The Orchid’s Private Residences: Savvy Staycation

Introducing The Orchid’s New Private Residences

My choice recommendation for out of town guests is always The Orchid.

A boutique hotel nestled in the hutongs by Gulou, the Orchid represents everything that I love about Beijing’s hutongs. A peaceful, zen-inducing traditional Chinese courtyard surrounded by green trees and a second floor dining room with a rooftop terrace that’s one of the most gorgeous that this city has to offer.

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To Boldly Go: Beyond Yakitori

Before I begin this review, note that everything that was seen and eaten was a preview version of the restaurant and may not be entirely representative of the final product, but based on the strength of our first tasting, I strongly urge all foodies to make Beyond Yakitori a priority visit once it soft-opens on July 2nd (they plan to officially open mid-July).

Located in the Topwin Centre (same building as the Mercedes Me project), Beyond Yakitori is on the 3rd floor alongside a bunch of other restaurants who also seem to be just opened or in the process of opening very soon. It specialises, as you might have guessed, in Yakitori; aka Japanese chuanr.

LDS Snapshots of Beyond Yakitori:

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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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The Hatchery: Reinvigorated Soul Bowls Soft Opening

Soul Bowls Weekday Lunch + Weekend Brunch Serves Food for the Soul

The successful food pop-up that was first launched at The Bookworm before the Hatchery opened at the beginning of 2016, Soul Bowls is back by popular demand and will be available for weekday lunch and weekend brunch at The Hatchery starting TODAY.

Featuring wholesome and delicious dishes, this is exactly the type of food that we should all be eating on a more regular basis – food that is good for the body, mind and soul. And don’t let the name mislead you – while they have plenty of yummy foods appropriately served in bowls, they also have a fantastic line-up of fresh brioche sandwiches and a full Soul Bowls Breakfast (photo above), perfect to get your day/weekend off to a happy start.

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Botany: Private Handcraft Cocktail Bar by Frankie Zou

Beijing’s bar scene has been hit hard recently, with the closure of Ichikura, The Den and several other stalwarts. But as ever with the city, development continues unabated. And with that in mind, I have the honour of presenting to you, what I think has the potential to be the bar known for having the best cocktails in Beijing.

I was privileged to be invited to an exclusive tasting by owner Frankie Zou. Frankie has previously worked for Maison Boulud, TRB and Domus, so rest assured, this is no upstart. Botany is the name of a company Frankie set up in 2009 in order to create much of the product that he wanted and needed for his cocktail making. Now, it has been transformed into his very own bar.

Located in the Yongli Guoji apartments (NOT the shopping center portion!), Botany is very reminiscent of a speakeasy. You will not find this place unless Frankie wants you to! Pray that he does though, because it is incredible.

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