Restaurant News: Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar & Q Mex

In case you missed my article last week on Time Zone 8′s newly opened sushi bar serving Hatsune Sushi (hoorah!), check it out here.

Still in soft opening, this back-to-basics exposed brick and cement design is already showcasing a basic menu including some of Hatsune’s classic sushi rolls disguised under new names. Example: their “Red Dinosaur” Roll is actually Hatsune’s legendary 119 Roll.

After a week of traveling in Southern China with the entire LumDimFamily, the first stop once we were back in Beijing was straight out to 798 Art District with two very specific goals: to show off the new Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar space to my Lum-tourage and seek out old propaganda posters for my brother to bring back home as souvenirs for his friends.

A true 798 expert, Time Zone 8 owner Robert Bernell not only gave us a tour of his new space, he shared his top picks for must-see exhibitions and sights in 798.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar: 

Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar Entrance Reception Area

Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar Dining Space (Now Open)

Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar Main Dining Room (Finishing Up Final Touches)

Time Zone 8 Sushi Bar

The new Sushi Bar space is tucked in just behind the original Time Zone 8 Western Restaurant and Bar area.

With the sun shining and their trademark bright yellow umbrellas open, the space was crammed packed even at 5PM in the late afternoon with a buzzing ambiance of happy diners and even the bar area was bustling! (See pic below) 

More exciting news in Beijing’s ever-growing restaurant scene:

Beijingers can look forward to the upcoming opening of Q Mex, a new project by the great people behind Q Bar.

“Q Bar owner Echo Sun was at the vanguard of bringing quality creative cocktails to Beijing; with Q Mex she will be building on her strengths, focusing her palette on nuanced pleasures of both food and drink.  The restaurant will feature a contemporary setting, innovative menu, and open kitchen showcasing gourmet Mexican food; the bar will feature an Agave-inspired bar design, a cool lounge setting, and Echo’s artistry in mixology, including refreshing variations on the margarita and one of the largest Tequila collections in Asia.”

- Chris Ruggles, Chief Marketing Officer of the Q Enterprises

The opening of Q Mex is planned for early June 2012 and they will be located just below Kro’s Nest, across from D Lounge in the Sanlitun Courtyard (South Sanlitun).

My mouth is already watering at the thought of sampling their scrumptious tacos, salsas, and tamales alongside some guaranteed-to-be-awesome-and-creative cocktails and margaritas.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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

Sneak Peak of Spice Factory & Tatami by d.concepts

Let me begin this post by saying this is not, and I repeat – NOT! ‘an official LDS review’ for two reasons: 1. The restaurant is still in its beginning soft-opening stages and 2. I promised Warren I wouldn’t.  Instead, this post is just a chance for me to show off just how friggin’ gorgeous this space is (see photos posted below).

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. Yum is located on the second floor just left of d.lounge and the other new restaurant concept Tatami, a Japanese fusion restaurant, is located below Spice Factory.

Presenting a modern take on Thai cuisine, Spice Factory restaurant looks nothing like other Thai restaurants in this city with no hint of Thai culture or flavor other than in its food and drinks. Although the decor of the space doesn’t appear to have much correlation to Thailand, the food is kicking with flaming hot Thai spice and flavors.

And naturally, with the same management as d. lounge, Spice Factory boasts a massive bar with a wide range of Thai-inspired cocktails that are especially delish.  I tried both their Gin Gin cocktail (RMB 70) – a gin martini with ginger, apple, etc. and Phuket Mojito (RMB 60) – with chili, lime, mint, etc. which were both hands-down some of the best tasting cocktails I’ve had in Beijing.

The restaurant design eerily resembles d lounge but with dining tables instead of sofa couches. Like it’s older brother d., Spice Factory carries on the same brick/industrial style with high ceilings and the same warm, trendy ambiance that d lounge is notorious for.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Spice Factory Thai Restaurant:

Invited for a massive birthday celebration for the very lovely Mei Ping Doery, I dined with a group of over 30 and we were served a set menu for dinner at Spice Factory.

*Just to emphasize to my readers, Warren has stressed that Spice Factory is currently in its very pre-opening stages and they are very much still tweaking and adjusting food, concept, etc. to make the experience more Thai-fusion rather than serving very traditional Thai cuisine.  Regardless, the food was delish (and VERY spicy) so they’re off to a great start…!

LumDimSum Snapshots of the Spicy Thai Dishes by Spice Factory:

Happy Birthday Beautiful Mei!

After-Dinner Drinks at Spice Factory:

Birthday Shots!

Master Drink Mixer, Warren Pang workin his Magic…in what appears to be a zen-like state  haha

Located just below Yum, Tatami is the other new restaurant by d.concepts.

Serving fusion Japanese cuisine, the presentation of each dish was beautifully done and absolutely captivating.  Portions were a little small for my big appetite, but the flavors and taste of each dish was spot on. I was a huge fan of the seafood ceviche and seared steak with coffee salt.

Unfortunately, I don’t have my own LumDimSum snapshots since Warren forbid me to take any photos for fear of a pre-mature LDS review, but lucky for me, other diners that night were sneakier!

Here’s a teaser of what’s to come at TATAMI soon (snapshots I’ve taken off Warren’s weibo):

**Stay posted on LumDimSum for more details to come on launch opening dates for both Spice Factory and TATAMI restaurants by d.concepts.

In the meantime, I recommend that all you foodies and lushes to pop on over for a try at Spice Factory’s delicious Thai cocktails and flaming hot Thai dishes.

LumDimSum 1-on-1: Chozie Creates the WOW Factor

“On the move creating the W0W factor”, Chozie Ma is both CEO/Founder of Bang Entertainment Producers and Partner/China Rep for Oracle-Projects International.

“Bang Producers/Oracle-Projects offer high end experiences for our elite clientele; we are confident that we can create the “Wow factor” as the most stylish and luxurious events marketing and branding experience.”

Chozie’s newest project with MTV Push and CK ONE will be featuring American rap group Far East Movement (best known for their hit single “Like a G6″) for an exclusive VIP event this coming Wednesday, 11 May 2011 at Star Live in Beijing.

For insight into Chozie’s background, how Bang! first came about and what you can expect in this upcoming mega fashion/music event next week, LumDimSum gets you an exclusive with the one and only Chozie Ma.

Name:  Chozie Ma

Age:     30+

Nationality:  Australian/Chinese

Occupation:  Producer /Director /Host /DJ Artist

Company Name:  Bang Entertainment Producers

Years in Beijing:  14 and counting

LumDimSum Goes 1-on-1 with Chozie Ma

LDS: When I first met you back in 2006, you were a DJ at Suzie Wong’s. Over the course of the past 5 years, I’ve seen you move on to some pretty incredible projects and now you are founder and CEO of Bang, your own production and events company. How did Bang! first come about?

After coming back from my artist contract in TW in 2003, I took over Wong’s as both resident DJ and partner. I had a wild and fun journey ‘til one day in 2009 when I woke up and something clicked – the next day I left my partnership, took a 6 months break and got back to my true calling which is creating, directing and producing one-of-a-kind, magical events.

What would make me different from all other event companies out there?  Bang was born to become a VIP consulting agency that produces and directs high-end events for elite clientele. When I was once running and drinking with many VIPs back in the day at the world famous Suzie Wongs Club, that helped me gain access to the JING’Ss socialites , CEO’s, etc, and instead of calling them out to party this days, I would be call them to produce their events just like that party,

I would say I have to thank my liver for helping me gain so many great clients in Asia. Also, timing played a big role in the start of Bang -  isn’t it always about timing?

LDS: You are the CEO of Bang and partner of Oracle-Projects.com.  Are they related projects?

I am working on merging the two campiness so that they are housed under one roof. I am the China rep for Oracle-Projects, which assists Bang in its event technology. Bang is also assisting Oracle in their global marketing strategies.

LDS: Give me a glimpse into the glamorous and star-studded, celebrity events you’ve pulled off.

Everything from celebrity house parties to Olympic gold medal events, First Asian event in the House of Blues in Hollywood with Asia’s top celebs, Mobile Home Beach Festival, Happy Valley Festival, Space Ibiza, Summer Jam BJ first hip-hop and dance stage festival with artist ONYX – now that was old skool.  The list goes on…

LDS: The coolest event you’re most proud to call your own?

Last year we were contracted to host /produce/direct one of UK’s most  powerful family’s 4 day Birthday Bash in the JING. It was 3 days of full-on, packed VIP action – everything from closing down the Great Wall on the national day holiday for a cocktail sunset to shooting tanks on the Olympic target range. Imagine 350 VIP guests all flying in on private jets and having Mybach sponsor us to escort our guests from venue to venue (having the family that owns Mybach as our guest helped).

The city was dry after that weekend with the guests drinking over 230 bottles of DOM on the first night.

Imagine the world’s elite together with China’s top heads at one event spread over 4 days. It was a mission but a great event and we at Bang are proud to have produced it.  And thank you, Miss LumDimSum, for being a part of it.

But there is another event coming up on May 11^th that I am going to have to add to this list of  “coolest events”.

LDS: Right, I can take a hint.  OK, on that note – tell me about your newest project with CK and MTV Push. What can people expect from this event on May 11?

“April 2011 – MTV PUSH and ck one today announced that American rappers of the smash hit, “Like A G6”, Far East Movement, South-Korean starlet, G.Na and Chinese electronic-disco super group, New Pants will perform on Wednesday, May 11^th at an exclusive party at Starlive in Beijing, in what promises to be one of the most exciting, glamorous and celebrity-filled events on the Chinese fashion and music calendar.”

In other words -

• 350 hand picked guests will be flown in to Beijing including CK One top models, fashion elite and socialites from London and NY.

• 300 China VIP including celebs and up and coming stars of the mainland.

• The event is invite only.

• It’s at Star Live, but there will be a pumping new sound system for the night, new lighting rig, VVIP’s free food and drinks all night, VIP’s stranded free drinks. Giveaways and The Jing’s top party crowd.. do we need to say more?  Oh yeah – and Bang is producing it.

LDS: From Burberry’s digital event just a few weeks back with Keane’s live performance and now CK’s digital “ck one box” campaign with international sensation Far East Movement, what is your take on this growing trend for fashion brands to develop more high-tech approaches in their advertising and marketing strategies and in combination with live music acts?

It’s the only way forward.  If you don’t apply high tech, the market will eat you up –  its all about the WOW factor.

People are too restricted this days –  you need to make them remember and the only way is creating one-of-a-kind, content-built shows.  I am so lucky to be the partner of Oracle-Projects.com  and to be able to produce these kind of events for the world to see and I feel that 4D is next. Wait till you can smell your event.

The fact is that people want and need more so we must keep up with the highest of high-tech ways to impress.  Fashion and car brands take the lead in this because they have the budgets – ‘cause it’s definitely not cheap.

“ck one box” will be featured at MTV Push & CK ONE event

LDS: On a scale of 1 to 10, how excited are you to kick it with Far East Movement?

“LIKE A G6” Excited, with a high 9 out of 10.

LDS: If you could bring any one band/artist in the world to Beijing for a one-off performance, who would you bring and why?

Red Hot Chili Peppers … cause they rock and their lyrics hit the spot. Great music to listen to in the morning to get ya day started.

LDS: You must meet A-list celebrities all the time.  Who is your all-time favorite and why?

Definitely have met many over the years, but I would have to say Jackie Chan. He always has a smile on his face and even if he is in the middle of dinner, he will stand up and greet you no matter who you are or where you are from.

He is so giving not only in china but all around the world. He has created so much for the under-privileged children of China and he was one of the first to help raise money and create aid for Japan…and ya got to love his movies.

LDS: Who have you not met yet that you hope you will?

The president of China, ‘cause I LOVE our motherland China ..GO CHINA GO!

LDS: Tell me something most people would be surprised to learn about you.

I wake up in the morning and I do see daylight.

LDS: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Still in Beijing doing more to give back – create charities and have a family of my own with a ‘lil me or 2.

LDS: Of all the places in the world, why have you chosen Beijing as your home?

For me, when I came here it was the last dance frontier and I wanted to make a mark and I have.  I also wanted to get back to my family roots.

LDS: Top 3 Dining Destinations in Beijing?

Not in order -

• Tori Tei BBQ

• Hai Di Lao Hot Pot

• Wangfujing’s food street

LDS: Top 3 Drinking Destinations in Beijing?

• d lounge

• Atmosphere

• Suzie Wong’s

LDS: Any last words?

“Stay real to your self and always keep the peace.” - Chozie 2011

THANK YOU CHOZIE!!

LumDimSum Super Sweepstakes:

Access to this very exclusive MTV Push and CK ONE event will be rewarded to the first 10 people to email me directly (kristen@lumdimsum.com).

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, May 11
• Time: 8PM-1AM
• Location: Star Live
• Address: 3rd Floor of Tango (south gate of Ditan Park), 79 Hepingli Xijie, 和平里西街79号

Time to Speak Up: theBeijinger 2010 Bar Awards

theBeijinger is switching things up in more ways than one.

Already beginning the initial phases of their magazine face-lift, theBeijinger most recently announced that voting for their 7th
Annual Reader Bar & Club Awards have commenced. This year, they have not only revised their nomination categories, voters can now choose their first, second and third favorite in ranking order (out of 8-13 choices) for every category.

theBeijinger 2010 Bar Awards Categories this year include:

• Best Cocktails
• Best Individual Cocktail
• Best Cheap Drinks
• Most Reliable Drinks
• Best Whiskey Bar
• Best Wine
• Best Beer
• Best Bartender
• Best Daily Happy Hour
• Best Ladies Night
• Best Regular Event
• Best Quiz Night
• Best Live Rock Venue
• Best Live Jazz Venue
• Most Beautiful People
• Friendliest Crowd
• Best Service
• Best Place to Find a Date
• Best Place to Bring a Date
• Sexiest Bar Staff
• Best Bar Food
• Best Late-Night Dining
• Best Hotel bar
• Best Student Hangout
• Best Nightclub
• Best Sportsbar
• Best Lounge
• Best Place for Dancing
• Best Business Networking
• Best Hidden Gem
• Best After-Hours Club
• Best Party of the Year
• Best New Bar/Club
• Bar/Club of the Year

Bars/Clubs with most category nominations include:

• Fu Bar
• Punk @ Opposite House
• d lounge
• Xiu @ Park Hyatt
• Apothecary
• Lush
• Centro @ Kerry Centre
• Q Bar

Vote now for your top picks here.

*Voting Ends May 6 & Bar/Club Awards Party Set for May 13 @ Mako Live House

Wokai’s Drinks for a Better World

Join Wokai in their “Drinks for a Better World” event tonight (Tuesday, April 13) @ d.lounge.

Drink specials begin at 7:00 PM accompanied by heaven-sent mini cupcakes sponsored by Lollipop Bakery!

Wokai will provide a brief introduction around 7:45PM followed by a short presentation from guest speaker James Flanagan from the Beijing Rotaract Club.

I encourage all LumDimSum friends to come out tonight and enjoy good drinks, good cupcakes and good company all in the name of a good cause.

Click photo here for a link to Wokai's Website

A Celebration of Champagne, Cupcakes, candy&caviar!

Congratulations to candy&caviar on a beautiful fashion show!

Showcasing candy&caviar’s entire Fall 2010 Collection with a proper debut on the runway, this event featured candy&caviar’s signature hooded blazers, stunning silk dresses and trend-setting new dress shirts paired with bow ties, the perfect touch of candy&caviar.

For looks that combine class, confidence and sophistication, the candy&caviar show was hosted at the beautiful d.lounge, marking the official launch of candy&caviar in Asia.

LumDimSum Photo Gallery of the candy&caviar FW 2010 fashion show @ d.lounge:

www.candyandcaviar.com

A special THANK YOU to candy&caviar’s generous sponsors:

• d.lounge

• C. de France

• BonBon Bins

• Lollipop Bakery

candy&caviar Showroom Address:

China Central Place, Building 16, Room 921

LumDimSum and candy&caviar's very own, Candy Lin

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

Trends’ Lounge: Bookstore.Restaurant.Lounge

Good things come in three’s.

Similar to how d.lounge is considered a bar, a lounge, and an art space, Trends’ Lounge is a bookstore, a restaurant cafe, and a lounge – a perfect combination to just to hang about with an endless supply of good magazines and books to satisfy your thirst for knowledge, good food to satisfy your hunger and good coffee to keep you wired.

Their menu is limited with one side of an A4 printed paper for their food menu and the back for their drinks. Food includes a few salads, soups, pastas, sandwiches, steak and desserts. Drinks include coffee, hot chocolate and fresh fruit juice. I recommend the caramel coffee and the Orange/Apple/Carrot fresh fruit juice (RMB 40). I ordered the Spicy Tuna Salad (RMB 35), Shrimp and Tomato Pasta (RMB 48), and Sauteed Spare Ribs with Mashed Potatoes (RMB 48). The spicy tuna salad did not look very appealing when it came out, but was better than expected. The pasta was also a bit bland for my taste, but the spare ribs and mashed potatoes were fantastic. And they even brought us plastic gloves, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was great value and even if the food is not the best in Beijing, the combination of location, atmosphere and value make it worth returning to.

Review of Trends’ Lounge: L214, 2F, Trends Tower, 9 Guanghua Road, Northeastern building of “The Place” 光华路9号, Tel: 6587-1999

Best Part:

• Design and atmosphere of the venue is very original and attractive
• I love the quality and quantity of books and magazines available, it’s probably the best bookstore I’ve found in Beijing thus far
• I highly recommend the sauteed spare ribs with mashed potatoes

Comments:

• Service was not very attentive and a bit slow, but friendly nonetheless
• Food is nothing to write home about, but it’s reasonably priced and satisfying
• A perfect place to hang out for the day

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

• Food: 6
• Atmosphere: 9
• Service: 4
• Overall Experience: 7
  

Presenting: candy&caviar FW 2010

Showcasing candy&caviar’s Fall 2010 Collection with a proper debut on the runway, this event will be featuring an entirely new collection with a look into the life of candy&caviar. We will be spotlighting our signature hooded blazers, as well as presenting new undeniably bold pieces that continue to touch on looks that are confident, polished, and quintessentially candy&caviar.

This show will also be marking the official launch of candy&caviar in Asia. With a new showroom conveniently located in China Central Place, you can grab all the must-have picks.

Hosted at d.lounge, the candy&caviar 2010 fashion show will also have an in-house exhibition showcasing this line’s most prominent pieces for a limited time.

A Tour of ‘The New Beijing’

It seems like a lifetime ago, but when I first moved to Beijing in 2006, I came as a student to study Mandarin at World Link Education.  Back in those days, everything was all play and stress-free – ah, the life as a student.  My crew’s regular hangout spot was Together Bar (which was recently demolished this summer and replaced with a park) and our regular party spots included none other than Babyface, Cargo, Bar Blu, Kai Bar, Suzie Wong’s and Vics (before the re-model).

Since then, so much has changed in Beijing pre and post the 2008 Olympics.

This October holiday, my best friend from World Link, Sophia Gericke came back to visit for 10 days – a visit that has been both refreshing and eye-opening.  It’s so easy to get caught up in all the small things and forget to see the big picture.  It’s hard to imagine that only a year ago, there was no Sanlitun Village, there was no Opposite House, no Bling, no Solana, no Legation Quarter, etc. etc.

With Sophia back in Beijing after a 3 years, I wanted her to experience the best of what I like to call, ‘The New Beijing’.

Having already lived in Beijing, Sophia had no interest in seeing any tourist attractions, so I was able to really give her a taste of Beijing’s new and improved dining and nightlife scene.

Here’s what the 10 day tour consisted of:

1. Sanlitun Village (Hatsune, Karaiya, Blue Frog for drinks, Panino Teca)
2. Opposite House (Alan’s Hotel Party in one of the suites, Mesh & Punk)
3. Solana (All-Star & Bling)
4. Legation Quarter Tour & dinner @ Capital M (Qianmen Pedestrian Street)
5. Park Hyatt’s Xiu
6. Olympic Green (complete with attending the Turandot Opera in Bird’s Nest)
7. 1949-The Hidden City: Club Décolleté, Club Glen, Sugar Cafe, Well Bar
8. Scarlett (Hotel G)
9. Glen Boutique Bar & Oden
10. d lounge
    

    Keep it Gangsta Party @ BLING

11. Vics (renovated)
12. Block 8‘s Ruby Khi (renovated)
13. Suzie Wong’s (unchanged)
14. Chocolate Club
15. Vineyard Cafe (best Sunday brunch)
16. Chef Too (Sunday brunch)
17. Regency Taipan (massage)
18. PurpleJade Country Club (spa)

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:

The New Kid on the Block: d. lounge.gallery.food

C-Dice & I @ d.lounge

For over a month now, I’d been hearing about the new kid in town – d. lounge (not to be confused with D-Bar in the Renaissance Hotel). After celebrating my birthday dinner at my favorite restaurant Kagen Teppanyaki, I was eager to check out the space and pay a visit to my dear friend Warren Pang (former manager of Punk in the Opposite House), especially after hearing so much about this new bar and considering Tuesday nights are not exactly the most bumping night of the week.

Unsure if it would even be open on a regular Tuesday evening around 11pm, C-dice & I poke our heads inside and walk down a long corridor to find an intimate, high-ceilinged space covered in red brick with a tall, elegant bar against the back wall and funky leather croc sofas and modern furniture throughout.

After speaking to Warren and seeing their drink menu, I was quite surprised to discover that d. lounge has not even officially opened yet!  According to Warren, for the past month, d. lounge is still in its soft-opening stage, offering private gatherings and inviting limited guests while they are still working out some pre-opening kinks and are in the process of finalizing two other sections that have yet to be open to the public.  Warren may call this an “extended soft-opening period,” I call it a brilliant marketing strategy.

In the meantime, d. lounge is now open daily featuring various artwork on its high brick walls that will be changed on a regular basis and a basic drink list with 9 cocktails and 4 regular well drinks priced RMB 50-60.  In the future, the space will serve a bistro-style menu with mini burgers and tapas and the space will also be a hub to feature designer clothing/street wear.

By the same owners as Jazz-Ya and Izaka-ya, d. lounge is located just behind Nanjie on Sanlitun Nanjie and is set to officially open Mid-October 2009.

Best Part:

• The Bar – its design is original, classy and its very impressive without being imposing
• Their Kiwi & Strawberry Caipiroska is my new favorite drink
• The design of the venue is modern, fashionable, and very New York without being pretentious
• A small space with super high ceilings makes it easy to fill with a cozy, intimate vibe without feeling claustrophobic (I love red brick walls)
• Warren is a fantastic host & bar manager, it’s no surprise he’s got such a loyal following from Punk – he’s personable, welcoming, and his concept of keeping d. lounge in this “pre-opening stage” while being open to public is ingenious PR. Well-done mate!

Comments:

• In my 2 hours stay, my legs were eaten alive by mosquitos
• I am eager to see d.lounge officially open – to see the rest of the unopened space, to taste their bistro menu, see what type of designer clothing they choose to feature, and above all, the type of music they will play (As much as I like the crowd and design at Punk, I never cared for the music).