LumDimSummary: D-SATA & La Perla Fashion Show

Located at the Ritz-Carlton this Mother’s Day Sunday, couture clutch designer Currie Lee (Founder & Creative Director of DimSum of all things Asian) hosted her first fashion show in an Afternoon Tea party with ‘high’ fashion and ‘low tea’ called D-SATA by CuR, a collaboration with both La Perla and Swarovski Crystals.

LumDimSummary Breakdown:

D-SATA by CuR Signature Clutch Bags:

Free-Flow Champagne:

La Perla Lingerie & Swimsuit Collection:

Hosted by: Currie Lee, Founder of D-SATA

The Lovely Jo Ling Kent:

Creative Tea-Party Cakes:

A Group of Exquisite Women Together to Celebrate Mother’s Day!

Pre-Dinner Drink Destinations to Knock Your Socks Off

Sanlitun has got new venues popping up every other day it seems.

So it’s a good thing you have LumDimSum to weed the good ones out and get the word out.

Three delightful new venues that have knocked my socks off:

• Apothecary – located next to Mosto, on the 3rd floor of Nali Patio

Run by the owners of the Japanese whisky bar Er in Maizidian & Chef Max Levy from Bei in the Opposite House, this is a no-brainer recipe for success.  Barely open for a few weeks, Apothecary has already accumulated record buzz for its quality drinks and Creole dining menu, which closely resembles my recent dining experience at Nola, but with more bar-friendly dishes and presentation.

• Tryst – located next to Alameda in the alley way across from the Sanlitun Village & Nali Patio

Only 20 square meters in size, this cozy, little joint is one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous bars I’ve seen.  Stunning interior design with elegant wallpaper, a crystal chandelier, and timeless antique pieces used for decor, Tryst is perfect for a romantic rendezvous, a destination for an intimate pre-dinner or post-dinner cocktail. And their cocktails were perfected by bar professional Jake Logsdon, so be careful to pace yourself because the drinks are all pretty stiff.

• Club Décolleté – Located in 1949- The Hidden City along with Duck de Chine, Noodle Bar, Taverna, and Club Glen

A dazzling and glamorous champagne bar inspired by the 1920’s Art Nouveau movement, recognized for its look of timeless elegance and class, Club Décolleté is an ideal venue for a romantic rendezvous, a girls’ night out, or an exclusive celebration. Club Décolleté boasts a fine selection of champagne cocktails, fresh fruit daiquiris, and champagne by the bottle. Champagne lovers will also be pleased to sample premium selection of champagnes available in tasting flights.

Beijing Brunchathon + Second Sip

Beijingers are spoiled with choice when it comes to weekend brunches.

Brunch in Beijing means more than a hangover cure or a weekend gossip fest, it can ultimately be an all day excursion.

With heavenly places like the Orchard and the Vineyard Cafe, you can easily find yourself spending the better half of the day lounging around, enjoying the good food and good company, knowing that today is your day to relax, worry-free before Monday rolls around.

Orchard Oasis

Top 5 picks for a lazy Sunday brunch:

1. The Orchard – It’s a magical place. The Sunday Brunch Buffet is absolutely worth the RMB 180 considering the quality and wide assortment of delicious “European Comfort Food” dishes to choose from.  There is a delightful selection of fresh, home-baked breads (I’m a sucker for fresh bread), fresh, organic salads, whole salmon, 2 soups, over 10 different entree dishes (meats and veggies), and 5 different dessert baked goods.  Only downfall: it’s a nightmare to find and to leave if you don’t have a car/driver.
2. Vineyard Café – A hidden gem, down an alley across from Yonghegong (Lama Temple). I say ‘hidden’ in the sense that it’s a bit difficult to find, but it’s incredibly popular. Don’t go without a reservation, especially if you want to sit in their outdoor courtyard seating.
3. Chef Too - Known for their steaks, but I enjoy their eggs benedict.  See review here
4. DimSum Brunch @ JinDingXuan (Tuanjiehu branch) – 24-hour joint with buzzing atmosphere, and great, cheap dimsum anytime of day. See review here.
5. Café Zarah – (located on Gulou): A sweet little Cafe on Gulou with wifi, good people-watching perch, and satisfying breakfast combos and ice cream from Gustomenta

And then there are those dangerously tempting and not to mention gluttonous hotel champagne brunches.

When the Westin Chaoyang first launched their Sunday brunch, Bubblicious, I was there in a heartbeat since my ultimate Beijing champagne brunch is by far the Westin Financial Street brunch, Senses.  This is by far the most elaborate, extensive, high-quality hotel brunch in Beijing. Champagne included is close to RMB 400 including the 15% service charge, it’s about 50 RMB less without the bubbly.  See review here.

My previous experience of Bubblicious was satisfactory, winning bonus points with their fresh squeezed juice and smoothies selection along with a jaw-dropping dessert section.

This past weekend, my good friend and fellow foodie MeiLi Autumn just brunched it up at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang brunch, Bubblicious and as a LumDimSum fan, she would like to present to you a ‘second sip’ of this mega-brunch.

Bubblicious Second Sip by Meili Autumn

• This was my second Bubblicious at the Westin Chaoyang and I have to say it did not disappoint. At such Mega-Brunches, as I like to call them, one must have a clear strategy in order to enjoy all that the venue has to offer. Upon first walk-around I saw an impressive meat station, an extensive raw bar with lobster, oysters, prawn, and assorted sashimi, sushi chefs hand-rolling fresh sushi,  DIY Caesar salad bar, Chinese noodle section, dimsum and dumpling assortments, Italian section with pizza and handmade pastas, an amazing array of Indian curries, roasts meats, and naan, breakfast station with fresh juices, smoothies, eggs to order and all the sweet breakfast carbs (pancakes, French toast, waffles) and of course the breakfast meats (bacon, sausage, ham). I haven’t even gotten to the dessert and alcohol sections!

This was a lot to take in, I admit. But take it in I did, in platefuls and platefuls. It was decadent and over the top and I felt like royalty at a glamorous feast. The waiter never let my champagne glass get dry and they serve Vueve Clicqot too- one of my faves. If taking vodka shots is more your style on a Sunday morning, they also have a shot bar with different chasers and mixers.

My favorite little touch is their DIY Blini station. Blinis are small, yeast-leavened, buckwheat pancakes that originally come from Russia. Classically they are served with sour cream and caviar or smoked salmon. They go perfectly with champagne, oysters, and yes, vodka.

I have to say, I’ve been to many Mega-brunches in Beijing. Bubblicious is definitely at the top.

Best Part:

• LOTS to choose from and EVERYTHING was delicious
• Great Indian Food- some of the best I’ve had in BEIJING!
• Delicious smoothies and fresh juices
• Innovative and Creative
• Great Service
• Amazing desserts- try their custard bread pudding
• Family-friendly

Comments:

• A little disappointed at the weak looking oysters
• Didn’t care for the brand of ice cream- stick with Haagendaaz.
• Bit Pricey – they just raised it from RMB 368 to 398

**For the next two Sundays, the Westin’s Bubblicious brunch will be featuring the acapella group, “Under Broadway” singing Christmas Carols directed by my good friend, Cody Leung.

Sasha Fierce

After going to “Beyonce’s I AM… Tour 2009″ last night, I believe the general consensus was that Beyonce deserves WAY more cred for her talent.  I have a new-found respect for this woman and so much that I was inspired enough to feel the need to share on LumDimSum.

Granted, Beyonce is already a super famous pop star and her name is known all over the world.  From her days as part of Destiny’s Child to going solo, she’s had a ton of hit singles that’s earned her a lot fame.

But even with all that under her belt, I also naturally assumed that a lot of her talent is exaggerated by the media and I think that most people think of pop stars as being famous for their talent as entertainers rather than their singing or musical talent…like Britney Spears – amazing entertainer, not such an amazing singer.

But Beyonce is not just a pop star, she’s an artist and a goddess with the voice of a siren.  Yeah, that was a little cheesy, sorry, but Beyonce truly is an amazing entertainer, she’s incredibly beautiful and omg, that woman can belt and her voice is as beautiful as it is powerful.

In the past two years I’ve been to quite a few concerts in Beijing – from Kanye West to Kylie Minogue and I’ve even been to the Turandot Opera in the bird’s nest a few weeks back. At these other concerts, people complained about the sound quality, the lack of stage effects, or that it’s awkward to attend concerts in China where no one stands up or dances. A lot of people told me they didn’t even want to go to Beyonce’s concert after being so disappointed from the others.  And I’m sure those people are kicking themselves now.

Beyonce’s concert was hand’s down the best concert I have EVER been to (Beijing and abroad), it really blew me away.

Granted, I was also lucky to score box seats with Hatsune empire owner, Alan Wong’s box where 8 of us consumed 9 bottles of champagne, but everyone in the audience was getting loose, dancing, screaming, there was so much more energy and excitement this time around!

And it was definitely Beyonce herself that brought it out of everyone…or should I say it was Sasha Fierce?

Ladies First: Club Décolleté

Tonight, Beijing just got a little more class with the unofficial, soft-opening of Club Décolleté in 1949 – The Hidden City.

A dazzling and glamorous champagne bar with a look of timeless elegance and class, Club Décolleté is destined to shine as the ultimate champagne bar for Beijing’s beautiful elite.

As explained by owner & creator, Wilfred Kwok (also owner of Glen Boutique Bar), Club Décolleté’s interior design was simulated to mirror the exquisite and gracious design of the prestigious cuvée Perrier-Jouët Champagne bottle. Décolleté’s canvas-textured walls were hand-painted with floral patterns lined with gold and its bold color combination of green and orange emulate the Art Deco style of Cartier’s 1920’s collection design style of sleek, streamlined forms to convey elegance and sophistication.  Dressed in velvet with plush sofa seating combined with the playful touch of French café style seating featuring Kartell’s modern and innovative Italian furniture, the intimate proportions and plush décor create an environment of comfortable luxury.

Located within the brick walls of 1949-The Hidden City, Club Décolleté is a jewel box within this entertainment courtyard oasis of dining, art and culture.  From its hand-painted walls to the sensual curves along the luminous gold bar, Club Décolleté upholds a sense of heritage and aesthetics, creativity, expertise, and a blend of art and innovation.

With its captivating femininity and sensuality, this deliciously decadent champagne bar is designed with women in mind and irresistible for champagne lovers alike with its suave, sophisticated, distinguished and classic yet contemporary nature.

This haven of style is an ideal venue for a romantic rendezvous, a girls’ night out, or an exclusive celebration. Club Décolleté boasts a fine selection of champagne cocktails, fresh fruit daiquiris, and champagne by the bottle.  In time, Décolleté will also serve a delectable assortment of tapas, fresh oysters, caviar, cheeses and desserts.

The seamless fusion of elegance and luxury and a passion for uncompromising service and quality makes Club Décolleté an experience that is indulgent and truly unforgettable.

Club Décolleté is a place to celebrate and be celebrated.

Club Décolleté: First floor bar in 1949-The Hidden City, Attached to 1/5 Taverna and directly across from Sugar Bar. Gongti Bei lu, behind Pacific Century Mall.

Best Part:

• It’s a venue designed for elegant, classy women (men will not be allowed in unless they are accompanied by women)
• It’s all about the bubbly.
• With Wilfred Kwok behind Décolleté, you can rest assured that every cocktail will be made to perfection
• From Thursday-Saturday nights the music features a DJ with a live instrument (tonight had the sax)
• It’s small & intimate
• It’s still a secret – as it literally JUST opened its doors to the public tonight

Comments:

• Club Décolleté has not officially opened yet, they are still using a temporary menu and have yet to start serving off their food menu, which is unavailable at this stage.  *I’m anxious to try chocolate covered strawberries with my champagne cocktail.
• Unless you know 1949, it’s quite difficult to explain to people how to get here. I just don’t get how people living in Beijing have never been to 1949 until now.
• Will be interesting to see how the dynamics of Décolleté will change once Club Glen opens just upstairs (member’s only lounge specializing in premium whiskeys and cigars).

25 and None the Wiser

25 is a pretty intimidating number. As a kid, I always associated the number 25 with being an adult – someone with a career, who is financially independent, at a prime age to get married and start a family.  Ok, I’m 2 for 3.  As a kid, I also wanted to be a Disney fairy-tale princess and meet Prince Charming at the age of 16.

I realize age is just a number and age is absolutely relative. But just I don’t feel 25; I feel like I’m still 16.  Maybe that’s because the last time I had a birthday party was when I turned 16.  Due to the awkward timing of having a birthday in early September, my birthday always coincided with the start of a new school year, when everyone is still sorting out their new class schedule and their new circle of friends or in most recent years, my birthdays have coincided with vacation time – which was nice to be celebrating in an entirely new, exotic setting, but also away from my friends, my family, my home.

So for the first time in almost a decade, I have reached the quarter century mark and I was ready to go BIG.

My Birthday Week Break-down:

Monday: Pre-Birthday Home-made Dinner & Movie

Tuesday: Birthday lunch & Birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant Kagen Teppanyaki followed by birthday drinks @ d. lounge

Wednesday: Post Birthday Dinner and Pre-Birthday Party @ GOSSIP Pour Femme at [Touch] The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Friday: Post-Birthday dinner & drinks @ none other than Hatsune @ the Village

Saturday: Birthday Champagne @ Riviera’s Pool Party

Birthday Make-Over courtesy of the beautiful & talented Meili Autumn (CW’s Fashionista Editor)

Birthday Dinner Party & Drinks @ Karaiya Spice House

‘Bling-isine’ Champagne Limo Ride courtesy of BLING (Can be booked regularly through BLING)

After-Party @ BLING

Sunday: Birthday Recovery @ Capital M’s Opening

By the same people behind M on the Bund in Shanghai and M on the Fringe in HK, Capital M launched its official opening this Sunday, September 13.

Best Part:

• The bright & colorful painted artwork that runs along the walls of the venue
• The pointed roof-top lounge area
• The spectacular view from the spacious rooftop terrace of the Tian An Men Area
• The boxed fireplaces throughout the space really warms and illuminates the venue for a very romantic and intimate lighting in the evening
• Fabian, the restaurant manager, was very welcoming, attentive and a perfect host
• The food was fantastic – I particularly was pleased to be served fresh oysters, and some top picks included the beef bearnaise and smoked salmon with poached egg and spinach. WOW, gave a really great first impression
• Capital M will bring more attention to the Qianmen area
• The location is a great destination for afternoon tea or dinner after a day of sightseeing around heart of Beijing’s history and culture
• They are bringing Danish Smørrebrød to Beijing!!  (world-famous piled-high, open-faced sandwiches from Denmark!)

Comments:

• WARNING for girls with high heels: Taxis can not reach the venue and you must walk quite far to catch one home.
• With a massive space that fills over 400 seats both indoor and the outside terrace, it will be interesting to see who their regular clientele are and their incoming business post-launch period
• It will also be interesting to see how Capital M will compare and compete with the Legation Quarter’s supreme dining outlets.

This past week I have been living in a cloud of BIRTHDAY BLISS – birthday lunches, birthday dinners, birthday e-mails, birthday text messages, birthday FB wall posts…I’ve been down-right spoiled with love, it makes me wish every day was my birthday!  I truly feel blessed to have had such a happy and loving birthday week – Thank you to everyone for making me feel so special, this birthday exceeded all my expectations. It was better than I ever could have imagined or asked for.

Here are some of my favorite birthday shots:

What Sundays Mean to Me: Brunchathon Breakdown

When I was a kid, Sundays meant ‘the day before Monday’, which was almost as dreaded at Mondays themselves.  Sundays meant that the weekend was almost over and I had to prepare for the long stretch of the school week ahead – 5 long days of waking up early, homework, piano lessons, more homework and tests.

Now that my weekends are the most hectic and busy days of the week for me, with my Fridays & Saturdays running straight from morning to late night – 4 or 5am – Sundays are now the days I look forward to most, they are my days of bliss and leisure.

And my favorite part about Sundays?  BRUNCH!!

Here are my top picks for Sunday Brunch (See Below for Details):

1. The Vineyard Cafe

2. Solaire Bistro

3. Village Cafe

4. Chef Too

5. Element Fresh

6. Cafe Zarah

———————————————————————–

1. The Vineyard Café: A hidden gem, down an alley across from Yonghegong (Lama Temple). I say ‘hidden’ in the sense that it’s a bit difficult to find, but it’s incredibly popular. I went there today without a reservation (who knew?) and now I know, especially if you want to sit in their outdoor courtyard seating.

For those looking for a hearty meal after a rough weekend, I highly recommend the “Full English Breakfast” for RMB 65, which gets you generous portions of the following:

• 2 Pork Sausages
• Sautéed Potatoes
• 2 Rashers of Bacon
• Grilled Tomato
• Button Mushrooms
• Baked Beans
• Toast & Butter
• Egg (however you like it)

On top of all that, you also get a choice of coffee or tea AND a glass of fresh apple juice (which is just the icing on a cake)

My personal favorites:

• Ben-e’fish’-ial RMB 35

Like Eggs Benedict, but with imported Norwegian smoked salmon on a bed of arugula instead of ham.  Only downside is that it’s quite small.  Instead of two halves of an English muffin with 2 poached eggs, etc., it’s just one half, so I recommend to also get a side dish.

• Natural Yogurt RMB 11 with a side of honey

The Yogurt with Musseli and Fresh Fruit looked really tempting as well.

*Best to check map to make sure you don’t get lost:

31 Wudaoying Hutong,Yonghegong - west of Yonghegong 
五道营胡同31号  雍和宫桥南

6402-7961

2.  Solaire Bistro: An all-you-can-eat Organic Sunday Brunch for only RMB 88!! (from 11am-3pm)

All-You-Can-Eat & Drink includes:

• Unlimited Fresh Fruit
• Organic Homemade Yogurt
• Fresh Mango Lassi
• Tea & Coffee
• Organic Salad
• Fresh Bread
• Cheese Platter
• Pumpkin Soup
• Baked Scallops**soooo good
• Samosas (a bit of Indian influence from Solaire’s manager)
• Potato Croquets
• Organic Bacon and Sausages
• Organic Omelets

In addition to the unlimited salad and appetizers available, you also get a choice of One Main Entrée:

• Grilled Lamb Chops** I recommend this, it was perfectly cooked and so so delicious)
• Home-style Beef (like a meatloaf)
• Potato Gratin
• Grilled Sea Bass Fillet
• Pork Ribs

Solaire’s brunch is a great option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking for a healthier brunch option.  Make sure you check out a map on your way there so that you don’t get lost.

Beside Wanda (Sofitel) on Zhenzhi Lu at Cable 8 Block B ground floor,
CBD/Guomao
Beside Wanda (Sofitel) Facing Guomao
北京朝阳区建国路郎家园8号尚8创意产业园区B座东侧108

5208-3689

3.   Village Café (Located on the First Floor of Opposite House in Sanlitun):  Wonderful selection of brunch items and came highly recommended to me.

Best Part: Every dish I’ve seen and sampled– from their Eggs Benedict to their Banana Pancakes and Sandwiches are top-notch.  Food is delicious. Period.

Comments:

• Chairs could be more comfortable
• The food and selection is great, but too pricey considering all the other great brunch options in Beijing.

4.  Chef Too – Known for their steaks, I’ve just been for their brunch.

Best Part:

• Great Brunch Selection
• Delicious Eggs Benedict

Comments:

• Super Pricey – I think it’s close to RMB 100 just for eggs benedict

5.  Element Fresh – People love to hate Element Fresh. Why?  It’s overpriced, it’s overrated, it’s not as healthy as it seems, the service is terrible, they always run out of everything…and yet we keep coming back.

Best Part:

• Element’s got the best smoothies in town, and it’s exactly what your body craves and needs after a long weekend.
• Salad Combinations are Awesome
• Huge outdoor terrace, perfect for a nice summer day

Comments: See above.

6. Café Zarah (located on Gulou): A sweet little Cafe on Gulou

Best Part:

• Cozy, relaxed little coffee shop with great wifi
• Good people-watching perch
• Breakfast Combo selections includes a great selection of breads, ham/salami, cheese, boiled egg, tomatoes, cucumbers, jelly, and some include nutella.
• Also offer a lot of sandwiches, pastas, etc.
• They sell ice cream provided by Gustomenta

Comments:

• Limited staff and quite busy, so everytime I needed anything, I needed to walk up to the counter to ask for drink refill, napkins, maidan, etc.

42 Gulou Dongdajie , near Jiaodaokou
鼓楼东大街42号

8403-9807

In a league of it’s own:  Top Hotel Champagne Brunches

1.   Senses (The Westin Financial Street) – Expect to drop a pretty penny, but it’s worth it.  This is by far the most elaborate, extensive, high-quality hotel brunch in Beijing. Champagne included is close to RMB 400 including the 15% service charge, it’s about 50 RMB less without the bubbly.

2.  Monsoon (InterContinental) – Pricier than Senses as its RMB 398 + 15% service charge for free-flow champagne, but they also have infinite Haagen Daaz Ice Cream.

3.  VIC short for Voyage of International Cuisines (Sofitel Hotel by Wanda Plaza) RMB 358 inclusive of champagne

Not the best brunch, a lot of variety, they have a great cheese selection and their dessert section has beautiful chocolate eclairs and I always have so much fun here.

Recent Brunch Experience:

Agua Aperitivo Brunch:

I had the pleasure of joining my friend for a complimentary meal at Agua when they first launched their new Aperitivo Brunch – all-you-can-eat tapas for RMB 198 per person.

Best Part:

• Enjoying the sunshine on Agua’s lovely outdoor terrace with its beautiful view overlooking the Legation Quarter (I don’t like to call it Ch’ien Men 23)
• The fact that you can order as many tapas as you’d like (20 choices)
• Salad with Avocado, strawberries, asparagus and hazelnut is outstanding
• Great Diced fresh fruit dessert with ice cream on top
• Service was very friendly and attentive

Comments:

• Too much mousse/foam…in everything
• Spanish Omelets were just scrambled eggs combined with other ingredients
• Not a good drink selection – only one fresh fruit drink
• Only 2 other tables in the restaurant

Ch’ienmen 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie,
Tian’anmen
前门东大街23号

6559-6266