Genghis Khan Festival: Run & Bike in Inner Mongolia

The beginning of 2012 and the beginning of the Year of the Dragon brings new aspirations, new dreams, motivation for better lifestyle decisions and a drive to reach new goals.

Among the many new years goals I’ve set for myself, one is to kick myself into shape and train for the half marathon.

I had originally planned to run the Great Wall Marathon in May (which I may very well still run), but I just recently found out about the Genghis Khan MTB Adventure & Grassland Marathon in Inner Mongolia at the end of June (thanks to the adventurous and active Erin Henshaw).

So rather than risk running on a dreadfully polluted Beijing city, you can run on through the fresh and natural grasslands of Inner Mongolia!

“The Genghis Khan Festival consists of two different sports disciplines: mountainbiking and cross country running. Mountainbikers are being offered a 3-day stage competition with a total length of 200km, while runners get the chance of running a full marathon distance offroad. Both events take place in the grasslands surrounding Xiwuqi town and cater for all levels of athletes as shorter distances are also available.”

Eager to sign up? Just follow these easy-peasy steps and you’ll be good to go!

1. Book Your Plane Ticket.  There are round trip tickets from Beijing to Xilinhaote for only RMB 1,280. There is one flight running every day leaving Beijing 07:10AM and arriving at 08:25AM in Xilinhaote Airport. Return flights leave Xilinhaote at 9:25AM and arrive back in Beijing at 10:30AM. You will want to hurry to book your seats as there is only ONE flight per day! You can book tickets on AirChina here.

2. Sign Up on the Genghis Khan Grassland Extreme Marathon website by clicking here to sign up for either the marathon or the MTB Adventure Mountain Bike Competition.  Lock in early bird pre-registration prices now by signing up online.  10K and half-marathon is RMB 150, Marathon is RMB 200 and  MTB Bike Adventures are RMB 200, 300, or 400 depending on how many race days you want to sign up for. Students get a 50% discount and teams of 5 or more also get a cheaper sign-up rate.

3. Your Stay: You can choose various travel packages from 3-6 days and basically everything from transport to accommodation and food is all included!  Transport is easy by Nordic Ways who provide daily airport transport to and from the event site.  Living Arrangements are also accommodating with different travel packages.  Click here for your list of options, but basically you can either stay in a 4-star hotel in the town center or you can choose to stay at Mongolia yurts in the ancient Imperial City of Kharakhorum which is 20 km away from town in the grasslands. Single yurts are first come, first serve but they also have a range of yurts that can accommodate up to 6 people. All daily meals are included including a BBQ and bonfire party. I recommend Travel Package B (4 Days, 3 Nights) so you have an extra day of rest after your marathon and you won’t have to miss the famous local lamb hot pot dinner on Sunday night!

For further inquiries and concerns, you can contact the organizers directly to help you book a yurt, find vegetarian meals, or save you a seat on the bus from the airport:  Jenny.zhao@nordicways.com

Grasslands of Inner Mongolia

If you’re keen to start training for the marathon earlier, you can also sign up here for the North Face 10KM/50KM/100KM Race in May 2012.

If you sign up before March 20, 2012, you can lock in pre-registration fees: 10k (RMB 90), 50k (RMB 300), 100k (RMB 500).

For more info, click here.

Free Preventative Health Talk by TCM Specialist Alex Tan

A qualified TCM practitioner and educator, Alex Tan of Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic has a degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practicing for over 8 years.

“Immersing himself in ancient traditions embodied in the lifestyles and culture of everyday Chinese people, Alex is well aware of the problems associated with modern TCM in the hospital system in China and aims at providing a more holistic and personal style of healthcare focusing on effective communication and information.”

On Saturday, February 11, The Hutong is offering a unique opportunity to attend an hour and a half discussion led by Alex Tan to learn how we can use both eastern and western ideas to improve our health and how to incorporate these into our daily lives in both a practical and useful way.

“Alex believes the true treasures of Chinese medicine lie in its greater focus on holistic health combined with western natural health concepts, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, body work, counseling and lifestyle practices. The key focus of his approach is not only to assist the healing process through TCM treatment, but also in learning how we can live in accordance with nature to avoid illness and disease.” 

To sign up for this free preventative health discussion, click here.

How is this class free you ask? Well, this is a lead in to a 5 session “Eat Sleep Breathe” Workshop in the following weeks. More information can be found on The Hutong’s Website.

“In this five-session ‘Eat Sleep Breathe’ workshop we aim to help you to lift the veil on some of the ideas and philosophy behind Asian health and lifestyle practices. The goal of this program is that you will acquire a basic understanding of the concepts of traditional Chinese health & longevity. The aim is to also to become proficient in an authentic set of ancient Qi Gong exercises, leaving you with the motivation and ability to include these positive rhythms into your daily life. ”

Here’s to a healthier new year with long-lasting, new lifestyle practices!

 Alex Tan Teaches Qi Gong at The Hutong

Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday, February 11, 2012
• Time: 10AM-11:30AM
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong 东城区九道弯中巷1号
• RSVP: Click here to sign up.
• Website: Click here.

About Alex Tan’s Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic: 

Straight Bamboo TCM Clinic is open 5 days a week for acupressure and related treatments.

• Individualised and personal treatment with a focus on holistic health, effective communication & information for English speakers
• Treatment and assistance designed to help you understand your imbalance and what you can do about it using Chinese medicine dietary therapy, Qigong, positive psychology and daily rhythms
• Acupressure, Moxibustion, Cupping, Gua-sha & Massage
• Lifestyle Consultation – How to gain greater health & happiness using ancient Chinese health knowledge; for people who want to increase health awareness and discover balance through positive interventions

Click here for Clinic Location and Times.

Nathan’s New Salad Wraps & Jinshisong Delivery

Most of you who follow LumDimSum.com know that I am always looking for a healthier option (should a healthy option be available) whenever I’m eating out.

So instead of stuffing myself with Nathan’s 100% pure beef hot dogs and chili cheese fries multiple times per week, I am now stoked to be eating (and sharing with you) their newest menu items: 3 New Savory Salad Wraps!

Available in three flavors: Spicy Chicken Tender Salad Wrap, Phillycheese Steak Salad Wrap and a warm, buttery imported Lobster Sensation Wrap (my personal favorite), these are hands-down my new go-to menu items!

Aside from being a healthier choice, these wraps are so freaking good and such great value – priced at RMB 15-25 if ordered alone and if you want to be extra healthy, you can also switch out the side of Nathan’s crinkle cut fries for a bowl of steamed corn (another favorite of mine) and a drink for only RMB 27-37 for a complete combo meal.

For those who prefer to eat in the comfort of your home, Nathan’s is now partnering up with Beijing’s Best Delivery Service - Jinshisong Delivery!

To get Nathan’s delivered straight to your door, just call 4000300517 or you can even order directly online and save the headache of speaking to anyone over the phone: Click here to order Nathan’s on Jinshisong’s website.

Aside from Nathan’s, Jinshisong also delivers many other great restaurant options including:

• Kro’s Nest
• Blue Frog
• Hatsune
• Flamme
• Union Bar & Grill
• Karaiya Spice House
• Kagen Japanese Restaurant
• Colibri Cafe
• Biteapitta
• Crepanini
• La Pizza

And the list of restaurants continues…check out full list of restaurants here.

Nathan’s Famous Contact Details: 

• Dongzhimen Raffles City Branch 

• Address: Raffles City Shopping Mall B1-07, No.1 Dongzhimen South Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing
• Hours: 8:30AM-10:00PM

• Wanliu BHG Mall

• Address: Beijing Wanliu Shopping Mall, No. 2 BaGou Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing (Located just outside of Ba Gou Subway Stop, the last stop on Line 10)
• Hours: 9:30AM-9:30PM

• Mastercard (Wukesong) Stadium

• Address: No.69 Fuxing Road, Haidian District
• Open for events

BJ FOoDiEs ‘Magic’ Dinner & Hilton’s Charity Auction

The first BJ FOoDiEs event of 2012 is setting up to be a double-whammy!  Switching things up, this is one of the very first times that a BJ FOoDiEs dinner will not be held on a Sunday, but on a Friday night. And since most of those in attendance have a charitable heart and generous spirit, it only makes sense to see BJ FOoDiEs teaming up with the Hilton Beijing, The Beijing Beatles, and Hoegaarden for the 2012 Charity Auction!

So mark you calendars for next Friday, February 10 for a night dedicated to the spirit of generous giving and good food. Not only will foodies be spoiled with a special dinner, those who make the highest bids for Beijing’s Dashing Bachelors and Bachelorettes will again be once again rewarded with another dinner at One East!

The night’s rundown is quite packed in, so by signing up for the BJ FOoDiEs dinner, you’re also signing yourself up for a full-on charitable evening with all proceeds going to two very special charitable organizations: Morning Tears and Magic Hospital.

First off, foodies are treated to an indulgent, 3-course contemporary American meal at One East in the Hilton Beijing hotel.

While the restaurant is said to specialize in Steaks & Burgers, the BJ FOoDiEs dinner unfortunately will be serving neither.  But alas, you can enjoy everything from a crustacean sea platter this eatery combines hearty US dishes with a swig of innovative californian flavors

“Be WARNED – This is going to be a night of feasting, drinking, debauchery & party-tastic times.  It’s going to be one of the best TGIF CELEBRATIONS so do join us for the night….we’ll hopefully all remember it the next morning. WoOT WOOT ” – Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDiEs

Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar: Expect Straight-Up Seafood

I’ve had my eyes set on Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar ever since I saw the perfect 5 star review it got by Cityweekend’s Dining editor Sienna Parulis-Cook when it opened late 2o11. Described with words and phrases like “absolute joy”, “superb”, “exceptional”, “unmissable” used throughout the review, I went in with pretty high expectations for greatness.

So perhaps I set the bar too high, walking in expecting too much. Well, what I did not expect when I walked in on a Thursday night at 7PM was for me to walk in to an entirely empty restaurant.  I was the first and only customer for a good 30 minutes until my tardy foodie friend finally joined me.

I was always taught to be skeptical of empty seafood restaurants as everyone knows seafood is best when it’s fresh and you gotta start questioning the freshness of a seafood restaurant’s products if the restaurant is empty. To prove this theory correct to some degree: I thought about ordering some oysters to start with until the Chinese guy sitting at the table next to me asked when the last shipment of oysters came in and the waiter honestly answered “the previous Monday”, meaning it had been over a week since they had a new delivery of fresh oysters.  Hmmm. The guy still went ahead and ordered a dozen oysters, but that’s when I opted out.

I should insert now that in spite of the slow start, by the time we left (around 9PM), the restaurant had filled out with most diners coming in around 8PM. Considering most of the clientele were foreigners, I guess it makes sense that majority of diners would come in later in the evening.

Back to my dinner – although oysters were out of the question, I was still eager to try a restaurant recommended specialty item and noticed the blackboard posted on their wall with an intriguing special scribbled out in chalk.

“Jet Fresh Manila Clams from WA, USA – sauteed with shallots, white wine and butter sauce. Perfect for sharing as a starter or a light main for one person. RMB 150″

I asked the waiter about it and he said it was a popular dish, especially among women (?) and then the foreign manager/owner stepped in and explained in English that it comes with a side of bread that’s perfect to dip in the clam’s tasty, buttery wine sauce. SOLD.

We decided that we’d share this clam dish as a starter (as the chalkboard recommended) and then share the Shrimp and Polenta dish (RMB 108) for our main, which was described as “exceptional” in the CW review.

Two problems: 1. Instead of bringing out the clams first for us to share as a starter as requested and as recommended by themselves, they brought out the clams and the shrimp and polenta main dish out at the same time so we had to eat our starter and main dishes side by side.  2. While the clams were a heaping portion of delicious, fresh clams in a even more delicious sauce (perfect for dipping with bread), I did not see any special about the Shrimp and Polenta dish.  It was decent, there was nothing wrong with it, but it certainly was not “exceptional” in our opinion. According to my foodie friend, the polenta was very authentic among Beijing standards, but the shrimp sauce was bland and the best thing about this dish was that it was filling enough to supplement the bowl of many baby clams.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Dishes at Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar: 

Complimentary Basket of Assorted Breads / Seafood Special: Manila Clams from WA, USA

Shrimp and Polenta (RMB 108) and Chocolate Mousse (RMB 45)

For dessert, we again went along with the CW recommendation of the “unmissable chocolate mousse…with perfect texture and flavor”.  Our chocolate mousse was accompanied by a portion of super tangy, sharp passionfruit sauce. We were a bit baffled as to how it was served – were we meant to pour the sauce over the chocolate? Eat them separately?  We asked the waitress who served us our dessert and she said she did not know.  She brought the foreign manager/owner over and she explained that it’s meant to be eaten separately…so a spoonful of chocolate followed by a dip of passionfruit. Both were tasty, but I don’t think the flavors complimented each other and again, I would have to say that although the dessert itself was decent overall, I’ve had better chocolate mousse in Beijing – Modo, Scarlett in Hotel G and also ROOMbeijing’s chocolate mousse bars with pop rocks (awesome).

I don’t mean to sound harsh, but as I previously explained, perhaps I just felt a bit let down after the spectacular, perfect review Starfish received from CW. In my honest opinion, it did not live up to our expectations.

I wouldn’t be opposed to going back to Starfish by any means because I did enjoy my dinner, but I can’t say that I would recommend Starfish over other seafood restaurants in Beijing and I can’t say I’d go out of my way for a return visit anytime soon.

Review of Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar: Just west of southwest corner of Xindong Lu and Dongzhimenwai, 22-1 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, 东直门外大街22-1号; Tel: 6416-5499

Best Part:

• Known for their fresh seafood, I recommend trying their specials.  I was very happy with their current special of Manila Clams (RMB 150). 
• They have a decent selection of imported fresh oysters, but I would first ask when the current stock of oysters were delivered to the restaurant. 
• From their name, you can expect an extensive wine list. 
• Very stylish design. Simple and elegant, I love all the archways and curves along the walls and ceiling.
• From the restaurant design to the details of silverware and complimentary bottle of water displayed at each table, I was impressed by the little details of this restaurant. 
• Complimentary basket of assorted breads were served warm and toasty and they were delicious. 
• It’s a brand new restaurant, so everything is very clean, new and in tip-top shape. 

Comments:

• Although there were two English speaking foreigners (who I’m guessing are the restaurant’s owners) on standby support, the general waitstaff was pretty lost with basic questions regarding the restaurant’s menu, getting our order right and also the dishes that came out. 
• I would have liked to try more of a selection off their menu (it’s pretty extensive), but with a party of two, there was only so much we could order.  
• The food was decent, but with most dishes ranging between RMB 100-200 per dish, you can expect to pay over RMB 300 for a dinner for two (not including drinks). 
• Starfish is definitely a step up from a place like Let’s Seafood, but I would prefer a restaurant like Modo, Mosto, SALT, or Terra if I were craving a massive seafood splurge (Western style as opposed to Japanese or Chinese seafood options).
• Menu is pretty much all seafood, so definitely check out Starfish if you can’t get enough of crab cakes, shrimp, fish, clams, lobster, etc., and go with a bigger group of friends so you can taste more of their menu’s extensive list of seafood dishes.

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

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

*To Follow Starfish’s updates and promotions, click here for their Official Facebook Page.

LDS Hook-Up: Free Craft Beer from Slow Boat Brewery

“Slow Boat is once again introducing new beers to the Beijing’s craft beer scene.”

Slow Boat Brewery will be hosting their next pop-up Craft Beer night at Grinders restaurant in Shuangjing on Friday, February 17 starting at 7PM.

Founded by Chandler Jurinka and and Daniel Hebert, two Americans living in Beijing, they are proud to be tapping fresh kegs to pair with Grinders’ hearty food (click here to see LDS review of Grinder’s ginormous sandwiches), music and friends are all invited to join them in a chilled out and informal environment and try out their specialty craft beers.

“Our beer is fresh and unpasteurized. No preservatives, no chemicals, just purely delicious beer. Carefully selected for their distinctive flavor profile, the beers are classically fermented to produce a smooth, bold taste.”

To learn more about their unique craft beers, click here and learn about their delicate process of hand-brewed craft beers “made from imported German specialty malts, which are regarded as among the finest malts in the world”.

Their current selection of brewed beers includes American Pale Ale, Pacific NW Red Ale, Coffee Porter, Oatmeal Stout, and Brown Ale. Now, here’s where the fun begins.

Curious to try Slow Boat Brewery’s craft beers?  Get hooked up at their next craft beer night at Grinders!

LDS HOOK-UP

Thanks to Chandler Jurinka, one of the two founders of Slow Boat Brewery, a few lucky LDS readers will get the chance to win FREE craft beer at their upcoming Slow Boat Brewery event at Grinders.

For your chance to win FREE CRAFT BEER at Slow Boat Brewery’s next event, answer the following question in the comment section:

From among the 5 craft beers currently being brewed by Slow Boat Brewery, which would you pick and why?

To answer, click here and scroll down to comment section.  Be sure to leave your email address so I contact the winner directly!

Deadline is Friday, February 10 at 12PM Noon.

In other news, Slow Boat Beer is now on tap at SUSU Vietnamese restaurant.  SUSU is where the first Slow Boat Brewery event took place and their concept of quality fresh ingredients and attention to detail perfectly compliments Slow Boat Brewery.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, February 17
• Time: Starts at 7PM
• Location: Grinders
• Address: Near The Brick in Shuangjing, Unit 3-02, Bldg 2, Tianzhi Jiaozi, 31 Guangqu Lu (northeast corner of Shuangjing Qiao), 朝阳区双井桥东北角广渠路31号院天之骄子2号楼底商3-02; Tel: 8775-1847

The Veggie Table: Beijing’s Vegan Center

The Veggie Table has been at the top of my restaurant hit list for some time now, but you’d be surprised how difficult it is to convince meat eaters to try a vegetarian restaurant!  Considering The Veggie Table is purely vegan and about as organic as you can get in Beijing, you can imagine why it took me so long to find a fellow foodie to finally dine with me at a vegan restaurant!

While some may be turned off by words like “vegan” and “organic”, I am very much curious to find out more and always eager to turn towards a more health-conscious diet. And just the name “Veggie Table” is friggin’ adorable. I love their logo and the restaurant itself is very casual and cute with a strong hippie vibe.  So I’m being very honest when I say that before even setting foot in Veggie Table, I had high hopes for this restaurant to really live up to its claim as “Your vegan center in Beijing”.

Veggie Table’s Bar and Dessert Counter by the Entrance

Some of you may have seen my previous post of Veggie Table, where I left sorely disappointed and very much frustrated with their lack of customer service and how poorly they handled the situation, but in spite of this negative first impression, I also left with a piece of fresh, out-of-the-oven carrot cake that was so good, it relinquished all prior frustrations as forgiven.

So that leaves me to my next dining experience at Veggie Table, where I treated my vegetarian friend for his birthday dinner here. Just after Chinese New Year, the place was buzzing and vibes were really good.  The dining space has a high ceiling, comfy couches and lounge chairs to add to the laid back vibes. While we happily picked a table by the window, we immediately noticed that everything (especially the window sill) was covered in a layer of dust, our table was unstable and rocking back and forth throughout the dinner and although it’s a great space, it has not been well-kept since it opened just last year. That being said, it’s nothing a thorough clean couldn’t quickly fix.

Veggie Table’s Interior Dining Space

Since we came just after the Chinese New Year holiday, their menu only offered a limited selection since their owner/chef Laura Fanelli was not back from holiday. So unfortunately, I didn’t get to test out a friend’s recommendation to try their “stink out” burger, but we did work our way through the majority of their menu!  We started off by ordering a bottle of red – a beautiful Italian wine, 2003 Giovanni Rosso from Barolo at RMB 888, which is surprisingly high considering the high-end Italian restaurant Barolo in the Ritz Carlton sells this same bottle of wine for under RMB 800. I have a soft spot for hot alcoholic drinks, so I ordered a hot mulled wine (RMB 30) and was very much disappointed to find it both bitter and harsh. Every time I took a sip, it stung the back of my throat and I pretty much gave up half-way through the cup.

2003 Giovanni Rosso from Barolo (RMB 888)

Of all the dishes we ordered, the Hummus Spread (RMB 28 for small/RMB 38 for large) was good, but very mediocre and certainly not “the best in Beijing” as their menu claims.  I vote Biteapitta’s hummus to be much better than this one.  The chunky meat-free chili made from organic beans (RMB 25) was full of flavor and a perfect winter appetizer.  The Beet Salad with walnuts and prunes (RMB 22) was one of the highlights of our meal, in addition to the Shiitake Mushroom Burger (RMB 62) served with potato wedges and delicious, light coleslaw. Both the Dal Bhat, Indian lentil curry (RMB 65) and Vegetable Curry (RMB 60) were both very disappointing.  The lentils were bland and the vegetable curry had a strange sour taste and we couldn’t make out if it was supposed to be more like an Indian or Thai curry, but nothing we were familiar with.  Then again, I guess vegan food is in a genre of its own so it may be difficult or unfair to compare it to anything else.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Dishes at The Veggie Table: 

Ajvar Dip with Eggplant and Onions with Pitta bread (RMB 28) / Small Hummus Spread (RMB 28)

Chunky Meat-Free Chili Soup (RMB 25) / Beet Salad (RMB 22)

Dal Bhat, Indian Lentil Curry (RMB 65) / Vegetable Curry with Organic Brown Rice (RMB 60)

Shiitake Mushroom Burger with Potato Wedges and Coleslaw (RMB 62) / Sun-dried Tomato Organic Pasta (RMB 60)

Many of the dishes we ordered turned out to be quite a hit or miss. And unfortunately the same applies to their desserts.  After already being in love with their carrot cake (RMB 30), I was eager to try the rest of their dessert menu.  The edges of the Glazed Chocolate Bundt Cake (RMB 30) was a little bit dry, but the inside was still very moist and it was a very rich and delicious cake considering there is no butter, egg or dairy at all!

On the other hand, the Chocolate Fondant (RMB 35) took 40 minutes to come out after we ordered it and it was still completely liquid, so we sent it back to heat up a bit longer.  When it came back with better consistency – warm cake with a melted middle, the taste was still totally off.  Instead of it tasting like chocolate, it really just tasted like wheat bread dough.  I can’t tell you how strange it was to eat chocolate cake that tastes more like wheat bread. This was officially the first time I ever left a dessert unfinished. Not sure if it was just a flop because I can’t imagine that this would have turned out so strange if they’ve already totally nailed both carrot cake and a rich, chocolate bundt cake.

Glazed Chocolate Bundt Cake (RMB 30) / Chocolate Fondant (RMB 35)

Click here for previous LDS Article on Veggie Table’s amazing Carrot Cake:

Vegan Carrot Cake (RMB 30)

It’s SUSHI Time: Learn to Make & Eat Your Own Sushi

It’s about that time of year again….it’s SUSHI Time!!

Many of you are probably sushi addicts like me and for us, it’s always sushi time, BUT it’s not every day that you can 1. make your OWN sushi and 2. learn how to make sushi from Alan Wong, the sushi samurai master of the Hatsune Restaurant Group.

Here’s your chance to learn the secrets behind the legendary Hatsune sushi rolls, eat your own creations and you even get to take home essential equipment to start making your own sushi at home!

Hatsune’s next sushi making class will be taking place on Wednesday, February 22nd at the Original Hatsune restaurant in Guanghua Lu.

More About the Event:

Hosted by Alan Wong, the master Sushi Samurai himself, Hatsune presents to you a Sushi Making Dinner Party. This course examines the fundamentals of sushi making and discover some of Hatsune’s secret recipes and get tips on how to make sushi at home. You’ll learn all about the different types of sushi, fish, rice and vegetable ingredients, and then it’s your turn to try it for yourself, preparing THREE different types of sushi rolls, with the expert advice and help from master Sushi Samurai Alan-san. Join us as we show you the path to become a Sushi Samurai.

RMB 300 per person includes the sushi making class, ingredients, dinner and the essential equipment to start making sushi at home!

Limited Seating, RSVP Required: Contact Kristen Lum by Monday, February 20th, e-mail: kristen@lumdimsum.com

Check out More Pics from Previous Hatsune Sushi Making Classes:

• LumDimSummary: Hatsune Sushi School with Alan Wong
• Sushi Samurai Class with Alan Wong

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 22, 2012
• Time: 7-10PM
• Price: RMB 300 per person includes class, materials and dinner
• Location: The Original Hatsune (Guanghua Lu Branch)
• Address: 2\F, Heqiao Building, Bldg C, A8 Guanghua Donglu, CBD/Guomao    光华东路甲8号和乔大厦C座2层
• RSVP: Contact Kristen Lum by Monday, February 20th e-mail: kristen@lumdimsum.com

The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival 2012

“Every March, The Bookworm is transformed into a hub of literary, intellectual and creative activity as we celebrate all things books with The Bookworm International Literary Festival.”

The International Literary Festival at The Bookworm has grown exponentially each year and 2012 is not only bringing more authors, more booktalks, panel discussions and chances to meet your favorite authors, but also writing and publishing workshops, a Chinese program, a Children’s Programme, International School’s Programme, Migrant School’s Programme, and Footnotes Programme with film screenings, performances, music and special live literature events.

“We seek to showcase the modern voices of Chinese authors to the world and bring some of the world’s leading literary lights to China.” – The Bookworm

Featuring international literary sensations, brilliant debut novelists and China’s leading intellectuals, this year’s festival promises to be as diverse as ever with an eclectic range of events for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to enjoy.

With so many events lined up, it may seem overwhelming at first to digest the action-packed 2-week festival program.  But thanks to the generous help of Festival Director Kadi Hughes, she has taken the time to explain her top 10 “must-see” events this 2012 International Literary Festival at The Bookworm.

Festival Director Kadi Hughes’s Top 10 Picks:

(listed in chronological order)

1. Sunday March 11 6pm

If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry with Gary Shteyngart & Andrei Kurkov

Gary Shteyngart and Andrei Kurkov both write novels that criticize and comment on the ills of modern society. And they are very, very funny. I am a huge fan of humor writing, which often doesn’t get the same respect that more dramatic writing receives. But comedy is something that is often much more difficult to perfect. I am incredibly excited to see these two very talented and funny men in conversation.

2. Monday, March 12 10 am

You Will Be My Friend!  with Peter Brown

Peter Brown writes and illustrates gorgeous picture books that remind me of all the books I loved to read (and read again and again) when I was a kid. His latest is about Lulu the Bear who is trying to make friends with a bevy of other animals.

3. Wednesday, March 14 6pm

Knifepoint with Mai Jia

Mai Jia writes incredibly cool spy thrillers (think a Chinese James Bond, but with more lady trouble). Agents double crossing each other for political and romantic intrigue, all in a glamorous setting of Shanghai during the Republican era.

4. Thursday, March 15 8pm

City of the Dragon with Di An

Di An is a post-80′s generation literary sensation. Only some excerpts and a few pieces of her work have been translated into English so this event will be a great chance to hear from one of China’s most exciting new writers. Like a lot of people, I don’t read a lot in Mandarin so our events with Chinese writers are a way for me to find out more about the literary scene and culture in China.

5. Saturday, March 17 4pm

Sally Kindberg Comic Workshop

Sally Kindberg is a very cool and hilarious illustrator and comic novelist. She will be instructing us how to turn our stories into graphic tales, using the comic strip as a platform. She has a great style and this workshop will be a huge hit. She will be leading a lot of events for kids but this is an adult workshop – because why should the kiddies get all the fun?

7. Sunday, March 18 12pm

Men & Monsters with Carol Birch & Albert Sánchez Piñol

Carol Birch’s Jamrach’s Menagrie was one of my favorite books of 2011, full of all the things I love: adventure on the high seas, exotic animals, Victorian ruffians and really, really dark surprises. Albert Sánchez Piñol’s Cold Skin is so unnerving that I may or may not have needed to sleep with the lights on after I finished it. A young scientist is posted to tint island in the south Atlantic, alone except for the attendant of a light house and an unending army of attacking humanoid reptilian creatures. Both of these writers tackle of the subject of ‘the heart of darkness” and what happens to humans when they are pushed to their moral and ethical breaking point.

8. Sunday, March 18 4pm

Life to the Fullest with Kjersti Skomsvold

Kjertsi Skomsvold is a debut novelist from Norway. Her book The Faster I Walk, the Smaller I Am is a heartbreaking account of an elderly woman at the end of her life. As she reflects back, she realizes that no one will know that she has ever lived, that nothing she has done has ever mattered. So yes, I cried a lot reading this one. But Skomsvold has a very dark sense of humor with hilarious commentary sprinkled throughout. I am always excited to read and hear new writers talk – it’s always exciting!

9. Monday, March 19 6pm

The Underbelly with Paul French, Chris Womersley and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir (moderated by Catherine Sampson)

Criminals, thugs, gangsters and thieves, what’s not to love? This is a panel of writers from all over the world (Australia, Iceland, UK/China) who write about all the dark and scary things on the fringes of society.

10. Thursday, March 22 1pm

They Think It’s all Over… sports writing with Alan Bissett, Peter Sampson and Rowan Simons (moderated by Jonathan White)

I am not a huge sports fan but sports writers are some of the best wordsmiths. It’s a tricky task to take something that is so visual and turn it into compelling writing. This is a panel of a novelist, a sports journalist and a memoirist who all are very passionate about sports. Plus I am expecting some heated debate over which football team is best and all that barroom chatter.

A massive thanks to Kadi for sharing some of her top picks!!

A Few More….LDS Picks for The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival 2012:

• Opening Event: Super Sad True Love Story with Gary Shteyngart. Friday, March 9 at 8PM (RMB 180)

  Gary Shteyngart’s wickedly funny Super Sad True Love Story is a dystopian love story set in the not-too-distant future.

• Tiger Head, Snake Tails: China today, how it got there and where it is heading with Jonathan Fenby. Sat, March 10 at 12PM (RMB 80)

  Economists, policy makers and armchair historians alike have made popular sport debating the future role of China. Will China rule the world? Or is all just smoke and mirrors?

• “A Funny Thing Happened…” by Beijing Improv Performance. Sat., March 10 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  The oldest and largest English-language improvisational theatre organization in China, Beijing Improv’s Mainstage English Players, trained at the best improv schools from around the world, put on a side-splitting show for our festival audience.

• Unnatural Selection: The Consequences of a World Full of Men with Mara Hvistendahl. Sun., March 11 at 10AM (RMB 80)

  There are over 160 million females “missing” from Asia’s population. This gender imbalance, caused in part by sex selective abortions, has dire consequences for the entire world.

• Hot Art with Joshua Knelman and AAB’s Tom Pattinson. Thurs, March 15 at 1PM (RMB 65)

  Canadian journalist Joshua Knelman immersed himself for four years in the enigmatic high-stakes world of international art theft.

• From Banished to Screwed with Han Dong. Sat., March 17 at 12PM (RMB 65)

  Han Dong has been a major voice in Chinese literature since he burst onto the scene in the 1990s.

• The Holy Woman with Qaisra Shahraz. Sun., March 18 at 10AM (RMB 65)

  Pakistani-born British writer Qaisra Shahraz’s novels, with their strong female characters and multilayered plots, explore the complex relationship between faith and family, tradition and independence in the Muslim world.

• Putong Hua – Animal Encounters. Live storytelling with Tim Clare, Kjersti Skomsvold and Chris Womersley. Sun., March 18 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  A special live storytelling event! We’ve trawled pubs, playhouses, classrooms and street corners to find some of the Beijing’s best storytellers.

• Death Drive - Performance by Tim Clare. Mon, March 19 at 8PM (RMB 80)

  British writer and poet Time Clare performs his brutally honest stand-up show, Death Drive, told through poetry, true stories and the ukulele. 

• The Moira Monologues – a “One-Woman” Performance by Alan Bissett. Wed., March 21 at 10PM (RMB 50)

  Alan Bissett performs his “one-woman” show, based on stories and characters from his childhood in Falkirk.

For a full list of The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival Events, see here.

Last year, certain events were sold out within days of tickets being released. Hurry as tickets are going fast!

Tickets are exclusively being sold at The Bookworm (starting January 30 for Friends of the Festival and to the General Public on February 6) from 9AM-9PM daily.

What qualifies a “Friend of the Festival”?  Want to support The Bookworm’s International Literary Festival and get hooked up to early-bird tickets and VIP events?

“Our festival simply would not be possible without the invaluable support of our sponsors and friends of the festival. From international flights to marketing materials, the festival relies on the support of many. Your donations – large or small – are what keep us going and help us bring you a world-class festival.”

Friends of the Festival Benefits:

• Early-bird tickets: the ticket office opens to Friends of the Festival before opening to the public
• Invitation to a special VIP events and cocktail parties for Friends of the Festival, sponsors and authors
• Name listed on our website
• Great literary karma!

Friends of the Festival Levels

• 1st Edition – 5,000rmb
• Gold Leaf – 1,000 rmb
• Leather Bound - 500rmb

The Bookworm International Literary Festival Event Details:

• Date: Friday, March 9- Friday, March 23 (2 weeks)
• Tickets: Exclusively sold at The Bookworm starting January 30 for Friends of the Festival and to General Public on February 6
• Location: The Bookworm
• Address: Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼
• Tel: 6503 2050
• Website: http://bookwormfestival.com/

The Vine Leaf: Traditional British Fare at its Best in Beijing

A very unassuming little house on a little hutong alley, The Vine Leaf is the saving grace of traditional British fare in Beijing. No longer can people poke fun at the British for having bad food because The Vine Leaf will prove you wrong.

As an American, I guess my opinion doesn’t count for much when it comes to really knowing British comfort food or “Pub Grub” like fish & chips, steak and ale pies, Sunday roast, pasties, etc. Although I may not have grown up on it, I’ve had my fair share of Sunday roasts and meat pies in my day and in any case, it’s not only me who loves The Vine Leaf!

Every British person I know in Beijing is testifying to (and raving about) both the authenticity and excellency of The Vine Leaf’s recipes in executing these traditional British staples to perfection.

A one page menu, the offerings are straightforward and concise. A few apps, a few soups, a few pies and puddings, here is a select range of British classics that are simple, hearty and wholesome for a down-to-earth meal that will leave you satisfied and stuffed.

Keep an eye out for their chalkboard menu of daily offerings that are “off-the-menu specials” like their cheese fondue when we were there and also some daily ales and brews available by the bar or while you’re dining for a true “a pie and a pint” experience. For anyone who may prefer the Vineyard’s standard European fare, the Vine Leaf also offers The Vineyard’s entire menu spread of salads, burgers, pizzas, etc. as well.

So here you have it – from Fish & Chips, Scotch Egg, Cottage Pie, Steak & Ale Pot Pie and Apple Crumble, The Vine Leaf is serving British food at its very best:

LumDimSum Snapshots of The Vine Leaf’s Traditional British Classics:

Scotch Egg (RMB 46) served with a side salad and homemade Piccalilli Pickle

Off-the-Menu Special: Cheese Fondue Sharing Pot with platters of bread chunks, cured meat & steamed vegetables

Fish & Chips (RMB 72) / Cottage Pie (RMB 70)

Chicken & Mushroom Pie Pie (RMB 74) / Steak and Ale Pot Pie (RMB 74)

The Vine Leaf’s Apple Crumble Dessert with Custard (RMB 36)

Their Scotch Egg (RMB 46) appetizer was the one dish everyone wanted to order and the perfected cooked egg inside the layer of sausage meat and bread crumbs is something worth noting as not an easy task to master (as I was repeated told by my fellow British foodies). That being said, it was delicious and a great start to our meal.

The giant sharing pot of cheese fondue was big enough for us to share in a group of 10, passing from one end of the table to the other. We all should agree in unison that melted cheese makes everything better especially no-brainer dips like bread and cured ham, but who knew steamed veggies like broccoli, carrots and asparagus would be so good dipped in melted cheese?

Almost everyone at the table went for one of the meat pies for their main course.  I ordered the Cottage Pie (RMB 70)- the original Shepherd’s Pie with handcut beef slow cooked in beef stock and topped with mashed potatoes and a side of peas, baby carrots and bread.  I was happy with my cottage pie but after tasting a bit of everyone else’s, I’ve got to say my favorite was the Steak and Ale Pot Pie (RMB 74) with thick beef chunks, bacon and vegetables slow cooked in ale in a proper pie crust. I think the thing I was missing was a proper pie crust on my cottage pie and even the Chicken and Mushroom Pot Pie (RMB 74), which only had the pie crust on the top layer of a ceramic pot.

The Fish & Chips (RMB 72) is a generous portion and while the fish was tender and the batter was crispy, the only criticism was that the mushy peas was more like puréed peas instead of mashed peas.

In addition to the birthday cake we brought to share, we also ordered three Apple Crumble desserts (RMB 36) to be shared around the table.  Served with a side of custard, the apple crumble came fresh out of the over and it is phenomenal. Definitely another highlight to our delicious meal.

Generally, it’s a rare occasion for British people to “rave” about much, and let’s be honest, if they are excited about something, you’d hardly be able to tell most of the time! So that says a lot about The Vine Leaf already, they’ve really done something right (if not everything right) to have such a perfect score among all my British foodies in Beijing who are praising The Vine Leaf in unison, saying “finally someone’s done it right”.

LumDimSum Snapshots of The Vine Leaf:

Review of The Vine Leaf: 9 Jianchang Hutong, 箭厂胡同9号; Tel: 6407-6308

Best Part:

• The first to serve authentic, proper traditional British Classics from Fish & Chips, Scotch Egg, Steak and Ale Pie, etc.
• Owner Will Yorke has done his research and really done an excellent job with executing these British classics properly.  Instead of serving Shepherd’s Pie, he’s opted for the original Cottage Pie, with handcut beef instead of mutton. 
• Everything is simple, hearty and wholesome. 
• I highly recommend the Steak and Ale Pie (RMB 74). 
• The restaurant atmosphere is cozy and cute, you’re made to feel like you’re eating a home-cooked meal in a cottage home. Really unique and very down-to-earth.  
• This normally doesn’t make it into the “best” category, but I’ve got to say – I was dreading their bathroom knowing how most hutong bathrooms can be, but even in the dead cold of winter, their bathroom was spacious, warm and clean. By far the best hutong bathroom I’ve come across! 

Comments:

• The Vine Leaf menu is only one page, but they also offer the entire Vineyard menu for anyone looking for more selection. 
• Owner Will was kind enough to take our order and make sure everything came out promptly, but the staff was also attentive and friendly. 
• Prices are not cheap, but I think very reasonable considering the amount of attention and detail that has gone into each dish. 
• It’s down and in some little hutong alley, so be sure to check a map for it’s location if you are not familiar venturing into the hutongs.

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

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

LumDimSum Snapshots of Dining at The Vine Leaf:

Lady Sarah Ready to Blow Out her Birthday Candles.  

Now, excuse me, while I go and finish watching the 2-hour Christmas Special of Downton Abbey!

Emergency WHALE! at 4corners! Tonight!

Blue Alert! It’s a WHALE! Emergency TONIGHT!

WHALE! is holding a last-minute emergency party tonight, Friday, January 27, 2012 at the newly opened 4corners肆角餐吧 bar by the Drum and Bell Tower in Gulou.

Previously, WHALE! parties were rocking Beijing with monthly gigs around town, but since winter hit, it’s been a few months without some WHALE! fun.

So what calls WHALE! out of hibernation?  A member of the WHALE! family is leaving Beijing for a few months and this is his unofficial leaving party.

Who is leaving you ask?  Well, they are all masked by alias names, but here’s one hint: It’s the only DJ who changes his alias name every WHALE! party. This time around, his name is DJ No Requests.

Who is WHALE!?  Check out CW’s article on WHALE!’s DJs here.

If WHALE! is a new concept for you, the best way to sum it up quickly: WHALE! is “200 tons of danceable rock and electro in the deep, dark hutong”.  

And the eclectic music mix will be played by the regular WHALE! DJ Line-up featuring DJ Assassin Eyes, Bobby Dropper,  DJ Fun Party, DJ Dirty Pirate and our beloved DJ No Requests.

This has been something in the works the past weeks, but they’ve only just announced it and as this is the unofficial leaving party of DJ No Requests, there will also be an unofficial dress theme: Cardigans.

I was hoping to find some quirky picture of a whale wearing a cardigan, but I guess it figures the reverse is more likely.

So here you have it: Whales knitted onto a cardigan.

Close enough.

…or perhaps you prefer this knit WHALE!?

OK. Enough fun for now.

Time to WHALE! at 4corners! TONIGHT!

Click here to see pictures from previous WHALE! parties:

• WHALE! on a Rainy Night in the Deep, Dark Hutongs
• “W” is for WHALE!
• A WHALE! of a Good Time

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, July 29, 2011
• Time: 10PM-late
• Location: 4corners 肆角餐吧
• Address:  By Drum and Bell Tower on DaShibei Hutong 西城, 大石碑胡同27号 (See map below)
• FREE ENTRY 

Din Tai Fung’s 鼎泰丰 Delicious, Decadent Dumplings

With branches all over the world and listed as one of “Top 10 Restaurants in the World by the New York Times”, Din Tai Fung is an ever-popular Taiwanese chain where I happily enjoyed a full spread of delicious 小笼包 dumplings on the first day of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Made famous from their signature pork dumplings, they have an extensive menu that should not be ignored and some new menu items that should be your top picks.

Check out the full-on Din Tai Fung spread I devoured like a dragon to ring in the new year.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Din Tai Fung’s Delicious Dishes:

Braised Beancurd with Black Mushrooms (RMB 20) / Tossed Beancurd with Seaweed and Bean Sprouts (RMB 18)

Huai’s Style Mushrooms (RMB 35) / Steamed Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Pork (RMB 30) 

Din Tai Fung’s Delicious Dumplings:

“Every Din Tai Fung steamed specialty dumpling is skillfully hand-made, each displaying at least 18 delicate folds. All of our dumplings are steamed by a powerful automatic steaming machine, allowing for the perfect tenderness of our steamed dumpling.”

 Din Tai Fung’s Signature Steamed Pork Dumplings (RMB 23 for 5 or RMB 45 for 10)

NEW! Steamed Specialty Black Truffle & Pork Dumplings (RMB 88 for 5 or RMB 176 for 10)

NEW! Steamed Specialty Goose Liver & Pork Dumplings (RMB 68 for 5 or RMB 136 for 10)

NEW! Steamed Specialty Shanghai Hairy Crab Roe Meat & Pork Dumplings (RMB 39 for 5 or RMB 78 for 10)

Steamed Specialty Mini Pork Dumplings Served with Soup (RMB 33 for 10 or RMB 65 for 20)

Steamed Shrimp & Pork Shaomai (RMB 33 for 5 or RMB 65 for 10)

Steamed Vegetable Dumplings (RMB 23 for 5 or RMB 46 for 10)

Sauteed Water Lily (RMB 30) / Noodle with Sesame Sauce (RMB 25)

Steamed Red Bean Paste Bun & Sesame Paste Buns (RMB 15 per order of two)

You really can’t go wrong with any of their cold appetizer dishes as I’ve tried almost all of them, but my all-time favorites are their tofu appetizers.  The Braised Beancurd with Black Mushrooms (RMB 20) may not look appetizing in the least bit (a bit like little brown sponges), but they are full of savory and sweet flavor and really unique in consistency and taste.

Of all their signature steamed dumplings, I love the Mini Pork Dumplings Served with Soup (RMB 33/65 for half/full order) as these mini ones are just as tasty as their big brothers, but more bite-sized so you minimize your risk of a burnt tongue. The clear soup is also a nice compliment.

And if you’re willing to splurge just a bit, I encourage you to try their new Black Truffle and Pork Dumplings (RMB 88/176 for half/full order). If only all dumplings could have a pinch of black truffle!  As soon as this batch comes to your table, the smell of Black Truffle engulfs you and the taste is phenomenal!  If only I had a better photo of the inside of the Black Truffle & Pork Dumplings, but that would not even do the taste justice.  The Goose Liver Dumplings were OK, but if I had to pick a second favorite, it would be the Shanghai Hairy Crab Roe Meat & Pork Dumplings, which really taste of crab meat if that’s your cup of tea.

A surprise favorite dish is their Noodles in Sesame Sauce (RMB 25), which is basically a non-spicy Dan Dan Noodle dish 担担面.  It’s really tasty and perfect to share if you come in a small group of foodies. And whether you like green veggies or not, you should definitely try an order or two of their greens – either their Sauteed Water Lilly dish (RMB 30) or their Sauteed Bean Shoots (RMB 48) are both really healthy and it’s not often you come across greens in a Chinese restaurant not drenched in oil.

Review of Din Tai Fung: 24 Xinyuan Xili Zhongjie, Chaoyang District 朝阳区新源西里中街24号; Tel: 6462 4502

Best Part:

• Their delicious, decadent dumplings! From their signature specialty pork dumplings to their new Black Truffle and Goose Liver filled dumplings, these are among the best dumplings you will find in Beijing and quite possibly “in the world” (according to The New York Times)
• Din Tai Fung’s dumplings are the highlight, but don’t ignore their amazing appetizers, soothing soups and their green veggie dishes are also among my favorite dishes on their menu
• They have plenty of options for vegetarians including vegetarian dumplings, plenty of green veggie appetizers and dishes and desserts! 
• Restaurant is clean, atmosphere is bustling and service is decent.

Comments:

• Regardless of which branch you head to in the world, you will always encounter a line.  Most don’t take reservations, so be prepared to send someone there early to take a number in line.
  
• Their staff does not generally speak English, but you can get by easily with their easy-to-order big picture menu.
• Restaurants are often in a mall or if they are stand-alone, then decor is very simple and straightforward. Basic table seating layout and it’s comfortable enough, but nothing impressive and certainly not flashy.  People come for the consistently good quality food, not the decor or service. 
• Service is rushed and dishes come out quick enough, but even a friendly smile might be asking too much. 
• They have three locations in Beijing: this one which is off of Xindong Lu, one on the 6th floor of Shin Kong Place (87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区建国路87号华贸中心新光天地6层, tel: 6533 1536), and one in Haidian District (7/F, Dangdai Shangcheng, 40 Zhongguancun Dajie, Haidian District 海淀区中关村大街40号当代商城7层, tel: 6269 6726) 

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

• Food: 8
• Atmosphere: 5
• Service: 5
• Overall Experience: 6

Hike and Explore Beijing’s Fragrant Hills in Peace

Beijing’s Fragrant Hills 香山 are a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, particularly when the seasons are changing – when cherry blossoms are in full bloom or the leaves are changing colors.

It’s pretty much the dead of winter at this time of year, but I also think this is one of the best times of year to hike up Beijing’s Fragrant Hills. I like to savor the few moments where I can feel like I get to enjoy a place all to myself. No more crowds, making way for big groups of people crawling up or coming down, people playing techno music out of their hiking backpacks. And best of all – no more booming fireworks blasting into my ear drums at all hours of the day (and night).

I much prefer a hike that’s spacious, quiet and peaceful and when the air is brisk and fresh to keep you cool as you hike up an endless mountain of stone stairs.

Sounds a bit daunting, but once you reach the top, you are rewarded with an amazing view of the entire Beijing city on one side and rolling mountains on the other. You may already be breathless from the steep hike up, but that does not mean the view is any less breathtaking in itself.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Beijing’s Fragrant Hills 香山:

Directions to Fragrant Hills Park 香山公园: 

• Taxi: You can go directly to Fragrant Hills 香山公园
• Subway: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station and get off from Exit A. Then transfer to bus 331 or 696 to Xiangshan Station. 
• Take bus 318, 331, 360, 714, 696, 698 and get off at Xiang Shan Station.
   Beijing Bus / Subway Search
• Tickets: RMB 5 (Nov. 15-Mar. 31) or RMB 10 (Apr. 1-Nov. 15)

Beijing Art: At the Stroke of Midnight, CNY 2012

Beijing at the Stroke of Midnight: Chinese New Year 2012 by Tom Pattinson

For the past six years, I have been in Beijing during the Chinese New Year holiday and although I’m kicking myself each year for not pre-booking a tropical getaway to some sunny beach far away from this city turned ghost-town where the majority of the population evacuates, streets are empty, everything closes down, taxis are impossible to comeby and temperatures drop to -17 degrees Celsius.

In spite of these downsides of Beijing at this time of year, I also love being in this city at one specific moment – when the skies light up with firecrackers.  I’m not talking about the loud firecrackers that start at the crack of dawn or the ones that are just plain loud and cease to stop even days after new years day, but the hour where all the best firecrackers are simultaneously fired into the sky at one go.

Every year, and without fail, at the stroke of midnight on Chinese New Year’s Eve, the dark skies of Beijing are illuminated at every angle with the most brilliant, vibrant firecrackers. It truly is a magnificent sight.

And although there are plenty of awesome parties happening all across town (in the restaurant, bars and clubs who chose to remain open), who wants to be indoors or in a dark basement and miss this special moment? For me, that would defeat the whole point of ringing in the Chinese New Year in Beijing. This glorious hour of fireworks should be the main event of the week-long holiday. Whether you’re firing them off yourself or just happy to watch, it’s a sight no one should miss if they are among the few stragglers who chose to stay in Beijing this desolate time of year.

There are many excellent vantage points to view this extraordinary display of extravagant fireworks, and one of my personal favorite places is on the rooftop of a tall building in the Gulou area. Normally the square between the Drum and Bell Towers is a choice pick for a great view, but fireworks have been forbidden here the past few years. Fair enough, as fireworks are often a terrible accident just waiting to happen and probably best to steer clear of any cultural and historical relics.

So with that option ruled out, we did the next best thing: bundle up and head up to the rooftop balcony of their apartment off Nanluoguxiang and watch the fireworks display until we couldn’t feel our fingers (it was a cold night) and honestly, after an hour of listening to fireworks booming into my ears, I feared the possibility of also going deaf if I didn’t head back indoors.

Spending the new year with close friends, this Chinese New Year was one of the best I’ve had and I’d like to thank Tom Pattinson for capturing the moment with his perfect picture.

Wishing you all a healthy, happy and prosperous Year of the Dragon!

Have a Happy Lóng Chinese New Year 2012!

Like me, I’m sure many of your email boxes have been filling up the past week with Chinese New Year E-cards and thoughtful holiday messages. While I’ve received  lot of cool designs featuring dragons, the color red, symbols of good luck and fortune for the upcoming year of the dragon, I’ve got to say the most creative design for a CNY card would be by Nathan’s Famous.

This card creatively emphasizes its brand identity while simultaneously wishing Chinese New Year holiday wishes for all with a dragon head sketched out of our famous hot dogs, burgers and chicken tenders! A brand synonymous with the world’s best hot dogs, 100% beef burgers, unique golden crinkle-cut French fries, Arthur’s Treachers quality seafood products and Chicken Classics, they have branches all over the world and currently have three locations in Beijing.

Some additional good news from Nathan’s is that they have just launched a partnership with Beijing’s best delivery service – Jinshisong.com. Open throughout the Chinese New Year holiday week, you can get Nathan’s delivered straight to your door!

Wishing you and your loved ones a Lóng and Happy Chinese New Year!

* Lóng (龙) is Chinese for Dragon.