Last Chance: CFFC’s Final Summer Charity Dinner

The final of three summer dinner series hosted by the Chi Fan for Charity team, they will be finishing off with an exceptional dinner planned for this Saturday, August 27 at The Hutong beginning at 6:30PM.

Multiple award winning Top Chef Jeffery Powell who also happens to be the mastermind behind Beijing’s much-beloved restaurants like The Orchard, Element Fresh and Flamme, will create a special menu of bocadillos for a crazy low price of RMB 100 per person.

Knowing that theBeijinger will be sponsoring the drinks and entertainment for this dinner, you are guaranteed to be in for a treat! To follow in suit with the food theme, I expect plenty of tequila and definitely some lively entertainment…possibly a mariachi band even?

Only RMB 100 per person, this is an awesome price for great food, drinks, entertainment, company and to make it even better, all event proceeds will benefit The Dandelion School and of course any additional funds can be donated to a featured charity at your own discretion.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, August 27
• Time: Starts at 6:30PM
• Price: RMB 100 per person
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: 1 Zhongxiang Hutong, Jiudaowan, Dongcheng district  东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号
• RSVP: erin@thehutong.com
• Website:  Click here to RSVP online

About The Dandelion School:

The recipients of both 2009 & 2010 Chi Fan for Charity proceeds, this is the first government approved middle school specifically for children from low-income migrant families in Beijing.

theBeijinger’s 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards: Hatsune Wins Best Japanese 7 Years Running

On Monday, March 21, Hatsune took home Best Japanese for the 7th year running at theBeijinger’s Reader Restaurant Awards!

Considering this was theBeijinger’s 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards, that’s pretty much a perfect record.

Congratulations to Alan Wong, owner of the Hatsune Empire, for holding it strong and staying on top of the game 7 years straight.  That’s gotta be the longest-running record in town!

Get excited because this year Hatsune will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary in August 2011. If you thought Hatsune’s 9 year anniversary party and Chi Fan for Charity After Party was wild last year, you are in store for a treat this coming August.  Stay tuned for details….

Other big winners from the awards ceremony include:

• Maison Boulud – Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese), Best French, Wine List, Most Romantic Meal, Best Service
• Da Dong – Restaurant of the Year (Chinese), Best for Impressing Visitors, Best Beijing Duck, Best for Impressing Visitors
• Capital M – Best high-end brunch, Afternoon Tea, Outdoor Dining,
• Mosto – Best Business Lunch, Best Steak, & MODO got Best New Restaurant

For a complete list of all Beijinger Dining Awards Categories and Winners, click here.

Maison Boulud & Da Dong Collect “Restaurant of the Year”

Dali Courtyard / Capital M

Modo / Agua / Biteapitta

SALT / Gung Ho! Pizza

Michael & Joanna Crain for Culinary Event of the Year: Chi Fan for Charity 2010!

While many of this year’s winners are very deserving of their awards, I was disappointed to see a few of my favorite restaurants without any recognition – Bei (in the Opposite House), Black Sesame Kitchen, Karaiya Spice House, and Madame Zhu’s Kitchen to name a few.  And I am really fed up with repeat winners  - Annie’s winning Best Italian (come on people, it’s not best delivery service), Ganges for Best Indian (really not that great), and Element Fresh for Best American, Best Sandwiches, and Best Affordable Brunch? I only approve of their smoothies and salads and boycott the rest.

theBeijinger’s Restaurant Award Winners vs. LumDimSum’s Votes:

Afternoon Tea

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

American

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote: Chef Too

Beijing Duck

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote: Made in China

Brunch (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Fennel

Brunch (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote: Vineyard Cafe

Burger

• Beijinger Winner: Let’s Burger

• LumDimSum Vote: Let’s Burger

Business Lunch

• Beijinger Winner: Mosto

• LumDimSum Vote: Alameda

Cantonese (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Lei Garden

• LumDimSum Vote:  Zenses, Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Cantonese (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Jin Ding Xuan

• LumDimSum Vote: Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇

Culinary Event of the Year

• Beijinger Winner: Chi Fan for Charity (Nov 6, 2010)

• LumDimSum Vote: Chi Fan for Charity (Nov 6, 2010)

Décor

• Beijinger Winner: LAN

• LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

Dim Sum

• Beijinger Winner: Din Tai Fung

• LumDimSum Vote:  Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇

Family-Friendly Restaurant

• Beijinger Winner: Annie’s

• LumDimSum Vote:  The Orchard

For Impressing Visitors

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote:  Duck de Chine

For a Romantic Meal

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Capital M

French (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Maison Boulud

French (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Brasserie Flo

• LumDimSum Vote: Crepanini

Hot Pot

• Beijinger Winner: Haidiliao

• LumDimSum Vote:  Haidiliao

Hotel Brunch

• Beijinger Winner: Bubbalicious, Westin Beijing Chaoyang

• LumDimSum Vote:  Bubbly Sundays at Senses, Westin Beijing Financial Street

Indian/Pakistani

• Beijinger Winner: Ganges

• LumDimSum Vote:  Punjabi

Italian (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Sureño, The Opposite House

• LumDimSum Vote:  Sadler Ristorante

Italian (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Annie’s

• LumDimSum Vote:  LMPLUS (Central Park)

Japanese

• Beijinger Winner: Hatsune

• LumDimSum Vote:  Hatsune and Kagen Teppanyaki

Korean

• Beijinger Winner: Saveurs de Coree

• LumDimSum Vote:  Ai Jiang Shan

Kung Pao Chicken

• Beijinger Winner: Xiao Wang Fu

• LumDimSum Vote:  Black Sesame Kitchen

Late-Night Dining

• Beijinger Winner: Bellagio

• LumDimSum Vote:  Jin Ding Xuan or my local Ch’uar stand

Mexican/Tex-Mex

• Beijinger Winner: Saddle Cantina

• LumDimSum Vote: Casa Latina

Middle Eastern

• Beijinger Winner: Biteapitta

• LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

Outdoor Dining

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Dali Courtyard

Pizza

• Beijinger Winner: The Tree

• LumDimSum Vote: Gung Ho! Pizza

Russian

• Beijinger Winner:  Traktirr Pushkin

• LumDimSum Vote: Traktirr Pushkin

Sandwiches

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote:  Hercules

Service

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Fennel

Sichuan

• Beijinger Winner: South Beauty

• LumDimSum Vote: Madame Zhu’s Kitchen

Spanish

• Beijinger Winner: Agua

• LumDimSum Vote: Agua

Steak

• Beijinger Winner: Mosto

• LumDimSum Vote: The Cut Grill (Fairmont Hotel)

Thai

• Beijinger Winner: Purple Haze

• LumDimSum Vote:  Tuk Tuk

Vegetarian

• Beijinger Winner: Pure Lotus

• LumDimSum Vote:  Samadhi Teahouse

Vietnamese

• Beijinger Winner: Muse

• LumDimSum Vote:  Banh Mi Now!

Wine List

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote: Enoterra

Yunnan

• Beijinger Winner: Middle 8th Restaurant

• LumDimSum Vote: Aimo Town

New Restaurant (Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Little Yunnan

• LumDimSum Vote: Xu Xian Lou

New Restaurant (Non-Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Modo

• LumDimSum Vote: Modo

Restaurant of the Year (Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote: Karaiya Spice House

Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

Flamme will Spread like Wildfire

If you have not already heard about Flamme, the new steakhouse in Sanlitun Village, then I have no doubt you will soon.  Especially in Beijing, I find that good (and bad) word travels like wildfire. In this particular case, it’s been all good feedback and I must say, it’s lived up to its positive reputation.

Having just opened this week, Flamme has replaced the old Pepe’s Pizza location on the third floor of Sanlitun Village with the same chef who opened Element Fresh.  As a meat lover, I have been eager to find a new steakhouse and with luck in my favor, I happened to stop in on a Tuesday night, the only night of the week they offer 2-for-1 steaks! Already a reasonable price – RMB 98 for a 150g steak, 2 steaks at this price was a steal.

Greeted by a friendly hostess, we found seating outside and were then given a tour of the interior restaurant space.  Displaying a show kitchen by the entrance, customers can actually witness their steaks being grilled over an impressive giant flame (photo above).  Unfortunately the upstairs space was occupied, so I was unable to take a look (or any photos for that matter).

Interior space:

Outdoor Seating:

Once we all had a look through the menu, our adorable waiter came over and offered his well-versed menu recommendations, explaining each of his favorite dishes, their ingredients and service presentation.  Very impressive for a newly opened restaurant!

Here were the List of Menu Recommendations:

• Appetizers: Seared-Crusted Ahi Tuna (RMB 48) & Steak Sliders (RMB 48)
• Soup: Summer Vegetable Minestrone (RMB 28)
• Salads: Steak Salad (RMB 55) & other salads are served tableside
• Flamme House Steak 150g or 260g (RMB 98/138)
• T-bone steak for 2 – 540g (RMB 398)
• Rosemary Lemon Chicken (RMB 68)
• Sides (all RMB 18): Cloud Potatoes with Crème Fraîche, Grilled Asparagus, Baby carrots, North African style cucumber, Barley Pilaf, Sticky Rice Cake

Upon ordering, we were served Yorkshire Pudding as their house complimentary bread which I found quite unusual for a steak house’s choice bread.  Tasty as it was, it was quite sweet and more of a dessert than a appetizer.

For starters, we shared an order of Steak Sliders (RMB 48): ground steak, grilled onions, tomato relish which were tasty, but very crumbly. We then ordered the 2-for-1 house steaks special which came with a side salad and a choice of the following sauces: Habanero Hollandaise, Korean BBQ sauce, Wild Mushroom Sauce, Red Eye Gravy and Demi Glace (I recommend the thick, creamy Wild Mushroom Sauce).  To compliment our steaks, we also inclined to order the Cloud Potatoes with Crème Fraîche (RMB 18). Thick and creamy, the mashed potatoes were delicious and not too heavy. And for dessert, we ordered two orders of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cake (RMB 32): Manjari Chocolate (Valrhona) & Madagascar beans with white chocolate and peanut butter molten center with vanilla ice cream on the side – how amazing does that sound??  While it was gooey and rich, the dark chocolate cake was a bit bitter for my taste and I wished the teeny, tiny scoop of ice cream was a bit more.  Overall, I highly recommend the salads, steaks and the wine list is also very reasonably priced.

Review of Flamme: S4-33, Sanlitun Village, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village3楼S4室, Tel: 6417-8608

Best Part:

• Every Tuesday, House Steak is 2-for-1!
• Menu & Drink Prices are all incredibly good value
• Staff are not only exceptionally friendly, they are also very knowledgeable of the restaurant menu and trained to recite well-versed recommendations along with dish ingredients and means of preparation.
• By the same chef who opened Element Fresh, you can count on quality ingredients and taste.
• They have Philippe Starck lights.

Comments:

• I definitely had luck on my side to pop in on a Tuesday for their 2-for-1 steak special, and even though this is by far their best weekday special, Flamme offers different drink/food specials every night of the week (Mon-Friday).
• The weather was perfect to dine outside, but the interior was also quite nice and the show kitchen is a nice touch.
• We ordered a carafe of their house wine, but I hear their cocktails are also worth trying.

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

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

All About Avocados

It’s unfortunate that avocados are so pricey in Beijing because they really do make everything taste better – avocados in sandwiches, avocados in salads and even avocados in sushi rolls!

It seems like anything on a restaurant menu that includes avocados will instantly catch my eye.

Here are some recent finds for all you avocado lovers:

Live Well‘s Chicken & Avocado Salad – rocket leaves, spinach and lettuce topped with cherry tomatoes, shredded chicken, thick slices of avocado and pine nuts (RMB 35):

Live Well's Chicken & Avocado Salad

Element Fresh’s Avocado Salad in their new summer menu selection features slices of avocado topped with greens soaked in an amazing balsalmic vinaigrette dressing (RMB 32).  Although you can’t see the avocados, I promise you they are there.  I realize this photo is not the most appealing, but this salad really exceeded my expectations and the dressing is definitely the selling point – the flavor is totally unique so good, you’re going to want to put it on everything else you may have ordered. My only gripe with this salad is that it was not bigger.

Element Fresh's Summer Menu Avocado Salad

And recently on my short trip to Malaysia, I discovered Avocado Smoothies!  I was a bit hesitant to order it, but it turned out to be a new favorite find!  Mixed with mangoes, coconut and condensed milk, avocados make a super smooth, refreshing smoothie!

When I ordered the avocado salad at Element Fresh, I also noticed the Vietnamese avocado smoothie (RMB 32 for small) on their summer menu.  After getting so excited to find avocado smoothies in Beijing, I was sorely disappointed with the result.  Instead of tasting like the smooth combination of avocados and condensed milk I had in Malaysia, I only tasted mint and more mint.  It had so much potential, and yet fell so short.

Instead of being a hit, Element Fresh’s Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie was a BIG MISS.  NOT recommended, but now I am determined to find a proper avocado smoothie in Beijing!  Mark my words, I will let you know once the mission is accomplished.

Element Fresh's Vietnamese Avocado Smoothie

Any tips or suggestions?  E-mail me directly: kristen@lumdimsum.com

Don’t Judge a Drink by its Cover

Unlike most food beauty shots, a photo of a smoothie is just not nearly as appetizing. Regardless of all the delicious ingredients blended together to create something beyond what the effect of any one separate ingredient can have on your palate, it’s appearance just can not do it justice because, let’s face it, all your eyes see is liquid color.

Element Fresh’s smoothies are the highlight of their menu and among the top smoothies available in Beijing.

In the past, my favorite smoothies on their menu was their Mango Madness smoothie or Very Berry, but last week week I noticed a few new additions to their smoothie menu.

With the sweet tooth I have, I was immediately sold by the “Chocolate Strawberry” title.  Ingredients: kiwi juice, coconut, milk, yoghurt, strawberries and chocolate sauce (RMB 32/50 for a small/large smoothie).

So here’s what was presented to me:

Small vs. Large Portion

But what you should really be seeing is this:

I am not exaggerating. The chocolate strawberry smoothie is a liquid form of a combination of the photos above.

The taste was so dangerously good, I had to resist the strong temptation to slurp it all down at once and to allow myself to savor every sip.

So good, it’s been ingrained in my memory ever since and I could not refrain from giving in to a second taste only 3 days later.

Park Side Bar & Grill Launches their Brunch

While I’m always multi-tasking different projects simultaneously and stuck permanently with an irregular schedule, Sunday brunch is one of the few consistent things in my life that I look forward to on a weekly basis.  It’s no secret I’m always on the prawl for new brunch spots and Park Side Bar & Grill is one of the best brunches I’ve had in quite some time.

Only about seven weeks old (opened on May 28, 2010), Park Side is already a popular sports bar and hang out (packed throughout the World Cup) in the Lido neighborhood and word on the street is that they’ve got the best lasagna in town. Lasagna aside, Park Side serves a solid a la carte menu with a wide selection of cocktails, smoothies, appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts, Park Side has most recently launched a new brunch menu and will soon start offering a set lunch menu (RMB 78/98 for 2/3 courses + drink).

Their brunch menu is served on weekends from 11:00-16:00 and offers a Build-Your-Own 3-egg omelet option (RMB 48 for 3 sides) and an assortment of eggs benedict varieties (RMB 68) and other classic breakfast staples (English breakfast, Yankee Breakfast, pancakes, crepes, etc. for RMB 48-68).

To start, I ordered the Yogi Brrr smoothie - tropical combination of mango, pineapple, banana, kiwi and yoghurt (RMB 38/48 for 245ml/400ml).

We then ordered a few salads – the Chili Mango Shrimp Salad (large size) with pan-seared shrimp & chili mango salsa and the Summer Strawberry (small size) with fresh strawberries and chunks of blue cheese topped with crisp leaves and balsamic dressing. Both salads were great starters and perfect for a hot summer day. All salads are RMB 48/68 depending if you prefer your salad portion as a starter or a main course. See here the portions for a large salad vs. a small salad.

For mains, we ordered the Build-Your-Own Omelet and chose smoked salmon, shredded Swiss cheese and spinach. Other omelet add-in options include diced ham, diced sausage, diced bacon, tomato, shredded cheddar cheese, mushrooms and onions. Portions were generous and for RMB 48, this is a great deal, but the omelet was a little dry.

On the other hand, my friend Andreas ordered the Mediterranean Benedict (RMB 68) which was the BEST eggs benedict in Beijing. Instead of an English muffin, they use homemade foccacia bread which is topped with rich tomato ratatouille, thinly sliced Parma ham, 2 poached eggs topped with white wine tomato butter sauce.  To me, this was the holy grail of eggs benedicts – it was that good.

Review of Park Side Bar & Grill: 6-9 Jiangtai Xilu (facing Rosedale Hotel), 将台西路9-6号, Tel: 6444-6555

Best Part:

• Casual, comfortable Western-style restaurant in the Lido area
• Versatile environment that is suitable for anything from a casual lunch to late night drinks.
• Mediterranean Benedict is the best benedict I’ve tried in Beijing – you gotta try it to believe it.
• Long smoothie selection with variety of fresh fruit juice available
• Refreshing summer salads (Chili Mango Shrimp & Strawberry Blue Cheese were great combos)
• Super friendly service, manager Robbie was a great host
• Prices are absolutely reasonable considering the portions are generous and the chef’s creations are innovative and definitely worth coming back for.

Comments:

• I hear from several sources that the lasagna is the best in town, but I yet to try it for myself.
• Park Side serves great food, but it still feels more like a bar than a restaurant even during the day.  When we went for brunch, there were a few other tables of people, but it was pretty quiet for a Sunday afternoon. While I prefer the environment/decor of Element Fresh, Park Side’s food, service and value is MUCH better. Considering they are newly opened, I think they have a ton of potential.
• Something to look forward to – they will soon be serving set lunch menus – RMB 78/98 for 2/3 courses + drink

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

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

#1 Most Popular Restaurant Goes to…

LocalNoodles deduces Beijing’s top restaurants by finding out what were the hottest searches over the past twelve months.

Top 10 Searched Restaurants for 2009-2010

#1. Hatsune Congratulations to this Sushi standard for commanding top spot in our hearts, minds, and stomachs.

Readers SAID: “The best in Beijing” “great food, ambience and service” “favorites are the pimp my roll, 119 roll and motorola” “a sweet deal”

#2. Maison Boulud Beijing’s only Michelin star Chef has more than French food lovers seeking his restaurant.

Readers SAID: “Excelling in quality, service, location and understated elegance” “Best experience in China.” “Beijing has changed because of this restaurant.”

#3. The Saddle Cantina It’s no surprise that Beijing’s most talked about Mexican Restaurant landed the #3 spot.

Readers SAID: “best place to hang out in San Li Tun” “my go to bar for late evening” “most memorable evenings in Beijing”

#4. Element Fresh One of the most popular restaurants in Sanlitun, it hasn’t slowed since its opening two years ago.

Readers SAID: “Element Fresh has it all” “Their food is really good” “WOW!”

#5. Chuan Ban Visiting the “Chuan Ban” is much more than a rite of passage, it makes you more of a Beijinger.

Readers SAID: “Chuan ban still has what it takes” “nicest Sichuan food you’ll find anywhere” “food is really spicy”

#6. Duck de Chine – 1949 Duck de Chine and the compound it inhabits continue to be Beijing’s best kept secret. Perhaps that’s why everyone is searching for it.

Readers SAID: “1949 offers excellent Beijing Duck” “most expensive ducks in Beijing” “whole complex and experience is a pleasure”

#7. SALT One of Beijing’s defining restaurants stays in the minds of Beijinger’s by constantly revamping their menu.

Readers SAID: “SALT is an excellent restaurant with exemplary staff, service and cuisine” “Magnifique!” ” their praises are sung by many a Beijing Foodie”

#8. Ganges A Beijing standard, Ganges immediately comes to mind when thinking of Indian fare.

Readers SAID: “my new constant diner spot” “best Indian I’ve had in Beijing, and possibly ever” “Where do you go from here? India?”

#9. Luga’s With five different businesses, no other restaurateur owns so much of Sanlitun’s dining landscape.

Readers SAID: “Wow, people love this place” “quite packed late on the weekend” “Luga knows customer service”

#10. Din Tai Feng Rated as one of the top 10 gourmet restaurants in the world, its the standard for Taiwanese food in Beijing.

Readers SAID: “an impressive place to bring visiting friends” “best dumplings in town HANDS DOWN” “I don’t know what took me so long to eat here”

LumDimSum Discovery: Element Fresh’s California Hippie

A lot of people love to hate Element Fresh.  To be honest, I am not their biggest fan either. I think it’s overpriced and I’ve found so many other places with better sandwiches (Sequoia, Panino Teca, Bocata, the list goes on..)  At one point last year, I even boycotted them after several unpleasant dining experiences due to service and ordering issues.

Element Fresh in Lido

But Element Fresh recently opened a new branch in Lido (just across from Spin ceramics) and I was in the area and craving one of their heaven-sent smoothies.

To accompany my Delicious Mauritius smoothie- pineapple juice, bananas, coconut milk, aloe (RMB 22), I ordered the California Hippie Sandwich (RMB 45), which is by far one of the best dishes on Element Fresh’s menu and thus now a LumDimSum Discovery.

Served on whole grain bread, the California Hippie Sandwich features thick chunks of avocado, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and greens with Herbed Farmer’s cheese and dijon vinaigrette. If that isn’t enough for you and you’re one to crave more than just veggies in their sandwich, I’d recommend ordering a side of grilled chicken (add additional RMB 28 or add salmon for RMB 58).

See photo below – check out those chunky chunks of AVO!!

**Please note: The photo below only features 1/2 of the sandwich. I had already eaten the other half before I remembered to take a snapshot. My bad.

Element Fresh's California Hippie Sandwich

*LumDimSum Discovery Explanation: Whenever I find a dish worth sharing, I will post this find as a LumDimSum Discovery.  Stay tuned for more to come!

Beijinger Restaurant Awards: Hatsune Wins Best Japanese 6 Years in a Row!

At theBeijinger’s Restaurant Awards on Tuesday, March 16, Hatsune took home Best Japanese for the 6th year in a row, along with Outstanding for Best Decor.

Congratulations to Alan Wong, owner of the Hatsune Empire, for holding it strong and staying at the top of the game 6 years running.

That’s gotta be a record!!

Owner of the Hatsune Empire, Alan Wong goes up on stage with baby Mason Wong to pick up his award for Best Japanese! 6 years in a row baby!

Other big winners from the awards ceremony include:

• SALT – Winner for Best Chef & Runner up for Best Business Lunch, Best Steak, Best Service, Restaurant of the Year
• Mosto – Runner Up for Best Chef, Best Business Lunch, Best Wine List, Best for a Romantic Meal, Restaurant of the Year
• Haidilao – Winner for Best HotPot, and Runner up for Best Service, Chinese Restaurant of the Year
• Da Dong – Winner for Best Contemporary Chinese, Best Duck, Best for Impressing Visitors, Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year
• Maison Boulud - Winner for Best French, Best for a Romantic Meal, Best Wine List, Best Service,  Best Western Restaurant of the Year

Complete list of all Beijinger Dining Awards Categories and Winners, click here.

Collecting Hatsune's Award for Best Japanese

LumDimSummary of Beijinger Restaurant Awards:

Best Part:

• iF Juice was a sponsor!  The most thirst-quenching, delicious fresh juice available in Beijing! I’m kind of obsessed.
• Alan Wong brought up baby Mason to collect his award for Best Japanese (6 years in a row!)
• Cheese by Yellow Valley Cheese is delicious
• Cherry flavored Beer
• Foodie Crowd Galore…or just PR people representing restaurants

Comments:

• Hosts were painfully bad.  Dominic Johnson-Hill of Plastered 8 T-shirts could not pronounce any names if his life depended on it and Ai Wan actually said, and I quote, “Wow! This is extraordinary a woman won Best Chef! Normally chefs are men.  Now, tell me Ana, how old are you?” Someone should censor that woman.
• Joy Luck provided no food for the event and it was just a very random location for a restaurant awards ceremony.

While many of the winners are very deserving of their awards, I was a disappointed to see Annie’s won Best Italian (come on people, it’s not best delivery service), Ganges for Best Indian (they just happen to have the best locations and marketing), and Element Fresh for Best American, Best Sandwiches, and Best Non-Hotel Brunch? I only approve of their smoothies and boycott the rest.

Beijinger’s Restaurant Award Winners vs. LumDimSum’s Votes:

• Best Contemporary Chinese – Beijinger Winner: Da Dong, LumDimSum Vote: Bei (Opposite House)
• Best Duck -Beijinger Winner: Da Dong, LumDimSum Vote: Made in China
• Best Sichuan – Beijinger Winner: South Beauty, LumDimSum Vote: Chuan Ban
• Best Dim Sum – Beijinger Winner: Jin Ding Xuan, LumDimSum Vote: Jin Ding Xuan (Tuanjiehu)
  
• Best Hot Pot – Beijinger Winner: Haidilao, LumDimSum Vote: Haidilao
• Best Kung Pao Chicken – Beijinger Winner: South Beauty, LumDimSum Vote: Black Sesame Kitchen
• Best Xinjiang – Beijinger Winner: Red Rose, LumDimSum Vote: Crescent Moon
• Best Yunan – Beijinger Winner: Middle 8th Restaurant, LumDimSum Vote: Middle 8th Restaurant
• Best French- Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud
• Best Indian / Pakistani – Beijinger Winner: Ganges, LumDimSum Vote: Punjabi
• Best Italian -Beijinger Winner: Annie’s, LumDimSum Vote: Sadler Ristorante & Metro
  
• Best Japanese – Beijinger Winner: Hatsune, LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune & Kagen Teppanyaki
• Best Mediterranean – Beijinger Winner: Sureno, LumDimSum Vote: Sureno
• Best Mexican – Beijinger Winner: Saddle Cantina, LumDimSum Vote: Pete’s Tex Mex
• Best Middle Eastern – Beijinger Winner: 1001 Nights, LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta
• Best Thai – Beijinger Winner: Purple Haze, LumDimSum Vote: Aroy-D (by Fulicheng)
• Best Vietnamese – Beijinger Winner: Muse, LumDimSum Vote: Luga’s Pho-Pho
• Best American – Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh, LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill
• Best Business Lunch – Beijinger Winner: Alameda, LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune
• Family-Friendly Restaurant – Beijinger Winner: Annie’s, LumDimSum Vote: Orchard
• Impressing Visitors – Beijinger Winner: Da Dong, LumDimSum Vote: Duck de Chine
• Best Brunch (Non-Hotel) – Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh, LumDimSum Vote: Orchard
• Best Hotel Brunch – Beijinger Winner: Westin Financial Street & Westin Chaoyang, LumDimSum Vote: Westin Chaoyang
• Best Pizza – Beijinger Winner: The Tree, LumDimSum Vote: The Tree
• Best Sandwiches – Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh, LumDimSum Vote: Sequoia Cafe
  
• Best Steak – Beijinger Winner: Meat & Wine Co., LumDimSum Vote: Meat & Wine Co.
• Best Tapas – Beijinger Winner: Olas Tapas Cafe, LumDimSum Vote: Mosaico
• Wine List – Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Enoteca
• Best Burger – Beijinger Winner: Let’s Burger, LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill
• Best For a Romantic Meal – Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Capital M
• Best Chef – Beijinger Winner: Ana Esteves – SALT, LumDimSum Vote: Max Levy – Bei/Apothecary
• Best Décor – Beijinger Winner: LAN, LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune & Capital M
• Best Service – Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud
• Restaurant of the Year (Chinese) – Beijinger Winner: Da Dong, LumDimSum Vote: Made in China
• Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese) – Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

What Sundays Mean to Me: Brunchathon Breakdown

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

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

And my favorite part about Sundays?  BRUNCH!!

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

1. The Vineyard Cafe

2. Solaire Bistro

3. Village Cafe

4. Chef Too

5. Element Fresh

6. Cafe Zarah

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

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

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

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

My personal favorites:

• Ben-e’fish’-ial RMB 35

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

• Natural Yogurt RMB 11 with a side of honey

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

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

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

6402-7961

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

All-You-Can-Eat & Drink includes:

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

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

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

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

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

5208-3689

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

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

Comments:

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

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

Best Part:

• Great Brunch Selection
• Delicious Eggs Benedict

Comments:

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

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

Best Part:

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

Comments: See above.

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

Best Part:

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

Comments:

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

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

8403-9807

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

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

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

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

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

Recent Brunch Experience:

Agua Aperitivo Brunch:

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

Best Part:

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

Comments:

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

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

6559-6266