Feast Your Eyes: Newly Opened Haiku in Jinqiao, SH

Newly Opened Haiku in Jinqiao 金桥, Shanghai

Lucky Shanghai-ers, I rarely envy you but when I stepped in to the newly opened Haiku in Jinqiao 金桥, I was so green with envy I practically turned into the Hulk. 

Designed by Alan Wong, founder of the Hatsune Restaurant Group in Beijing, the space is stunning. It is unique in its own right, but with the high ceilings and perfect lighting illuminating a soft glow throughout the dining area, it bears the same trademark of Alan’s other restaurants, especially the Hatsune Sanlitun Branch which won “Best Decor” in this year’s Beijinger’s 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards.

Hatsune Sanlitun Branch: CFFC 2011

Contrasting Hatsune Sanlitun’s underwater, aquatic themes evident throughout the restaurant from the oceanic ground flooring and the stream of fish swimming across the restaurant into a spiraling mass in the center of restaurant’s high-ceilings, Haiku in Jinqiao features a theme of a rocky mountain face with tiered seating and bouldering tables and my favorite part is the bright sushi bar’s “firefly” lights that are only visible if you sit at the sushi bar. I should also mention that the sushi bar seats are quite possibly the most comfortable (and extravagantly expensive) chairs I have seen provided at any sushi bar.

Haiku’s Sushi Bar with Hidden “Firefly” Lights

Haiku’s doors are just now open to walk-in customers and the restaurant is already buzzing with happy sushi fanatics, but the project is not quite complete.  While the Haiku, California-style Japanese fusion side of the restaurant is complete, there is still the Kagen Teppanyaki side that is finishing up its final touches before it is fully operational.  This Haiku branch in Jinqiao is split into two concepts, the only restaurant that will combine both Haiku and Kagen Teppanyaki restaurant concepts into one.

Located just across the way from Green Sports & Leisure Center, there is no in-your-face, back-lit sign or entrance to the restaurant but just a very simple sign with Haiku’s restaurant label that you will miss unless you look for it. The unobtrusive exterior makes your first-impression that much more exaggerated once you step inside.

Stepping into Haiku, Front Door Reception Table

Everything is brand-spanking new, dressed in stylish furniture, new staff uniforms and a new menu design.  I love the size and quality of this menu, but was a bit gutted to see that my “LumDimSum” roll didn’t make the cut for this new Haiku in Shanghai.

So far so good, everything looks to be running smoothly thus far!

Stay tuned for more details regarding the other project – Pulau Ketam, a modern crab house opening in Xintiandi!

LumDimSum Snapshots of the NEW! Haiku in Jinqiao:

NEW! Haiku in Jinqiao Contact Details:

• Address: 601 Lantian Lu, near Yunshan Lu  蓝天路601号, 近云山路

• Tel: 3882 0611

Haiku Jinqiao’s Official Opening Party:

To inaugurate the new Jinqiao location, Haiku will be inviting all to attend their grand opening party on Friday, May 18th.

In appropriate Hatsune fashion, the night will be fueled by free flow sake, signature cocktails, and never-ending signature sushi rolls.  DJ Saul D from Beijing will be flying out to play alongside DJ MK. And don’t not forget the dangerous “Wasabi Challenge” and a sumo wrestling competition!

It wouldn’t be a real party without some serious sumo action.

• Tickets: RMB 100 Online Reservation or RMB 150 at the door

• Email:  info@haikushanghai.com

Bespoke Beijing: Hutong Adventures & Cricket Fighters

Bespoke Beijing Hutong Tour via Rickshaws

My family has been to Beijing multiple times so the usual must-see locations (Tiananmen & Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, yada yada) have already been checked off.  After traveling in Southern China for a week (Shanghai, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing Huangshan, Hangzhou) we only had 3 days left to spend together in Beijing.

As you might suspect, I made them binge on a ridiculous amount of food at every given opportunity, but I also wanted to introduce them to Bespoke Beijing‘s recommended “experiences and experts” so they could see just how capable and uniquely awesome Bespoke’s services are.

One of my all-time favorite tours is Bespoke’s Expert Hutong Tour.  Before I get into details, I should say off the bat that this is no ordinary Hutong tour. I am positive every travel company that exists in Beijing will offer some sort of Hutong Tour with a ride on a rickshaw through Beijing’s famous hutongs around the Gulou and Houhai area, but Bespoke’s Hutong tour is so much more.

“No other city in the entire world has hutongs. What does that tell you? That you should go see them of course! These ancient, labyrinthine alleyways are where ‘real’ Beijing life happens, so to help you navigate some of the most interesting bits, we’ll fix you up with Frank, an old Beijinger who’s lived in the hutongs his entire life.”  - Bespoke Beijing

Having lived in the hutongs his entire life, Frank is the most perfect possible guide to show you through the hutongs and give you a deeper understanding of this fascinating side of Chinese history, culture and show you first hand an authentic picture of traditional hutong life as it once was. And what’s especially impressive and almost incomprehensible is how clear and articulate Frank speaks English.  Very, very unexpected for someone who’s never left his hutong home in Beijing.

Our first stop in our Bespoke Hutong Tour was a visit to a private Hutong museum jam-packed with artifacts from old Hutong life.  As soon as modern China started tearing down old hutongs to build up more skyscrapers, these genius collectors quickly got their act together and started gathering up antique furniture and useful household tools to proudly keep on display for curious visitors to check out.

Fun facts I enjoyed learning about were the various tools used by street salesmen to make a distinct sound to notify hutong communities of their services. For example, it was originally believed to be bad luck to say “cut your hair” in Chinese as hair sounds like the word for “growth” and “development” so who wants to cut short their personal growth and development? So instead of having a barber walk around shouting for everyone to “cut their growth”, he instead walked around with a specific device that makes a distinctive noise that everyone in the community recognizes as the sound that belongs to the neighborhood barber.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Beijing’s Private Hutong Museum:  

Testing & Discovering the Meanings of Old Hutong Sounds

After visiting the hutong museum, we made our way to the Drum Tower to ascend its very steep staircase that leads directly into the main upper level where they regularly do a 5-minute drum performance with four drummers. This takes place every day right on the dot every 30 minutes. We arrived at the Drum Tower with only a minute to spare before the performance kicked off so timing was perfect (thanks again to Frank). Afterwards, Frank explained the traditional methods of keeping track of time to ensure that the drums are consistently reliable and pointed out the direct line outside that leads straight into Jingshan Park and the center of the Forbidden City, the heart of Beijing.

Drum Show at the Top of the Drum Tower

After these two spots, Frank walked us through a local wet market pointing out China’s quirky vegetables, popular spices and herbs, and local specialties like China’s renowned 1,000 year old eggs (that are not really 1,000 years old).

Afterwards, we hopped on two separate rickshaws pulled by two very courteous drivers who whizzed us around the hutong neighborhood, ending at the home of a local cricket trainer.

Walking into this one-of-a-kind home, we were surrounded by talking birds, pet fish, a pet dog and more insects than you’d like to imagine.

Meeting the cricket master was something my dad and brother were most looking forward to seeing in Beijing since my dad actually grew up in southern China playing with crickets as a child. Not only is this an unforgettable experience, Master Liu aka Cricket Liu is a hoot!

“On the quirky scale, this one’s a ten. In China, this is a serious sport and has been for centuries. This is your opportunity to meet Beijing’s most famous cricket trainer (yes, you heard right) and find out all about this ancient practice. You’ll get to meet the clients (read: insects) he’s currently working with, and hear all about the instruments and methods he uses to get them fighting fit. This colourful local character actually trains crickets and grasshoppers to fight in local competitions. A fascinating insight into a bizarre Chinese sport you won’t forget in a hurry!” - Bespoke Beijing

Frank’s impression of a Cricket

New Friends: Cricket Fighter Liu & LumFam

Perfect for both visitors and even Beijingers who are curious about this age-old Chinese tradition and to this day, a very popular gambling activity in China.

To book your own Bespoke Beijing expert Hutong tour, here’s everything you will need to know:

NEED TO KNOW

• How much does it cost? 560RMB for 1 person; 320RMB per additional person 

• How long will it take? 3.5 hours 

• When can I do it? Anytime, as long as you start before 3pm 

• How far in advance should I book? At least 4 days Getting there The cost does not include transportation to and from the meeting point. You can get here by taxi, or hire a standard car for 460RMB. Start Point Square behind the Drum Tower End Point Square behind the Drum Tower Children Half price for kids under 6. Babes in arms go free. 

• Any other costs I should know about? Nope! (A tip for the rickshaw driver is already included in the price, which Frank will pay to the driver after the tour.) 

• What to bring:  A healthy heart (you’ll need to climb some steep steps to the top of the Drum Tower) – and a willingness to be in close proximity to insects! Our favourite bit When Cricket Trainer Mr. Liu explains, in all seriousness, that the little metal case he is holding is actually the crickets’ ‘marriage bed’.

Bespoke Beijing Contact Details:  Email info@bespoke-beijing.com or call (+86) 10 6400 0133. 

Website: www.bespokebeijing.com

Lum-tourage with a Load of Brits at Black Sesame Kitchen

(Shout out to Candice Lee aka C-Dice for organizing a perfect dinner party!)

Pink Day Charity Fair: Where Wellness Takes Flight

Beijing’s first Pink Day 2012 will be hosted in Central Park

Beijing’s very first Pink Day 2012 is a fun food fair dedicated to Breast Cancer Prevention with FREE Breast Cancer Screenings (only 15 minutes per person for free screening) made available and onsite doctors from Beijing Chaoyang Hospital will be made available for on-site consultation as well as the well-known Breast Cancer Professor Guangwei Xu and Doctor Hui Yu.

For all the women you care about, come out and join in the fight against breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Screening Mobile Center

Hosted by the China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) and Savills Property Services (Beijing) Co., Ltd Central Park Branch Company, this event has over 1,000 expected guests and a wide host of vendors including Beijing’s most dynamic restaurants, spas, wellness groups and health service providers.

More than just food and activities relating to breast health (free mini lectures, consultations, and examinations), there will also be a charity garage sale, a bounce house and lucky draw where winners can score a free iPhone, hotel stays Health Club Membership and restaurant vouchers.

All funds raised in this event will support the China Breast Cancer Foundation‘s various projects and impoverished mothers with breast cancer.

Special thanks to the owners of Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat and Wellness Spa, who are actively engaging the Beijing community to get involved and do their part.  We’re trying to raise at least RMB 100k so please help us spread the word for this great outdoor fair.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, May 20, 2012

• Time: 1PM-5PM

• Location: Central Park

• Address: Central Park on Chaowai Dajie 朝外大街6号新城国际

• To Volunteer or Get More info: Email pr@hummingbird.net.cn 

About China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF)

The China Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) under China Social Work Association is a not-for-profit organization established in January 2008 with the approval of the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China. Mr. Xu Ruixin, the primary vice minister of Civil Affairs of China, is the director-general of CBCF. Dr. Xu Guangwei, a well-known cancer expert and director-general of the Chinese Cancer Prevention Association, is the vice director-general of CBCF.

The mission of CBCF is to mobilize social resources to raise public awareness and knowledge about breast cancer, fund research and development in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and promote early diagnosis and early treatment techniques for breast cancer in medical organizations.

For more info, click here for CBCF’s official website.

Restaurant News: Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar & Q Mex

In case you missed my article last week on Time Zone 8′s newly opened sushi bar serving Hatsune Sushi (hoorah!), check it out here.

Still in soft opening, this back-to-basics exposed brick and cement design is already showcasing a basic menu including some of Hatsune’s classic sushi rolls disguised under new names. Example: their “Red Dinosaur” Roll is actually Hatsune’s legendary 119 Roll.

After a week of traveling in Southern China with the entire LumDimFamily, the first stop once we were back in Beijing was straight out to 798 Art District with two very specific goals: to show off the new Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar space to my Lum-tourage and seek out old propaganda posters for my brother to bring back home as souvenirs for his friends.

A true 798 expert, Time Zone 8 owner Robert Bernell not only gave us a tour of his new space, he shared his top picks for must-see exhibitions and sights in 798.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar: 

Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar Entrance Reception Area

Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar Dining Space (Now Open)

Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar Main Dining Room (Finishing Up Final Touches)

Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar

The new Sushi Bar space is tucked in just behind the original Time Zone 8 Western Restaurant and Bar area.

With the sun shining and their trademark bright yellow umbrellas open, the space was crammed packed even at 5PM in the late afternoon with a buzzing ambiance of happy diners and even the bar area was bustling! (See pic below) 

More exciting news in Beijing’s ever-growing restaurant scene:

Beijingers can look forward to the upcoming opening of Q Mex, a new project by the great people behind Q Bar.

“Q Bar owner Echo Sun was at the vanguard of bringing quality creative cocktails to Beijing; with Q Mex she will be building on her strengths, focusing her palette on nuanced pleasures of both food and drink.  The restaurant will feature a contemporary setting, innovative menu, and open kitchen showcasing gourmet Mexican food; the bar will feature an Agave-inspired bar design, a cool lounge setting, and Echo’s artistry in mixology, including refreshing variations on the margarita and one of the largest Tequila collections in Asia.”

- Chris Ruggles, Chief Marketing Officer of the Q Enterprises

The opening of Q Mex is planned for early June 2012 and they will be located just below Kro’s Nest, across from D Lounge in the Sanlitun Courtyard (South Sanlitun).

My mouth is already watering at the thought of sampling their scrumptious tacos, salsas, and tamales alongside some guaranteed-to-be-awesome-and-creative cocktails and margaritas.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Eat Hatsune in 798: The New Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar

Anago Tempura with Salt n Peppa Dip

Have you heard the news?!?  The new Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar will be serving up Hatsune sushi in 798 Art District!

A collaboration between Hatsune Restaurant Group owner Alan Wong and Time Zone 8′s Robert Bernell, these guys are bringing the F&B scene in 798 to new heights.

I only recently met Robert at Alan’s Chefs Dinner at Hatsune Guanghua Lu branch a few weeks back and he is easily one of the most friendly, easy-going guys I’ve met in a long time. His story from Texas to China is fascinating, but a brief introduction goes something like this-

Originally from Texas, Robert has been in Beijing since 1995 and before that he spent 2 years in Nanjing and 3 years in Hong Kong. He originally opened the ever-popular Time Zone 8 in 798 Art District as a bookstore that happened to serve coffee (the trend back then linked coffee to bookstores), but people wanted food so the cafe quickly expanded into a full-blown Western restaurant. Last year, Time Zone 8 took it up another notch and evolved the space to also include a bar.

From this breakdown, it’s easy to see the reasoning behind Time Zone 8′s ever-evolving expansion, but to jump from a bookstore cafe to a Western restaurant and bar to serving Hatsune sushi is a big leap.

When I asked Robert about his choice to add sushi and how he linked up with Alan Wong of the Hatsune Restaurant Group, here’s his story in his own words -

RB: I’ve always been a fan of sushi, but when I discovered Hatsune, I discovered sushi rolls and what contemporary Japanese cuisine and sushi rolls was all about. My love affair with Japanese food really caught fire with Hatsune.

LDS: And how did you link up with Alan Wong?

RB: When we set up Time Zone 8′s bar and restaurant, I worked with Bill Gibb, previously the Executive Chef at Capital Club who was an outstanding chef and, in my opinion, one of the best in Beijing. Just from this experience, I knew that I needed to work with the best of the best so I tracked down Alan and kept after him until he eventually relented and agreed to work together with me to make this sushi bar.

LDS: Can you share your concept behind the new Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar?

RB: If you look at restaurant, it’s a reductive design of just brick and cement. I wanted to create a very simple, back-to-basics and unpretentious environment that can showcase and really give justice to Alan’s incredible food. I wanted the food to speak for itself and not create any noise that might distract from the food.

LDS: What are you most excited about this new expansion of Time Zone 8?

RB: The food that Alan has created is approaching art, if not art itself.

LDS: How do you think this restaurant will affect 798 Art District?

RB: It brings diversity to 798 for the first time. There must be 35 cafes that are all cookie-cutter copies of each other and a few less-than-stellar examples of Chinese food, but not much diversity when it comes to the art of food so I’m hoping this will lead to other varieties of food and something approaching the art of food in other parts of 798.

LDS: Still in soft opening period, are you already taking walk-in customers today? 

RB: Starting today (Monday, April 30), we’re going to step on balloons and light some incense. We still don’t have our printed menu, but people can come in and order from the basic menu. Our new sushi bar is in the back of Time Zone 8, in the same building around the west side, but it also has its own entrance.  

There you have it! Hatsune sushi has made its way to 798 thanks to Time Zone 8!

Stay tuned for a full LDS Review of Time Zone 8′s new Sushi Bar.

Time Zone 8 Restaurant Details:

• Address: 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, 798 Art District, Chaoyang district 朝阳区酒仙桥路4号

• Tel: 5978 9917

• Website: http://www.timezone8.com/osc/

Last 2 Days to Vote: CW Readers’ Choice Awards 2012

Last month saw theBeijinger’s 9th annual Reader’s Choice Restaurant Awards results which took everyone by surprise with underdog Home Plate Bar-B-Que beating out industry big heads Maison Boulud, Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) and Hatsune and totally sweeping the ceremony in every category possible from Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese), Restaurant Personality of the Year (Seth Grossman), Best New Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese), Best American, and Outstanding for Best Value for Money. Well done to a venue that deserves massive credit for serving the world’s best BBQ pulled-pork sandwich of all time.

*Voting is underway for theBeijinger’s 2012 Reader Bar & Club Awards until May 9th.

Following theBejinger’s Restaurant Awards was Time Out’s Food Awards 2012 just last week where high-end French legend Maison Boulud dominated in all overall categories – Reader’s Choice Restaurant (the only category foodies can vote on), Best International Fine Dining, Best Service, Chef of the Year (Brian Reimer) and Restaurant of the Year.  Other honorable mentions include Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) for Best New Restaurant, Runner up for Restaurant of the Year and Best International Fine Dining, Barolo at the Ritz-Carlton for Runner up for Chef of the Year for Gianluca Visani, Best Service and Best International Fine Dining, and Migas for Best Business Lunch and Best International Casual Dining. Click here for full list of 15 restaurant awards.

That leaves the last expat magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards – CityWeekend’s 10th Annual Reader’s Choice Awards featuring 28 dining categories and 11 nightlife categories.

“The F&B scene has changed immensely in 10 years and we’ve changed along with it. We’re the only game in town that has its own proprietary voting site which makes it easier for us to identify and weed out spammers. We don’t create a million categories so that everyone gets an award. We limit the number of categories so that a win really means something. Cast your vote below and make your voice heard.” – The CityWeekend Team

CityWeekend.com.cn’s Online Voting Ballot

With only a few days left (voting closes at midnight on April 30th), this year is already looking very competitive with Cityweekend reporting that there could potentially be “a lot of upsets in the making”.

Click here for article update on Reader Awards categories.

Here’s how CW’s Categories are looking thus far:

• Best Tex Mex/Mexican: Avocado Tree is in the lead

• Best Italian: Barolo and Cepe needs to watch out for La Pizza creeping up in the votes

• Best Beijing Duck: Da Dong and Duck de Chine are going head-to-head with just one vote separating the two

• Best American: Home Plate and Element Fresh are close ties

• Best Dessert: Divina and Comptoirs are inches apart from the rest of their competition

• Best Service: GungHo! is shining through the rest of the competition

• Best Wine: Toss up between Enoterra and Modo

• Best New Restaurant: Could it be Susu or Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB)

• DJ of the Year: Could Eddie LV be stealing DJ Blackie’s title? 

• Best Nightlife Newcomer: Haze or Spark? 

• Who will take the title for Best Restaurant of the Year?  Being the only category without suggested options, everyone is fair game. Obviously you can see who I’ve entered into my ballot…

Strongly disagree with the way these categories are looking?

Here’s your chance to sway the votes in your favor – Spread the word and VOTE!  Just go to this link to CW’s 2012 Readers Choice Awards Ballot.

Happy Voting! 

 Finals Days of Voting for CW’s Readers’ Choice Awards!

Sunday Salon: Chu Yibing’s China Cello Philharmonic

This Sunday, The Bookworm and Time Out Magazine are teaming up to host one of the most influential cellists in the world, Chu Yibing and the China Cello Philharmonic (Chu and his group of 5 prodigy cellists) as part of this month’s feature Sunday Salons, an interactive lecture series that takes you “behind the music” of China.

“Chu Yibing began playing aged seven, studied in Paris aged seventeen and later became the principal cellist of the Basel Symphony Orchestra, Europe’s second highest-paid cello position. Today, as the Central Conservatory of Music’s Cello Department head, he leads China’s first and only permanent chamber ensemble, the China Cello Philharmonic.” - Time Out Beijing

Chu’s crazy talented group of six cellists regularly tour the world and they are the first Chinese chamber ensemble to play for Chinese President Hu Jintao and the US President Barack Obama.  

The chance to see this ensemble play within the intimate walls of The Bookworm is a very special privilege and a rare chance you won’t want to miss!

*Don’t forget to bring in this month’s copy of Time Out Beijing and entrance ticket is reduced to only RMB 20 (which also includes a free drink courtesy of The Bookworm)!

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 29

• Time: 7:30PM

• Location: The Bookworm

• Address: Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼

• Tickets: 30RMB; 20RMB (if you bring in this month’s copy of Time Out Beijing)

China Cello Philharmonic Led by Chu Yibing (far right)

The New Yishu 8 (艺术8) Art Gallery & Event Space

“An impressive lacquered wood door leads onto a courtyard planted with trees and the traditional red columns of the entrance porch. Once through the door, visitors leave behind the city’s bustle and discover a surprising atmosphere, a quiet but cheerfully decorated space that blends Chinese and Western influences: the yellow imperial salon, the golden and silver salons, the music room and the white gallery. A monumental Baccarat chandelier greets visitors as they arrive.” 

Just about one month ago, Yishu 8 (艺术8) moved from it’s original location on Jianguo Lu into the former Sino-French University and the new space is called “Maison des arts dédiée à la création contemporaine” (House of Arts dedicated to contemporary creation).

Home to exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, Yishu 8 is a space dedicated to contemporary art and exchanges between China and the West by offering an artistic residency for 3 young French artists every year, giving them the opportunity to discover China and its rich creative environment.

“It aims to become a private version of the Villa Médicis.”

Before Yishu 8 moved into it’s new location, it already established itself as a well-known venue in the art world through successfully putting on a broad range of shows: photography, painting and sculpture exhibitions featuring the works of artists such as Lu Yangpeng, Michael Madore, Val and Li Xin, as well as meetings with figures such as Michel Houellebecq and Jean-Marie Gustave le Clézio.

Yishu 8 was also known to host plenty of private and corporate events, and they also held regular music events from jazz to bossa nova concerts, events for children and families and also conferences regarding Sino-French artistic life.

Now housed in the symbolic Sino-French University, these building are classified as historic monuments with the building’s lecture halls bearing an engraving of the head of the Chinese republic’s founder, Sun Yat-sen. The space is massive, covering over 1200 square meters with significant space dedicated to French culture and prestigious exhibitions.

“Yishu 8 is a haven in the heart of Beijing that has been stylishly renovated and transformed into reception and exhibition rooms.”  

LumDimSum Snapshots of the New Yishu 8:

More articles related to the New Yishu 8:

• Art Media Agency: Yishu 8 presents its House of Art dedicated to contemporary creation in China 

• Inauguration of “Yishu 8″ in Beijing

• Official Yishu 8 Website (currently only in French and Chinese)

The Hills are Alive with Cherry Blossoms

Surrounded by a Sea of Cherry Blossoms

A few weeks belated, but better late than never.  A symbol of Spring in China, cherry blossoms are normally known to come out beginning of April, but already in the middle of the month, cherry blossoms are in full swing right now.

For only two weeks out of the entire year, cherry blossoms spread across the mountains along the Great Wall, splashing the hills with splotches of pink and white. It’s a trip worth taking to bear witness to this sight worth seeing.

With such a transient, short-lived existence, I will make it a point to drop whatever plans may have been to make the journey up north to the hills to savor this rare gift from nature. You can see here my very first experience hiking on the Great Wall hike surrounded by cherry blossoms.

It’s been said that these cherry blossoms are symbolic of mortality and an enduring metaphor for the fleeting nature of life, but they are also an omen of good fortune (a popular omen in China) and an emblem of love and affection.

Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

Regardless of any superstitions, cherry blossoms are stunning and these little flowers make all the difference after a long and dry, brittle winter.

Follow me along my two hour hike along the wall and you will find that the deeper I trekked, the more the cherry blossoms began to uncover themselves, which made each step further that much more rewarding.

Reaching the base of the Wall, I did a little Rocky dance

The Little Easy: A New Orleans Bar on SLT Bar Strip

This Friday, the 13th of April will be the official opening of a new bar in town called The Little Easy, a New Orleans bar with quality cocktails, craft beers, southern comfort food and live music.

This is Chad Lager‘s newest project, who is also known as the man behind Fubar, Grinders, Tun Bar and The Rickshaw (closed in 2010).

Teaming up with the guys from Slow Boat Brewery, he’ll be exclusively serving three of their craft beers (American Pale Ale, Citra Mango IPA & Amber Ale) on tap for RMB 40 for one or RMB 100 for three.

“The Little Easy is your place for Slow Boat craft beers, Hurricane cocktails, Cajun food and po’ boy sandwiches. Live New Orleans Jazz, Zydeco, and Blues. At the Little Easy, although the clock may say 2am, it’s all a matter of mind, body and spirit.” 

A New Orleans bar like the ones on the legendary Bourbon Street in New Orleans seems quite the change from the cozy, hidden speakeasy that is Fubar with its little “Dizzy Buddha” cocktails (click here for my previous “Buddha-licious” article on Fubar).

But the most fascinating part to me is the choice of location. From the secretive, under-cover location of Fubar, a speak-easy behind the front of Stadium Dog in Gongti, The Little Easy will be smack-dab on the cheesy, touristy Sanlitun bar strip right across from Sanlitun South Village.

This is renowned to be one of the worst parts of Sanlitun, with awful pop music blasting out and girls pole dancing in the windows.  This is the area I fear many clueless tourists accidentally end up while trying to find the infamous “Sanlitun Bar Street” of Beijing they read about in their travel books. I intentionally refuse to walk on this side of the street to avoid all the annoying hawkers shamelessly trying to lure people into their bars that are really nothing but over-priced tourist traps.  All that being said, perhaps The Little Easy will be the pivotal point that will change this hopeless strip into a new, better Sanlitun bar street.

“Centrally located on Sanlitun’s premier bar street – just look for the wrought iron railings and brick interior.”

Fingers crossed this marks the beginning of the end of that forsaken strip of tourist trap-bars-from-hell into a strip of quality bars with legit drinks, food and music.

The Little Easy Details:

• Address: 北京市朝阳区三里屯酒吧街54号 Beijing, Chaoyang district, Sanlitun Bar Street #54 

• Opening Hours: 11AM-late

Introducing Dali Numero Dos: The New Dali Courtyard 2

A Small Gathering to Celebrate the Arrival of Dali #2

On Easter Day, the owners of the original Dali Courtyard introduced their newest space just north of the original Dali off of Gulou Dongdajie with a little party for close friends.

There isn’t an official name yet, so I’ve been referring to the new space as Dali Squared, Dali Dos or just plain Dali #2.  The restaurant isn’t even open to the public just yet (they said it’ll be another two weeks before they start officially opening their doors), but get excited because this space is gorgeous.

It features the same attractive elements as the original space-  the discreet exterior for that added “wow” factor when you first step inside, a beautiful courtyard in the center and great food & service.

Discreet Entrance of the New Dali #2:

In theme with the original space, this second Dali is another hidden hutong gem,

tucked within the discreet walls of a traditional Chinese hutong. 

Walking through the Doors of Dali #2

If you were impressed walking into the original Dali Courtyard, you’re in for a treat with Dali #2. It’s a smaller space, making it that much more intimate, but it’s got a lovely courtyard with giant, spooky trees overhead and two pretty swanky interior dining rooms with a much more contemporary feel in comparison to the original Dali.

LumDimSum Snapshots of the New Dali #2:

Center Courtyard of Dali #2

Majestic Trees Hovering over the Courtyard of Dali #2

Contemporary Interior Design is a nice contrast to the traditional Chinese hutong setting

Party Snacks at Dali Courtyard –

This assortment of snacks is most likely not entirely representative of the food they’ll be serving once they are open, but these bite-sized nibbles were tasty and I was just happy to see their fried cheese being served.

Final Artsy-Fartsy Photo by LumDimSum.com

Stay tuned for a full LDS review of the New Dali Courtyard once it’s officially open!

For more info, you can read theBeijinger’s 2 cents of their sneak peek experience here.

LDS Hook-Up: LumDim-SUM41 Comes to China

Canadian Rock Group SUM41 is Performing in China for the first time

Once again, the Street Hustle Promo Team is hooking up a lucky LDS reader to win FREE SUM41 concert tickets.

After an intimate concert at Yugongyishan with Simple Plan earlier this year, Street Hustle is going big again with this next concert next week at Beijing’s MasterCard Stadium (previously known as WuKeSong Stadium).

Next Wednesday, April 4 (04.04), Canadian rock band SUM41 will be playing in Beijing as a part of their 2012 World Tour.  Originally called Kaspir, the band changed their name to SUM41 when they performed for a Supernova show on September 28, 1996 which happened to be the 41st day of summer.

Although this fun-loving rock group is pretty addicted to traveling with over 300 concerts a year in conjunction with lengthy world tours, this will be their first time performing in China with shows in both Beijing (4.4.12) & Shanghai (4.6.12).

I admit I haven’t heard much of this band before writing this post, but I enjoyed reading some interviews I found online.  Here’s a clip from one interview with Livewire’s Phil Bonyata and SUM41′s Deryck Whibley (lead vocals and rhythm guitar) -

Livewire: So, in my past interview with you a couple of years ago, you refer to yourselves as the “ugly goons from Canada.” Now with the new hairstyle has that changed? I think you’re better looking. 

Deryck: I just refered to ourselves last night as “four ugly assholes having a good time.” (laughs) 

Livewire: Describe Sum 41 in a few words.

Deryck: (laughs) Young, dumb and full of cum. 

For full interview, click here.

Deryck Whibley (front)

To see SUM41 perform live their hits like “Blood in my Eyes” and tracks from their debut album “All Killer, No Filler”, get the LDS Hook-UP!

LDS HOOK-UP

Thanks to Street Hustle Promotions, a lucky LDS reader will get the chance to win a pair of tickets to see SUM41 live!

For your chance to win 2 FREE TICKETS to the SUM41 Concert on Wednesday, April 4, answer the following question in the comment section:

If you had the chance to interview Deryck Whibley and ask one question, what would you ask?  

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 Wednesday, April 4 at 12PM Noon.

Tickets are RMB 180 380 480 580 1080 1280. Official ticket booking websites: Piao.com.cn or sendmetickets.com or damai.cn

For those of you who are going, don’t forget to stop by Nathan’s Famous concession stand in the stadium to get your chili cheese dog fix!

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2012

• Time: 7:30PM

• Location: Wukesong Stadium (formerly known as Wukesong Stadium)

• Address: Fuxing Lu in Haidian District, 海淀区复兴路五棵松文化体育中心

• Tickets: RMB 180, 380, 480, 580, 1080, and 1280

• Buy Tickets: Piao.com.cn or sendmetickets.com or damai.cn

  

Deal of a Century: candy&caviar Spring Showroom Sale

For one week only, candy&caviar is opening it’s showroom doors to the public for their biggest sample sale to date.

This is no April Fool’s prank. This is the real deal.

So why now?  With the weather warming up, Spring is finally upon us…which means – out with the old and in with the new!

For exactly one week - Saturday, March 31 to Friday, April 6, candy&caviar is ready and willing to clear out all previous collection’s sample pieces and many of these one-off pieces will be more than 50% off retail price.

Featuring pieces from both men and women’s collections, everything will be priced at 250, 350, 450, AND 550 RMB.

Here’s a taste of what will be on the sale racks -

candy&caviar women’s sample pieces:

candy&caviar men’s sample pieces:

Previous collections’ sample pieces aside, fashionites can also be the first to view and purchase new items from candy&caviar’s upcoming Spring 2013 collection and showroom exclusives.

Remember, this is first come, first serve!  To avoid unnecessary stress and possibly bloodshed (I fear cat fights will break out over these pieces), you should plan to be the first to come through her doors at 10:30AM SHARP on Saturday morning.

Don’t be late for this candy&caviar buffet or you’ll be left with nothing.

Happy Shopping!

candy&caviar Showroom Sale Details:

• Dates: Saturday, March 31-Friday, April 6, 2012
• Time: Daily 10:30AM-5:30PM
• Location: candy&caviar showroom
• Address:  北京市朝阳区建国路 89号华贸商务楼4号楼1905室, China Central Place, Building 4, Suite 1905 Beijing, China
• Tel: 5203-6581
• Website: www.candyandcaviar.com

Drink Success at ExecutiV+ Event at V Plus Lounge

Generally this sort of event would not be publicized out to the masses, but the Street Hustle Promotions Team has granted me permission to share this semi-private event with my LDS readers.

It will be hosted at the new, swanky V Plus Lounge in Gongti so expect plenty of free flowing champagne, as they call it - “the drink of success” and feel the “power” of being…in power?  If you’re not in power yet, you can at least mingle with those who are and hope that some of that “power” will latch itself onto you by mere proximity.

You gotta love the tag line to promote this event -

“Executive is a ”Power” that few hold, but many seek Come see where Executives come to party and Feel that ”Power”.  A night for the decision makers in or visiting our fair city.”

It’s not exactly clear what’s going down at V+ Lounge for this event, but expect to see plenty of name-card swamping and both social and professional networking.  Should be a great event to meet people and who knows? Opportunity could be knocking on your door sooner than you’d expect!

Event Details: 

• Date: Saturday, March 24, 2012

• Time: Begins at 9:30PM

• Location: V Plus Lounge

• Address: Party Floor, Bldg 3, China View, Gongti East Road, 工体东路，中国红街3座

• Request for Invitation: Email info@streethustlepromotions.com or call 8587 1233

  

LDS Hook-Up: Win a FREE Wear-and-Tear Bracelet!

Wear-and-Tear is an awesome accessories brand  collection I became acquainted with last year thanks to Beijing’s fashion queen Alice McInerney.

Now that she’s launched AnyShopStyle.cn, she’s got the inside scoop on the new spring collections by Hong Kong brand Wear-and-Tear.

“Building upon designer Cheung Lik’s iconic layering techniques, the latest looks merge a new fusion of hobo and urban aesthetics to the label’s signature handcrafted jewellery line by mismatching various contrasting elements and colours. Delicately embellished chains are interwoven with vibrant thread-work, metallic leather and multi-coloured nylon cords. Guaranteed to add edge to your springtime style.”                                          - Alice McInerney, founder of AnyShopStyle.cn

I love this new Blossom Binnen Bracelet and I’ll be trying to win this bracelet as well, but I figured I ought to share this awesome deal with my dear LDS readers.

Here’s how you can win it!

LDS HOOK-UP

Thanks to Alice McInerney, founder of AnyShopStyle.cn,  you can try for your chance to win a FREE Wear-and-Tear Blossom Binnen Bracelet from Lik’s latest collection made from plate brass and colourful red, gold and blue twisted cord.

Question: Where is designer Cheung Lik from? 

For a chance of winning, email your name, details and the correct answer to the following question to info@anyshopstyle.cn.

Deadline is Friday, March 30.