BJ FOoDieS: ‘Bread’ Charity Dinner at SWITCH! Grill

BJ FOoDiEs Venture Over to the new SWITCH! this Saturday for Charity

The first time I tried the original SWITCH! restaurant in 798 Art District was thanks to the monthly charity dinner organized by BJ FOoDiEs back in 2010 (click here for original post) so I’m happy to see that the BJ FOoDiEs team will once again be introducing their cult of foodie followers to the new SWITCH! Grill in Regent Land Apartments on the southeast corner of Dongsishitiao this coming Saturday, April 21 starting at 7:30PM. (*Note that this dinner will be held on a Saturday, instead of their usual Sunday night.)

More than just a delicious Western, fresh grill menu, foodies will also get to test out some of their phenomenal, innovative cocktails. To this day, I still think their Strawberry Chili Martini is one of the best cocktails this city has to offer.

“The Switch team is going to play some hip-grooving music & also wanted to test their drinks on the addicts so there will be massive specials on drinks allll night long!”  - Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDiEs

Once again, BJ FOoDiEs works hard to win their foodies an amazing meal at a ridiculously low price of RMB 100 for the entire dinner menu + glass of wine.

So instead of just coming with the minimum to pay for the meal (the RMB 100 per person goes directly to the hosting restaurant), please remember to pack a bit more heat in your wallet to contribute to the good work of this month’s featured charity organization – Bread of Life Bakery, a local NGO that creates jobs at an American-style bakery and a good working environment for older, disabled orphans. Funds raised will allow wheelchairs and other orthopedic equipment to be purchased or repaired for children all over China.

SUMMER LOVIN’ FOODIES FEAST AT SWITCH!

RMB 100 includes dinner menu + drink

To Start!

SWITCH GREENS

w/ Marinated sliced asparagus, fresh endives, secret dressing

Grill Time!

SMOKED GRILLED OYSTERS

w/ mushroom, ground peppercorn & in-house BBQ sauce of love

ROASTED ORGANIC MEDLEY

w/ Spicy bean mix, charred broccolini, honey-glazed baby carrots

YUMMY CARBS

w/ snow mashed & sauteed potatoes two ways

Sweeties!

PROFITEROLES

w/ double dip chocolate sauce 

+ Glass of fermented grape juice

“Indulge for a Cause”

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, April 21, 2012
  
• Time: 7:30-10:30
• Location: SWITCH! Grill Restaurant
• Address: Regentland, 66 Gongti Beilu (across from Swiss-Hotel) 工体北路66号
• Tel:  6553-5691
• Cost: RMB 100 includes dinner menu + drink
• RSVP: E-mail BJ Foodies Team – bjfoodies@gmail.com

April Charity Theme: ‘BREAD OF LIFE’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ‘BREAD OF LIFE’ – The NGO creates jobs & a good working enviornment for older orphans who are disabled. All profits from the bakery goest to help orphans & other children who have orthopedic needs.

For more information: http://www.breadoflifebakery.org/

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

—-

Related Articles: 

• Savvy SWITCH! Grill at New Dongsishitiao Location

• SWITCH! Grill Switches Back On in New Location

• LumDimSummary: BJ FOoDiEs at SWITCH! 

BJ FOoDieS: ‘Ninja’ Charity Dinner at Restaurant T

The recognized symbol for BJ FOoDieS monthly charity dinners, this little character is pretty much exactly how all us foodies look whenever we discover a new restaurant within in this intricate maze of Beijing’s roller-coaster dining scene.

This Sunday, March 25 (tomorrow) is their upcoming “Ninja” feast at Restaurant T, a high-end, modern Japanese restaurant just across the way from Gori in Ocean Office Park (not far from Central Park in CBD).

“Restaurant T is modern fine-dining opulent Japanese cuisine at its best. Innovative signature dishes like mandarin-fish sashimi, goma tofu are just a few of the signatures that make this a stand-out venue. We promise this will be a culinary adventure if this is ya’ll first time trying T.” – Xixi Cheng, Founder of BJ FOoDieS

Promising to be “a 5* Meal of pure decadence fit for a Japanese emperor” this is definitely a dinner you’ll want to RSVP for in advance as BJ FOoDiEs is known to book out every seat available and even turn some foodies away if they turned up too late without a reservation.

Foodies are treated to an extravagant multi-course dinner for only RMB 120 + drink.  And as always, this price per person goes directly to the hosting restaurant so be sure to fill up your wallet just a tad bit more if you’d like to contribute to the good work of this month’s featured charity organization - Prevention Through Eduction (PTE China), an NGO focused on educating young people in China and empowering them with both the knowledge & ability to effectively respond to the challenges of HIV/AIDS.

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

  

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

LumDimSummary: Call her DJ Little Boots

Little Boots DJ Shake Tour at Beijing’s Yugongyishan

I rarely leave the comfort of my home on Sundays.  Even more rarely do I miss a chance to join in a BJ FOoDiEs dinner like the one they just hosted at Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar (where they raised RMB 3,028 for Little Flower Project).

But I am a big fan of UK electro-pop star Little Boots as you can see from my pre-event post here.  Her tracks are catchy and from the first time I heard her perform at Beijing’s China Music Valley (CMV) Festival aka Pingu Music Festival, I couldn’t stop listening to Meddle, Stuck on Repeat and Remedy.  

And maybe I’m just an idiot, but I did not realize that her worldwide “Shake DJ Tour” covering Paris, Berlin, New York, SF, LA, Beijing, Tokyo and London would not actually be Little Boots herself performing, but rather her standing behind the decks as a DJ. She opened with a J.Lo remix and at one point, she played some of her music, but it was just not what I expected.  

This is more along the lines of what I was hoping to witness:

This video is proof of just how talented she is. She’s got all her gadgets, she’s clapping, playing the piano and singing all at the same time, it’s incredible!  To see her go from a performance like this to just standing behind DJ decks seems like such a downgrade. I‘d love to hear other people’s opinions from either her fans or others who came out to Yugongyishanon Sunday night to see Little Boots on stage.  Like I said, maybe it was just me not getting my facts straight, but I was seriously disappointed!!

At least I got to see a rare DJ performance by one of my all-time favorite Beijing DJ’s - Bobby Dropper.  That’s all I’m saying (if only I got a photo of him too!). 

Luckily, I got some cool LDS Snapshots of Little Boots’ DJ Set at Yugongyishan:

BJ FOoDiEs: “Flower” Charity Dinner at Starfish

Tonight is Hatsune’s OysterFest with all-you-can-eat-oysters and Hatsune sushi and tomorrow is American Thanksgiving which guarantees I’ll be in a turkey coma all Thursday night through Friday, so my stomach should be definitely warmed up for the upcoming monthly BJ FOoDiEs charity dinner this Sunday, November 27 at Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar.

My favorite BJ FOoDiEs events are the ones that introduce us to newly opened restaurants I have yet to try, or in this case, even hear about!  I had no idea W Dine & Wine had been taken over and revamped into a new space called Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar.  So, apparently the space still specializes in wine…and seafood…but it’s under new ownership (Chris Hebert and Alisha Bailey) and they are focused more specifically on fresh oysters & seafood imported from all around the world and will soon be offering more than 20 wines by the glass! Seafoodies and Wine Geeks, this is your calling.

Starfish will be offering BJ Foodies guests a 3-course dinner menu + drink (wine/beer/soft drink) for only RMB 100.  See menu below…

With a capacity of only 70 (BJ FOoDiEs event are known to book out entire restaurants of a much higher capacity), they request for all who plan to attend to take a minute and RSVP to them directly: bjfoodies@gmail.com

Starfish’s Seafood Feast

Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar Dinner Menu + Drink = RMB 100

1. ASSORTED APPETIZER SAMPLER

FRIED FRESH LIVE OYSTERS 

w/ freshly squeezed lemons

SCALLOP CEVICHE

w/ chili pepper soup & diced basil

2. MAIN COURSE

SHRIMP SCAMPI PASTA

w/ linguini al-dente & poached shrimp

DUCK CONFIT

slow poached duck w/garlic cloves & peeled shallots

3. DESSERT

Creme Brulee

Chocolate Mousse 

“Indulge for a Cause”

November Charity Theme: ‘Flowers’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ‘LITTLE FLOWERS PROJECT’ – The NGO works to build a culture of life by reaching out to those who are rejected, abandoned, deemed as useless, and who have no voice. Initially providing specialized care to abandoned infants & nuturing the growth and education of older disabled orphans, ‘Little Flowers’ has since expanded the work to all over China specializing in different programs and initiatives.

For more information: http://www.littleflowerprojects.org/

BJ FoODiEs: ‘ABC’ Charity Dinner at Spice Factory

Spice Factory is one of two new restaurant venues recently opened by d.concepts, the same team behind d.lounge with the one and only F&B wizard, Warren Pang, working his magic once again. Spice Factory is located on the second floor just left of d.lounge presenting a modern take on Thai cuisine and from my previous experience (click here for my last article introducing Spice Factory) the food is kicking with flaming hot Thai spice and flavors.

“This eatery needs little introduction as one visit is enough to convince ya’ll why why the team was reluctant to share this awesome new find.” – BJ FOoDiEs Team

Better RSVP to make sure you get a seat!  Menu below…

BUSABA-ME

Spice Factory Dinner Menu + Drink = RMB 100

SONIN LAW EGGS

w/ house made tamarind glaze

ASSORTED SATAY SELECTION

w/ cherry tomato chutney 

DUCK & LYCHEE SALAD

w/ chili pepper vinaigrette 

CRISPY WONTONS

lightly battered w/ various dips

CHICKEN PEANUT CURRY

w/ roasted peppered potato wedges

RED DUCK CURRY

w/ shredded duck & baby eggplant

PAD-THAI FACTORY STYLE

w/ fresh spring onions, bean sprouts & seasoned vermicelli 

MORNING GLORY

kang kong water spinach stir fry w/ shrimp sambal

DESSERT

secret selection 

    + Glass of wine / Cocktail / beer

BJ FoODiEs: ‘Photo’ Charity Dinner at Cornerstone

“We have happily volunteered our group as guinea pigs for Cornerstone” – BJ FoODiES

A recent addition to the CBD dining hood, Cornerstone is the next pick for featured restaurant host for BJ FoODiEs event this month.  On Sunday, August 21, BJ FoODiES is confident you will love digging into some hearty Italian at one of their new favorite eateries.

“The cuisine is Hearty American Italian cuisine reminiscent of what ya’ll love back home – Owner Damon Sun has agreed to host our crazy foodie group & come up with an awesome menu of all the restaurant’s heartiest dishes & we are confident ya’ll will be food-comaed out.” – BJ FoODiES

RMB 100 gets you an Italian Feast + drink (ice-cold Beer/Gin & Tonic).

RSVP ASAP with the BJ FoODiES team: bjfoodies@gmail.com

HELLO ITALIANO!

Cornerstone Dinner Menu + Drink = RMB 100

‘STARTERS’

Italian Prosciutto Salad

Seasonal Cantoloupe w/ italian prosciutto & baby argula salad

‘SOUP’

Mushroom soup

Mixed mushrooms medley w/ light cream

‘MAINS’

(1)

Crispy-skin Salmon Steak

Slow pan-fried salmon w/ Nicoise salad

(2)

Home-made Spaghetti & Meatballs

Parchment baked spaghetti & meatballs w/ mildly spicy marinara sauce

‘SWEETS’

White Chocolate w/ strawberry ice cream

+ Glass of sub-zero temperature Beer / Gin & Tonic

“Indulge for a Cause”

August Charity Theme: ‘Photo’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ANJALI PHOTO WORKSHOP –  The NGO believes in the value of providing children the opportunity to express themselves through fun activities that also foster each child’s creativity. The Anjali Photo Workshops is a special photography workshop for the children of the Anjali House – A registered Cambodian NGO providing food, shelter & education for under priviledged children

For more information: www.ulule.com

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

BJ FoODiES: ‘Teach’ Fiesta Charity Dinner at Casa Latina

Get ready foodies, BJ FoODiES July dinner will be more than just a charity dinner, it’s going to be a Fiesta!

Casa Latina is hands-down my top pick in Beijing for authentic Mexican. As Founder & Organizer Xixi Cheng says it best - “You won’t find no Taco bell Chihuahua’s here, this eatery is straight up mexicano & serves some lethal drinks to match.”

RMB 120 gets you a Fiesta dinner + Cuban ‘bucanero’ (Beer/Margarita/Soft Drink).

RSVP asap with the BJ FoODiES team: bjfoodies@gmail.com

“Be warned….consumption of tequila shots, pitchers of margaritas, sangria, cuban beer will be encouraged. VAMANOS DE FIESTA!!!”

RMB 120 includes Fiesta Dinner + Cuban Beverage

MEXICAN FIESTA!!!

“ENTRADAS”

Home made Guacamoles
Avocado sauce with lime & fresh cilantro

“PLATO PRINCIPALES”

Moros Y Crstianos
Mexican white rice stewed w/ Black Beans

Burrito Norteno
Flour tortilla stuffed w/ Ropa Vieja & Refried Beans

Entomatadas
Corn wrap filled w/ beef & tomato sauce & gratin cheese

Enmoladas
Corn wrap w/ chicken covered in dark Mole sauce

+ Glass of Cuban ‘BUCANERO’ Beer / Margarita / Softdrink

“Indulge for a Cause”

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, July 17, 2011
• Time: 7:30-10:30
• Location: Casa Latina
• Address: Solana Bar Street, Bldg 8, Unit 3, 6 Chaoyang Park Road, 朝阳公园路6号, Solana蓝色港湾商业区8号楼3单元
• Cost: RMB 120 includes ‘Fiesta’ dinner menu + drink
• RSVP: E-mail BJ Foodies Team – bjfoodies@gmail.com

July Charity Theme: ‘Teach’

Established in 2008, Teach For China (TFC) is inspired by the vision that one day, all Chinese children will have access to a quality education.  Teach For China takes a unique approach to eliminating educational inequity by enlisting the US and China’s most promising future leaders in the effort.  In partnership with the global network Teach For All (www.teachforall.org), Teach For China recruits, selects, trains, and supports outstanding US and Chinese graduates to work side-by-side to deliver an excellent education in high poverty, rural Chinese communities.

For more information: http://www.tfchina.org/

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

LumDimSummary: BJ FOoDiEs Hatsune Charity Dinner

This past Sunday night, BJ FOoDiEs hosted their monthly “Indulge for a Cause” foodies event at the classic Beijing favorite – California-Japanese sushi King Hatsune restaurant to support the Library Project charity organization.

Hatsune served a steal of a deal 8-dish menu featuring many of their menu’s “Hidden Gems” for only RMB 100 per person.

This month’s BJ FOoDIES had a great turn-out of over 90+ foodies who collectively raised a total of ￥7,615 RMB, which was then matched by Alan Wong, owner of the Hatsune restaurant group to raise a grand total of RMB 15,230 for the Library Project.

About The Library Project:

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to THE LIBRARY PROJECT – The NGO’s mission is to donate books & build libraries to under financed schools & orphanages in the developing world. The Library project believes that education is the key motivator to breaking the cycle of poverty that exists in the developing world & to establish permanent change.

For more information: http://www.library-project.org/

Hatsune Locations:

• The Original Hatsune (Guanghua Lu Branch):
• 2/F, Heqiao Bldg C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District
• 朝阳区光华路甲8号和乔大厦C座2层
• Tel: 6581-3939
• 
  
• Hatsune Sanlitun Village Branch:
• 3rd Floor of Sanlitun Village (next to Element Fresh & across from Karaiya Spice House)

• Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
• 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区8号楼S8-30
• Tel: 6415-3939

**To Join the BJ FOoDIES Mailing List,  email bjfoodies@gmail.com

**Hatsune will be hosting a Sake Tasting Dinner Party on Saturday, July 2.  To Join the Hatsune Events Mailing List, email kristen@lumdimsum.com.

BJ FoODiEs: ‘Books’ Charity Dinner at Original Hatsune

It’s no secret I’m a massive fan of the BJ FoODiEs Group – every month they organize a “steal of a meal” deal at one of Beijing’s new or cherished restaurants and I am stoked to join forces with them and co-host their June 2011 ‘Books’ Charity Dinner at the legendary California-style Japanese champion Hatsune restaurant!!

Winning ‘Best Japanese Restaurant’ across the board in this year’s Beijing Restaurant Awards and getting ready to celebrate our 10 year anniversary this August, Hatsune has long been recognized as the “go-to favorite for foodies in Beijing”.

This month’s BJ FoODiEs dinner, Hatsune has put together an incredible meal of “Hidden Gem” menu items that are all a must-try!

“Come join the feast to try out some dishes you never knew Hatsune had, we promise you’ll be ordering them over and over.”   – BJ FOoDiEs Team

BJ FOoDIES: ‘Books’ Charity Dinner at Hatsune

RMB 100 includes 8 dish menu + Soft Drink/Beer

“Indulge for a Cause”

With such a bargain price of RMB 100 per seat for the 8 dish set dinner + soft drink/beer, book your seats before they disappear!

Seating is limited so PLEASE RSVP to LumDimSum (email: kristen@lumdimsum.com) or BJ FoODiEs (bjfoodies@gmail.com) ASAP !

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, June 19, 2010
• Time: 7:30-10:30
• Location: Hatsune Guanghua Lu Branch
• Address: 2\F, Heqiao Building, Bldg C, A8 Guanghua Donglu, 光华东路甲8号和乔大厦C座2层
• Cost: RMB 100 includes 8 dish dinner menu + drink
• RSVP: E-mail BJ Foodies Team – bjfoodies@gmail.com or LDS: kristen@lumdimsum.com

June Charity Theme: ‘Books’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to THE LIBRARY PROJECT – The NGO’s mission is to donate books & build libraries to under financed schools & orphanages in the developing world. The Library project believes that education is the key motivator to breaking the cycle of poverty that exists in the developing world & to establish permanent change.

For more information: http://www.library-project.org/

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

Stay Tuned: BJ FOoDIES Teams Up with Hatsune

It’s OFFICIAL (and LumDimSum is proud to be the first to announce it!) – BJ FOoDIES will be hosting their June 2011 Charity Dinner Event at legendary California-style Japanese champion Hatsune!!

Offering a steal of a deal at RMB 100 per person for dinner + drink, Hatsune’s original branch is dedicating its venue entirely to BJ FOODIES for the night!

If you have not yet been to a BJ FOoDIES event, you can check out photos and summaries of previous events at:

• BJ FOoDIES Dinner at Alameda
• BJ FOoDIES Dinner at SSAM
• BJ FOoDIES Dinner at Mare
• BJ FOoDIES Dinner at Kagen

BJ FOoDIES Dinner at Kagen

BJ FOODIES @ HATSUNE Guanghua Lu details here:

• Date: Sunday, June 19 2011
• Time: 7:30-9:30PM
• Location: Hatsune Guanghua Lu Branch
• Price: RMB 100 per person includes dinner + drink
• RSVP Required: Email: bjfoodies@gmail.com

LumDimSummary: BJ FOoDIES ‘ONLUS’ Charity Dinner

This past Sunday night, BJ FOoDIES hosted their monthly “Indulge for a Cause” foodies event at the classic Beijing favorite – Alameda contemporary Brazilian restaurant to support ONLUS charity organization.

Serving up a Brazilian feastage, guests enjoyed a slam-dunk 3-course menu with a glass of wine/beer/juice for only RMB 100 per person.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Alameda’s BJ FOoDIES Dinner:

Choice of Starters:

Roasted Beef Salad with Dry Tomatoes and Toasted Bread with Herbs Served with Balsamic Reduction / Pacotinni Stuffed with Ratatouille and Goat Cheese with Green leaves and Tamarind Sauce

Main Course Selection:

Duck Leg Comfit served with Polenta Cream with Shiitake and Red Wine Sauce / Baked Tamboril with Green Beans Foam served with Asparagus and Pumpkin Risotto / Grilled Picanha Steak served with Baked Tomato, Onions and Eggplant served with Sweet Garlic & Crisp Rosemary

Dessert Selection:

Milk Pudding / Fruit Plate with Zabaglione / Cocoa Creme Brulee

Highlights of the dinner at Alameda were the Beef Salad and Alameda’s rich and creamy milk pudding is to die for.

Overall, I was thrilled to re-visit a Sanlitun old-timer like Alameda and enjoy such a lovely meal with fellow foodies while also supporting a worthwhile cause.  Doesn’t get much better than that.

This month’s BJ FOoDIES had a great turn-out with the restaurant totally booked out and in the end, they raised a total of ￥6,185 RMB + US$100 for the ONLUS Charity Organization.

About the ‘ONLUS’ Charity Organization:

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ONLUS ASSOCIAZIONE MONSERRATE – TheNGO’s mission is to address provide economically disadvantaged families of handicapped children affected by cerebral palsy with financial resources necessary to ensure adequate rehabilitation of children & give parents the opportunity to participate in a specialized training course to learn how to help your child at home.

For more information: http://www.monserrate.org

LumDimSum Snapshots of BJ FOoDIES Dinner at Alameda:

Alameda Restaurant Details:

• Address: Close to Jazz-Ya (across the street from Nali Patio) Sanlitun Beijie, 三里屯北街
• Tel: 6417-8084

**To Join BJ FOoDIES Mailing List,  email bjfoodies@gmail.com

BJ FOoDIES: ‘ONLUS’ Charity Dinner at Alameda

Always putting together a steal meal deal for fellow foodies in the Beijing ‘hood, BJ FOoDIES is celebrating the coming of Spring with a special 3-course menu from a classic Beijing favorite – Alameda.

Known for their killer lunch deals, Alameda is ready to show foodie addicts why this old-timer is still a Sanlitun favorite.

Be sure to RSVP as seating is limited to 60 pax – e-mail BJ FOoDIES team: bjfoodies@gmail.com

BJ FOoDIES –  BRAZILIAN FEASTAGE at ALAMEDA:

RMB 100 includes 3-course dinner menu + Wine Glass / Asian Beer / Soft Drink

1. STARTER (pick one)

Salmon Gravlax

w/ Cress Leaves, Yogurt & Mustard Dressing, Crisp Noodles

Pacotinni Stuffed w/ Ratatouille

w/ Goat Cheese, Green Leaves, Tamarind Sauce

Roasted Beef Salad

w/ Dry Tomatoes, Toasted Bread, Herbs, Balsamic Reduction

2. MAIN COURSE (pick one)

Grilled Picanha Steak

w/ Baked Tomato, Onions & Egg plant, Sweet Garlic, Crisp Rosemary

Baked Tamboril

w/ Green Beans Foam, Asparagus, Pumpkin Risotto

Duck Legs Confit

w/ Polenta Creamy, Shitake, Red Wine Sauce

Mezzaluna Stuffed w/ Riccota

w/ Roasted pine nuts, Mascarpone Creamy Sauce

3. DESSERT (pick one)

Cocoa Brule Creamy

Plated Fruits w/ Zabaglione

Milk Pudding

“Indulge for a Cause”

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 10, 2010
• Time: 7:30-10:30
• Location: Alameda
• Address: Sanlitun Beijie, 三里屯北街
• Cost: RMB 100 includes dinner menu + drink
• RSVP: E-mail BJ Foodies Team - bjfoodies@gmail.com

April Charity Theme: ‘ONLUS’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ONLUS ASSOCIAZIONE MONSERRATE – The NGO’s mission is to address provide economically disadvantaged families of handicapped children affected by cerebral palsy with financial resources necessary to ensure adequate rehabilitation of children & give parents the opportunity to participate in a specialized training course to learn how to help your child at home.

For more information: http://www.monserrate.org

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

LumDimSummary: BJ FOoDIES ‘Harmony’ Dinner

Last night, BJ Foodies hosted their monthly “Indulge for a Cause” foodies event at SSAM contemporary Korean restaurant to support the CHILDREN OF MADAIFU charity organization.

With a very diverse menu by restaurant host SSAM, guests enjoyed a 7 dish super supper menu of “molecular Korean cuisine” together with a glass of schu for only RMB 120 per person.

LumDimSum Snapshots of BJ FOoDIES SSAM Dinner:

Mini Appetizer / Beef Carpaccio with Truffle, Pear Slices, Poached Quail Egg & Soy Sauce

Miso Salad with Sauteed Cherry Tomato, Tofu, Green Pea Leaves in Korean Clam Sauce / Spicy Seafood Skewer with Conch, Mussel and Shrimp

3 Kinds of Jeon aka Korean Pancakes / Seared Salted Mackerel

3 Kinds of SSAM Bap / SSAM Tiramisu with Korean Yozu

Highlights of the dinner at SSAM were the Beef Carpaccio with truffle, pear slices and poached quail egg and the 3 Kinds of SSAM Bap (especially the one rolled in bacon).

Overall, it was a great opportunity to enjoy a unique meal at a relatively new restaurant to support a worthwhile cause.

The restaurant decor is contemporary cool, the food presentation is all about small portions on either over-sized or funky-shaped plates and although I was satisfied by the end of the meal, the portions really were very mini and the service was slow (was about 15 minutes between each course).

This month’s BJ FOoDIES had a great turn-out with the restaurant totally booked out and in the end, they raised a total of ￥4,123.50 RMB for the Children of Madaifu.

About the Children of Madaifu Charity Organization:

The NGO’s mission is to address the needs of orphans, abandoned children & street children in deprived areas of China by giving an allowance to foster families to provide for their fundamental needs and education The aim of the program is to give hope and dignity back to these children. The association also supports projects aimed at helping the children – directly or indirectly -, on a material, financial, educational or medical level. It also assists the schools and teachers.

For more information: www.madaifu.org

LumDimSum Snapshots of BJ FOoDIES Dinner @ SSAM:

SSAM Contemporary Korean Restaurant Details:

• Address: B1-238 Tower 2, Sanlitun SOHO 三里屯SOHO 2号楼 B1-238
• Tel: 5935-9475

*To Join BJ FOoDIES Mailing List: Email bjfoodies@gmail.com