Get Wine’d Up After Work: Modo’s Spring Wine Promo

Seems a bit silly to talk about Spring after a massive snow dump in Beijing this past weekend, but it is mid-March and regardless of the wacky weather, I do feel the revitalizing Spring energy in the air!

How appropriate that Modo just launched their new Spring Wine Promotion with half-priced wines during weekday (Mon-Thurs) After-Work Happy Hour from 6-8PM available NOW until the end of May 2012.

“Hip up your week with an after-work wined-up. Get your hands on MODO’s self service wine bar and taste 8 different wine labels by the glass, half priced from Mondays to Thursdays, 6pm to 8pm. The 8 wines are available in MODO’s Enomatic wine dispenser machine; top up a wine card with any credit and enjoy the tasting at half priced glasses.”                              

- Christina Aman Riglet, Modo & Mosto’s Marketing Manager

Modo’s Magical Enomatic Wine Dispenser Machine

A bit of Gossip from the “M” Team:

Sister restaurant Mosto is expanding their space to include “open more seats, a private dining room and more outdoor seats for terrace aficionados!”  Expected new space opening within next two weeks!  Stay tuned for an updated LDS review of Mosto and their newly expanded space!

LDS Links to Previous Articles on MODO:

*Modo’s One Year Anniversary Small Plate Feast

*Modo Monsters Devour New Menu

*LumDimSummary: Modo’s Charity Dinner for Japan

*More Reasons to Love Modo (Modo’s crazy cool wine dispensers have got wine geeks hooked)

*Do It the “Modo Way”

Modo’s Contact Details:

• Located between Karaiya Spice House and Tony Studio on 3rd Floor of Sanlitun Village: S10-31, 3/F, Bldg 8, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Rd

• 三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区8号楼S10-31

• Tel: 6415-7207

SWITCH! Grill Switches Back On in New Location

SWITCH! is a contemporary lounge and grill concept by Chef Billy Kawaja and his Canadian catering and special events team Culinary Capers. (Note: Billy is now the President of Culinary Capers and exec chef is Heinz Klenner)

They originally opened in 798 Art District in 2010 and my first dining experience there was for a BJ FOoDiEs monthly charity dinner after they first opened where I got my first taste of their playful, innovative creations (they made a killer Strawberry Pepper Martini and was a fan of their prawn tacos), their massive open kitchen experience and friendly team of culinary experts.

SWITCH! was definitely my go-to spot whenever I was in the 798 area, but I was never a regular visitor to the neighborhood so I was delighted when I heard that they were moving to a new location just across Swissotel  in Regent Land Apartment on the southeast corner of Dongsishitiao.

This past Friday night, the Culinary Capers team not only hosted a big celebration for the restaurant’s Grand Opening, it also happened to be Billy Kawaja’s birthday!

Happy Birthday Chef Billy! (President of the Culinary Capers Catering Team in Beijing)

The event on Friday was such a treat and I am so grateful for the invitation.  Featuring wines sponsored by The Wine Republic and tasty canapés pouring out of their kitchen, it was a failed effort to try not to spoil my appetite before my (pre-arranged) dinner plans that night!  To make this point further, I should also mention that the dishes were so impressive, I completely blanked on getting snapshots of the first round of canapés that was served, which is such a shame because they were so beautifully and creatively presented.  My favorite dish was a beef canapé that was rolled onto a magically vertical standing fork.  Alas, you’ll just have to use your imagination to figure that one out, but I managed to run around and try to capture the majority of the canapés that were served.

Hopefully, I’ve also been able to capture a sense of the lively atmosphere and contemporary design of the new SWITCH! Grill venue.  I very much love the open mezzanine 2nd floor and high ceilings with contemporary Chinese art spotted throughout the venue, a nice tribute to their first restaurant location.

Check out the delicious spread of treats we tasted and you’ll understand why I couldn’t resist trying a bit of everything! 

LumDimSum Snapshots of SWITCH! Grill’s New Restaurant Opening Party: 

Grand Opening Party Wine Selection (by The Wine Republic)

Tasty Dips and Snacks

Pumpkin Soup Cups / Pretty Prawn Canapés

Diced Tuna on Chips & Chicken Skewers

Pizza & Salmon Canapés

Mini Ice Cream Cones (Flavors: Black Pepper, Raspberry & Chocolate)

SWITCH! Grill Contact Details:

• Address: Regent Land Apartment (across from Swissotel) No. 66 Gongti Beilu, Dong Cheng District  东城区工体北路66号瑞士公寓

• Tel: 6553 5691

• Website: www.SWITCHrestaurants.com

  

LDS SH Gossip: 2 Restaurant Openings Summer 2012!

To wrap up my brief trip to Shanghai last week, I’ll explain that although I had the privilege to enjoy a few spectacular meals (at Kappo Yu and Franck), it was not a trip of leisure, but one with a very specific purpose.  And although there has yet to be an official announcement of what’s to come, I’ll be the first to leak a few juicy tid bits of two upcoming new restaurant projects by the Haiku by Hatsune Restaurant Group in Shanghai.

The Haiku by Hatsune Restaurant Group is expanding their ever-growing portfolio to include two exciting new projects: a third Haiku by Hatsune in Jinqiao 金桥 just across the way from Green Sports & Leisure Center and the project I’m most thrilled about – an innovative Southeast Asian crab restaurant in Xintiandi 新天地.

There are currently four restaurants under the Hatsune umbrella in Shanghai including two branches of Haiku by Hatsune (Taojiang Lu and IFC Mall), Kagen Teppanyaki (next to Haiku by Hatsune on Taojiang lu) and Sushi Inc. (in Citigroup Tower on Huayuanshiqiao Lu 花园石桥路).

While the concept of another Haiku by Hatsune branch is nothing new to the Shanghai dining scene, I am most excited about the design of this new venue.

For those who have spent meal after meal in Beijing’s Hatsune branch in Sanlitun Village, you may have noticed the underwater, aquatic themes evident throughout the restaurant from the waterfall glass door entrance, oceanic ground flooring and the stream of fish swimming across the restaurant into a spiraling mass in the center of restaurant’s high-ceilings.  The new Haiku by Hatsune in Jinqiao will showcase a contrasting theme of a rocky mountain face featuring tiered seating, a partially enclosed sushi bar area to portray a cave-like feeling and the best part is that this will be the one and only restaurant that will combine both Haiku and Kagen Teppanyaki restaurant concepts. One side of the restaurant will be dedicated to the firing grills of Kagen Teppanyaki while the other will serve Haiku’s finest California-style Japanese sushi.

In the 5 1/2 years I’ve been living in China, I’ve only made a handful of trips down to Shanghai so I am not very familiar with Shanghai’s breakdown of neighborhoods, hang outs and communities, but I had the chance to explore Jinqiao and notice that this area draws a striking resemblance to Shunyi in Beijing.  If only Shunyi had as many restaurant choices and something comparable to Jinqiao’s Green Sports & Leisure Center! What a great community center for families in the area. I have no doubt that the newest Haiku by Hatsune venture will feel right at home in this welcoming new neighborhood.

And quite opposite to the Jinqiao neighborhood scene is the bustling, trend-setting Xintiandi area which was one of the first areas of Shanghai I quickly became acquainted with. Great nightlife options from the high-energy live music venue Brown Sugar to all the restaurants that line the street. Haiku’s newest project is a Southeast Asian Crab Restaurant that is truly a labor of love, drawing inspiration from the top crab recipes all across the world and although the restaurant’s menu will be headlining its crab dishes, they will also feature a very select range of Southeast Asian tapas, seafood and desserts. I’m really not wanting to spill too many secrets, but this project gives me butterflies just thinking about it and I can’t wait to be the first in line on opening day!

And of course a trip wouldn’t be complete without a tasting of the new project’s specialty…

Crab by Haiku in Shanghai’s Newest Project in Xintiandi

IWD: Celebrate a World of Wonderful Women

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”

- Diane Mariechild  

All of us, no matter how big or how small, whether male or female — we all owe our lives to a woman so how can it be that in this modern day and age that gender discrimination and sexism still exist? How can there still be so many patriarchal societies that continue to repress and hinder the growth and potential of women? Do they really believe that women are less capable and inferior to men? How can we reach out to the millions of muffled female voices and champion their cause?

Here is a world where women have no human rights, where they have no opportunities to make choices for themselves, where they’re often married before they’re 16, where they’re not allowed an education or even to be seen outside in public with a male member of her family.  Here is a woman to beat all odds and was able to show Afghanistan in a different light, to empower girls to do something forbidden, and to be an advocate for women’s rights.

If you have 13 minutes to spare, see this Tedx video of a very inspiring woman – Shamila Kohestani.

This is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future.

“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.”

- Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

International Woman’s Day is a chance to celebrate the wonderful women of our world…and treat her to a spa day!

There are actually a ton of great events going on around town at various restaurants and bars, but it’s hard to beat out a hour or two of pure relaxation at a proper spa retreat. And that’s where Hummingbird comes in!

All women are treated to mega discounts on all massage services and early birds also get to pick from a basket of additional spa services. (details below)

Happy Women’s Day!

x  LDS

A Hutong Taco Bar Coming to Beijing Summer 2012

Hutong Taco Bar Sneak Peek

It was a tragedy when Casa Latina, an authentic Cuban restaurant, closed its doors last year, but there is yet hope for authentic tacos in Beijing! Last weekend, I was lucky enough to score an invite to test taste some tacos for a new Taco Bar in the hutongs with an opening scheduled late summer 2012.  The owner and think tank behind this project would like to remain as mysterious as possible for the time being, but this guy is the real deal.

I’m not going to disclose his name for the time being, but what I can say – he’s from Texas and has had most of his culinary training in high-end French cuisine, but recently decided to leave that life behind in pursuit of travel and culinary exploration through Asia. He’s only been in Beijing for about half a year, but already, he’s caught the entrepreneurial start-up bug that’s inspired him to give Beijingers what’s we’re missing – legit tacos in a down-to-earth, no-fuss hutong bar serving a very specific menu with about 5 different tacos, a few sides, a couple desserts and a few Mexican drinks including margaritas and of course tequila shots!

Location is yet to be confirmed, but he’s keen to uncover a cozy little nook in the Dongsishitiao neighborhood.

What impressed me most – everything we tasted was made from scratch – even the tortilla chips were his creation!

We helped ourselves to three taco varieties, and were carefully instructed in how to add on the appropriate toppings – 1. spicy veggie tacos (mostly mushrooms and peppers) with Mexican rice with corn, 2. pork shredded Carnitas with pickled onions and a squirt of fresh lime, and 3. slow-cooked beef tacos topped with cilantro, sliced radish, diced onions and a splash of his homemade salsa mix.

There was also refried beans which were meant to be a side, but I just threw that in to the mix of each of my tacos (why not?) and one of the highlights of my meal was his corn on the cob, which was meant to be grilled for a smoky flavor, but due to kitchen restraints, he was limited to baking his corn with paprika and feta cheese crumbled on top.  That was delicious.  He was not even that ecstatic about how the corn came out, but it was already a crowd favorite.

Taco Fillings and Toppings:

Spicy Veggie Mix / Refried Beans

Pulled Pork for Carnitas / Slow-cooked Beef

Mexican Rice with Corn and Baked Corn of the Cob with Feta Cheese

Veggie Taco Close-Up

And the verdict on his tacos? Considering every homemade taco wrap (both corn and flour base wraps) were demolished, I would say we are now all his new biggest advocates!

The pulled pork was so tender, these carnitas really reminded me of the famous Pulled Pork sandwiches at Home Plate Bar-B-Que. And I was also a fan of the veggie taco, but I also love shiitake mushrooms.  I think generally it would be best to keep a vegetarian option on the menu, but knowing how many of my fellow foodies are anti-mushrooms, I would hope they would eventually incorporate more veggie variety into the mix.

I didn’t get a chance to taste test any dessert this time around, but the chips and salsa and guacamole were very good, and his homemade chips were addicting. Once you started, you really had to refrain yourself to stop going back for more every two seconds!

This was not a part of the tasting, but since I never like to turn up empty-handed, I thought it would be nice to share some tasty desserts and it was also an excuse for me to finally try out freshly-baked cookies from Cookie’s Cookie Shop by NOLA chef Brandon Trowbridge. Check out LDS article here on this hidden hutong cookie delivery service!

They distribute these cookies at Nola, but I picked them up from their other location at Hutong Pizza (you can order delivery and pick up from here), and picked four unique flavors:

1. Brown Butter Chocolate Chip

2. Polynesian – White Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts, Coconut and Pineapple

3. Gouqi Oatmeal – Oatmeal cookie with Gouqi berries and almonds

4. Peanut Butter Cup – Peanut Butter Cookie with Chunks of Chocolate

   Cookie Verdict:  They were good, and I would definitely order them again but they were much smaller than expected and if you go into Hutong Pizza to order, you have to wait about 45 minutes (they bake them fresh right then and there) and selection is smaller than online.  In the future, I would really only plan to order online to avoid the 45 min wait at pick-up.

   To order cookies, click on their website here for a selection of all their creative flavors and price list.

Four Variety of Freshly Baked Cookies from Cookie’s Cookie Shop

Treat Your Feet to Hummingbird’s Warm Chocolate Therapeutic Lotion

 Try Hummingbird’s New Warm Chocolate Therapeutic Lotion

It’s no secret I’m a big fan of Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat.  I’ve been one of their best advocates since my first massage there (Hummingbird’s Signature 4-hand massage) when their first branch opened in Central Park in March 2011. Since then, I’ve been going there regularly for all my facials, foot and body massages and it’s even where I purchase gift vouchers for friends’ birthday presents.

Since I’ve been back to Beijing after a 3-week trip to the States over Christmas and New Years holiday at the beginning of 2012, Hummingbird’s newest branch, the Wellness Spa (their bigger branch in Central Park), has launched a series of new treatments and promotions.

Most recently, I tested out their “Jet Lag 2-hour Remedy Massage” using their new therapeutic, warm chocolate-scented lotion! I generally find food-smelling lotions or skin products to be a bit odd, but this is a royal treat for your to little toesies.

The first hour of the treatment, you are treated to their Oriental Body Massage to loosen your body up, rid your body of leftover jet lag fatigue and get you relaxed from head to toe.  Afterwards, you are led into a separate foot massage room where the 1-hour Foot Reflexology is focused entirely on recirculating the blood in your feet and legs and using this warm, chocolate scented therapeutic lotion to both moisturize and relieve muscle aches.

“When travelling legs and feet swell up and lose blood circulation, so this massage is designed to recirculate blood and get rid of any leftover jet lag fatigue! We are importing a protein enriched lotion from the US that heals dry skin and leaves your feet soft and moisturized (and delicious smelling, I’ve tried it haha). Each contain an exclusive blend of essential oils and botanicals that restores fluids and relieves muscle aches.” – Kelli Chew, PR Director of Hummingbird

With Valentine’s Day quickly creeping up on us, Hummingbird is treating all couples to try out their new, 2-hour warm chocolate lotion Foot Reflexology and Oriental Massage treatment for RMB 660 per couple, including complimentary glasses of champagne!  

*For the time being, Hummingbird is really only offering their warm chocolate option, but in the future, I am told they will also give customers a range of other options including Lemongrass Lychee and Peppermint (ideal for summertime).

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

If you’re a chocolate fiend like me, you might want to check out The Hutong’s Valentine’s Chocolate Feast with Chef Sue teaching couples three new chocolate treats - Chocolate and Orange Duck, Nutella and Hazelnut Glutinous Rice Balls and Banana Chocolate Dumplings.

Banana Chocolate Dumplings?!?!  Yes, and they are really good!

Why am I talking about Hummingbird and jumping over to chocolate cooking classes at The Hutong?  Well, anyone who signs up for this chocolate cooking class will also be entitled to a special discount to Hummingbird’s 2-hour chocolate treatment package.

Click here to sign up and get the chocolate hook-up!

The Hutong’s Valentine’s Chocolate Feast with Chef Sue

The Hutong Contact Details: 

Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong 东城区九道弯中巷1号

Contact: info@thehutong.com

Map & Directions: Click here.

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.