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

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/

AnyShopStyle.cn: Chinese New Year Shopping Treat

In the spirit of celebrating the upcoming Chinese New Year, AnyShopStyle.cn is giving away RMB 200 to shop online with purchases of their featured designers’ collections.  Just type in the code “wSdaxN” and you get RMB 200 discount on any purchase!

 From Non-Season’s winter accessories to Wear-and-Tear’s “Knit Fever” collection, Luvon by Luliu’s capsule coat collection and candy&caviar’s Autumn/Winter collection, there’s a ton of great buys and with the promotion only running from January 20-31st, you better hurry while supplies last!

Shop Non-Season’s Winter Accessories on AnyShopStyle.cn

 Shop Xander Zhou on AnyShopStyle.cn

LumDimSum Discovery: Susu’s Post Road Flip

Susu’s Post Road Flip (RMB 50)

Mellowparks: The 10th Annual Red Bull Nanshan Open

This weekend is 10 years in the making for the men and women of mellowparks.cn, and a momentous moment for Steve Zdarsky, the Godfather of Snowboarding in China.

The 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open is taking place this Saturday & Sunday, January 14-15 with some of the top riders of the world flying into Beijing for their chance to win prize money totaling USD$50,000!

Attracting widespread international media attention and national TV coverage, mellowparks is making a huge impact on China’s snowboard scene and bringing it to international fame as Asia’s largest slopestyle event of the year with 5Star TTR status.

With event host Eric Zhu introducing riders and explaining each run’s tricks and falls, the event is sure to be pure, non-stop entertainment.  This year also welcomes back head judges Iztok Sumatic (SLO) and Ishi (JPN) along with a team of experienced judges: Ingemar Backman (SWE), Michi Albin (SWI), Scotty Wittlake (USA), and Alan Wong (PRC/USA).

With live TV coverage, the event rundown goes like this:

 Live TV coverage schedule of the 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open:

Saturday, January 14th, 2012

11:00-12:00 CST (1st run of Qualifier)

13:30-15:30 CST (2nd and 3rd runs of Qualifier)

Sunday, January 15th, 2012 

11:00-12:30 CST (Finals)

13:30-14:30 CST (SuperFinals)

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday & Sunday, January 14-15
• Time: Sign Up starts at 9AM, qualifier competition from 1PM-3PM
• Location: NanShan Park (click here for directions and park details)
• More Info: www.mellowparks.cn

Jump Start 2012: Startup Weekend Beijing

Produced by Red Pagoda, Startup Weekend Beijing is all about giving entrepreneurs a chance to pitch to world class VC and angel investors while also a chance to meet awesomely talented developers, UI designers and product managers.

“Delivering exceptional talent to audaciously visionary startups, so far four of our entrepreneurs have been funded by investors like Blue Run Ventures, Innovation Works and Dave McClure’s 500Startups.” - Andy Mok, Organizer of Startup Weekend Beijing and Founder of Red Pagoda Resources

Coaches and judges of the event include:

• Fritz Demopoulos, co-founder and CEO of Qunar.com

• Xiaojun Li, Partner at IDG

• Robbi Jiang, Investment Director at Blue Run Ventures

The event will take place January 13-15 and will take place at the Holiday Inn Express on Dongzhimen.  Registration is RMB 500 per person and sign up is here.

Event Details: 

• Date & Times: 7 pm, Friday, Jan 13 – 9 pm, Sunday Jan 15
• Location: Holiday Inn Express Dongzhimen, 1 Chunxiu Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing 
• Registration: RMB 500 per person
• Sign Up: Website here.

Hummingbird’s Wellness Spa: New Years Recovery

It’s 2012!!  I hope everyone had a memorable and special NYE and a great start to 2012.

If you are in dire need of a hangover cure or if you’ve just got back from traveling and in need of some jet-lag recovery, I’d highly recommend Hummingbird’s new Wellness Spa!

They’ve just launched some awesome New Years discounts and January deals on their Jet-Lag Remedy Massage for RMB 280 (reg. 388) and Aromatherapy massage + Head & Shoulder Massage for RMB 368 (reg. 502).

“We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a blissful New Year, and may 2012 bring more beauty & wellness into your life!” – Kelli Chew, PR Director for Hummingbird Spa 

Hummingbird Spas Contact Details:

No. 6 Chaowai Da Jie, Central Park, Towers 26 & 3

Chaoyang District 100020, Beijing

The Wellness Spa by Hummingbird: (8610) 6533 6922

Hummingbird Therapeutic Retreat: (8610) 6597 9119

Ring in 2012: Best Breakdown for Beijingers!

Celebrate the close of another year and ring in 2012 with a bang…as it may be our LAST (dun dun DUN!)  just kidding - fingers crossed the world will not end this year.

I’ve posted a Christmas list last week (click here), but here’s an updated list for the upcoming New Year Weekend.

For foodies, many of Beijing’s top restaurants are hosting special NYE dinners and New Year Day brunches while night owls can party to their heart’s content at practically all night clubs around the city.

In order of my preference (and timing of the night), here goes the breakdown down to 2012:

NYE Dinner Options:

1. Agua’s Spanish NYE Menus

Agua’s arranged for special Spanish set dinner menus for the days surrounding New Year’s at RMB 528 per person.  You can indulge in Agua’s signature suckling pig or some of their other house specialities this holiday season.

RSVP: 5208-6188

2. An M New Years

Roaring fireplaces and a spectacular view, Capital M has prepared everything you could want for a warm, intimate holiday occasion. Check out their happenings for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day below.

RSVP:  reservations@capital-m-beijing.com    (86-10) 6702 2727

M’s Holiday Menus Here:

New Years Eve at Capital M

988 RMB per person (pre-booked/pre-paid tickets only)

Begin your New Year’s Eve celebration with Champagne cocktails and canapés around the bar with our Brass Band performing Jazz, followed by a delectable seven-course menu. As the clock strikes 12, savour the unforgettable experience of a Champagne toast on the terrace overlooking Tian’anmen.  Includes Champagne cocktails and canapés and a Taittinger Champagne toast on the terrace at midnight.

 New Year’s Brunch- 11:30am-5:00pm

288 RMB per person 

Ring in the New Year with Capital M’s delicious New Year’s brunch: it’s a fabulous start to the year!

7. Terra’s South-American NYE Menu

In line with SALT, TERRA will also be hosting holiday dinner for the days surrounding New Years.

“At Terra we go beyond the standard traditional fare and spice up the holidays with a delicious South-American styled Menu…with the inclusion of… mouth-watering South American Roast Suckling Pig.” – Jennifer Eden, PR Director for both TERRA and SALT

RSVP: 6591 9148

 Check out full menus at their website here and see below for summary of each -

New Year’s Eve – Party Menu – Saturday December 31, 6pm-late

Ring in the new year with excellent contemporary cuisine, serious sparkling and great tunes in Terra’s modern, hip surrounds. 4 courses and free flow ensures a night full of fun, laughter and luck. 4 courses 358 rmb. 4 courses + free flow bubbly or beer 578 rmb.

New Year’s Day – Revive, Recover and Celebrate! Sunday January 1, 2012, 11am-11pm.
It’s time for resolutions, recovery and more fun. Kick back in style and enjoy Chef Paulo De Souza’s delicious New Year’s Day menu and a bit more bubbly – why not?
2 courses 218 rmb. 3 courses 258 rmb. 2 courses + free flow 428 rmb. 3 courses + free flow 468 rmb.

LDS Top Picks for NYE Nightclub Options:

1. Alfa’s NYE Party 

“Beijing’s Biggest Gay Night”, Alfa’s serving 2-for-1 on drinks and free CD of Alfa’s top music hits for all attendees while supplies last. FREE admission

More info here.

2. Aria’s Classy, Jazzy NYE Countdown 

Croon to jazz by Valeria Proano and her trio of talented jazz musicians. Free admission.

More info here.

3. Haze’s NYE Celebration

Party at Haze with one of Beijing’s Top DJ Line-Ups: DJ Patrick Yu, Donald Summer, Yang Bing, Zhi Qi, Pancake Lee and Max Feelgood. RMB 100 admission.

More info here.

4. Genesis 2012 Countdown at Lantern

The Acupuncture group will be launching yet another massive techo-bash to ring in the new year. Expect a line-up of Acupuncture’s legendary DJ gang at Lantern Club.  RMB 100 (pre-sale) or RMB 150 (door).

“Gorge on an aural banquet with futuristic techno grooves from Beijing’s best DJs and thaw away those winter chills as the surreal visual installations conjure the crowd into near sensory overload. Ride with us through time and space and count down to a great 2012! Party like it’s the end of the world!” – Miao Wong, Acupuncture Group Voice

More info here.

5. NYE 2012 at Migas’ NEW BAR

Featuring their newly opened bar with a lot of Funky music and hip DJ’s including Bite-Size Buddha, Metro Tokyo and Bottin Italia.  RMB 120 (presale) or RMB 150 at door includes 1 glass of Mumm champagne.

More info here.

6. NEW! Nova NYE Party in 798′s D-Park  

Dance in the New Year with UK DJ and Producer Dance Legend Darren Emerson and a great DJ line-up of both local and international talents.  RMB 120 (presale) or RMB 200 (door).

More info here.

7. Party at Punk with Kid Fresh

3x DMC World Champion Kid Fresh is back at Punk to ring in the New Year. Last year was a bash, see pictures below for proof! FREE before 11PM, otherwise it’s RMB 50 admission.

More info here.

 Pics from Kid Fresh’s last performance at Punk. More pics on his website here.

8.  Show Off at Xiu Bar this NYE

Champagne bottles flying off the shelves is exactly what you should expect at their NYE celebration. Admission is RMB 400 which includes 1 glass of Moet champagne.

More info here.

9. YEN Countdown to 2012

Widely known as one of the most popular NYE parties every year in Beijing, YEN is sure to be a hit for those looking to party in a crowded warehouse with thousands of other nightowls.  DJ line up includes Yangbing, Ouyang, Slide, Donmy Liu and Mia(from Shanghai).

More info here.

…and that’s a wrap!

Just remember: Despite the rumors of 2012, you don’t actually want to make this your last new years so remember to be safe and have a blast this NYE! 

LDS Discovery: Karaiya’s Hunan Spicy Broiled Fish

Karaiya’s Hunan style Spicy Broiled Fish  飘香鱼

On average, I eat at Karaiya Spice House once a week.  It’s a choice pick for my Beijing crew’s “family dinners” and most definitely a top destination for anyone who is coming or leaving Beijing and needs a “Karaiya fix”. I say “fix” as if Karaiya was an addiction and for our group of friends, it really is because as much as we all enjoy hole-in-the-wall, super local, cheap Chinese food once in awhile, it’s really not something I like to do regularly knowing how horrendous the hygiene is and the obscene amount of oil they drench their dishes with really does take a toll. On the other hand, knowing that Karaiya is a part of the Hatsune Restaurant Group, it is guaranteed to use only quality ingredients and high hygiene standards.

Considering I’m such a regular, for me to know the restaurant menu inside-out is expected.  And I thought I was pretty much a savvy Karaiya expert until I recently discovered Karaiya’s Hunan style Spicy Broiled Fish  飘香鱼 (RMB 108).

At first, I thought it was an “off-the-menu” dish since I had never even noticed it on the menu before!  They need to seriously reconsider the real estate this dish occupies on the menu because it’s definitely worth it!

Unfortunately for this fish dish, Karaiya’s Signature Fish Dish (RMB 158 for Perch Fish or RMB 258 for Mandarin Fish) is undoubtedly one of the most popular dishes on the menu and for good reason – it’s amazing!  With yellow Hunan peppers on one side and red on the other, this steamed fish is both spicy and the sauce is super addictive.  I like to dip scoop out spoonfuls of this sauce and pour it over rice and everything else for that matter.

“Traditionally in Hunan this dish is served using a steamed fish headcovered in spicy peppers and simmering in special Camellia oil collected from trees.We prepare this Hunan specialty using the whole fish, and our tree oil is shipped weekly from rural villages in Hunan.”  - Alan Wong, owner of Karaiya Spice House and the Hatsune Restaurant Group

Karaiya’s Signature Mandarin Fish with Two Types of Hunan Peppers

But the downside of this Signature fish’s popularity is that all other fish dishes are then overshadowed and very often entirely overlooked.  That is the case with Karaiya’s Hunan style Spicy Broiled Fish  飘香鱼.

Not only had I never ordered it before, I didn’t even notice it on the menu!  How that happened is beyond me, but I blame the Signature Fish Dish for being so ridiculously good, we never had the desire to try anything else.  But now that I have recently been introduced to their Spicy Broiled Fish, and I may have discovered a new favorite! It’s a giant bowl filled with tender fish pieces drenched in spicy yumminess.

If you are a general fan of 水煮鱼, then you will get hooked on Karaiya’s take on this popular Sichuan dish, but obviously it’s Hunan style.

Karaiya Spice House won Time Out’s 2011 Award for Best Regional Chinese.

Click here for LDS article.

Karaiya Spice House Details:

• Address: 3F, Building 8, The Village at Sanlitun, No. 19 Sanlitun Road, Sanlitun

  (3rd floor of the Nike Building across from Hatsune) 朝阳区三里屯路19号The Village南区8号楼

• Tel: 6415 3535

• Website: www.hatsunesushi.com (Karaiya Spice House is part of the Hatsune Restaurant Empire)

*LumDimSum Discovery Explanation: Whenever I try a dish worth sharing, I will post this find as a LumDimSum Discovery.  Just search tagged “LumDimSum Discovery” articles for more recommendations.

LDS Hook-Up: 2 Free Tickets to Simple Plan Concert

Canadian rock band Simple Plan is back in Beijing to debut their upcoming Asia Tour. Performing at Yugongyishan, this concert will be a nice change of pace from the massive stadiums hosting thousands of fans. With a capacity of only 700 pax, fans can get up-close and personal with Simple Plan.

“Simple Plan had a spunky, energetic punk sound, textured like Cheap Trick, but raw like Pennywise.”

A group of five former high school pals Pierre Bouvier, Jeff Stinco, David Desrosiers, Sebastien Lefebvre and Chuck Comeau who came together in 1999 to form this multi-award winning punk-pop band with hit singles like “I’m Just A Kid”, “Welcome to My Life” and “Jet Lag”.  

Here’s your chance to see them perform live!

LDS HOOK-UP

Thanks to Street Hustle Promotions, a lucky LDS reader will get the chance to win a pair of tickets to see Simple Plan live!

For your chance to win 2 FREE TICKETS to the Simple Plan Concert on Friday, January 6, answer the following question in the comment section:

Who is your favorite member of the Simple Plan band 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 Monday, January 2 at 12PM Noon.

Tickets are RMB 380 at the door (pre-sale tickets are SOLD OUT!). Official ticket booking websites: Piao.com.cn or sendmetickets.com

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, January 6, 2012
• Time: 7:30PM
• Location: Yugongyishan
• Address: 3-2 Zhang Zizhong Road
• Tickets: RMB 380 (door)
• Buy Tickets: Piao.com.cn or sendmetickets.com

Fun in the Snow: Nanshan Ski Village is OPEN

Nanshan Ski Village (photo courtesy of Mellowparks.cn)

Nanshan Ski Village officially opened last weekend, but I figured the slopes would be way too crowded on the opening weekend to even bother making the trip up.

But this weekend should be more bearable. I assume most foreigners already exited Beijing to spend the Christmas weekend back at home (like me) and most locals will be spending the weekend indoors. If I were still in Beijing this weekend, I’d definitely compensate for the fact that I’m not home for the holidays with a trip out to play in the snow.

And thanks to the guys at Mellowparks, they’ve also put up some kickers, boxes and ramps for those willing.

See map below for directions to get out to the Nanshan ski village (only an hour+ travel time from Beijing):

For all ski/snowboarding fans, save-the-date for the 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open:

Going strong for a decade now, the Red Bull Nanshan Open has become the largest slopestyle snowboard competition in Asia with 5Star TTR status. The event will take place on the weekend of January 14-15, 2012 and is an event that has been building momentum over the past years and guaranteed to be bigger and badder than ever.

Organizers Steve Zdarsky and Marco Huang are known to build Asia’s top terrain parks for the top snowboarders all around the globe.

Event Details:

• Date: January 14-15, 2012
• Time: All-Day
• Location: Nanshan Ski Resort
• Prize Money: USD$50,000
• Website: www.mellowparks.cn

NEW! Wellness Spa by Hummingbird in Central Park

Wellness Spa’s VIP Room

It’s bigger. It’s better. It’s Hummingbird’s newest branch in Central Park – the NEW! Wellness Spa by Hummingbird.

The original Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat is keeping it’s original space on the Northeast end of Central Park, but their new Wellness Spa (just east of Lime Cafe in a more centralized location of Central Park) will help them accommodate the high demands of their growing customer base and dedicated Hummingbird fans.

More than twice the size of the original Hummingbird branch, this new space features a lounge space waiting area, an open room dedicated to mani/pedis, a spacious VIP Room, closed off foot massage rooms for up to 4 people, and Veda room dedicated to Indian style Hot Oil Massage.

Currently in it’s soft opening stages, I was invited to a Sneak Preview Party this past Sunday to see the new space and enjoy some celebratory champagne and catering by Hatsune!

Owner May Cheng gave me a personal tour of each of her new rooms.  The spa rooms wrap around in a U-shape to maintain the same sense of privacy as the original Hummingbird Spa. It’s got dedicated facial rooms and even some new speciality rooms – I’m most excited to try their new Indian-style Ayurvedic Oil-Dripping Treatment, where warm oil is dripped onto one’s forehead and applied to body in flowing and meditative movements.

LumDimSum Snapshots of the NEW! Wellness Spa:

After seeing their new VIP room, I couldn’t wait to try it out and since I was due for another facial, I booked a reservation that very Sunday night!  May has recently introduced a new line of facial skin care by Thalgo.  Highly recommended to moisturize, I can say that I left with my face feeling baby soft.

New Facial Skin Care by Thalgo

Customers can start booking appointments in the new Wellness Spa by Hummingbird, but they are in soft-opening stages so it is not 100% complete yet. May explained that construction work was finished at the last possible moment, so they are still finishing up final touches and are still filling some of their white walls with more decor.

In any case, it’s a great space and if you find yourself in the Central Park area sometime soon, I recommend popping in and checking it out!

LumDimSum Snapshots of Hummingbird’s Spa Opening Party:

NEW! Wellness Spa by Hummingbird:

• Address:  No. 6 Chaowai Da Jie, Central Park Tower 26, Unit 103, Chaoyang District 100020, Beijing  一休保健会所  北京市朝阳区朝外大街6号, 新城国际 3号楼103, 邮编 100020

• Tel: 6597 9119

  Map of both Hummingbird Branches in Central Park

  Click here for LumDimSum’s Review of the Original Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat:  Hummingbird Retreat: Leaving You Humming Blissfully

LumDimSum Discovery: Punjabi’s Ginger Garlic Soup

Punjabi’s Manchu Shorba – Ginger Garlic Manchow Soup (RMB 28)

WARNING my fellow Beijingers: This Thursday, Beijing’s weather forecast predicts temperatures to drop to -11 degrees Celsius.

That is scary cold, but with enough layers/puffer jackets together with enough hours of sleep and an appropriate diet, you should be able to prepare your body for the dramatic drop in temperature.

What’s a proper diet for cold weather?  Probably lay off the ice cream and other cold treats and stick to foods that will warm you up like hot pot and soups.

I recently discovered Punjabi’s Manchu Shorba, ie Ginger Garlic Manchow Soup (RMB 28) last week when I went to meet owner Gireesh Chowdhury with his recent order of candy&caviar’s webstore exclusives.  I was exhausted from lack of sleep, stress and all the things that come from a busy work week and it was clearly written all over my face because as soon as I walked into his restaurant, Gireesh ordered this soup for me straight away and I’ve got to hand it to him as it immediately warmed me up inside out and that night, I slept like a baby.

Thanks to this amazing Garlic Ginger Soup, I was able to get through the rest of the week and make sure everything was in order for my BICCO and Kagen Christmas Charity dinner last Saturday night (which was a HUGE success! – stay tuned for event pics and summary)

Packed with heavy doses of garlic, ginger, and vegetables, this chunky soup is packed with germ-fighting ingredients to boost your immunity system and get you through Beijing’s cold winter months.

“Of all the soups on my menu, this is the one that’s best for winter. It’s got ginger, garlic, veggies, black pepper and a dash of mint – a perfect cure for winter blues.” – Gireesh Chowdhury, owner of Punjabi Restaurant

Finally, medicine that actually tastes good! Well, it’s not technically medicine and as it’s not actually something doctors will prescribe to their patients with colds, but maybe they should!  Anyway, it really did work for me so I figured it would be beneficial to share this dish with my LDS readers and hopefully it will cure your winter blues too!

If you happen to be a vampire/someone who can’t handle garlic, then my second choice on Punjabi’s soup menu is their Tamatar Ka Shorba, ie Tomato Soup (RMB 28). It’s different from your typical rich and creamy American-style tomato soup because it’s a lot lighter with less cream.

“Punjabi’s tomato soup has no cornflour, no additives, just pure, fresh tomatoes with a dash of white pepper and cream.” – Gireesh on his tomato soup

Punjabi’s Tamatar Ka Shorba, ie Tomato Soup (RMB 28)

Next time you are dining in Punjabi, you must also try my all-time favorite Indian dish – Punjabi’s Baingan Bharta Dish, made from mashed chargrilled whole eggplant with fresh tomatoes and zero oil.

*LumDimSum Discovery Explanation: Whenever I try a dish worth sharing, I will post this find as a LumDimSum Discovery.  Just search tagged “LumDimSum Discovery” articles for more recommendations.

Punjabi Indian Restaurant Contact Details:

• Address: Located on Lucky Street, opposite 21st Century Hotel, 朝阳公园路C-8号二层

• Tel: 5867-0221/23

• Email:  punjabibj@gmail.com

• Website: www.punjabichina.com

Welcome Winter with Obentos’ Winter Specials

In addition to a few new maki sushi rolls, udon vegetable/beef noodle soup and Japanese vegetable/beef curry rice options, Obentos 本之味 Japanese restaurant in Central Park is also introducing a few winter specials I am very excited to try.

Order me a Pumpkin Tofu Salad with Soy Ginger Dressing (RMB 48) together with a hot ginger lemon tea (RMB 24) and I’ll be ready to brave the winter cold.

Good news for those who would prefer their food delivered to their door: Obentos has expanded their delivery menu to the greater Sanlitun area and beyond.

Obentos New Delivery Zone:

Click Link for Previous LDS Review of Obentos:

Bento Pushers: Obentos Japanese is in Business!

Obentos Contact Details:

• Address: Just west of The Place Cafe in Central Park, Unit 106-107, Bldg 9, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区朝阳门外大街新城国际9号楼106-107室

• Tel: 6597 0085, 6597 0223

LDS Hook-Up: FREE Tix to Time Out’s Xmas Bash!

Celebrate the upcoming holidays with the Time Out Beijing team as they throw one hell of a holiday party!

Free flow booze from 8PM-11:30PM will guarantee a good start to your Friday night, but I’m most excited to try the macaroons and cakes from Amandine Bakery, Christmas fruit mince pies and gingerbread men from Red Kitchen Cabinet, savoury crêpes from Moment Gastronomy Café, lots of colourful candies from Papabubble, and signature dark chocolate and brownies from De Chocolate Coffee. Yes, I plan to try them all.

Everyone who makes it also will be automatically entered into their lucky draw featuring over 40 awesome prizes including:

• Little Gold Books

• Handbags from D-SATA

• Designer jumpers from AnyShopStyle.cn

• Cooking Classes from The Hutong

• Three-month supply of Beijing’s best freshly ground coffee from Rickshaw Roasters

• Dinner vouchers for Niajo, Vasco’s, Senses, etc.

• Five highly coveted, autographed books from Penguin: Midnight in Pekingby Paul French, When China Rules the World by Martin Jacques, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz, The Help by Kathryn Stockett, Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok.

Hosted at the newly opened Twilo Club (close to Haze and Spark at Guanghua Lu SOHO), they’ve got loads of Christmas treats, drinks and music for all. DJ Junjaman (NYC), Dongjun and Juliana Lima will be spinning Christmas tunes, ’80s classics and house beats.

Get the LumDimSum Hook-Up for free tickets to Time Out’s Christmas Par-tay!

This offer comes on a first come, first dibs basis so if you want to get hooked up, just email – kristen@lumdimsum.com before 12PM Noon on Thursday, December 8.

Tickets are RMB 100 person, but lucky for my LDS friends, I’ve got the hook-up for you! Be quick as these tickets are limited!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, December 9, 2011

• Time: 7:30PM-late

• Location: Twilo

• Address: 103 A/B, Guanghua Lu SOHO, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district 朝阳区光华路光华路SOHO 103A/B

• Tel: 6561 9360

• Tickets: RMB 100

• Website: Click here.