LumDimSummary: Time Out’s Kitchen X Unveiled

The equally exciting, equally mysterious Kitchen X by Time Out Beijing returned last week to mark its first event of 2016.

“Time Out is proud to present Kitchen X – an exclusive, secret ‘supper club’ series that teams up with the top minds in the hospitality world to craft an evening that combines the key elements that make wining and dining so special: anticipation, mystery, indulgence, spontaneity, flavour and, of course, attention to detail. This new dining concept offers the best the city has to offer – with a twist.”  - Time Out’s Introduction of Kitchen X

After the refined luxury in Copper last time, the team at Time Out wanted to throw in a few surprises for their loyal and adventurous fine-dining guests this second time around.

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Migas’ Pretty Pintxos & Tasty Tapas Weekend Brunch

Now that the temperature has hit 30 degrees, Beijing’s 2 week long Spring is over and we are into Summer!

To celebrate the warmth, Migas have updated their already stellar “El Asador” meat-fueled brunch with a new Pintxos & Tapas Weekend Brunch. Widely regarded as having one of the best terraces in the city, now there is no reason to ever leave! Arrive for a late brunch on Saturday afternoon, enjoy a bit of day drinking and then just continue straight on into the evening! Migas, we know your dastardly plan!

 We All Can’t Seem to Get Enough of Migas

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BJ FOoDiEs Dinner at Arrow Factory Liangmahe

Previously known as Vineyard Cafe on the River, the new Arrow Factory has taken over this gorgeous space located along the lovely tree-lined Liangmahe River Canal. The smaller Arrow Factory Taproom still remains tucked inside Stuff’d on Jian Chang Hutong 箭厂胡同 (just around the corner from Wudaoying Hutong).

Part of the same family as the Vineyard and Stuff’d by partners Will Yorke and Thomas Gaestadius, the taproom finally has room to stretch its arms out with this lovely 3-story building.

Snapshots of the New Arrow Factory Brewing:

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Latitude Trampoline Center: Test Your Fun Limits

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Fun? Latitude Tests Your “Fun” Limits

I have to warn you that after years in Beijing, many of you may struggle to handle this much fun.

If you do go to Latitude, try to ease into the fun gently. Don’t burn out in the first 10 minutes! I went with a bunch of CrossFitters (thanks to CrossFit Slash for organizing such an awesome field trip) and even they were pooped and ready to go home after just a few hours.

Latitude is an Australian trampoline center (Melbourne to be specific) that has made its way over to Beijing. Sensibly situated in Shunyi (sorry central Beijingers…), Latitude is bound to be a hit with families and o̶v̶e̶r̶g̶r̶o̶w̶n̶ ̶c̶h̶i̶l̶d̶r̶e̶n̶ adults everywhere.

As you can see from the pictures there is a lot of space and plenty of places to bounce. They have an airbag to practice flopping onto, basketball hoops to fulfill your lifelong dream of still-failing-to-dunk-like-Jordan, climbing walls, gladiator balancing beams with cushy long battle sticks (see photo above), and much much more.

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Bespoke + Penguin: Midnight in Peking Walking Tour

Midnight in Peking still stands as my favorite China book. A true story about the horrific murder of a young expat girl in the late 1930’s of old Beijing, this story still haunts me but I love recommending it to everyone I know. It’s one of those books you just can’t put down (I think I read the whole thing in 72 hours and I’m sure there are many others who have done the same).

The book begins with the discovery of her dead, mutilated body found at the base of a haunted watchtower and the conclusions of her autopsy, so the scariest part is pretty much over after the first chapter (no need for spoiler alerts), but it really draws its readers deep into the twisted plot of this story as the murder mystery unfolds. While offering fresh insights into pre-war Peking, it’s incredible to learn about how Beijing’s network of alleys that surrounded the privileged and exclusive Legation Quarter was a seedy mix of brothels, dive bars and opium dens. In this tragic quest for justice, you have to just remind yourself that this isn’t fiction.

Not to be morbid, but the year that I read Midnight in Peking, I went to the Bookworm and bought 5 copies for family and friends back home as Christmas gifts. I was also one of the first people to sign up for Paul French’s walking tour. Not only did this walking tour through the back alleyways of old Peking bring the story to life, it was pretty awesome to have the privilege to meet the talented author of this gripping tale.

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Beats, Rhymes & Brunch: The Georg’s Garden Brunch

Garden Brunch at the Georg Every Sunday

The boys at the Georg seem to do things their own way and their approach to Sunday brunch is exactly in line with the playful yet focused take on food that’s been generating such a buzz around what seems to be Beijing’s most talked about new restaurant.

Far from a hotel-style buffet brunch (thank goodness!), the feeling of the Georg’s newly launched Garden Brunch is as fresh in its attitude as it is to the dishes you are served. The title of their menu pretty much sums it up – “beats, rhymes and brunch”.

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Beijing Flea Market: Suns Out, Rooftop is On!

Suns Out! Beijing Flea Market Takes Over The Bookworm this Sat from 12-5PM

Back again with more craft goods, hand-drawn art, fashion pieces and accessories, gorgeous jewelry and tasty bites, Thrift is back at The Bookworm for another Beijing Flea Market this Saturday, April 2nd from 12PM-5PM.

With over 30 unique vendors showcasing their products, they will be rejoicing the long-awaited arrival of Spring with half of the vendors taking over their sunny rooftop deck!

“Come join the fun on the Bookworm’s rooftop terrace for a handmade market featuring a mix of independent designers and familiar faces. Indulge in drink specials all afternoon!” – The Bookworm

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Napa Artisan Cooking: Californian Dining by Chaoyang Park

 Napa Expands to a Larger Restaurant Space by Chaoyang Park

Napa Artisan Cooking popped up with a small store-front on Chunxiu Lu (just west of Sanlitun) last year and sparked excitement with their healthy, Californian cuisine and then, equally rapidly, disappeared.

It seems as if the Napa team created their gourmet salads, soups and hot dishes with take-away and delivery in mind as a good base while they took their time to find a large location to open a full-service restaurant, but it looks like that day came sooner than expected because the little deli on Chunxiu Lu was closed after just a few months and they’ve already moved on to bigger and better things!

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