, Peter, John, Lily, & Marc)

Stay tuned for more updates re: chances to get your hands on ridiculously tasty tacos by your favorite Taco Bar.

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Though I started this post with a heavy heart, I’d like to end on a high note, so you can all get a good night’s rest without crying yourself to sleep tonight.

There are a few exciting new projects in the works and they’re finally taking form.

This past Friday, March 22, Modo closed their doors to renovate not only their space on the third floor of Sanlitun Village (between Karaiya Spice House and Wagas), but they will also be re-vamping their restaurant concept and menu into the new Modo Urban Deli.

Set to open in about one month’s time, they plan on re-opening with all day & evening dining (one all day menu), deli counter, home delivery, take out for al-desco eating or picnic, and delivery catering. And hopefully the timing will coincide with their first terrace aperitif & dining.

“MODO Urban Deli will remain MODO at heart with the black & white signature pattern, the hip & industrial look. It will evolve as an Urban Deli with the addition of a cosy & rustic feel as well as a more daily approachable place where to eat in & take out from.

We’re inspired by fresh products & local entrepreneurial producers. 

Wine will remain essential. We will work with a more concentrated wine list to enjoy in or take out at very affordable prices.” – Christina Aman Riglet, Marketing Manager of Mosto & Modo

If you are curious enough to ask questions, they welcome emails to their address here: hello@modobj.com

 Modo’s New Illustration by their Swedish designer Elin Wedin

Another upcoming opening will be taking place in an already opened venue.  Beijing’s newest craft beer brand 京A Brewery will be opening in Big Smoke in a couple of weeks. After brewing for the past year and hosting multiple pop-up events in various venues around Beijing, they’re now ready to settle down with their new home nestled in the walls of The Big Smoke.

“We are super excited about moving in and can’t wait to start brewing. Renovation is underway and we are planning to start serving fresh, artisanal craft beer in May. Xingfucun is going to be the craft beer hub this summer!” – Kristian Li, Co-Founder of 京A

In the meantime, you can follow their brewery construction process (exciting stuff) on their new site capitalbrew.com. Like everything we are doing right now, it’s still work in progress. There will be more content in the next couple of weeks which will include a regular blog update on the brewery construction.

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