LumDimSummary: Chi Fan for Charity 2011

 First I was waiting on all the beautiful pictures and before I knew it, work started piling on and somehow one of the most important events of 2011 has slipped under the radar for a complete LumDimSum re-cap (or as I like to call it – LumDimSummary), but I refuse to let this one go.  Better late than never right?  I swore I’d complete this post before the end of 2011, so I figure it would be an appropriate time to finish off 2011 with a post dedicated to one of the most inspiring and exciting events of this year – Chi Fan for Charity (CFFC)!

Originally founded by Michael Crain, Chi Fan for Charity quickly made a name for itself as one of Beijing’s most highly-anticipated culinary and charity events of the year. Already in its third year, CFFC 2011 was beyond magnificent and I beam with pride every time I think about the dedicated team of volunteers and all the people who donated so much of their time, energy and resources to make this event such a success.

Rallying together over 500+ Beijingers to dine in Beijing’s top dining establishments with all proceeds going to support local Chinese charity organizations in need, they exceeded their goal of raising over RMB 300,000 in just one night.  Involving 39 generous and charitable restaurants in Beijing, we were able to raise a substantial amount to be donated to two very worthwhile charities – Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation.

 Not only was CFFC able to make a difference in Beijing, but the event was also expanded to Shanghai for the first time this year thanks to the help of organizing sponsor Austen Morris. Check out my recap of my weekend in Shanghai just to reserve my seat at Shook! together with my table host Alan Wong here.

“What started in Beijing by Michael Crain three years ago as an idea to raise a bit of money for worthy causes has mushroomed into a two city effort which this year engaged 26 of Shanghai’s best restaurants, many of the city’s most influential movers and shakers and over 200 fine-diners and late night revelers. 

Chi Fan for Charity Shanghai was able to raise over 200,000RMB with all profits going directly to Heart to Heart Shanghai, Chi Heng Foundation and Compassion for Migrant Children.  With these funds, Chi Fan for Charity has already been able to:

• Donate three life saving heart surgeries to Heart to Heart Shanghai for Chen Wenyu, Wang Zhi Yuan and Jiang Yu Han at Yodak hospital earlier this month.

• Help operate Compassion for Migrant Children’s Shanghai’s Xinan Community Center and enable:

Migrant babies and pregnant mothers to participate in CMC’s Early Childhood Development program which is designed to help migrant parents provide the best possible start for their children and covers health education, literacy, socialization and learning through play activities. 

Migrant children aged 5-13 to receive academic assistance and an opportunity to participate in creative activities (such as music, arts & crafts, dance, sports, field trips) which are aimed at helping them develop healthy social and character skills) 

We are also proud to announce that the combined efforts of Chi Fan for Charity Beijing and Shanghai raised over 500,000RMB for charity.”  - Kelly Olver, Katie Littlefield and the CFFC Team 

With all that said, here’s a recap of Beijing’s third annual Chi Fan for Charity Event.Check out photos from many of the dinners that took place throughout the city and of course my favorite part, the Official After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun with DJ Patrick Yu.

Chi Fan for Charity 2011 Dinners:

(listed in alphabetical order)

Agua:

Barolo:

Chef Too:

Cru Steakhouse:

Carmen:

Grange:

Hercules:

Kagen:

Kagen Teppanyaki:

Karaiya Spice House:

Modo:

Mosto:

Nobu:

Punjabi:

ROOMbeijing:

Sureno:

Transit:

CFFC After Party at Hatsune  Sanlitun:

Photos courtesy of the very talented Helen Couchman & Lakshitha Tharindu

Ring in 2012: Best Breakdown for Beijingers!

Celebrate the close of another year and ring in 2012 with a bang…as it may be our LAST (dun dun DUN!)  just kidding - fingers crossed the world will not end this year.

I’ve posted a Christmas list last week (click here), but here’s an updated list for the upcoming New Year Weekend.

For foodies, many of Beijing’s top restaurants are hosting special NYE dinners and New Year Day brunches while night owls can party to their heart’s content at practically all night clubs around the city.

In order of my preference (and timing of the night), here goes the breakdown down to 2012:

NYE Dinner Options:

1. Agua’s Spanish NYE Menus

Agua’s arranged for special Spanish set dinner menus for the days surrounding New Year’s at RMB 528 per person.  You can indulge in Agua’s signature suckling pig or some of their other house specialities this holiday season.

RSVP: 5208-6188

2. An M New Years

Roaring fireplaces and a spectacular view, Capital M has prepared everything you could want for a warm, intimate holiday occasion. Check out their happenings for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day below.

RSVP:  reservations@capital-m-beijing.com    (86-10) 6702 2727

M’s Holiday Menus Here:

New Years Eve at Capital M

988 RMB per person (pre-booked/pre-paid tickets only)

Begin your New Year’s Eve celebration with Champagne cocktails and canapés around the bar with our Brass Band performing Jazz, followed by a delectable seven-course menu. As the clock strikes 12, savour the unforgettable experience of a Champagne toast on the terrace overlooking Tian’anmen.  Includes Champagne cocktails and canapés and a Taittinger Champagne toast on the terrace at midnight.

 New Year’s Brunch- 11:30am-5:00pm

288 RMB per person 

Ring in the New Year with Capital M’s delicious New Year’s brunch: it’s a fabulous start to the year!

7. Terra’s South-American NYE Menu

In line with SALT, TERRA will also be hosting holiday dinner for the days surrounding New Years.

“At Terra we go beyond the standard traditional fare and spice up the holidays with a delicious South-American styled Menu…with the inclusion of… mouth-watering South American Roast Suckling Pig.” – Jennifer Eden, PR Director for both TERRA and SALT

RSVP: 6591 9148

 Check out full menus at their website here and see below for summary of each -

New Year’s Eve – Party Menu – Saturday December 31, 6pm-late

Ring in the new year with excellent contemporary cuisine, serious sparkling and great tunes in Terra’s modern, hip surrounds. 4 courses and free flow ensures a night full of fun, laughter and luck. 4 courses 358 rmb. 4 courses + free flow bubbly or beer 578 rmb.

New Year’s Day – Revive, Recover and Celebrate! Sunday January 1, 2012, 11am-11pm.
It’s time for resolutions, recovery and more fun. Kick back in style and enjoy Chef Paulo De Souza’s delicious New Year’s Day menu and a bit more bubbly – why not?
2 courses 218 rmb. 3 courses 258 rmb. 2 courses + free flow 428 rmb. 3 courses + free flow 468 rmb.

LDS Top Picks for NYE Nightclub Options:

1. Alfa’s NYE Party 

“Beijing’s Biggest Gay Night”, Alfa’s serving 2-for-1 on drinks and free CD of Alfa’s top music hits for all attendees while supplies last. FREE admission

More info here.

2. Aria’s Classy, Jazzy NYE Countdown 

Croon to jazz by Valeria Proano and her trio of talented jazz musicians. Free admission.

More info here.

3. Haze’s NYE Celebration

Party at Haze with one of Beijing’s Top DJ Line-Ups: DJ Patrick Yu, Donald Summer, Yang Bing, Zhi Qi, Pancake Lee and Max Feelgood. RMB 100 admission.

More info here.

4. Genesis 2012 Countdown at Lantern

The Acupuncture group will be launching yet another massive techo-bash to ring in the new year. Expect a line-up of Acupuncture’s legendary DJ gang at Lantern Club.  RMB 100 (pre-sale) or RMB 150 (door).

“Gorge on an aural banquet with futuristic techno grooves from Beijing’s best DJs and thaw away those winter chills as the surreal visual installations conjure the crowd into near sensory overload. Ride with us through time and space and count down to a great 2012! Party like it’s the end of the world!” – Miao Wong, Acupuncture Group Voice

More info here.

5. NYE 2012 at Migas’ NEW BAR

Featuring their newly opened bar with a lot of Funky music and hip DJ’s including Bite-Size Buddha, Metro Tokyo and Bottin Italia.  RMB 120 (presale) or RMB 150 at door includes 1 glass of Mumm champagne.

More info here.

6. NEW! Nova NYE Party in 798′s D-Park  

Dance in the New Year with UK DJ and Producer Dance Legend Darren Emerson and a great DJ line-up of both local and international talents.  RMB 120 (presale) or RMB 200 (door).

More info here.

7. Party at Punk with Kid Fresh

3x DMC World Champion Kid Fresh is back at Punk to ring in the New Year. Last year was a bash, see pictures below for proof! FREE before 11PM, otherwise it’s RMB 50 admission.

More info here.

 Pics from Kid Fresh’s last performance at Punk. More pics on his website here.

8.  Show Off at Xiu Bar this NYE

Champagne bottles flying off the shelves is exactly what you should expect at their NYE celebration. Admission is RMB 400 which includes 1 glass of Moet champagne.

More info here.

9. YEN Countdown to 2012

Widely known as one of the most popular NYE parties every year in Beijing, YEN is sure to be a hit for those looking to party in a crowded warehouse with thousands of other nightowls.  DJ line up includes Yangbing, Ouyang, Slide, Donmy Liu and Mia(from Shanghai).

More info here.

…and that’s a wrap!

Just remember: Despite the rumors of 2012, you don’t actually want to make this your last new years so remember to be safe and have a blast this NYE! 

Shook!: Chi Fan For Charity Expands to Shanghai

A dining event that’s won Culinary Event of the Year in Beijing in 2010, Chi Fan for Charity has expanded to Shanghai this year with the help of organizing sponsor Austen Morris and I was not going to miss out on a such a great excuse to make a weekend getaway to Shanghai!

Already sponsoring 4 tables of 10 at Hatsune, Kagen, Kagen Teppanyaki and Karaiya Spice House, Alan Wong is also the official sponsor of Chi Fan for Charity’s After-Party (at Hatsune Sanlitun for the 2nd year in a row).  As a big fan and supporter of Chi Fan for Charity, we wanted to show Shanghai some love too!

While Beijing’s beneficiaries this year include Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation, Shanghai’s beneficiaries this year include Heart to Heart, Compassion for Migrant Children and Chi Heng Foundation.  (See here for list of charities and all the wonderful work they do.)

With 26 glorious restaurants to choose from, we decided to host a table of 10 at Shook! Restaurant.  Chef Kevin Cape and GM Julien Laracine were both exceptional hosts to our private 5-course dinner at their prized chef’s table just in front of Shook’s beautiful open kitchen.

“An open-kitchen conveys the feel of ‘dining without borders’ – intimate, nothing hidden, open to all – a concept which transcends the menu. With whispers of Chinese, Japanese, South-East Asian and modern Western, yet flexible enough to transport you anywhere your heart and palate desire.”

See here LDS Snapshots of Shook’s Hallway of Wine and Open Kitchen:

After a few glasses of champagne at the bar, we sat down at Shook!’s private chef’s table where we were treated to a beautiful 5-course meal, a fusion of Chinese, South-east Asian and Western cuisine.  The venue is absolutely stunning and the service was exceptional. The food?  See for yourself all the goodies we were treated to…

LumDimSum Snapshots of Shook’s Dishes:

Amuse Bouche (Chinese-style soup) / Prawn Appetizers with walnuts (Chinese style)

Shared Appetizers: Perfectly Roasted Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce

1st Course: Confit of Salmon/ Refreshing Orange Sorbet with Mango Ravioli

Main Course: Slow-Cooked Grain Fed Beef / Macaroon Dessert

Shook!’s Tiramisu and Creme Brulee

GM Julien then let us make our own crepes table-side!  Chef Anna took over and the result was delightful…

 Shook! Crepes:  BEFORE & AFTER

Thank you to the team at Shook! for a wonderful dining experience and big thanks to Kelly Olver and Katie Littlefield (Austen Morris) for arranging such a successful first Chi Fan for Charity Event in Shanghai!

It’s not too late for you to be a part of the Chi Fan for Charity event in Beijing, TONIGHT: Saturday, November 5! See details here.

Check for last remaining seats at CFFC Sponsoring Restaurants here.

In case you can’t make it to dinner and you still don’t want to miss out on this great event, there are still a few tickets left for the Chi Fan for Charity After-Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village.  Click here to buy your ticket!

With 400-500 people dining at Beijing’s best establishments, everyone will come together for a brilliant celebration at Hatsune.

The Chi Fan for Charity After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village will be featuring free flow drinks by our generous sponsors (Wine Republic, Tiger Beer, El Charro Tequila and Hatsune’s signature cocktails), DJ Patrick Yu spinning tunes, and awesome silent auction and raffle prizes. 

For those who don’t have the time or the budget to commit to dinner, the after party is a great way to come out to contribute to two very worthwhile causes and show your support.  This year’s beneficiaries include Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation.

3 Days Left! Count Down to Chi Fan for Charity 2011

Get excited people, Beijing’s biggest culinary charity events of the year is only a few sleeps away!

I just had a look at the Official Chi Fan for Charity website and here’s a quick update on what’s still available.

Only 10 Restaurants with Seats Left!

• 4 seats left at The Courtyard
• 2 seats left at Fuel
• 1 seat left at Grange Steak House in Westin Chaoyang
• 3 seats left at Hercules
• 5 seats left at Karaiya Spice House
• 6 seats left at Oden
• 4 seats left at ROOMbeijing
• 5 seats left at Punjabi Indian Restaurant
• 2 seats left at Vasco’s
• 11 seats left at Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) - *note: Ignace has graciously donated 50 seats to Chi Fan for Charity so that is why there are so many seats left here.  This is a stunning space and guaranteed to be an exceptional experience for anyone keen to get a sneak peak at TRB before they officially open their doors to the public!  

Click here to purchase your seat at one of the supporting Chi Fan for Charity Restaurants before they’re all gone!

In case you can’t make it to dinner and you still don’t want to miss out on this great event, there are still 30 tickets left for the Chi Fan for Charity After-Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village.  

With 400-500 people dining at Beijing’s best establishments, everyone will come together for a brilliant celebration at Hatsune.

The Chi Fan for Charity After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village will be featuring free flow drinks by our generous sponsors (Wine Republic, Tiger Beer, El Charro Tequila and Hatsune’s signature cocktails), DJ Patrick Yu spinning tunes, and awesome silent auction and raffle prizes. 

For those who don’t have the time or the budget to commit to dinner, the after party is a great way to come out to contribute to two very worthwhile causes and show your support.  This year’s beneficiaries include Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation.

This year’s after-party will be displaying our incredibly awesome silent auction items (which you can start bidding on NOW!)

A few of my top picks for Silent Auction prizes include:

•  It’s always sunny in…

• Need to get away from the cold, grey Beijing winter? Get some California sun with two airline tickets to a destination of your choice, hotels and passes to museums in San Francisco and two days at Disneyland with accommodation. And we’ll even throw in a suitcase.  (2 round-trip tickets on United to any U.S. destination, 3 pieces of Newcomer luggage, 2 nights in LeMeridien San Francisco, 2 nights in Omni San Francisco, 2 nights at Disneyland hotel with 2 adult park passes, 2 General Admission Passes and 4 Special Exhibition Passes (2 Per Exhibition) to the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco )

• Yunnan Escape  

• This package offers the intrepid traveler a true immersion into authentic Southern China. Guests at the Linden Centre will receive a 3-night complimentary stay and round-trip transportation transfer in an expansive and luxurious courtyard home in Xizhou, a pristine village in China’s Yunnan Province. After relaxing a bit, visitors to Yangshuo Basecamp in Fengluo Village, Guanxi, will receive 2 nights of camping, a tour guide for 2 days, and the option to pick 2 activities including rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, ziplining, or biking.

• Gourmet Host 

• Wish you could be the hostest with the mostest? It’s time to step up your game! With cooking classes, wine certification, food vouchers and all the utensils, you’ll be armed to  impress your dinner guests this winter.  (Cooking class for two at The Hutong, wine certification course from Long Geng Wines, set of Jamie Oliver cookbooks courtesy of Penguin Books, Tai Tai cheese platter, 588 RMB Baode meat gift package, wok, party napkins & loads of utensils)

• Turning Japanese 

• Ever wonder about the secrets to Hatsune’s sushi? Grab nine friends (or people you met last night) and spend an afternoon rolling and, of course, eating your own sushi. This package is for those who truly think they’re turning Japanese (you really think so?). (Private 10 person sushi making session at Hatsune including ingredients, recipes and equipment, plus a bottle of sake)

• Love of the Game (For Him) 

• It’s time for you to get in the game and and with the right gear, with sportswear from LiNing, a Hobie golf bag, an autographed basketball from the legendary Shaquille O’Neil and tickets to a game from NBA China. (LiNing running attire; hoodie or windbreaker and sneakers, LiNing urban attire; pair of shoes and apparel, Hobie golf bag &travel case, 1 Autographed NBA Sacramento Kings jersey signed by Tyreke Evans (signed jersey), 1 NBA Spalding Basketball autographed by Shaquille O’Neil, and 2 tickets to a 2012 NBA China basketball game)

• Fashionista 

• Every time you flip through the latest Cityweekend you enviously eye the style spread. Now, it’s YOUR turn. After getting your hair and makeup done and a new outfit, it’s time for you to be the envy of the town.  (Cityweekend style spread, Meili Autumn make-up consultation, Candy&Caviar outfit, Catherine de France 500RMB Voucher, Spanx collection of goodies)

• You say it’s your (kid’s) birthday! 

• For kids, there’s nothing more exciting than pizza night… unless, of course, it’s make-your-own pizza at GungHo. For your kid’s birthday this year, ditch the clowns and magicians and bring them to GungHo for a pizza making class. This package also includes tickets to a show, gifts and gift-wrapping.  (Pizza making for 3 adults, 7 kids at Gung Ho!, 6 tickets to a show from Feld Entertainment, Peridot Paper for gift-wrapping gifts, Ladybuy Trunkie and Sticker Wall Map from Counting Sheep, and 2 Culture Agents: Mission Beijing )

Full List of Silent Auction Prizes are here.

Chi Fan for Charity Plastered t-shirts are in stock and available for purchase.  100% of proceeds from the first 100 t-shirts sold will support charity.  Thanks Plastered!

The Little Gold Book 2012 will also be making its grand premiere at Hatsune’s CFFC After-Party.

With 70 brilliant culinary deals at some of the best restaurants in Beijing. you can win exceptional deals like 50% off at Hatsune and 2-for-1 mains at Assaggi! And what’s more is that Charities, Not-For-Profits and Community groups keep a whopping 30% of every Little Gold Book sold by them.  For only 240RMB, the Little Gold Book 2012 is also the perfect Christmas gift!  Pick up yours at the Chi Fan for Charity After Party.

*Starting Monday, October 30^th you can text in your bid early!  Just send your a text to 158-1084-8284 including: Item#, Bid Amount, and Last Name (Ex: #2, 2100rmb, Crain).  If you prefer the old-fashioned way, visit the silent auction tables at the Hatsune After-Party at 10pm on November 5^thand bid with pen and paper.  

Tickets to the Hatsune After-Party are RMB 250 pre-sale or RMB 300 at the door.  Click here to buy your pre-sale tickets online.

Chi Fan for Charity 2011: Tickets are Now on Sale!

“Good Eats. Good Times. Good Causes.”

Good food, good company and all for good causes – this really is my ideal event. As a proud member of the Chi Fan for Charity team, I am excited to be a part of such an inspiring event that involves such a strong community of individuals to come together and really make a difference with the selected charities we sponsor this year.

The concept for the charity event is simple. Restaurants donate set menus to the charity, which then charge diners for a specially-prepared meal. Each restaurant is offering at least three courses and two wine pairings for a table of 10.

Who can say no to being a part of such an all-around win-win-win situation?!  If you haven’t already booked your seat at one of the 39 fine dining establishments on board, tickets went on sale this week!

Many of the restaurants are already sold out (Agua, Bei, Barolo, Hatsune, Made in China, Mosto, Nobu, Orchid, Maison Boulud), but there are still 24 restaurants to choose from including Capital M, Susu, Sureno, ROOMbeijing, Modo, Karaiya Spice House, Punjabi, The Courtyard and the highly anticipated Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) by Maison Boulud’s ex-GM Ignace Lecleir.

“CFFC is happy to report that some of the Capital’s most interesting and influential people will once again host our tables. The evening will be filled with opportunities;talk economics with Forbes’ Gady Epstein, debate which restaurant has the best Kao Ya with restaurateur Alan Wong, gossip about philanthropy with Red Cross’ Ramsey Rayyis or discuss this season’s best reads with Penguin’s Managing director Jo Lusby. 2011′s table hosts are shaping up to be even more intriguing than last year’s stellar group.” – CFFC Newsletter

A dining event that’s won Culinary Event of the Year in Beijing in 2010, Chi Fan for Charity has expanded to Shanghai this year (with the help of organizing sponsor Austen Morris) and has set an ambitious goal to raise RMB 300,000 in this one night to be donated entirely to both the Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation and is now bringing its theme to Shanghai.

Visit http://www.chifanforcharity.org/bookings/restaurants/category/beijing-restaurants/ to book your spot at one of Beijing’s top 39 restaurants on November 5 at 7:30 pm.  Just select the restaurant of your choice and then follow instructions to purchase your tickets.  Remember: 100% of proceeds will go to Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation.

And if that wasn’t good enough, the legendary after-party at Hatsune Sanlitun Branch will be where all diners unite together for boozin and schmoozin with old skool dance tracks by DJ Patrick Yu and drinks will be flowing courtesy of The Wine Republic, Kis Natural Vodka, El Charro Tequila, Tiger Beer and Hatsune.

In addition to great drinks and company, CFFC will feature some amazing silent auction packages. Although we can’t divulge what we have secured, we can guarantee that one lucky donor will be taken away on a once in a lifetime vacation.

Pictures from Chi Fan for Charity 2010:

Rekindle the Flame: Lantern Club’s Re-Opening Weekend

“Rekindle the flame, and light the spark on a new era! ” – Acupuncture Records

The point of destination for electronic music dance fanatics, Lantern’s sudden close last September was devastating for many, and even worse was that its space was demolished to be remade into yet another KTV club in Beijing.

Lantern’s Closing Weekend Party in September 2010:

Just one year later, Lantern returns in an even more spacious basement in the Worker’s Stadium with a big Re-Opening Weekend.

“Lantern 2.0 will not only be the epicenter of electronic music and visual art in Beijing, but also hub for all creative cultures.” – Miao Wong, Acupuncture Records

Featuring a line up of Acupuncture Records main DJs together with a few of Beijing’s top DJs, everyone is encouraged to welcome back Lantern 2.0!

Lantern 2.0′s DJ Line-Up:

Weng Weng

ELVIS.T

OuYang

Eddie Lv

QQ

Eric Lee

ShenYue

Sean.C

Patrick Yu

M.Ross

VJ: Hibanana

Lantern Re-Opening Weekend Details:

• Date: Friday, August 26 & Saturday, August 27
• Time: 11PM-late
• FREE ENTRY
• Location: NEW Lantern Club
• Address:  100m north to Worker’s Stadium west gate, (in the basement behind Xuxianlou), 工体西门向北100米
• Tel: 13901348785
• Website: http://www.acupuncture-records.com/

SUMO TIME: Hatsune’s 10 Year Party + Costume Ideas

I think it’s safe to say that everyone is fascinated by sumo wrestling.  Essentially, sumo fighters are massive, monster Japanese men tackling each other wearing giant diapers…which is pretty awesome if you ask me.

As much as I would love to get professional sumo wrestlers to perform their swift moves at Hatsune’s 10 Year Anniversary Party, I have to settle for the next best thing: ordering both blow-up and cushion sumo suits for us to battle/bounce off of one another!  Not quite as cool as the real deal, but should still be brilliant fun.

This Thursday, August 4, Hatsune will be hosting a monumental 10 year birthday party in its Sanlitun Village branch and we welcome all sushi friends and fans to join us!  We will be providing plenty of sushi, sake, cocktails and cake and throughout the night, DJ Patrick Yu will be in high-demand playing his much loved old skool tracks and Hatsune will be hosting plenty of fun activities including sumo wrestling and a deadly wasabi challenge for brave souls who dare to try for their chance to win a Hatsune voucher for RMB 1,000!  If you or any of your friends are interested in participating in Hatsune’s Wasabi Challenge, we will have a sign-up at the door.

Now, Hatsune has got the sushi, sake, DJ, sumo suits and wasabi covered so all we ask is that everyone gets in the spirit by dressing up – anything goes as long as it’s Japanese!

For creative inspiration, I have put together a visual list of costume ideas for you to consider:

The Obvious Costume Ideas (Traditional Japanese Kimono & Geisha Face):

If you’re feeling lazy, a last resort is to just throw on a robe and stick some chopsticks in your hair – easy peasey!

Another Easy Option- Just wear black and be a Ninja:

You could be a little more “modern” and dress up as a Japanese School Girl:

Step it up a notch and be one of Gwen’s Harajuku Girls:

Japanese Anime is pretty “out-there” too:

If you choose to do Japanese Anime, at least get the blue Elvis hair like this guy.

Kill Bill’s Crazy 88′s (a notch up from both standard ninja and Japanese School Girl because they are “crazy”):

Some Very Random Costume Ideas (still holding onto our Japanese theme – I found some pretty wacky stuff on the internet):

And one of my favorites: A Giant Pikachu!

The ultimate costume in my opinion:  A SUMO Wrestler aka you show up wearing nothing but a giant diaper:

To get you in the “Hatsune party mood”, here are some more inspirational sumo maneuvers I plan to master and display in full force this Thursday, August 4:

1.  SUMO Neck Chop:

2.  SUMO Leap Frog:

3. SUMO Double Cartwheel:

In case you happened to miss my very amateur try at poetry, here’s all you will need to know regarding Hatsune’s 10 Year Party summed up into a few stanzas:

On Thursday, the fourth of August,
Hatsune will be anything but modest.

As we get ready to celebrate our 10 Year Anniversary,
We invite all our dear sushi friends, fans and even our adversaries
To join in a celebration of epic proportions
Where sushi, sake and cocktails will be generously apportioned.

All we ask is from you is to get in the spirit of dressing in Japanese theme
Anything goes as long as it’s extreme.
From samurai swords, kimono robes and geisha white faces
To Gwen’s Harajuku girls and anime hair, we can cover all the bases.

DJ Patrick Yu will be back on the attack,
Playing some killer old school tracks.
We will have sumo suits for all to battle and take revenge
And we dare you to sign up for our deadly wasabi challenge!

After 10 years of sake insanity and serious sushi gluttony,
We want to thank you for all the many precious memories!
Here’s to you, to 10 Sensational Years and for being a part of the dream!
With Love, The Hatsune Team

Save-the-Date: Hatsune’s 10 Year Anniversary Party

Mark Your Calendars & Save the Date:

On Thursday, August 4,

Hatsune will be celebrating its 10 Year Anniversary

and we would love nothing more than to celebrate it with all our sushi family, friends and fans!

*To get you all in the spirit, I devoted hours of my life into writing this poem,
which I hope you will at least find amusing.

Don’t forget to come dressed in our “anything goes as long as it’s Japanese” theme.

Pre-sale tickets are on sale NOW at Hatsune Sanlitun so get on it!

Hope to see all you sushi fanatics and party animals THURSDAY, AUGUST 4 at Hatsune Sanlitun!!

(If you haven’t done so already, don’t forget to submit your sushi roll creations for Hatsune’s Sushi Roll Contest and try for your chance to win an RMB 1,000 voucher to dine at any Hatsune restaurant! Deadline is Sunday, July 24).

LDS Hook-Up: Free tickets to theBeijinger’s Beer Festival

Picture yourself in the sun, surrounded by tents pumping out ice-cold beer, chefs grilling lunch on the barbecue, DJs spinning summer tunes … Does that sound like Beijing?”

If you like Beer, music and theBeijinger Magazine, LumDimSum has got the hook-up for you to get on over to enjoy theBeijinger’s Beer Festival this Saturday, July 23 at Villa Castanea, a European-style restaurant set in northwest Beijing, not far from Fragrant Hills and Summer Palace.

“There will be 34 beers there for the sampling, thanks to local producers and suppliers Great Leap Brewery, Heineken, Vandergeeten, DXceland Villa Castanea.” – theBeijinger

More than just a day of beer drinking, their beerfest will also be featuring some of the city’s finest musicians including “Patrick Yu, Usami, Nassdak and Bitesize Buddha will man the decks while Ajinai and the Randy Abel Stable take to the stage”.

This offer comes on a first come, first dibs basis so if you want to get hooked up, just email – kristen@lumdimsum.com before noon on Thursday, July 21.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, 23 July 2011
• Time: Noon-8PM
• Location: Villa Castanea, Haidian District
• Website: http://www.thebeijinger.com/beerfestival2011

Rave All Weekend: Intro Electronic Music Fest 2011

2 Days, 3 Stages, 80 Artists, 20,000 People,46,000sqm Open-air Plaza.
–China’s Largest Electronic Music Festival

Get your rave on this weekend with Acupuncture Records’ 2-day Electronic Music Festival – Intro 2011.

“Promising two days of pulsing electronica”, Acupuncture’s got a great line-up of both international and local DJs with headliners Josh Wink (US), Paul Ritch (FR), Oktain (FR), DJ Sodemaya (JP), DJ Michael Best & MC Shayon (RUS), and Jaein and Beejay (KOR).

Local DJ’s will of course include Acupuncture DJs ELVIS.T, Weng Weng, X.L.F., Terry Tu and Pancake Lee, but will also have broader representation of musical styles, with drum & bass, dubstep, electro and more adding to Acupuncture’s trademark minimal techno sound.

• DJ Saul D
• DJ Blackie
• DJ Patrick Yu
• DJ Slide
• The Syndicate
• Bitesize Buddha
• Eddie Lv
• El-Mar
• Oshi
• Tnem
• A.M.U
• Eric Lee
• Harikiri
• Liman
• Lupen
• M.Ross
• Ou Yang
• Shen Yue
• Suki
• Sulumi
• Yang Bing

With a last minute location change from Strawberry Festival’s Tongzhou Canal Park to 751 D Park in 798 Art District, there is limited capacity so be sure to buy tickets in advance!

A 2-day pass will cost you RMB 220 if you buy in advance, while a 1-day pass will set you back RMB 150. Get your tickets early, because a 1-day pass will be RMB 200 from the festival entrance.

Further Event Introduction here.

More Info on Performing Artists here.

Ticketing, Transportation and other Practical Infomation here.

INTRO 2011 Time Schedule here.

Contact Info:

13911194784 (中文), 13910550676 (EN), or email: intro2011@acupuncture-records.com

Triple Threat: 3 Music Festivals for the 3-Day Weekend

This year’s 3-Day May Holiday Weekend will see 3 different music festivals – Strawberry, Midi and newcomer China Music Valley Music Festival.

While Strawberry and Midi will have a 3 day line-up for non-stop music and fun in the sun, China Music Valley (CMV) will only be on Saturday and Sunday.

Lucky for us, we have a 3 day weekend!

LumDimSum Breakdown of this Weekend’s Trio of Music Festivals:

1.  China Music Valley (CMV) Music Festival

CMV aka Pingu Music Festival will be held out by the capital airport at Yugang Ski Resort.

With some big names coming through like Avril Lavigne, Ladytron, Hot Hot Heat, KT Tunstall and Editors, be sure to allocate at least 1 day (either Saturday or Sunday) to check out this music fest.

Here’s the 2-Day Line-Up:

CMV Fest Day 1 (Saturday, April 30)

14:00-15:00 Deep Rainbow 深虹
15:00-16:00 Free the Birds 自游
16:00-17:00 Negative (Finland)
17:00－18:00 Rooney (U.S.)
18:00-19:00 F.I.R. 飞儿乐团
19:00-20:30 Juliette Lewis
20:30-22:00 Avril Lavigne
22:00－23:00 Huang Shu’ai 黄舒挨
23:00-23:30 Li Gaoyang 李高阳

CMV Fest Day 2 (Sunday, May 1)

14:00-15:00 Jiang Ting 姜听
15:00-16:00 Hot Hot Heat (U.S.)
16:00-17:00 Huang Xiaolong 黄小唬
17:00-18:00 Little Boots (U.K.)
18:00-19:30 Ladytron (U.K.)
19:30-21:00 Editors (U.K.)
21:00-22:30 KT Tunstall (U.K)
22:30-23:30 Huang Guanzhong 黄贯中

Tickets: Presale tickets from ¥200-380 via Piao.com.cn, Tel: 400-610-3721. Or, buy tickets at the door.
Getting there: CMV has outlined the transportation options to Yuyang Resort in this PDF. You can also grab a shuttle bus from Workers Stadium North Gate for ¥30 round trip, leaving every half hour from 10:30am-3pm.

2.  Midi Festival 2011

Celebrating their 12th year, Midi is the original Beijing rock & roll outdoor music festival.  This year will be moved from Haidian Park to Jinglandao Park.

Highlights: Voodoo Kungfu 零壹 & Long Shen Dao 龙神道 (Day 1, Tang stage), Mr. Big and DH, Chinese Hellcats and DJ Patrick Yu (Day 2), and Miserable Faith (Day 3).

Midi will be held 3 days with 3 stages with acts from about 1PM-10PM.  Expect solid rock and roll plus an electronic stage.

Here’s the 3-Day Line-Up:

Midi Day 1 (Saturday, April 30)

Tang Stage 唐舞台
14:30-15:00 Dahongpao 大红袍
15:20-15:50 Perdel 逃跑计划
16:10-16:40 Mr: Graceless
17:00-17:40 Gammalux (Germany)
18:00-18:40 Long Shen Dao 龙神道
19:00-19:40 Yaksa 夜叉
20:00-20:40 Subs
21:00-21:40 Voodoo Kungfu 零壹

Song Stage 宋舞台
14:00-14:30 56 Degree 56度
14:50-15:20 Exit A 出口A
15:40-16:20 The Dancers
16:50-17:30 Fall of Mirra (Singapore)
18:00-18:40 Suffocate 窒息
19:10-19:50 Fall Insects 秋天的虫子
20:20-21:00 Thin Man 瘦人

Yen Stage 焱舞台
14:00-15:00 Zhiqi
15:00-16:00 Ouyang
16:00-17:30 Donny Liu
17:30-19:00 Ben Huang
19:00-20:00 Blackie
20:00-21:30 Mickey Zhang

Midi Day 2 (Sunday, May 1)

Tang Stage 唐舞台
13:30-14:00 The Ghost Spardac
14:20-14:50 The On Fires (Australia)
15:10-15:40 Finger Family 指人儿
16:00-16:30 Namo 南无
16:50-17:30 Left Right 左右
17:50-18:30 Mongol800 (Japan)
18:50-19:30 Brain Failure 脑浊
20:00-22:00 Mr: Big (USA)

Song Stage 宋舞台
13:00-13:30 K362
13:50-14:20 Mya Audrey (Switzerland)
14:40-15:10 Misandao 蜜三刀
15:30-16:10 DH & Chinese Hellcats
16:30-17:10 Moyi 末裔
17:30-18:10 Good 4 Nothing (Japan)
18:30-19:10 SMZB 生命之饼
19:30-20:10 Tiantang 天堂

Yen Stage 焱舞台
13:00-14:00 Kora
14:00-15:00 Bobby
15:00-16:30 Jerryson
16:30-18:00 Jerry K
18:00-19:00 Patrick Yu
19:00-20:30 Dio

Midi Day 3 (Monday, May 2)

Tang Stage 唐舞台
13:30-14:00 Die From Sorrow 郁
14:20-14:50 Cafe-In 咖啡因
15:10-15:50 Velvet Highway 丝绒公路
16:20-17:00 Forty-Five 肆伍
17:30-18:10 Sand 沙子
18:40-19:20 Your Favorite Enemies (Canada)
19:50-20:30 Reflector 反光镜
21:00-21:40 Miserable Faith

Song Stage 宋舞台
13:00-13:40 Wings of Eternity 永恒之翼
14:10-14:50 The Fools 痴人
15:20-16:00 Dengel
16:30-17:10 Audio’s Pain (Spain)
17:40-18:20 Wang Bao and Zhengxu Yangguang 王宝和正午阳光
18:50-19:30 Ming’s Pretty Heroes (The Netherlands)
20:00-20:40 AK-47

Yen Stage 焱舞台 13:00-14:30 Baozi
14:30-15:30 Huang Weiwei
15:30-16:30 Donald Summer
16:30-18:00 X Lee
18:00-19:30 Eddie Lv
19:30-21:00 Yang Bing

Tickets: You can score presale tickets from ¥80-150/day viaPiao.com.cn, Tel: 400-610-3721. Or, buy tickets at the door.
Getting there: Grab a Midi Shuttle Bus from Pingguoyuan Station (Line 1) for ¥5. Or, take a taxi to Jinglangdao Park in Mentougou District (门头沟京浪岛公园).

3.  Strawberry Festival

Probably the biggest of the three, Strawberry’s 3-day line-up will feature 6 stages including the Strawberry Stage (the main stage), the Love Stage (pop/ alternative/ folk stage), the Overload Stage (metal stage), the Taiwan Stage, the electronic music stage and a stage for school bands.

Highlights:  Sound Fragment and Omnipotent Youth Society (Main Stage, Day 1), Black Head 黑撒, Miserable Faith 痛仰 and Re-Tros 重塑雕像的权利, Yang Chengang杨臣刚 (Day 2), and on the 3rd day: Bigger Bang, Queen Sea Big Shark (后海大鲨鱼), Hanggai (杭盖), and DJ Saul D.

Here’s the 3-Day Line-Up:

Day 1 (Saturday, April 30)

Strawberry Stage 草莓舞台
13:30-14:10 Nanwu 南无
14:30-15:10 Hang On The Box 挂在盒子上
15:30-16:10 Arms and Legs (US)
16:30-17:10 Brain Failure 脑浊
17:30-18:30 Sound Fragment 声音碎片
19:00-20:00 Omnipotent Youth Society 万能青年旅店
20:30-21:30 He Yong 何勇

Love Stage 爱舞台
12:30-13:00 Mix Market (JP)
13:30-14:00 Mushroom Band 蘑菇团
14:30-15:10 Candy Monster 糖果怪兽
15:50-16:30 Ding Ke 丁可
17:10-17:50 Liang Xiaoxue 梁晓雪
18:30-19:10 Maizi & Wei 麦子与微
19:50-20:30 The Cir 麦田守望者

Overload Stage 过载舞台
13:00-13:30 Velvet Road 丝绒公路
14:00-14:30 Logic Lose Control 逻辑失控
15:10-15:50 Moyi 末裔乐队
16:30-17:10 Army Of Jade Kirin 玉麟军
17:50-18:30 Four Five 肆伍
19:10-19:50 Left Right 左右
20:30-21:10 Twisted Machine 扭曲机器

Taiwan Stage 台湾舞台
14:00-14:30 SKARAOKE
15:10-15:50 Bear Baby 熊宝贝
16:30-17:10 Annie Duola 安妮朵拉
17:50-18:30 Little Nurse 小护士
19:10-19:50 女孩与机器人
20:30-21:10 林生祥

Electronic Stage 电子舞台
14:00-15:00 Terry Tu
15:00-16:00 Eric lee
16:00-17:00 QQ
17:00-18:00 Shen Yue
18:00-19:00 Zhi Qi
19:00-20:00 Weng weng
20:00-21:30 Elvis:T

School of Rock 校园舞台
12:00-12:20 Hocus
12:30-12:50 T76
13:00-13:20 赵彬
14:10-14:30 Unionbunny
15:10-15:30 太空漂移
16:10-16:30 Blue motion band
17:10-17:30 未完成
18:30-18:50 刺秦

Day 2 (Sunday, May 1)

Strawberry Stage 草莓舞台
13:30-14:10 Steely Heart 钢铁的心
14:30-15:10 Black Head 黑撒
15:30-16:10 AV Okubo AV大久保
16:30-17:10 Ye Pei 叶蓓
17:30-18:30 Hedgehog 刺猬
19:00-20:00 Miserable Faith 痛仰
20:30-21:30 Re-Tros 重塑雕像的权利

Love Stage 爱舞台
12:30-13:00 Me Guan Me (Me灌Me)
13:30-14:00 Tang Hongfei 唐荭菲
14:30-15:10 SUCCESS (France)
15:50-16:30 The Fallacy 疯医
17:10-17:50 Xu Fei & Jam 许飞及Jam乐队
18:30-19:10 Top Floor Circus 顶楼马戏团
19:50-20:30 Reflector 反光镜

Overload Stage 过载舞台
13:00-13:30 Multi-Ego
14:00-14:30 Chaine 拆呢
15:10-15:50 Institutional Crush 制度瓦解
16:30-17:10 Nuclear Fusion-G 核聚变-G
17:50-18:30 Yang Chengang杨臣刚
19:10-19:50 Minjie 冥界
20:30-21:10 Liquid Oxygen 液氧罐头

Taiwan Stage 台湾舞台
14:00-14:30 IO Band (IO乐团)
15:10-15:50 Coach (教练)
16:30-17:10 Cotton Candy (棉花糖)
17:50-18:30 Mr: Brown Chen (大囍门)
17:10-19:50 The White Eyes (白目)
20:30-21:10 Waa Wei (魏如萱)

Electronic Stage 电子舞台
14:00-15:00 Pancake Lee
15:00-16:00 Lupen
16:00-17:00 Patrick Yu
17:00-18:00 Donald Summer
18:00-19:00 Tobias Patrick
19:00-20:00 Sistema
20:00-21:30 XLF

School of Rock 校园舞台
12:00-12:20 Wet Sand
12:30-12:50 Liugenjin 六根筋
13:00-13:20 Wanju Bintuan 玩具兵团
14:10-14:30 Stupid Bird 笨鸟
15:10-15:30 Quark 夸克
16:10-16:30 Joe’s Heart
17:10-17:30 Gao Shan 高姗
18:30-18:50 Vast 茫
20:00-20:20 Po Shang Cun 坡上村

Day 3 (Monday, May 2)

Strawberry Stage 草莓舞台
13:30-14:10 Lazy Camels
14:30-15:10 Bigger Bang (大棒)
15:30-16:10 Zhou Yunpeng (周云蓬)
16:30-17:10 Life Journey (旅行团)
17:30-18:30 MONO (JP)
19:00-20:00 Queen Sea Big Shark (后海大鲨鱼)
20:30-21:30 Xie Tianxiao (谢天笑)

Love Stage 爱舞台
12:30-13:00 Haozi (浩子)
13:30-14:00 Finger Family (指人儿)
14:30-15:10 Rustic
15:50-16:30 The Ghost Spardac
17:10-17:50 Huang Yida (黄义达)
18:30-19:10 Hanggai (杭盖)
19:50-20:30 Second Hand Rose (二手玫瑰)

Overload Stage 过载舞台
13:00-13:30 641
14:00-14:30 The Falling (堕天)
15:10-15:50 Ego Fall (颠覆M)
16:30-17:10 SAW (锯)
17:50-18:30 Gear Rubber (齿轮橡皮)
17:10-19:50 Bing Yong (病蛹)
20:30-21:10 Yaksa (夜叉)

Taiwan Stage 台湾舞台
14:00-14:30 Huang Jie (黄玠)
15:10-15:50 Monkey Pilot (猴子飞行员)
16:30-17:10 Sugar Plum Ferry (甜梅号)
17:50-18:30 We Save Strawberry (草莓救星)
17:10-19:50 Luantan Ascent (乱弹阿翔)
20:30-21:10 Kimbo (胡德夫)

Electronic Stage 电子舞台
14:00-15:00 Verktget
15:00-16:00 Kimurahh
16:00-17:00 Mikey Dee
17:00-18:00 Howie Lee
18:00-19:00 Tnem
19:00-20:00 AMU
20:00-21:00 Saul D*
21:00-21:30 Harikiri

Tickets: You can score presale tickets from ¥60/day via Piao.com.cn, Tel: 400-610-3721. Or, buy tickets at the door.
Getting there: Take the Batong Subway Line to Tongzhou Beiyuan. There, you will find Modern Sky free shuttle buses, which depart every 20-30 minutes between 10am and 6pm. Return buses are available every 20 minutes from 6-10:30 pm with the last bus at 10:30pm. Alternatively, you can take a cab to Tongzhou Canal Park (通州运河公园) from the Tongzhou Beiyuan stop for about RMB30.

Whether or not you are into the local music scene, here are three good excuses to spend the weekend outdoors under the sun!

Weather should be spectacular all three days.

Happy Music Festing!

LumDimSum 1-on-1: WHALE!’s Bobby Dropper

“200 tons of danceable rock and electro in the deep, dark hutong”

A new DJ event put together by six friends in the music industry, WHALE! is giving Beijingers something new to rock out to - an eclectic mash-up of really good (and danceable) music guaranteed to ensure a night of pure debauchery and madness.

For a better explanation of WHALE! and a taste of what you can expect at their next big night (this Friday, January 28), LumDimSum gets exclusive access to their very own Bobby Dropper.

LumDimSum Goes 1-on-1 with

WHALE!’s Bobby Dropper

LDS: Tell me Bobby Dropper, how did WHALE! come about?

After a year or so of a group of us getting together periodically at someone’s apartment to listen to music and swap recommendations, we thought about moving these nights to a public venue. The idea was never to have a big crowd, just to grow slowly if any other music geeks fancied joining.

“WHALE!” is a classic case of creation by committee. It is a wonderful example of 6 disparate voices uniting together as one to create something of almost no meaning or value, although perhaps the reason it works is that each one of the 6 DJs has attributed their own meaning to it. Powerful stuff.

After the surprise carnival turnout of the first night, the musical code for WHALE! has changed from “completely no rules” to “completely no rules as long as it is remotely danceable”. Trying to keep both the music geeks and the partygoers happy. Not easy.

LDS: Which musically gifted DJs made the cut for WHALE! and what brings you all together?

The core line-up is Assassin Eyes, Bobby Dropper, DJ Fun Party, Gore Tex – The Musical, Infinite Mana, Lord Cheeses.

A real rogue’s gallery of misfits and ne’er do wells. Never a dull moment.

LDS: To what do you credit the massive turn out for the first WHALE! party?

I guess a) there was nothing else on that night, and b) people are actually eager to go to a night that isn’t playing the usual dirge – where the music is truly eclectic. The idea just seems to fill a hole in Beijing.

LDS: What can Beijingers expect at the next WHALE! party this Friday, Jan. 28?

Well, if the last one was anything to go by, there will be DJs falling over behind the decks, DJs fighting over set length, DJs disgracing themselves in busy open-plan hutong toilets. I am responsible for more of these than I care to admit.

On the plus side, the room is packed out with discerning music fans. People from all walks of life – Good, honest people, just trying to get by and live their lives the right way.

I think our “thing” is the quality and diversity of the music though.

LDS: Do you have any habits/rituals before you get behind the decks?

I like to cover myself head to toe in goose fat and then whip my back with a birch branch.

LDS: Biggest perk about being a DJ? Biggest pet peeve while DJing?

Chi Fan for Charity After-Party @ Hatsune Sanlitun

As a proud sponsor of the Chi Fan For Charity event this Saturday, November 6, Hatsune Sanlitun will also be hosting the Official Chi Fan for Charity After-Party from 10PM-1AM featuring free flow drinks, DJ Patrick Yu spinning tunes, an awesome silent auction and raffle prizes and best of all, everyone from the various restaurants will all be coming together!  …and YES, there will be sumo suits. 

For those who don’t have the time or the budget to commit to dinner, the after party is a great way to come out to contribute to these worthwhile causes and show your support.

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT TO GET YOUR TICKETS ONLINE!

Tickets are RMB 150 in advance or RMB 200 entrance at the door.

Advanced Tickets can easily be purchased here: www.chifanforcharity.org
*Guests who buy a seat to a sponsored table will gain free entry

Background on Chi Fan for Charity:

One of the strongest charity events of the year, Chi Fan for Charity has gathered 33 of the city’s top restaurants to simultaneously host a table of ten people for a minimum three course meal and wine. The restaurants are donating the food and drink for free, so your payment for the meal goes direct to three, genuinely great local charities (Prevention Through Education (HIV/AIDS Awareness), Dandelion School and Rural Women’s Charity, a practical skills training School for Migrant Women). This event is perfect for people who want to enjoy an exceptional meal while contributing to worthwhile causes by “eating for charity”.

Website: www.chifanforcharity.org

Chi Fan for Charity Launch Party

With a little more than one week before the big date, Chi Fan for Charity is hosting a Media Launch Party at Touch Bar (Westin Chaoyang) this coming Thursday, October 28.

Come enjoy drinks (courtesy of the Westin) and meet the restaurateurs and celebrity hosts making it happen.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, October 28
• Time: 5:30PM-7:30PM
• Location: Touch Bar, Westin Chaoyang
• Address:  The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 7 North Dongsanhuan Road, 金茂北京威斯汀大饭店, 东三环北路7号
• RSVP: tom@bespoke-beijing.com

Background on Chi Fan for Charity:

One of the strongest charity events of the year, Chi Fan for Charity has gathered 33 of the city’s top restaurants to simultaneously host a table of ten people for a minimum three course meal and wine. The restaurants are donating the food and drink for free, so your payment for the meal goes direct to three, genuinely great local charities (Prevention Through Education (HIV/AIDS Awareness), Dandelion School and Rural Women’s Charity, a practical skills training School for Migrant Women). This event is perfect for people who want to enjoy an exceptional meal while contributing to worthwhile causes by “eating for charity”.
Participating restaurants include everyone from Maison Boulud, Capital M, the entire Hatsune Restaurant Group (Hatsune, Kagen, Kagen Teppanyaki and Karaiya Spice House), Bei & Sureno in the Opposite House, Modo, Red Capital Club, The Courtyard, and many many more.  Tickets are available from the website but better hurry as many tables are already sold out and the rest are selling out fast.

Similar to the Hatsune 9 year party, there will be a Chi Fan for Charity After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village with free flow drinks from 10PM-1AM, DJ Patrick Yu will be spinning tunes and everyone from the various restaurants all coming together!  For those who don’t have the time or the budget to commit to dinner, the after party is a great way to come out to contribute to these worthwhile causes and show your support.  Tickets are RMB 150 in advance (pay here: www.chifanforcharity.org)  or RMB 200 at the door. However, guests who buy a ticket to a table will gain free entry to the afterparty at Hatsune.   And yes, there will be sumo suits.  :)

Book your seat at a table here: www.chifanforcharity.org.

Buy Your Tickets Now: Chi Fan for Charity 2010

Bringing together local opinion leaders, celebrities and other charitable-minded individuals to raise money for worthwhile philanthropic causes, Chi Fan for Charity is one of the strongest charity events of the year.

Last year, Chi Fan for Charity raised over RMB 100,000 for The Dandelion School, a non-profit middle school for children of low-income migrant families.This year, Chi Fan for Charity will support three local charities:  The Dandelion School, Prevention Through Education (HIV/AIDS Awareness) and Rural Women’s Charity.

Beijing’s top restaurants are each donating a table for ten valued at RMB 500-1000 per seat.  People who want to enjoy an exceptional meal while contributing to a worthwhile cause can sign up for a seat at their restaurant of choice or preferred table host and “eat for charity”.

Each guest is treated to a special set dinner menu with a table host who is engaging and dedicated to making a difference here in China.  Table hosts this year include the talented actor and film director Chen DaMing, Hatsune Restaurant Group owner Alan Wong, CCTV host James Chau, Bespoke Beijing Founder Sarah Keenlyside and AAB Founder Tom Pattinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer H.S. Liu and his partner, Chinese art expert Karen Smith, and PTE Founder Gabe Suk just to name a few.

After dinner, guests will be invited to the Chi Fan for Charity After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village, entertaining revelers with all-you-can-drink cocktails from 10PM-1AM and DJ Patrick Yu spinning jams into the small hours.

For those who would like to contribute without committing to a dinner seat, you can purchase a ticket for the after-party online (RMB 150 for advanced tickets or RMB 200 at the door).

Chi Fan for Charity Basic Breakdown:

• Beijing’s top restaurants are again being invited to donate a three-course meal for tables of ten hosted by the capital’s leading opinion makers and celebrities.
• Seats for the evenings of entertaining conversation and fine cuisine are sold publicly from 500RMB to 1,000RMB+ depending on the restaurant, with all proceeds going directly to three local charities.
• Last year’s inaugural event raised over 100,000RMB for The Dandelion School, a non-profit middle school for children of low-income migrant families. Two additional charities will benefit this year: the Aids-awareness organisation PTE China and the Cultural Development Center for Rural Women, a practical skills training centre in Changping district.
• Confirmed participating restaurants this year include Capital M, Green T House Living, Maison Boulud, Chef Too, Hatsune, Grange, Karaiya Spice House, Modo, Oden, Black Sesame Kitchen, Nola, Sureno, Bei, Cru Steakhouse, Jaan, Carmen, Vasco’s, Red Capital Club, ROOMbeijing, Duck de Chine, Taverna, Scarlett, Courtyard, Toro Bar and Kagen Teppanyaki.
• After the charity dinner, guests are invited to the Chi Fan for Charity ‘after party’ at Hatsune Sanlitun Village, entertaining revelers with their legendary cocktails and DJ Patrick Yu into the small hours.
• Supporters and friends can purchase tickets for the ‘after party’ alone at 150RMB advanced ticket sales or 180RMB at the door (gets you all-you-can-drink from 10PM-1AM).
• Tickets for both the dinners and after party will be on sale beginning October 16^th at the Chi Fan for Charity website: www.chifanforcharity.org.