Bespoke + Penguin: Midnight in Peking Walking Tour

Midnight in Peking still stands as my favorite China book. A true story about the horrific murder of a young expat girl in the late 1930’s of old Beijing, this story still haunts me but I love recommending it to everyone I know. It’s one of those books you just can’t put down (I think I read the whole thing in 72 hours and I’m sure there are many others who have done the same).

The book begins with the discovery of her dead, mutilated body found at the base of a haunted watchtower and the conclusions of her autopsy, so the scariest part is pretty much over after the first chapter (no need for spoiler alerts), but it really draws its readers deep into the twisted plot of this story as the murder mystery unfolds. While offering fresh insights into pre-war Peking, it’s incredible to learn about how Beijing’s network of alleys that surrounded the privileged and exclusive Legation Quarter was a seedy mix of brothels, dive bars and opium dens. In this tragic quest for justice, you have to just remind yourself that this isn’t fiction.

Not to be morbid, but the year that I read Midnight in Peking, I went to the Bookworm and bought 5 copies for family and friends back home as Christmas gifts. I was also one of the first people to sign up for Paul French’s walking tour. Not only did this walking tour through the back alleyways of old Peking bring the story to life, it was pretty awesome to have the privilege to meet the talented author of this gripping tale.

Continue Reading » Bespoke + Penguin: Midnight in Peking Walking Tour

Valentine’s Day 2016: LDS’ Top 10 Dining Picks

Beijing is Spoiling Love Birds for Choice with Romantic Dinners for Two

Beijing is not the most romantic of places even at the best of times but on Valentine’s Day, there are hundreds of restaurants all around town ready and willing to do all the swooning for you.

Glasses of champagne to start, a red rose to make your heart flutter, hundreds of candles to set the mood, and a little momento to take home, these restaurants have plenty of tricks up their sleeves to make this day as special as can be.

Here is a curated list of recommended places for you to kindle that spark this Valentine’s Day.

Continue Reading » Valentine’s Day 2016: LDS’ Top 10 Dining Picks

LDS Top Picks: 2015 Christmas Dinners in Beijing

LDS Top Picks for Christmas 2015

With Christmas just a couple days away, here’s my curated list of Beijing’s best value and most special Christmas dinners to consider in your holiday plans this week! *Note that festivities begin Christmas Eve and continue through the 25th and brunch on the 26th! (NYE events to follow next!)

Even if you’re feeling a bit lonely in a city far from home without any set Christmas plans, fear not as there are so many festive options available to you. Whether you’re looking for a casual party or something worth splurging on, something more traditional or something sassy and Spanish or sushi at Hatsune, there’s still plenty of delightful options for special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch & dinner menus at Beijing’s most charming dining destinations.

Here’s to wishing you all a very Merry Christmas with loved ones!

Continue Reading » LDS Top Picks: 2015 Christmas Dinners in Beijing

Capital M: Ambrosial Autumn Luncheon

Treat Yourself (and others!) to a Scrumptious Autumn Luncheon at Capital M

For my dear poor friend who just happened to be in Beijing on a very grey and gloomy day that was wet and rainy and just blah, I knew just the place to brighten her spirits. A very special place in Beijing, Capital M is a guaranteed show-stopper. Everything from its stunning design to the five-star service and beautiful dishes, it’s always at the top of my list to impress guests and show them a side of Beijing that’s anything but grey.

As soon as my friend stepped into Capital M, I could see it in her eyes, she was in absolute awe. As an aspiring illustrator, she was delighted to see all the beautiful, vibrant colors that fill the walls of Capital M and the cozy fireplaces was exactly what we both needed to defrost and reboot.

Continue Reading » Capital M: Ambrosial Autumn Luncheon

BDW 2015: DRINK’N’ HOPe Charity Pub Crawl

Join Beijing Design Week’s Charity Pub Crawl DRINK’N’ HOPe

Beijing is really coming together for this year’s Beijing Design Week and while I’ll give you an overview of the many sights to see and things to do during this week of creativity on over-drive, I’d like to first bring your attention to this kick-@$$ charity pub crawl – DRINK’N’ HOPe.

19 of Beijing’s most crafty cocktail bars are teaming up to make this city-wide charity pub crawl the coolest thing that Beijing’s bar scene has seen since craft beer became a thing in this corner of the world. Taking place from September 24-27, you’ll have 4 full days (including the weekend) to sample your way through all 19 bars. 4-5 drinks across 4 days is totally doable even for a drinking whimp like me.

Continue Reading » BDW 2015: DRINK’N’ HOPe Charity Pub Crawl

Valentine’s Day 2015: Celebrate Your Love for Dining

Let’s Celebrate Our Love for Fine Foods

Whether you’re single or taken, you certainly don’t have to be in love to love the idea of indulging in course after course of beautifully presented dishes that makes you weak in the knees.

Everyone can enjoy this holiday celebration by treating yourself to a special dinner at one of Beijing’s top restaurants and milk this holiday for all its worth!

Happy Valentine’s feasting to my fellow foodies who love to love fine foods! 

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

Continue Reading » Valentine’s Day 2015: Celebrate Your Love for Dining

LDS Top Picks: Christmas 2014 Festivities in Beijing

Celebrate Christmas with Festivities All Over Town!

With Christmas just a few days away, here’s a round-up of Beijing’s top X-mas dinners, parties and events to consider in your holiday plans this week! *Note that festivities begin Christmas Eve and continue through the 25th. (NYE events to follow next!)

If you’re feeling a bit lost in a city far from home without any set Christmas plans, fear not as there are plenty of options available to you.  Whether you’re looking for a casual party or something worth splurging on, there’s still plenty of quality options for special Christmas Eve and Christmas Day lunch & dinner menus at Beijing’s most lively dining destinations.

Here’s to wishing you all a very Merry Christmas with loved ones!

Continue Reading » LDS Top Picks: Christmas 2014 Festivities in Beijing

FEAST’s Carnivore’s Club: Pig Out on a Porky Menu

Chef Rob Cunningham of FEAST (in EAST Hotel) introduces his Carnivore Club

A few months ago (March 2014), FEAST by EAST Hotel in Lido hosted by BJ FOoDiEs culinary charity group for the launch of their new Carnivore Club concept. Headed by Executive Chef Rob Cunningham (former chef of Capital M), the restaurant’s goal for this regular Carnivore’s Club is to increase awareness of secondary cuts and offal that restaurants no longer commonly use.

“To me, the Carnivore’s Club is what cooking is about – nurturing and brining out the best in all the secondary cuts of meat and offal. It takes me back to my childhood growing up on a farm in Victoria, Australia – when we killed a beast (sheep, pig, cattle), we used every single part of the animal. Here in China, no part of the animal is not eaten and I love that about Chinese cuisine.” – Rob Cunningham, Executive Chef of FEAST   

Continue Reading » FEAST’s Carnivore’s Club: Pig Out on a Porky Menu