The Hunt for Easter Brunch in Beijing

It’s ON – The LumDimSum Easter Hunt…for brunch!

Lucky for you, there’s plenty to choose from in Beijing from family-style brunches to free-flow champagne.

Practically every hotel is hosting their own Easter brunch, but I choose to opt away from hotel-style buffet brunches.  However, if you prefer the hotel setting, I hear the JW Marriott by the Ritz is the choice pick as they are also hosting their own Easter egg hunt.

…and if it’s really the traditional hunt for Easter eggs you’re after, then you can join Comptoirs de France in the biggest family Easter Egg hunt in Beijing.  The hunt begins at East Lake Villas starting 10AM. Prizes include giant Chocolate Eggs, Chocolate Bunnies…and apparently chocolate roosters as well!

Here are some Top-Notch Easter Brunch Deals around Town:

1. Capital M –

More than just a beautiful brunch spread, Capital M is also hosting performances by the Sunshine String Quartet (from the Beijing Sunshine Philharmonic Orchestra) starting just after brunch at about 4PM.

I can’t imagine a better way to digest brunch than listening to a program of Mozart, Handel, Pachelbel Johann and Bach.

For reservations, call: 6702-2727

2. Fennel –

Currently, my favorite brunch in Beijing – Fennel is phenomenal. See previous brunch review for Fennel here.

This Easter brunch, Fennel’s Easter Seafood Brunch (RMB 298 per person) will be adding a carving station with some easter roasts, a big cheese selection and extra desserts.

Don’t go without first making a reservation as they book out fast!  For reservations, call 6436-1818

3. Maison Boulud –

A magnificent choice for a memorable brunch, Maison Boulud is guaranteed to deliver both a quality brunch and 5-star service.

For reservations call 6559 9200

4. Sadler Ristorante –

Every Sunday, Sadler hosts a very sophisticated Italian brunch menu (see previous Sadler brunch post here), but Easter will be bringing on a special deal of just RMB 388 per person.

For reservations, call 6559 – 1399

5. SALT –

“Enjoy a relaxing Easter away from the crowds” on SALT’s open balcony terrace with a choice of 2 to 3-course brunch menu (see menu below).

For reservations, call 6437-8457

6. TERRA -

A champagne Easter brunch offering a 5-course menu, a bottle of champagne to share between two and free flow mojitos and caipirinhas (for RMB 458 each), this is quite an ambitious brunch!  Skip the free flow drinks and just enjoy the 5-course menu for RMB 288.

For reservations, call 6591-9148

Happy Easter Egg Hunting / Brunching!

LumDimSum Discovery: Comptoirs’ Kiwi Energizer

My absolute favorite French Bakery, Comptoirs de France specializes in freshly baked bread, pastries, cakes, desserts and a great selection of salads and sandwiches/paninis as well.

What you may not know, is that Comptoirs also offers a selection of fresh fruit summer smoothies, which are not only refreshing and delicious, but also healthy and nutritious. I was surprised to find that these smoothies were not included within their standard menu nor were they listed on their cafe’s menu board.

All of  thirst-quenching smoothies range from RMB 18-32 and on a scale of 1-5, each smoothie is ranked on how energetic, purifying, immunizing, digestive, and dermo-vivifying each is.

I ordered the Kiwi Energizer (RMB 32) – “A refreshing green cocktail that will top your energy battery.”

A thick smoothie with a blend of kiwi and lemon, the combination of flavors is a perfect balance of citrus and tang.

Kiwi Energizer Ranking:

• Energetics – 5
• Purifying – 2
• Immunizing – 4
• Digestive – 2
• Dermo-vivifying – 4

Some other recommended top-selling smoothies include the Mango Blush (RMB 28) – a fresh blend of mango, orange and lemon, the Fapai Lover (RMB 28) – a combination of strawberries, lychee and yogurt, and the Islands Passion – apple, pineapple, lime and passionfruit puree.

LumDimSum Hot Tip: After 7:30PM, all freshly baked breads, pastries & desserts are buy-one-get-one-free!  I highly recommend their fresh rye bread, whole meal loaf, and their chocolate eclairs & tartlets.

LumDimSum Discovery Explanation: Whenever I try a dish worth sharing, I will post this find as a LumDimSum Discovery.  Just click tagged LumDimSum Discovery articles for more recommendations.

CW Reader’s Choice Awards vs. LumDimSum

Unlike theBeijinger and Time Out magazines, CityWeekend lumps both the Dining & Nightlife Award Categories into one evening rather than split it up into two events. And for the first time this year, CityWeekend changed it up and actually kept the vote count visible to the public and made sure that every voter had a validated CW User Name Account.

If you are interested in comparing results, check out theBeijinger Restaurant Awards Breakdown posted here.  Time Out’s Restaurant Awards Breakdown is posted here.

I unfortunately was not in Beijing to attend the CityWeekend’s awards ceremony at Brasserie Flo, but word on the street was that it was packed and the turn-out was impressive.

If you haven’t seen the results already, here is a LumDimSummary Breakdown of all the winners in both the Restaurant & Bar Awards Categories:

CityWeekend’s Awards for Best Dining Categories:

• Best New Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Tamarind

  • LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

• Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: SALT

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

• Chinese Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Zen5es

  • LumDimSum Vote: Karaiya Spice House

• Most Romantic:

  • CW Winner: Jaan

  • LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

• Best Value:

  • CW Winner: Kiosk

  • LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

• Chef of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Mario Cittadini

  • LumDimSum Vote: Max Levy – Bei/Apothecary

• Best Service:
  

  • CW Winner: Maison Boulud

  • LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud

• Best Mexican/Tex-Mex:

  • CW Winner: Casa Latina

  • LumDimSum Vote: Casa Latina

• Best Italian:
  

  • CW Winner: Prego

  • LumDimSum Vote: Metro

• Best Japanese:

  • CW Winner: Nishimura

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

• Best French:

  • CW Winner: Maison Boulud

  • LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud

• Best Thai:

  • CW Winner: Purple Haze

  • LumDimSum Vote: Aroy-D (by Fulicheng)

• Best American:

  • CW Winner: Chef Too

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Indian:

  • CW Winner: Mughal’s

  • LumDimSum Vote: Punjabi

• Best Middle-Eastern:

  • CW Winner: 1001 Nights

  • LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

• Best Beijing Duck:

  • CW Winner: Fat Duck

  • LumDimSum Vote: Made in China (Grand Hyatt)

• Best Hot Pot:

  • CW Winner: Ding Ding Xiang

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hai Di Lao

• Best Burger:

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Pizza:

  • CW Winner: The Tree

  • LumDimSum Vote: The Tree

• Best Dessert:

  • CW Winner: Din Tai Fung

  • LumDimSum Vote: Comptoirs de France

• Best Steakhouse:

  • CW Winner: Grange (Westin Chaoyang)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Meat & Wine Co. (but it’s closed now)    I will need to find a new favorite steakhouse…
    

• Best Wine Selection:

  • CW Winner: Enoteca

  • LumDimSum Vote: Palette Vino

• Best Buffet:

  • CW Winner: Seasonal Tastes

  • LumDimSum Vote: Westin Chaoyang

• Best Sunday Brunch:

  • CW Winner: Bubbalicious (Westin Chaoyang)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Orchard

• Best for Families:

  • CW Winner: Din Tai Fung, Seasonal Tastes (Tie)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Orchard

CityWeekend’s Awards for Best Bar/Club Categories:

• Club of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Mix

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Bar of the Year:
  

  • CW Winner: Apothecary

  • LumDimSum Vote: Apothecary

• Nightlife Newcomer of the Year:

  • CW Winner: White Rabbit

  • LumDimSum Vote: Fubar

• Best Local Band of the Year:

  • CW Winner: The Redbucks

  • LumDimSum Vote:  The Redbucks

• Beijing-Based DJ of the Year:

  • CW Winner: DJ Blackie

  • LumDimSum Vote:  DJ KEZA

• Best Alfresco Drinking:

  • CW Winner: XIU

  • LumDimSum Vote: Q Bar

• Best Live Music:

  • CW Winner: Mao Live House

  • LumDimSum Vote: Yugong Yishan

• Best Cocktails:

  • CW Winner: Mix-The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

  • LumDimSum Vote: Glen

• Best Place for Singles:

  • CW Winner: Mix

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Best for Dancing:

  • CW Winner: GT Banana

  • LumDimSum Vote: BLING

• Best Sports Bar:
  

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Hardest Bar to Find:

  • CW Winner: Fubar Peking

  • LumDimSum Vote: Club Obiwan

• Best Pub Grub:
  

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Fruit Plate:

  • CW Winner: Destination

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Best Promoter:

  • CW Winner: Street Hustle Promotions

  • LumDimSum Vote: Acupuncture

Jammin’ Jam & Pretzels: South German Bakery & Café Konstanz

South German Bakery on Lucky Street

Independent bakeries filled with homemade, freshly-baked breads, pretzels, cakes and sweets are a rare breed in Beijing and I have just recently uncovered one of the best I’ve seen in Beijing.

Located on the north end of Lucky Street (across from Solana Mall on Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu), South German Bakery is reason alone to make the trip to Lucky Street, but if that’s not enough, then Café Konstanz, the German restaurant located upstairs will surely win you over.

Their set menus make a great weekend brunch alternative, including bread baskets with an assortment of their freshly baked rye bread, pretzels, whole grain bread and white rolls paired with butter, honey and the best homemade jam I’ve ever tasted.

Bread Basket

Unable to choose just one of the set menu options, we opted to just share three different breakfast menus:

Big Breakfast (RMB 72): Mixed bread basket, butter, homemade jam, honey, ham, cold cuts, salami & cheese with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon rashers.

Scrambled Eggs & Bacon Rashers

Vital Breakfast (RMB 80): Mixed bread basket, butter, homemade jam, honey, cheese, museli with milk, fresh fruits and yogurt with glass of orange juice

Muesli & Fruit with Yogurt

Luxury Breakfast (RMB 108): Mixed bread basket, butter, jam, honey, smoked salmon, ham, cold cuts, salami & cheese served with scrambled eggs & crispy bacon rashers with glass of orange juice.

Cold Cuts Platter with Luxury Breakfast

Review of Cafe Konstanz: No. 27 Lucky Street, Zaoying Lu, Sanyuanqiao (across from Solana Shopping Mall), Tel: 5867-0201

Best Part:

• Freshly baked bread (especially the rye bread) and pastries and the best homemade jam I’ve ever tried
• A great weekend brunch alternative
• A cozy space great for families or friends
• Conveniently located above South German Bakery
• Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu

Comments:

• A bit on the pricier side, but each set is more than enough food and at least you are paying for quality.
• Service was a bit slow, but they were very friendly and helpful for the most part.
• While the bread here is fantastic, I still highly recommend Comptoirs de France and their happy hour special (buy-one-get-one-free bread/pastry/dessert offer everyday after 7PM).

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 8
• Overall Experience: 7
  

LumDimSummary of NightLab’s ‘French Kiss @ BLING’

An event by Nightlabs, DJ Keza spun BLING into a frenzy this past Saturday, April 17.

A BIG THANK YOU to Comptoirs de France and Catherine de France for partnering this event and rewarding guests with goodies.

LumDimSum Photo Gallery of ‘French Kiss @ BLING’:

You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too

For the month of March, it’s been non-stop birthday madness!

I swear, it seems like every day is someone’s birthday. If it’s not a birthday dinner at Hatsune, it’s birthday drinks at Apothecary/d.lounge or a proper birthday party at Bling/Xiu/Suzies….you get the idea. If anything, this month has just been more excuses to celebrate!

So naturally, for any given birthday party, you can appropriately expect to find a pretty fabulous birthday cake whether it’s homemade or courtesy of 21cake.com or Comptoires de France (I’m a big fan of their rich, chocolate fudge cake).

And a recent discovery I’ve made – Lollipop Bakery, the most delightful cupcakes in Beijing!!  After cupcakes have taken the US by storm, someone FINALLY brings proper cupcakes to China’s capital.  Having sponsored International Women’s Day, Lollipop Bakery made a big impression on everyone, especially me. Finding these beautiful, precious little desserts have been such a breath of fresh air.  I’m telling you, cupcakes are now the way to go.

Every cupcake made fresh to order, with quality, imported ingredients, they come in basic flavors – Classic Vanilla, Classic Chocolate, Red Velvet and Earl Grey. RMB 200-220 per dozen cupcakes. They can cater to your needs whether it be a giant cupcake, mini cupcakes, special flavors or specially designed frosting.

For orders,  just email Lexie, aka the “Cupcake Girl” : Cupcakes@LollipopBakery.cn or phone: 13552772683

*Note: Order 24 hours in advance, minimum order is 2 dozen cupcakes (Free delivery within 3rd Ring Road)

But out of all the birthday celebrations this month, I’ve got to give it to Cody’s birthday cake – the most glorious homemade birthday cake I’ve ever seen.  Completely original with bright colors bursting out and cookie crumbs on top, never have I seen such a unique cake, something that was created after hours of labored love.

The picture speaks for itself.

Cody's Glorious Birthday Cake

March Birthday Shout-Outs:

• Mike Chen aka Big Mike
• Cody Leung
• Matthew Van der Zwan
• Jennifer Mao-Jones
• Blake Stone-Banks
• Lee Mack
• Jamie Kung
• Omar
• Christian Liu
• Rebecca Karlstrom
• DJ Keza

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIENDS!!!! Nothing but Love, xoxo

Hear Me Roar: Happy Chinese New Year

With Valentine’s Day & the beginning of the Year of the Tiger on the Chinese Lunar calendar both falling on February 14, 2010, we’ve got two reasons to celebrate today!

For those who are unfamiliar with Chinese New Year customs, the Chinese New Year is celebrated quite differently than New Years Celebrations in Western cultures. Rather than focusing on glamorous, sparkly parties and scrambling to find someone to kiss at midnight, the Chinese New Year is a time for family.  It’s a time spent indoors with home-cooking and let’s not forget the endless drum of fireworks and firecrackers.  Nonstop. For a week.

This year in particular is the year of the tiger, an animal both feared and revered, symbolizing courage, passion, power, and royalty. A year of fearless passion and unpredictability.

The year of the Tiger is traditionally associated with massive changes and social upheaval. Therefore, 2010 is very likely to be a volatile one both on the world scene, as well as on a personal level. – Chinese Zodiac

Both a day for romance as well as a day to celebrate the Golden Tiger Year – Coincidence?  Perhaps, but the two go hand in hand if you ask me.

Congrats to all couples/love birds on finding that special someone.  I hope you revel in your bliss of love and let this holiday serve as a sweet reminder of how lucky you are to have found something as rare as love, something not to be taken for granted. Good luck to all boyfriends. Remember to be sentimental – Forget the Price Tag and think PRICELESS.

Whether you’re in love or you’re single, it doesn’t really matter this year. If you are single, you can vent by blowing up more fireworks and contributing more to this war zone Beijing becomes every Chinese New Year…yeah, on second thought, scratch that and just go to the Valentine’s Day Party @ Song Bar. If you’re lucky, cupid just might be meeting you there.

If you’re not up for mingling, then there’s always the option of treating yourself to the divine sin that’s officially allowed on Valentine’s Day: CHOCOLATE.  LumDimSum recommends Comptoirs de France, which is open throughout the New Year holidays!  Hooray!

Now I just need to find my ear plugs…

Happy New Year LumDimSum Friends!

I wish you all an abundance of good fortune, success, love, health, and happiness this year of the tiger.

新年快樂!

恭禧發財

With Love,

LumDimSum

xxxx

Satisfy your Sweet Tooth

Comptoirs De France is hands down my favorite new bakery.

I’m a little upset with myself for not discovering this place sooner!  With six locations around Beijing, I’ve always noticed it and wanted to try it, but until yesterday, I had yet to experience the awesomeness that I now know is Comptoirs De France.

Once I stepped inside, I immediately got myself acquainted by ordering a cup of terrific hot chocolate and a rich mini Chocolate Tartlet. I left with two loaves of bread and an assortment of ten different kinds of mini bite-sized pastries (RMB 7 for each).

More than just a French bakery with chocolates, it is a delightful cafe with an assortment of treats from loaves of fresh bread, perfect croissants, sweet tarts, macaroons, ice cream, they even sell chocolate Eiffel Towers for heaven’s sake.

Review of Comptoirs De France: 6 locations – East Lake Villas, China Central, Ritan Park, Lido, Riviera Plaza & Europlaza.I visited: East Lake Club, 35 Dongzhimenwai Dajie 东直门外大街号东湖俱乐部, Tel: 6461-1525

Best Part:

• Chocolate Tarts, Chocolate Eclaires, Chocolate Crossaints, Hot Chocolate, and I hear their Chocolate Fondue is brilliant.
• It’s really quite unfair that I would limit this bakery to their perfected chocolates.  I really ought to give them due credit for their freshly baked breads, other non-chocolate pastries (lemon tarts and strawberry cheesecake tarts also come highly recommended), as well as their savory sandwiches, salads and soups.
• Very well managed, personable, and professional.  Quality you can count on AND they have wi-fi.
• They cater, custom-design wedding cakes (yes, I did ask), and they always do something special during the holidays (i.e., Giant Chocolate Santas during Christmas and Giant Chocolate Hearts during Valentine’s Day)
• After 7:30pm, all pastries are buy-one-get-one-free.
• They deliver with a minimum order of RMB 75.

Comments:

• Even with six locations, there is not one close enough to me to visit on a daily visit.  Plans are in the making to move somewhere in Sanlitun and Chaoyang Park West Gate.
• Until then, despite the distance, I plan on becoming a regular. They can count on that.

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 9
• Atmosphere: 7
• Service: 7
• Overall Experience: 9