Enoterra Turns 5: Birthday Wine & Tapas Carnival

Need I say more?

Enoterra Wine Bar & Restaurant is one of the best places in Beijing to enjoy quality, affordable wines. That is something worth raising your glass for!

Celebrate the past 5 years of success together with Enoterra Wine Bar & Restaurant with unlimited tapas and wine for only RMB 200 per person, a ridiculously good deal for all-you-can-drink wine and tapas all night.

I have no doubt the place will be a madhouse more than a birthday carnival with a deal like this.

I just hope for Enoterra’s sake that everyone and their mom won’t be taking advantage of this “too good to be true” promise…!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, May 18, 2012

• Time: 6PM-late

• Location: Enoterra Wine Bar & Restaurant

• Address: D405, Nali Huayuan, 81 Sanlitun Beilu,

  三里屯北路81号那里花园D405

• Tel: 5208-6076

• Contact:  info@enoterra.net

You Can’t Buy Love, But You Can Buy Dinner: Beijing’s Top Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinners

Love is in the air…or so all Valentine’s Day advocates dreamily proclaim. But if you’re not a fan of all that sappy, lovey-dovey nonsense, just look forward to all the extra chocolates and treats that come along with this holiday!

This holiday gets a bad rap because of all the romantic pressure and unnecessary expectations associated with this day, but regardless of whether or not you are single, why not make the most of this day and take it for what it is. I say, think of this day as an excuse to pamper and treat yourself to a special dinner at one of Beijing’s top restaurants and milk this holiday for all its worth (you just have to bear through it once a year)!

You don’t have to be in love to love to eat good food and sweets!

Happy Valentine’s feasting to all my fellow foodies! 

Valentine’s Day Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. Agua

Chef Jordi has created a passionate, mouth-watering 4-course Spanish meal for two for RMB 488 per person.

RSVP: 5208-6188

2. Black Sesame Kitchen

For Valentine’s Day, Black Sesame Kitchen is hosting a candle-lit, communal dinner featuring ten aphrodisiac-inspired dishes and free-flow Jeio prosecco along with their standard selection of red and white wine. With only 20 seats available, RSVP with them early! Dinner is RMB 500 per guest.

RSVP: 136-9147-4408 or email blacksesamekitchen@gmail.com

BSK’s Communal V-Day Dinner

Pan Fried Pork and Fennel Dumplings
Fried Shiitake and Coriander Stir-fry
Pine Nut and Beef Stirfry
Yuxiang Eggplant
Garlic Asparagus
Red Braised Pork Belly
Snow Pea and Chinese Bacon
Wok-Fried Bamboo Shoots
Cashew Kungpao Chicken
Candied Bananas and Ice Cream

3. Capital M

“A sensuous, sumptuous Valentine’s dinner, our roaring fireplaces, and a breathtaking view of Beijing ~ all the ingredients to create a perfect Valentine’s evening.”

What is more impressive than Capital M’s romantic ambiance?  The 7-course line-up of treats to spoil love birds who also happen to be foodies! Check out the meal below (wine pairing list to supplement each course) -

Capital M’s ‘Love on the Square’ Valentine’s Dinner

~ From Scandinavia with Love ~

house-cured ‘Gravlax’ with sweet mustard sauce

and M’ ‘s own hot-smoked salmon with sharp horseradish cream

Loire Sauvignon Blanc Henri Bourgeois 2009 Loire Valley

**

~Lovebirds in a rich Consommé with black truffle tortellini~

Rosé Pinot Noir Yering Station 2008 Yarra Valley

**

~Luscious Turbot Fillets~

 sitting on a saffron & champagne sabayon

Bourgogne Chardonnay Vincent Girardin 2009 Burgundy

**

A Seductive Thyme & Lime Sorbet with a dash of Campari

**

~  Sweetheart Beef Wellington ~

Best fillet of beef wrapped in pastry with duxelles and foie gras, served with creamy zucchini gratin, crisp potato galette and confit’d vine tomatoes

Shiraz Leeuwin Estate ‘Siblings’ 2008 Margaret River

**

~”Folie-a-Deux” ~ Baked Alaska Flambé~

served with a pot of warm red berries

Château La Grave Sainte-Croix du Mont 2005 Bordeaux

**

Petit Fours ~ Sweet Treats for my Valentine

RMB 688 per person (With wine pairing add RMB 388 per person)

RSVP:  6702-2727, reservations@capital-m-beijing.com

4. Gung Ho!’s Heart Pizza

To celebrate this most romantic of holidays, Pizza Genius John O is literally giving you his heart (-shaped pizza combo) for RMB 198. Available from February 6th to the 19th and now you can order online!  They are also entering everyone who grabs a combo into their special Valentines draw for a chance to win some great prizes!

RSVP: • Lido GHP HQ: 5135 8557 /Sanlitun Branch: 8587 1404 / 8587 1370  or email: johnandjade@gunghopizza.com

GHP’s Heart Shaped Combo 198rmb:

One Large Heart Shaped Pizza (any kind)

One medium “Our Fave” salad

Cheese balls

Four Egg Tarts

Two “Cool Drinks”

5. Lollipop Bakery

Is it possible to love someone more than cupcakes?  I should hope so!  Show your Valentine how much you care with these cupcakes by Lollipop Bakery.  RMB 340 per dozen.

To Order: Call 13552772683 or email Cupcakes@LollipopBakery.cn 

6. Migas

“Chef Aitor Olabegoya has prepared an 8-course menu that is sure to sweep you both of you of your feet.”

Migas’ 8-course Valentine’s Day dinner menu for two is set at RMB 700, which includes two glasses of Mumm Champagne. Migas will also be offering discounts on bottles of Arzuaga wines.

RSVP: 5208 6061

7. Modo

“Share the love” over Chef Daniel’s 4-course Valentine’s Day dinner. RMB 380 per person.

RSVP: 6415-7207

8. Mosto 

Chef Daniel at Mosto has designed a very special “Be My Valentine” dinner at RMB 420 per person.

RSVP: 5208-6030

9. Obentos

If you’re having a V-Day dinner in, Obentos will also be a great option with a discount on bento boxes ordered after 6PM and two free desserts included! Try their chocolate tofu, it’s my favorite.

To Order: Call 6597 0085 / 6597 0223, www.obentos.com

 10. Pie House

Just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth with some seriously delicious desserts? These cakes looks phenomenal.

I’m seriously tempted to order their Strawberry Cheese Mousse Cake and eat it myself. This cake is RMB 169 for 6 inch cake. Or you can also order their “Berry Romantic Gift Box” for RMB 189 (includes both strawberry and raspberry mousses in heart-shaped cakes). Available from Feb. 12-15.

To Order: www.piehouse.com.cn  or call 010-51664464 (free delivery within 5th Ring Road)

11. SALT

SALT has designed a romantic 4-course Valentine’s Day Dinner for RMB 428 which includes a Rossini Cocktail made with pureed strawberries or glass of bubbly.

RSVP: 6437 8457; contact: info@saltrestaurantbeijing.com

 Tuesday February 14, 2012, 6-10.30pm

4 Courses + Rossini Cocktail or Glass of Bubbly 428 rmb

Duval Leroy Champagne 588 rmb

I

Poached Prawn Bisque, Fennel, Orange, Basil, 

Semi-Dried Tomato Open Lasagna

II

Veal-Foie GrasTortellini, Crumbled Aged Pecorino, Truffled Veal Consommé

or

Smoked Cheese-Grated Spinach-Ricotta Tortellini, Pesto,

Seasonal Mushrooms, Parmesan (v)

III

Beef Tenderloin, Smoked Aubergine Puree, Portobello Mushrooms, Grilled Garlic Shoots, Madeira-Truffle Sauce

or

Cider Braised Cod, Truffled Cod Brandade, Cauliflower Emulsion, Black Olive Bread, Green Apple, Mediterranean Vinaigrette

or

Parmesan-Wild Mushroom Risotto, Cep-Truffle Cappuccino, Parsley Oil, Ruccula, Balsamic Reduction (v)

IV

Passionfruit Panna Cotta, Red Fruits, Strawberry-Champagne Infusion

or

Seasonal Fruits, Orange Tulip, Warm Swiss Chocolate Fondue

or

Reversed Apple Tart Tatin, Cinnamon Caramel Mou, Walnuts, Vanilla  

13. Sureno

Sureno’s V-day dinner is split into two “Valentina” and “Valentino” set dinners – she is treated to seabass, crab bisque, lobster and a white chocolate dome with raspberry while his menu features foie gras and Wagyu beef. Is it wrong if I prefer the “Valentino” option? RMB 628 for each of the 4-course menus and a glass of champagne.

RSVP: 6410-5240

14.Temple Restaurant Beijing(TRB)

As expected, Temple is going all out for couples with a 6-course dinner menu inclusive of poached lobster, Wagyu beef and passion fruit parfait for dessert. Price per couple is RMB 1,288 plus surcharge.

RSVP: 8400 2232

15. Terra

Terra’s 3-course Valentine’s Day dinner is also is packed with options per each course and a full of fresh seafood and roast options.

RSVP: 6591 9148

Terra’s 3-course Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu

I

Clementine Salad, Ruccula, Figs, Ricotta, Pistachios, Beetroot, 

Champagne Vinaigrette (v)

or

Hot Prawn Ceviche, Citrus Crustacean Broth Poached Prawns, Baby Carrots, Asparagus, Fava Beans, Glazed Sweet Potato      

or

“Chupe” South American Seafood Soup,Rice, Corn, Quail Egg, 

Fresh Cheese

or

Wild Salmon Anticucho, Garlic-Parsley Baby Potatoes,

Argentinean Chimichurri 

II

South American Style Roast Suckling Pig, Spiced Apples, Char-Grilled Vegetable Salad, Polenta, Cider-Pork Reduction

or

Duo of Duck: Duck Leg Confit, Smoked Duck Breast, Foie Gras, 

Corn Soufflé, Figs, Mini Vegetables, Roast Duck Jus

or

Braised Cod, Potato-Cherry Tomato Tatin, Saffron Scent,

New Zealand Mussel-Manila Clam Hearty Broth

or

Wild Mushroom Risotto, Mascarpone, Ruccula, Parmesan (v)

Optional: Scallops and Prosciutto

III

Passionfruit Tres Leches, Strawberry Foam, Vanilla

or

     Yoghurt Panna Cotta, Truffle-Lavender Honey, Red Fruits, 

Raspberry Foam

or

Chocolate Soufflé Cake, White Chocolate Centre, Passionfruit, Vanilla

or

Indulge in Hummingbird’s Spa Treatments

Whether you’re single or not, who doesn’t love some extra “me” time? Hummingbird is treating you to an extra foot massage with each facial booked or a free head & shoulder massage with every 90 minute massage.

Happy Valentine’s Day

BJ FOoDiEs ‘Magic’ Dinner & Hilton’s Charity Auction

The first BJ FOoDiEs event of 2012 is setting up to be a double-whammy!  Switching things up, this is one of the very first times that a BJ FOoDiEs dinner will not be held on a Sunday, but on a Friday night. And since most of those in attendance have a charitable heart and generous spirit, it only makes sense to see BJ FOoDiEs teaming up with the Hilton Beijing, The Beijing Beatles, and Hoegaarden for the 2012 Charity Auction!

So mark you calendars for next Friday, February 10 for a night dedicated to the spirit of generous giving and good food. Not only will foodies be spoiled with a special dinner, those who make the highest bids for Beijing’s Dashing Bachelors and Bachelorettes will again be once again rewarded with another dinner at One East!

The night’s rundown is quite packed in, so by signing up for the BJ FOoDiEs dinner, you’re also signing yourself up for a full-on charitable evening with all proceeds going to two very special charitable organizations: Morning Tears and Magic Hospital.

First off, foodies are treated to an indulgent, 3-course contemporary American meal at One East in the Hilton Beijing hotel.

While the restaurant is said to specialize in Steaks & Burgers, the BJ FOoDiEs dinner unfortunately will be serving neither.  But alas, you can enjoy everything from a crustacean sea platter this eatery combines hearty US dishes with a swig of innovative californian flavors

“Be WARNED – This is going to be a night of feasting, drinking, debauchery & party-tastic times.  It’s going to be one of the best TGIF CELEBRATIONS so do join us for the night….we’ll hopefully all remember it the next morning. WoOT WOOT ” – Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDiEs

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/

The Orchid & Great Leap: Chinese New Years Eve Party

 Of all the Chinese New Year celebrations I’ve heard of, The Orchid Boutique Hotel‘s party is the first one to really spark my interest.

Set in a uniquely traditional, classically beautiful setting, this boutique hotel is located in a traditional Chinese courtyard and with the contemporary twist of featuring Western management and service. Having the best of both worlds, this seems like the natural choice for an ideal venue to ring in the Chinese New Year.

For this annual celebration, they are opening up to their space to the first 100 who sign up.  Teaming up with the guys at Great Leap Brewery, they are offering all-you-can-drink Great Leap beers and their signature house mulled wine for RMB 350 (RMB 300 pre-sale). One of the best views of fireworks in the city, party begins at 9PM.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, January 22, 2012
• Time: 9PM-late
• Location: The Orchid Hotel
• Address & Map: See below
• Website: Click here.

Snapshots of The Orchid Hotel:

Directions to The Orchid Boutique Hotel:

From Gulou Dong DaJie (Gulou East Street) simply walk ~200 meters up along the main Baochao Hutong alley, past the large military airforce base on your right, past Dali Ren Jia Yunnan restaurant and just up to Mr. Shi’s dumplings. The Orchid is only 5 meters beyond Mr. Shi’s dumplings. Look to your left for a very thin alleyway with The Orchid’s large white entranceway at the end.

Address:
#65 Baochao Hutong, Guloudong Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100009
北京市东城区鼓楼东大街宝钞胡同65号
Map
Tel: +(86) 10-84044818

LumDimSummary: The 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open

L-to-R: 2nd place Sam Hulbert (USA), 1st place Juuso Laivisto (FIN), 3rd place Roope Tonteri (FIN)

For the second time at the TTR 5Star 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open, Juuso Laivisto (FIN) reclaims his throne (he won first place in 2010) winning first place in this year’s 10th Annual Red Bull Nanshan Open.

Although US rider Sam Hulbert was ranked first going into the Super Finals, Juuso stole the show hitting a “back-to-back bs900 mutes, followed by a 50-50 to method on the polejam, bs lipslide on the downrail finishing off in style with a tweaked out fs360 nosebonk on the Red Bull cube.”  If you don’t speak “snowboarding”, then just imagine a lot of super fast spinning flying off massive kickers.

“It’s been awesome to see how the event has grown the last few years, and to see such legends in the judging booth made it extra special to win here today!”   - Juuso Laivisto, Winner of Red Bull Nanshan Open 2012

Juuso Laivisto flying off the big kicker. Photo courtesy of PM:Studio

Head judges Iztok Sumatic (SLO) and Ishi (JPN) alongside snowboarding legends Ingemar Backman (SWE), Michi Albin (SWI), Scotty Wittlake (USA), and Alan Wong (PRC/USA) made all the difference in the riders’ performances.

After seeing Roope Tonteri (FIN) rip every run and ranking first after blowing everyone away in the qualifying runs on Saturday, many expected him to come out first in the finals. But I gotta say, I was still rooting for Juuso all along! My favorite rider and good friend from his first trip to Beijing two years back when he won first place in the 8th Red Bull Nanshan Open, I was stoked to see my favorite rider come out first once again!  Super happy to see such a talented rider and happy person do so well and shine so bright in China!

10th Red Bull Nanshan Open Rider Rankings:

The only rider to hit the jib section’s oversized-pipe with a 50-50 to bs360 out after a bs720 to fs1080 on the kicker, Sam Hulbert (USA) took second place in this year’s Nanshan Open. Not too shabby as this was his very first time riding in the Red Bull Nanshan Open!

2nd Place – US Rider Sam Hulbert; photo courtesy of PM:Studio

Like I said earlier, Roope was the anticipated superstar for this year’s Nanshan Open and he definitely blew everyone away in the qualifying rounds. He had the biggest runs and probably would have taken 1st place if he was able to land his attempt at a cab900 indy.

“Roope Tonteri (FIN) unfortunately was unable to stomp what could have been a first place run, landing a cab900 indy but reverting out on his impressive bs1260 mute attempt – still finishing his run off in style with a switch boardslide 270out on the polejam and a lipslide 270out on the downrail, enough for third place.” – Olli Fenwick-Ross, organizer of the Red Bull Nanshan Open and member of the mellowparks.cn team

3rd place – Rider Roope Tonteri (FIN): photo courtesy of PM:Studio

LumDimSum Snapshots of the 10th Annual Red Bull Nanshan Open:

To follow me on Instagram, you can add me: @LumDimSum

A Very Merry Kagen Christmas Charity Party for BICCO

Charity Christmas Dinner at Kagen (photography courtesy of Nora Tejada)

On Saturday, December 10, Kagen Japanese Restaurant hosted a Christmas Charity Dinner to benefit the Disabled Chinese Orphans of BICCO (Beijing International Committee of Chinese Orphans) and with about 130 generous patrons in attendance, we somehow managed to reach our goal of raising over RMB 200,000!  That is an insanely high number because that means each person donated on average RMB 1,500!

Originally, the deal was set that for each ticket sold, RMB 500 would be donated directly to BICCO (which was already really generous of Kagen Restaurant), but in the end, owner Alan Wong generously donated ALL ticket sales to BICCO, meaning that the entire ticket sales (RMB 600 each) went to the children of BICCO.

In addition to ticket sales, we also managed to sell a butt-load of raffle tickets (raising RMB 9,400) and many silent auction prizes went for higher than it’s actual value (raising RMB 31,757).

Combining ticket prices, raffle tickets and silent auction prizes together with many personal donations to our cause, we were able to exceed our goal of more than RMB 200,000 and now Amy Zima and her team of dedicated volunteers are looking to expand their rehabilitation program to at least two other orphanages in China!

A BIG thank you to all our generous sponsors:

• The Wine Republic (who helped supply the 100+wines to bring out the Christmas spirit of giving)

• Heineken Beer for sponsoring 200 bottles of Sol Beer (also helped bring out spirit of giving)

• Ryan Cardwell & Ivy Academy for their Generous sponsorship and partnership in hosting this event

• Acoustic musician David Mitchell for donating both his talent and time to our event

• Photographer Nora Tejada for helping us to capture this unforgettable event

• Beijing Kids for their Media Sponsorship

• Event Volunteers: Ingrid Van Nijverseel, Stephanie Giambruno, Katja Schick, Stephanie Butler, Dannan Hodge, Luce, Christina Lieffring, Romulo Martinez, Kelly Charles, Oumou Barry

• Alan Wong and his Kagen Restaurant (for donating the entire restaurant space and sponsoring the 10-dish meal for everyone that night!)

• Silent Auction Sponsors: 

• A Food Affaire
• Alona Pilates
• Antonia Sampson
• April’s Adornments
• Bodhi Spa
• Chef Too
• Counting Sheep
• Elisabeth Koch Millinery
• Frontiers Chinese School
• GungHo! Pizza
• Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat
• The Hutong
• Ivy Academy
• Le Spa
• Little Gold Book
• LMC Boutique Clothing
• Oumou Jewelry
• Papabubble Candy
• Punjabi Indian Restaurant
• Ritz Carlton
• Scarlett (Hotel G)
• SinoScuba
• Starfish Wine & Seafood Restaurant
• Two Guys and a Pie
• Wondermilk
• Yoga Yard

Snapshots of the BICCO Charity Dinner Silent Auction Tables:

(Photos courtesy of Nora Tejada)

Snapshots of Christmas Charity Fun at Kagen:

(Photos courtesy of Nora Tejada)

Thank you to everyone who generously donated and contributed to our Christmas Charity Event for BICCO. We are in awe of everyone’s generosity and effort towards such a wonderful and dedicated organization!  Excited for some big improvements in 2012!

Kagen Restaurant Details:

• Located below the Original Hatsune on Guanghua Lu
• B1/F, Bldg C, Heqiao Dasha, 8 Guanghua Donglu, Chaoyang District
• 朝阳区光华东路8号和乔大厦C座地下1层
• Tel: 6583-6830

Ready to Rip: Oakley & Shaun White’s Air + Style

Already in its second year, the 6-Star TTR “Oakley & Shaun White Air + Style ” 2011 Contest will be held in Beijing’s Olympic Bird’s Nest this Saturday, December 3.

“With legendary rippers and blossoming young chargers colliding amidst a breathtaking backdrop – including last year’s champion Sebastien Toutant and other Oakley Team Stars like Torstein Horgmo – the event is sure to deliver a spectacle.” – Oakley

Check out Oakley’s Photo Gallery from Air + Style 2010 here.  Photos courtesy of Transworld Snowboarding’s Senior Staff Photographer Frode Sandbech, Oakley’s Senior Staff Photographer Russ Hennings and Sports Marketing Manager Derek Heidt.

Top 16 Event: Rider’s List

1. Sebastien Toutant (Last Year’s Champion) – Oakley, O´Neill, Ride, Red Bull (CAN)
2. Mark McMorris – Oakley, Burton (CAN)
3. Seppe Smits – Anon, Burton, Red Bull (BEL)
4. Halldor Helgason – Oakley, Nike 6.0, Lobster, Monster (ISL)
5. Torstein Horgmo – Oakley, DC, Rockstar (NOR)
6. Nils Arvidsson – Rip Curl, Nitro (SWE)
7. Mikkel Bang – Oakley, Burton, Nike 6.0, Monster (NOR)
8. Eric Willett Smith – Quiksilver (USA)
9. Ulrik Badertscher – Quiksilver, Gnu, Burn (NOR)
10. Marko Grilc – Adidas, Burton, Red Bull (SLO)
11. Sage Kotsenburg – Arnette, Nike 6.0, Nitro, Monster (USA)
12. Ethan Morgan – Electric, Nike 6.0, Bataleon (GER)

Video Teaser on Youku.com Here:

And for all the fans and groupies out there, you can check out the Official After Party at Lantern from 10:30PM-late for your chance to meet the pro-riders.

Featuring DJ Chozie, X.L.F, Elvis T., DJ Weng Weng and DJ QQ.

Save-the-Date: BICCO’s Christmas Charity Dinner

As soon as Thanksgiving is over, the trees, lights and holiday decorations come flooding out as everyone begins gearing up for Christmas and New Years! Hopefully by now, most of you have awoken from your turkey comas and you are in the holiday mind set to begin Christmas shopping and party planning.

There are many upcoming gala dinners, holiday balls and Christmas dinners coming up in the next few weeks, but be sure to mark your calendars and save the date for this event in particular – “Unlock the Future”, which is a Christmas Charity Dinner and Silent Auction that will take place on Saturday, December 10.

We have a goal of raising RMB 200,000 in ONE NIGHT with all funds raised on this evening to be donated to Beijing International Committee for Chinese Orphans (BICCO)‘s Shunyi Orphanage Rehabilitation Program to help support over Chinese orphans and children with disabilities.

“Without this program and the work of BICCO, many of these children would not leave their beds or even have a chance at a potential future outside of the walls of this state-run facility.” – Amy Zima, organizer of Unlock the Future Christmas Charity Dinner

Hosted at Kagen Japanese BBQ Restaurant, there will only be 200 seats available and all charitable guests will be treated to 10 dish menus created by Alan Wong and his top chefs at Kagen, a champagne toast and select wines paired with a lovely meal.

Acoustic musician David Mitchell will be performing several different instruments and there will also be other live music entertainment including some Christmas Caroling (just part of the jolly holiday spirit!).

The event will also be featuring great silent auction prizes including Apple products, a private dinner for 10 at Hatsune by owner Alan Wong paired with wines by Wine Republic (valued at RMB 13,000), a 2-night weekend stay at The Westin, a Hummingbird spa package (valued at RMB 7,000), a GungHo! pizza party, handmade necklaces from April’s Adournments, a custom Hutong Tour by Bespoke Beijing, a Punjabi Indian Feast and with many other restaurant vouchers around town.

Sign up early at either who get pre-sale price RMB 600 or you can also pay RMB 800 at the door (if there are any seats left!).  To book your seats in advance, you can either purchase tickets at Kagen Restaurant, Hatsune Sanlitun branch, or Ivy Academy at East Lake Villas.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, December 10, 2011
• Time: 6:30PM Cocktail Reception, 7:30PM Dinner
• Location: Kagen Japanese Hot Pot & BBQ Restaurant
• Address:  Located below the Original Hatsune on Guanghua Lu
  • B1/F, Bldg C, Heqiao Dasha, 8 Guanghua Donglu, Chaoyang District
  • 朝阳区光华东路8号和乔大厦C座地下1层
• Tickets: Only 200 seats available! RMB 600 (pre-sale), RMB 800 (at the door)
• Tickets are available for sale at Kagen Restaurant, Hatsune Sanlitun restaurant and Ivy School in East Lake Villas (Suite C-101 No. 35, Dongzhimenwai) Call: 8451 1381
• For more information: Call 135 2034 1984

Thanksgiving 2011′s Best Turkey Feast Breakdown

Beijingers are all getting amped up for Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday, November 24.

Whether you’re American or not, everyone can appreciate a massive gathering of friends and family for a full-on feast of turkey and all its fixings! A holiday focused on food and good company, everyone can celebrate Thanksgiving with a home-style meal even if they are so far away from home.

Although I prefer a traditionally home-cooked meal, many who are crammed and just too busy to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen will be happy to know that there is an abundance of amazing venues who would be more than happy to host your friends and loved ones over a massive turkey feast.

Thanksgiving Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. Blue Frog’s 3-course Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner -

Starting early in the afternoon (4PM), you can head to Blue Frog for a 3-course turkey dinner + beverage for RMB 200 per person or RMB 90 per child. 

RSVP: 6417-4030

2. Bread of Life Bakery -

Your savior for traditional holiday pies, cakes and breads including Carrot Cake 180, Pumpkin Roll Cake 180, Chocolate Cake 180, Pumpkin Pie 90, Pecan Pie 140, Apple Crumb Pie 100, Dinner Rolls & Breads, Cookies & Muffins & Cinnamon Rolls.

Minimum order RMB 200, they deliver to your door and deadline for delivery is min. 24 hours in advance. Call 13722622865

3. Chef Too’s Home-Style Thanksgiving Dinner

With their home-style dinner atmosphere and quality comfort food, Chef Too is a very popular destination in Beijing for Thanksgiving.  But with 3-seating times, you can’t hang out all evening and guests are constrained by time limits as the seats will be in high demand! Three seatings: 4.30-6.30pm, 6.30-8.30pm, 8.30-10.30pm. You can look forward to a full-on turkey dinner with giblet gravy, sweet potato and marshmallow casserole and apple and pumpkin pie.

RMB 248 per person, Located Opposite of West gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District; RSVP: 6591 8676

4. Filling Station’s Thanksgiving Dinner

A bit further away as Filling Station is by WAB school, but they have a nice 3-course dinner inclusive of homemade pumpkin soup, roast turkey with all the trimmings (plus a veggie option) and pecan pie. 160RMB per head, bookings only.

RSVP: 8470 3821

5. Lollipop Bakery’s ‘Turkey’ Cupcakes

Choose delicious flavors including spiced pumpkin, you can order these adorable turkey-decorated cupcakes for RMB 340 per dozen.

To order, call: 13552772683 or Email: Cupcakes@LollipopBakery.cn

6. Thanksgiving a la Maison:

An elegant Thanksgiving dinner by Executive Chef Brian Reimer. 6-10pm.

Price: RMB 488+15% per person, Located: Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District

RSVP: 6559 9200

7. The Orchard’s Thanksgiving Buffet:

From 6PM-10PM, the Orchard will be serving their version of a Thanksgiving buffet dinner or as theBeijinger likes to call it “Beijing’s only multicultural Thanksgiving buffet, sans colonial connotations.” RMB 300 (adults), RMB 150 (kids 4-12, kids under 4 eat free).

Located: From Jingshun Lu, turn left (west) at Shunbai Lu Intersection (turn at the driveway just west of the Hegezhuang Village sign), Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Shunyi District, Beijing  北京市顺义区崔各庄乡何各庄村

RSVP: 6433 6270

8.  THANKSGIVING AT SALT:

Starting at 6pm, SALT is hosting their annual Thanksgiving dinner, this time it’s 5-courses at RMB 368. Choice of three mains: Roasted Turkey, Salmon or Scallop-Mushroom Risotto.

RSVP: 6437-8457

See menu below:

Thanksgiving Menu

Ruccula, Clementine Salad, Goat’s Cheese, Pistachios, Beetroot, Champagne Dressing

 Roast Pumpkin-Pine Nut Foam, Smoked Duck Breast Ham, Ginger, Pears, Spiced Bread 

Prawn & Chicken Ballotine, Romaine Salad, Crustacean Vinaigrette, Parmesan Foam 

MAINS

Roast Turkey, Turkey-Fig Terrine, Spiced Apple Puree, Three-Coloured Nutty Rice, Waldorf Salad

or

Salmon, Smoked Leek Emulsion, Braised Seasonal Greens, Fennel, Radish, Grapefruit Salad

or

Scallop-Red Wine-Mushroom Risotto, Truffle Scent, Prosciutto, Young Peas, Ruccula, Parmesan 

DESSERT

Chocolate Cocotte, Smooth Hazelnut Chocolate, Calamansi,

Hazelnut Crumble

or

Roast Apple Tart, Cinnamon Caramel Mou, Walnut Ice Cream

or

Passionfruit Panna Cotta

9. SWITCH! Thanksgiving Roast Turkey Feast:

SWITCH! knows the turkey is as important as the company so they have an option for a whole oven-roasted grain-fed turkey dinner package for 6 people including all sides (rich pan gravy, homemade spiced cranberry chutney, stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, medley of root vegetables and pumpkin tart) for RMB 1108.  Individual turkey options are set at RMB 198 and RMB 280 per person.  Kids under 8 eat for FREE!  Dinner seating at 6PM or 8:30PM.

RSVP required: Call Jane Tan (by Monday, Nov. 21) – 5978 4918 or email: jane.tan@culinarycapers.cn

*For those with a serious sweet tooth, here’s a nice breakdown of Beijing’s best options to score some delicious Thanksgiving sweets.  

theBeijinger’s Guide: Sweet as Pie

…And that’s a wrap

Enjoy your Turkey Comas!

*Gobble Gobble*

Kevin Spacey in Beijing as Shakespeare’s Richard III

“With the most classic play, the most unadulterated interpretation, the most luxurious cast and the most shining stars, Richard III grandly makes its debut in NCPA, and launches the shock wave of Shakespeare’s dramas once again.”

Already receiving raving reviews in the US, Richard III is a joint creation by BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music), The Old Vic and Neal Street. For the first time since 5 Oscar-winning movie American Beauty (1999), director Sam Mendes and oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey (who is also the Artistic Director of The Old Vic) come together for the Bridge Project’s modern twist on Shakespeare’s Richard III.

Coming to the National Centre of Performing Arts in Beijing from November 11-13th, with performances starting at 19:30, the play is about 210 minutes long (intermissions included) and tickets range from RMB 200-680. There is an additional showing on November 12 from 2PM-4PM with a few ticket options remaining as well. Tickets are going fast, so if you are interested, you’d better act now.

New York Times critic Ben Brantley praised Spacey for “giving fierce and flashy physical life to every twist of a power-mad man’s corkscrew mind.”

The supporting roles include Maureen Anderman as his disapproving mother, the Duchess of York, and Haydn Gwynne and Gemma Jones as the displaced queens Elizabeth and Margaret. Chuk Iwuji is the crafty Duke of Buckingham and Chandler Jones plays Richard’s ill-fated brother.

See Snapshots of this Rendition of Shakespeare’s Richard III:

View Youku Trailer for Kevin Spacey in “Richard III” here:

If you are watching from the US, click here for Youtube video.

With tickets selling fast, you should act now if you want to see Kevin Spacey’s brilliant performance as Richard III.

Event Details:

• Dates: November 11-13, 2011
• Time: 7:30PM (special showing from 2-4PM on November 12)
• Location: National Center of Performing Arts (NCPA)
• Address: 2 Xichang’an Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing
• Tel: 66550000
• Price: RMB 200/320/480/580/680  (prices for additional showing: 180/300/420/500/580/680)
• Website: Click here

3 Days Left! Count Down to Chi Fan for Charity 2011

Get excited people, Beijing’s biggest culinary charity events of the year is only a few sleeps away!

I just had a look at the Official Chi Fan for Charity website and here’s a quick update on what’s still available.

Only 10 Restaurants with Seats Left!

• 4 seats left at The Courtyard
• 2 seats left at Fuel
• 1 seat left at Grange Steak House in Westin Chaoyang
• 3 seats left at Hercules
• 5 seats left at Karaiya Spice House
• 6 seats left at Oden
• 4 seats left at ROOMbeijing
• 5 seats left at Punjabi Indian Restaurant
• 2 seats left at Vasco’s
• 11 seats left at Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) - *note: Ignace has graciously donated 50 seats to Chi Fan for Charity so that is why there are so many seats left here.  This is a stunning space and guaranteed to be an exceptional experience for anyone keen to get a sneak peak at TRB before they officially open their doors to the public!  

Click here to purchase your seat at one of the supporting Chi Fan for Charity Restaurants before they’re all gone!

In case you can’t make it to dinner and you still don’t want to miss out on this great event, there are still 30 tickets left for the Chi Fan for Charity After-Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village.  

With 400-500 people dining at Beijing’s best establishments, everyone will come together for a brilliant celebration at Hatsune.

The Chi Fan for Charity After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village will be featuring free flow drinks by our generous sponsors (Wine Republic, Tiger Beer, El Charro Tequila and Hatsune’s signature cocktails), DJ Patrick Yu spinning tunes, and awesome silent auction and raffle prizes. 

For those who don’t have the time or the budget to commit to dinner, the after party is a great way to come out to contribute to two very worthwhile causes and show your support.  This year’s beneficiaries include Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation.

This year’s after-party will be displaying our incredibly awesome silent auction items (which you can start bidding on NOW!)

A few of my top picks for Silent Auction prizes include:

•  It’s always sunny in…

• Need to get away from the cold, grey Beijing winter? Get some California sun with two airline tickets to a destination of your choice, hotels and passes to museums in San Francisco and two days at Disneyland with accommodation. And we’ll even throw in a suitcase.  (2 round-trip tickets on United to any U.S. destination, 3 pieces of Newcomer luggage, 2 nights in LeMeridien San Francisco, 2 nights in Omni San Francisco, 2 nights at Disneyland hotel with 2 adult park passes, 2 General Admission Passes and 4 Special Exhibition Passes (2 Per Exhibition) to the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco )

• Yunnan Escape  

• This package offers the intrepid traveler a true immersion into authentic Southern China. Guests at the Linden Centre will receive a 3-night complimentary stay and round-trip transportation transfer in an expansive and luxurious courtyard home in Xizhou, a pristine village in China’s Yunnan Province. After relaxing a bit, visitors to Yangshuo Basecamp in Fengluo Village, Guanxi, will receive 2 nights of camping, a tour guide for 2 days, and the option to pick 2 activities including rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, ziplining, or biking.

• Gourmet Host 

• Wish you could be the hostest with the mostest? It’s time to step up your game! With cooking classes, wine certification, food vouchers and all the utensils, you’ll be armed to  impress your dinner guests this winter.  (Cooking class for two at The Hutong, wine certification course from Long Geng Wines, set of Jamie Oliver cookbooks courtesy of Penguin Books, Tai Tai cheese platter, 588 RMB Baode meat gift package, wok, party napkins & loads of utensils)

• Turning Japanese 

• Ever wonder about the secrets to Hatsune’s sushi? Grab nine friends (or people you met last night) and spend an afternoon rolling and, of course, eating your own sushi. This package is for those who truly think they’re turning Japanese (you really think so?). (Private 10 person sushi making session at Hatsune including ingredients, recipes and equipment, plus a bottle of sake)

• Love of the Game (For Him) 

• It’s time for you to get in the game and and with the right gear, with sportswear from LiNing, a Hobie golf bag, an autographed basketball from the legendary Shaquille O’Neil and tickets to a game from NBA China. (LiNing running attire; hoodie or windbreaker and sneakers, LiNing urban attire; pair of shoes and apparel, Hobie golf bag &travel case, 1 Autographed NBA Sacramento Kings jersey signed by Tyreke Evans (signed jersey), 1 NBA Spalding Basketball autographed by Shaquille O’Neil, and 2 tickets to a 2012 NBA China basketball game)

• Fashionista 

• Every time you flip through the latest Cityweekend you enviously eye the style spread. Now, it’s YOUR turn. After getting your hair and makeup done and a new outfit, it’s time for you to be the envy of the town.  (Cityweekend style spread, Meili Autumn make-up consultation, Candy&Caviar outfit, Catherine de France 500RMB Voucher, Spanx collection of goodies)

• You say it’s your (kid’s) birthday! 

• For kids, there’s nothing more exciting than pizza night… unless, of course, it’s make-your-own pizza at GungHo. For your kid’s birthday this year, ditch the clowns and magicians and bring them to GungHo for a pizza making class. This package also includes tickets to a show, gifts and gift-wrapping.  (Pizza making for 3 adults, 7 kids at Gung Ho!, 6 tickets to a show from Feld Entertainment, Peridot Paper for gift-wrapping gifts, Ladybuy Trunkie and Sticker Wall Map from Counting Sheep, and 2 Culture Agents: Mission Beijing )

Full List of Silent Auction Prizes are here.

Chi Fan for Charity Plastered t-shirts are in stock and available for purchase.  100% of proceeds from the first 100 t-shirts sold will support charity.  Thanks Plastered!

The Little Gold Book 2012 will also be making its grand premiere at Hatsune’s CFFC After-Party.

With 70 brilliant culinary deals at some of the best restaurants in Beijing. you can win exceptional deals like 50% off at Hatsune and 2-for-1 mains at Assaggi! And what’s more is that Charities, Not-For-Profits and Community groups keep a whopping 30% of every Little Gold Book sold by them.  For only 240RMB, the Little Gold Book 2012 is also the perfect Christmas gift!  Pick up yours at the Chi Fan for Charity After Party.

*Starting Monday, October 30^th you can text in your bid early!  Just send your a text to 158-1084-8284 including: Item#, Bid Amount, and Last Name (Ex: #2, 2100rmb, Crain).  If you prefer the old-fashioned way, visit the silent auction tables at the Hatsune After-Party at 10pm on November 5^thand bid with pen and paper.  

Tickets to the Hatsune After-Party are RMB 250 pre-sale or RMB 300 at the door.  Click here to buy your pre-sale tickets online.

Chi Fan for Charity 2011: Tickets are Now on Sale!

“Good Eats. Good Times. Good Causes.”

Good food, good company and all for good causes – this really is my ideal event. As a proud member of the Chi Fan for Charity team, I am excited to be a part of such an inspiring event that involves such a strong community of individuals to come together and really make a difference with the selected charities we sponsor this year.

The concept for the charity event is simple. Restaurants donate set menus to the charity, which then charge diners for a specially-prepared meal. Each restaurant is offering at least three courses and two wine pairings for a table of 10.

Who can say no to being a part of such an all-around win-win-win situation?!  If you haven’t already booked your seat at one of the 39 fine dining establishments on board, tickets went on sale this week!

Many of the restaurants are already sold out (Agua, Bei, Barolo, Hatsune, Made in China, Mosto, Nobu, Orchid, Maison Boulud), but there are still 24 restaurants to choose from including Capital M, Susu, Sureno, ROOMbeijing, Modo, Karaiya Spice House, Punjabi, The Courtyard and the highly anticipated Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) by Maison Boulud’s ex-GM Ignace Lecleir.

“CFFC is happy to report that some of the Capital’s most interesting and influential people will once again host our tables. The evening will be filled with opportunities;talk economics with Forbes’ Gady Epstein, debate which restaurant has the best Kao Ya with restaurateur Alan Wong, gossip about philanthropy with Red Cross’ Ramsey Rayyis or discuss this season’s best reads with Penguin’s Managing director Jo Lusby. 2011′s table hosts are shaping up to be even more intriguing than last year’s stellar group.” – CFFC Newsletter

A dining event that’s won Culinary Event of the Year in Beijing in 2010, Chi Fan for Charity has expanded to Shanghai this year (with the help of organizing sponsor Austen Morris) and has set an ambitious goal to raise RMB 300,000 in this one night to be donated entirely to both the Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation and is now bringing its theme to Shanghai.

Visit http://www.chifanforcharity.org/bookings/restaurants/category/beijing-restaurants/ to book your spot at one of Beijing’s top 39 restaurants on November 5 at 7:30 pm.  Just select the restaurant of your choice and then follow instructions to purchase your tickets.  Remember: 100% of proceeds will go to Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation.

And if that wasn’t good enough, the legendary after-party at Hatsune Sanlitun Branch will be where all diners unite together for boozin and schmoozin with old skool dance tracks by DJ Patrick Yu and drinks will be flowing courtesy of The Wine Republic, Kis Natural Vodka, El Charro Tequila, Tiger Beer and Hatsune.

In addition to great drinks and company, CFFC will feature some amazing silent auction packages. Although we can’t divulge what we have secured, we can guarantee that one lucky donor will be taken away on a once in a lifetime vacation.

Pictures from Chi Fan for Charity 2010:

LumDimSummary: Powwow & Mashup’s 爱北京, I Race!

The Entire Team Behind 爱北京, I Race! 

With a total of 8 teams and 12 destinations, 爱北京, I Race! had Beijingers running around the town in its own version of “Amazing Race”.  Hosted by Let’s Powwow and Mashup sport & social, this was a full-on day of activities and games.

As much as I would have liked to signed up my own team of winners (I am confident my dream team totally would have killed this race), I was happy to instead host two of the challenges at two different destinations.  I spent the day hosting challenges at both Hatsune Sanlitun Village Branch and Kagen Japanese Hot Pot & BBQ on Guanghua Lu (which was a bit of a challenge in itself to race back and forth between the two venues).

At Hatsune branch, challengers were quickly instructed to make and eat basic hand rolls, which was both a fun experience and a treat (most challengers came hungry)!

Hatsune’s 爱北京, I Race! Challenge:

At Kagen Japanese Hot Pot & BBQ, we set up a blind taste test for teams to face the ultimate challenge for their taste buds.  With a range of different ingredients from garlic chips to gingko nuts and calamari, challengers had to guess 3 out of 10 correctly to pass this challenge and move on to their next destination.  Fortunately every team passed and if any team finished early, they were able to take off their blindfolds and devour the remaining ingredients!

Kagen Japanese Hot Pot & BBQ’s 爱北京, I Race! Challenge:

Although I wasn’t present at the other challenges, there were 10 other destinations from Sanlitun to Nanluoguxiang and Shuangjing areas. I heard Green Dumplings had teams make dumplings, Jungbo Juice had challengers guess ingredients of a smoothie, Terra had challengers guess and find the correct ingredients to make a caipirinha and Grinders Bar & Restaurant in Shuangjing had challengers execute correctly the 20 steps to pour a proper Stella beer.

Powwow Team Challenge at Terra Restaurant

Challengers learned how to Pour a Proper Stella Beer (20 Steps)

爱北京, I Race! Teams:

1st Place Winners: Team Capital Punishment took home RMB 4,000!

2nd Place Runner Up: Team 真的

3rd Place: Team Lost in Beijing

Other 爱北京, I Race! Teams:

Team Three and a Half Asians

Team Yoyao is Gay (with Yoyao on the left)

Modo’s One Year Anniversary Small Plate Feast

“The miracle is this: The more we share the more we have Leonard Nimoy!” – MODO

Last Thursday, September 29, Modo celebrated their one year anniversary with a “Small Plate Feast” featuring Chef Daniel Urdaneta’s signature dishes and a few menu additions (Japanese Mackerel, Seared Prawns and the Slow Braised Oxtail)!

With 12 different small plate main dishes and 4 desserts, our group of eight foodies managed to power through their entire menu in one go!  But with such delicious dishes, I don’t know how anyone could resist the temptation to taste everything they possibly could!

Modo One Year Anniversary Menu

While we were impressed with their new dishes (especially their oxtail and Japanese mackerel), the winner of the night definitely went to the Dill-crusted Codfish with Wild Rice, Mushroom Pilaf, Confit Fennel & Lemongrass Veloute. The codfish was incredibly tender and the mushroom pilaf was a brilliant number to pair with the codfish. We also were excited about their Goats Cheese & Feta Tortelli and their Wagyu Beef Meatball is always a crowd favorite.  The only dishes that weren’t devoured instantaneously were probably the two Smorrebrod dishes and their Goat Cheese Panna Cotta (which was barely touched).  As a chocolate lover, I couldn’t stop eating the Chocolate & Dulce de Leche Profiteroles, but their White Chocolate Mousse with Sorbet was the overall dessert favorite.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Modo’s Anniversary Menu (from start to finish!):

Summer Peach Salad with Smoked Bacon, Watercress and Mint / Foie Gras Terrine with Plum Chutney, Toasted Brioche & Rhubarb Compote

Smorrebrod: Smoked Salmon, Shaved Mushrooms, Caper Tartar, Fish Roe / Seared Prawns with Avocado, Red Pepper Coulis, Sweet Potato Chips, Citrus Caviar

Herbs Herring Smorrebrod with Creme Cheese Truffles & Radish on Rye Toast / Waguy Beef Meatball with Heirloom Tomato Sauce

Goats Cheese & Feta Tortelli, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Organic Butternut Squash Foam & Thyme oil / Spinach & Ricotta Malfati with Roasted Pears, Mushrooms & Shaved Pecorcino Cheese

Japanese Mackerel, Warm Potato, Confit Tomato and Lemon Air / Slow Braised Oxtail with Truffles Potatoes, Green Peas & Carrots

Dill-crusted Codfish with Truffles potatoes, Green Peas and Carrots / Beef Tenderloin Touredos, Roasted Pumpkin, Roquefort Butter & Wine Reduction

Surprise Gift of our favorite Cold Cuts!

Nutella Creme Brulee with Roasted Hazelnuts & Green Cardamom Cream / White Chocolate Mousse with Black Currant Sorbet & Tuile

Profiteroles Filled with Chocolate, Dulce de Leche & Candied Peanuts / Goats Cheese Panna Cotta with Pear Confit & Basil Foam

 Congratulations to Alex, Daniel, Christina and the entire Modo team on a beautiful birthday celebration feast and party! 

After such an incredible first year, Modo is well on its way to Beijing dining stardom!  By continuously maintaining a high standard of quality cuisine, service, wine and great value, it’s easy to see how Modo is winning the hearts of all Beijinger foodies alike. 

LDS Links to Previous Articles on MODO:

*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