theBeijinger’s 9th Reader Restaurant Awards: Winners, Runner Ups & LDS Picks Announced!

Posted: March 23rd, 2012 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene | Tags: Agua, Ai Mo Town, Alla Osteria, Annie's, Aria, Bao Yuan Dumpling House 宝源饺子屋, Barolo, Biteapitta, Blue Frog, Cafe Zarah, Capital M, Chimay, Chocolate, Comptoirs De France, Crescent Moon, Da Dong, Dali Courtyard, Duck de Chine, Element Fresh, Fairmont Hotel, Flamme, Ganges, Grand Marnier, Gung Ho! Gourmet Pizza Factory, Hai Di Lao, Hatsune, Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇, Hilton Beijing, Hoegaarden Beer, Home Plate Bar B-Que, Ignace Lecleir, Jin Ding Xuan, Karaiya Spice House, Kro's Nest, Leffe, Lime Cafe, Made in China, Maison Boulud, Middle 8, Mosto, Nanjing Impressions, Niajo, Obentos 本之味, Punjabi, Pure Lotus, Purple Haze, Restaurant Awards, Saveurs de Corée 韩香馆, Seth Grossman, Sureno, SuSu, Sweet Tooth, Tairyo Teppanyaki, Temple Restaurant Beijing, The Bookworm, The CUT Grill, The Orchard, The Veggie Table, theBeijinger, TRB, Vineyard Cafe, Xian Lao Man 馅老满 | 1 Comment »

Family Photo Op at theBeijinger’s 9th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards

On Monday, March 19, 2012, theBeijinger just celebrated its 9th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards Ceremony at the Hilton Beijing.

Taking place from 11:30AM-2PM, the restaurant awards got my week off to a great start with a nice break on my mid-day on Monday with more food, sweets and ice cream I could have hoped for.  I was most impressed with the chocolate covered strawberries, chewy cookies and desserts by Sweet Tooth. I’m just thankful I had the self-control to resist drinking from the free flowing beer, wines, cocktails sponsored by Grand Marnier, Chimay, Leffe and Hoegaarden.

Always a grand affair, this year seemed bigger than ever with a very large crowd of both F&B big-heads and die-hard foodies. And it makes sense considering the amount of restaurants that were nominated and the strong readership who submitted ballots (thanks to social media platforms like Weibo, theBeijinger was really successful in reaching a broader audience this year).

“During three weeks of voting, over 5,000 readers and consumers cast ballots in 50 different categories, for over 250 nominated restaurants.”

That’s right- 50 categories and 250 nominated restaurants!  I was wondering how they were planning to read through 50 different categories (would be a nightmare to list off so many winners for so many categories) so I was relieved to find that this year, they displayed 30 of the 50 categories in the winding hall into the main event space.

So right off the bat, we were given the winners for the majority of the awards. It was so unexpected to walk into these displays without expecting to see so many announced in advance. Running around to find the categories Hatsune was nominated in, I was beyond stoked to discover Hatsune won Best Japanese for the 8th year in a row and Hatsune also won Best Decor (Hatsune Sanlitun) and Outstanding for Best Business Lunch (Mosto won this one!).

Hatsune Wins Best Japanese Restaurant (8 year running!) Photo of Hatsune’s two restaurant managers

Other Big Winners from the 9th Annual Awards Ceremony Include:

• Maison Boulud – Winning 7 Awards in total –  Best French, Best Service (Non-Chinese), Best Wine List, Best for a Romantic Meal, Outstanding for Impressing Visitors, Outstanding Place for a Celebration and Outstanding for Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese)

• Da Dong – Restaurant of the Year (Chinese), Best for Impressing Visitors (Chinese) , Best Beijing Duck, Outstanding for Best Service (Chinese)

• Home Plate Bar-B-Que – Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese), Restaurant Personality of the Year (Seth Grossman), Best New Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese), Best American, Outstanding for Best Value for Money,

• Nanjing Impressions – Best New Restaurant (Chinese)

• Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) – Outstanding for Best New Restaurant (Non-Chinese), Restaurant Personality of the Year (Ignace Lecleir), Best for Impressing Visitors (Non-Chinese), Best Decor

• Capital M – Best for Impressing Visitors (Non-Chinese), Best Outdoor Dining, Outstanding for Best Romantic Meal, Best Decor

Biggest Disappointments:

• Annie’s gets nominated for Best Service?  Seriously people?  Have you even eaten in the restaurant or are you just getting delivery to your home?  If we’re talking about best delivery service, GungHo! pizza wins hands down

• Tairyo Teppanyaki wins Best Place for Celebration?! I get that their “all-you-can-drink-and-eat deal” may draw you in at first, but the food is such low quality and everything tastes the same! Really surprised by this one.

• Blue Frog for Best Burger – they hav e a great two-for-one deal on Mondays, but there is definitely better burgers in Beijing

• Punjabi Indian Restaurant was not even in the running for the Best Indian category, people need to migrate east of Sanlitun!

• Seems like majority of restaurants that won are all located in the Sanlitun area.  Wish some of the more hidden gems got more recognition (ie Ai Mo Town for Best Yunnan)

• Wish Obentos got recognition in some of the categories they were nominated in! They definitely have the best salads in town in my opinion (much better than Annie’s anyway!)

Overall, it’s very exciting to see a small, little authentic American BBQ spot take over the entire awards ceremony!  Beating out big players like Maison Boulud and Hatsune (for Restaurant of the Year) and Temple Restaurant Beijing (for Best New Restaurant), this underdog came out of nowhere and really stole the show!

Congratulations to Home Plate Bar-B-Que!

Home Plate Bar-B-Que Team Wins Big! 

Photo courtesy of theBeijinger

Here is List of the 50 Categories’ Winners & Runner-Ups:

BEST AMERICAN
Readers’ Choice 
Home Plate Bar-B-Que
Outstanding 
Blue Frog
Union Bar & Grille

LDS Vote: Home Plate Bar-B-Que

BEST BEIJING DUCK
Readers’ Choice 
Da Dong
Outstanding 
Duck de Chine
Quanjude

LDS Vote: Made in China (Grand Hyatt)

BEST BRUNCH (STANDALONE)
Readers’ Choice 
Vineyard Café
Outstanding 
Chef Too
Element Fresh

LDS Vote: The Orchard

BEST BURGER
Readers’ Choice 
Blue Frog
Outstanding 
Fatburger
Let’s Burger Plus

LDS Vote: Maison Boulud

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
Readers’ Choice 
Mosto
Outstanding 
Alameda
Hatsune

LDS Vote: Hatsune

BEST CAFÉ
Readers’ Choice 
The Bookworm
Outstanding 
Comptoirs de France
Vineyard Café

LDS Vote: Cafe Zarah

BEST DÉCOR (CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Lan Club
Outstanding 
Duck De Chine (Jinbao Jie location)
Pure Lotus (Changhong Qiao location)

LDS Vote: Duck de Chine (Jinbao Jie)

BEST DÉCOR (NON-CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Hatsune (Sanlitun location)
Outstanding 
Capital M
Temple Restaurant Beijing

LDS Vote: Capital M

BEST DINNER ENTERTAINMENT
Readers’ Choice 
Haidilao
Outstanding 
1001 Nights
Chocolate

LDS Vote: Chocolate

BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice 
Annie’s
Outstanding 
Element Fresh
Grandma’s Kitchen
The Orchard

LDS Vote: The Orchard

BEST FOR A ROMANTIC MEAL
Readers’ Choice 
Maison Boulud
Outstanding 
Capital M
Mosto

LDS Vote: Capital M

BEST FRENCH
Readers’ Choice 
Maison Boulud
Outstanding 
Brasserie Flo
Café de la Poste

LDS Vote: Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB)

BEST IMPRESSING VISITORS (CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Da Dong
Outstanding 
Duck de Chine
Haidilao

LDS Vote: Dali Courtyard

BEST IMPRESSING VISITORS (NON-CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Capital M
Outstanding 
Maison Boulud
Temple Restaurant Beijing

LDS Vote: Temple Restaurant Beijing 

BEST ITALIAN-AFFORDABLE
Readers’ Choice 
Annie’s
Outstanding 
Alio Olio
La Pizza

LDS Vote: Alla Osteria

BEST JAPANESE
Readers’ Choice 
Hatsune
Outstanding 
Matsuko
Tairyo Teppanyaki

LDS Vote: Hatsune

BEST KOREAN
Readers’ Choice 
Saveurs de Coree
Outstanding 
Ai Jiang Shan
Han Na Shan

LDS Vote: Saveurs de Coree

BEST LATE-NIGHT DINING
Readers’ Choice 
Haidilao
Outstanding 
Bellagio
Jin Ding Xuan

LDS Vote: Jin Ding Xuan or my local ch’uar stand

BEST MIDDLE-EASTERN
Readers’ Choice 
Biteapitta
Outstanding 
1001 Nights
Rumi

LDS Vote: Biteapitta

BEST OUTDOOR DINING
Readers’ Choice 
Capital M
Outstanding 
Blue Frog
Dali Courtyard

LDS Vote: Dali Courtyard

BEST PIZZA
Readers’ Choice 
Kro’s Nest
Outstanding 
Gung Ho! Pizza
The Tree

LDS Vote: Gung Ho! Pizza

BEST PLACE FOR A CELEBRATION
Readers’ Choice 
Tairyo Teppanyaki
Outstanding 
Maison Boulud
SALT

LDS Vote: Hatsune

BEST PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT RESTAURANT
Readers’ Choice 
Chuan Ban (Sichuan Provincial Government Restaurant)
Outstanding 
Xinjiang Islam (Xinjiang Provincial Government Restaurant)
Yunteng Shifu (Yunnan Provincial Government Restaurant)

LDS Vote: Chuan Ban

BEST RUSSIAN
Readers’ Choice 
Traktirr Pushkin
Outstanding 
Chocolate
Elephant

LDS Vote: Chocolate (and all my Russian friends agree!)

BEST SALADS
Readers’ Choice 
Element Fresh
Outstanding 
Annie’s
Gung Ho! Pizza

LDS Vote: Obentos

BEST SPANISH
Readers’ Choice 
Agua
Outstanding 
Carmen
Migas

LDS Vote: Niajo

BEST THAI
Readers’ Choice 
Purple Haze
Outstanding 
Serve the People
Very Siam

LDS Vote: Lime Cafe (Central Park)

BEST VEGETARIAN
Readers’ Choice 
Pure Lotus
Outstanding 
Biteapitta
The Veggie Table

LDS Vote: Veggie Table

BEST XINJIANG
Readers’ Choice 
Crescent Moon
Outstanding 
BLCU Muslim Restaurant
Xinjiang Red Rose

LDS Vote: Crescent Moon

BEST YUNNAN
Readers’ Choice 
Middle 8th
Outstanding 
Dali Courtyard
In & Out

LDS Vote: Aimo Town

BEST DIM SUM
Readers’ Choice 
Jin Ding Xuan
Outstanding  
Crystal Jade
Lei Garden

LDS Vote: Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇

BEST DUMPLINGS
Readers’ Choice 
Bao Yuan Jiaozi
Outstanding 
Lao Beijing Jiaozi Guan
Xian Lao Man

LDS Vote: Xian Lao Man

BEST HOTEL BRUNCH
Readers’ Choice  
Bubbalicious, Seasonal Tastes, Westin Beijing Chaoyang
Outstanding 
Aroma, Ritz-Carlton Beijing
Bubbly Sundays, Senses, Westin Beijing Financial Street

LDS Vote: Yi House Brunch in 798

BEST INDIAN/PAKISTANI
Readers’ Choice 
Ganges
Outstanding  
Indian Kitchen
Taj Pavilion

LDS Vote: Punjabi 

BEST BREAD
Readers’ Choice 
Comptoirs de France
Outstanding  
Kempi Deli, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center
South German Bakery

LDS Vote: South German Bakery

BEST VIETNAMESE
Readers’ Choice 
Susu
Outstanding  
Le Little Saigon
Muse Parisian Vietnamese Brasserie

LDS Vote: Susu

BEST WINE LIST
Readers’ Choice 
Maison Boulud
Outstanding  
Aria, China World Hotel
Enoterra

LDS Vote: Aria, China World Hotel

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY
Readers’ Choice 
Annie’s
Outstanding  
Home Plate Bar-B-Que
SALT

LDS Vote: Home Plate Bar-B-Que

BEST STEAK (STANDALONE)
Readers’ Choice 
Flamme International Grill
Outstanding
Chef Too
SALT

LDS Vote: Mosto

BEST STEAK (HOTEL)
Readers’ Choice 
CRU Steakhouse, JW Marriott Beijing
Outstanding  
Grange Grill, Westin Beijing Chaoyang
The Cut, Fairmont Beijing

LDS Vote: The Cut (Fairmont)

BEST SANDWICHES
Readers’ Choice 
Element Fresh
Outstanding  
Bocata
Comptoirs de France

LDS Vote: Home Plate’s Pulled Pork Sandwich

BEST ITALIAN – HIGH END
Readers’ Choice 
Sureno, Opposite House
Outstanding  
Cepe, Ritz-Carlton Financial Street
Tavola Italian Dining

LDS Vote: Barolo, Ritz Carlton

BEST MEXICAN/TEX-MEX
Readers’ Choice 
Luga’s Villa (tie)
Peter’s Tex-Mex (tie)
Outstanding  
The Saddle Cantina

LDS Vote: None, there is no good Mexican food in Beijing that I know of! But I heard Avocado Tree is good, but it’s in WDK.  I can’t wait for the Hutong Taco Bar to open up soon this summer (see here for details).

RESTAURANT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
Readers’ Choice 
Seth Grossman, Home Plate Bar-B-Que
Outstanding  
Alan Wong, Hatsune/Kagen
Ignace Lecleir, Temple Restaurant Beijing

LDS Vote: I’m biased, but my vote goes to Alan Wong of the Hatsune Restaurant Group

BEST SERVICE (CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Haidilao
Outstanding  
Da Dong
Din Tai Fung

LDS Vote: Karaiya Spice House

BEST SERVICE (NON-CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Maison Boulud
Outstanding  
Annie’s
SALT

LDS Vote: Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) – anywhere Ignace Lecleir is will be Beijing’s best serviced restaurant

NEW RESTAURANT (NON-CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Home Plate Bar-B-Que
Outstanding  
Susu
Temple Restaurant Beijing

LDS Vote: The Vine Leaf. Of the restaurants that were nominated, I’m a big fan of TRB, Home Plate, Susu and Obentos, but as they are all new restaurants, I think the only one that’s really ironed out its kinked and have the highest performance success is the Vine Leaf. Each and every dish on the menu is made with so much thought and care, Will Yorke has managed to defy the odds and show Beijingers that English food can be phenomenal! 

NEW RESTAURANT (CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Nanjing Impression
Outstanding  
Green Bites To Go Dumpling Bar
IFW, Park Hyatt Beijing

LDS Vote: New Duck de Chine in Jinbao Jie

BEST RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (CHINESE)
Readers’ Choice 
Da Dong
Outstanding 
Din Tai Fung
Duck de Chine

LDS Vote: Karaiya Spice House

BEST RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (NON-CHINESE)
Reader’s Choice 
Home Plate Bar-B-Que
Outstanding 
Hatsune
Maison Boulud

LDS Vote: Hatsune

Full List of Winners can be viewed on theBeijinger’s blog page here and here.

See analysis and comparison between theBeijinger’s Annual Reader Restaurant Awards vs. DianPing.com here.

Beijing’s Best F&B Personalities (from L to R):

Alan Wong (Hatsune), Seth Grossman (Home Plate Bar-B-Que), Ignace Lecleir (Temple Restaurant Beijing)

Photo courtesy of theBeijinger 

*You can check out more photos from the awards ceremony on theBeijinger’s Photo Gallery.

 

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Nathan’s New Salad Wraps & Jinshisong Delivery

Posted: February 4th, 2012 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene, Hot Tips | Tags: Biteapitta, Blue Frog, Colibri, Crepanini, Delivery, Flamme, Hatsune, Jinshisong.com, Kagen, Karaiya Spice House, Kro's Nest, La Pizza, Nathan's Famous, Raffles Mall, Union Bar & Grill, Wanliu BHG Mall | No Comments »

Most of you who follow LumDimSum.com know that I am always looking for a healthier option (should a healthy option be available) whenever I’m eating out.

So instead of stuffing myself with Nathan’s 100% pure beef hot dogs and chili cheese fries multiple times per week, I am now stoked to be eating (and sharing with you) their newest menu items: 3 New Savory Salad Wraps!

Available in three flavors: Spicy Chicken Tender Salad Wrap, Phillycheese Steak Salad Wrap and a warm, buttery imported Lobster Sensation Wrap (my personal favorite), these are hands-down my new go-to menu items!

Aside from being a healthier choice, these wraps are so freaking good and such great value – priced at RMB 15-25 if ordered alone and if you want to be extra healthy, you can also switch out the side of Nathan’s crinkle cut fries for a bowl of steamed corn (another favorite of mine) and a drink for only RMB 27-37 for a complete combo meal.

For those who prefer to eat in the comfort of your home, Nathan’s is now partnering up with Beijing’s Best Delivery Service - Jinshisong Delivery!

To get Nathan’s delivered straight to your door, just call 4000300517 or you can even order directly online and save the headache of speaking to anyone over the phone: Click here to order Nathan’s on Jinshisong’s website.

Aside from Nathan’s, Jinshisong also delivers many other great restaurant options including:

• Kro’s Nest
• Blue Frog
• Hatsune
• Flamme
• Union Bar & Grill
• Karaiya Spice House
• Kagen Japanese Restaurant
• Colibri Cafe
• Biteapitta
• Crepanini
• La Pizza

And the list of restaurants continues…check out full list of restaurants here.

Nathan’s Famous Contact Details: 

• Dongzhimen Raffles City Branch 

• Address: Raffles City Shopping Mall B1-07, No.1 Dongzhimen South Street, Dong Cheng District, Beijing
• Hours: 8:30AM-10:00PM

• Wanliu BHG Mall

• Address: Beijing Wanliu Shopping Mall, No. 2 BaGou Road, Hai Dian District, Beijing (Located just outside of Ba Gou Subway Stop, the last stop on Line 10)
• Hours: 9:30AM-9:30PM

• Mastercard (Wukesong) Stadium

• Address: No.69 Fuxing Road, Haidian District
• Open for events

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Last Chance: CFFC’s Final Summer Charity Dinner

Posted: August 25th, 2011 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene, Upcoming Events | Tags: Chi Fan for Charity, Element Fresh, Flamme, Jeff Powell, The Hutong, The Orchard, theBeijinger | No Comments »

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.

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Let’s Powwow Launch Party: POWWOW in da HOUSE

Posted: April 13th, 2011 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Bars & Nightlife, Upcoming Events | Tags: Black Golden Tanning Salon, Flamme, Hatsune, Hummingbird Therapeutic Retreat, IF Juice, Kick in2 Shape Gym, Launch Party, Let's Powwow, Mo Lounge, The House, World Health Store | 1 Comment »

My favorite iPhone app – Let’s Powwow is going viral, going global and it’s all starting in this complex, cosmopolitan, exhilarating  city we call Beijing.

More than just a great directory for Beijing’s giant database of restaurants, bars and spas, Let’s Powwow hooks its users up with killer deals like 2-for-1 lunch at Flamme, new menu item deals at Hatsune, 2-for-1 cocktails at Mo Lounge, 2 hours for the price of 1 hour massage at Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat, etc. Click here for more information on other sweet deals at Beijing’s top restaurants, bars and spas available exclusively to Let’s Powwow members.

Celebrate the genius behind this application together with the exceptional people who are making it happen at their Launch Party this Thursday, April 14 at The House Club (in front of Club Mix).  Powwow members who attend can expect loads of free hook-ups from drink specials and tastings to free give-aways including free vouchers/sessions at Black Golden Tanning Salon, Kick in2 Shape Gym, the World Health Store, IF Juice, etc.

LumDimSum Super Sweepstakes:

As an avid supporter of products that are useful, practical and fun, LumDimSum will be rewarding my devout readers with FREE Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat Vouchers (valued at RMB 200) to the first 10 people to check into the Powwow Launch Party Event on their personal powwow account with a public comment mentioning LumDimSum.  You can write how much you love it, hate it, praise it or just that you are in desperate need of a great massage!

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, April 14
  
• Time: 8:00PM-10:00PM
• Location: The House
  
• Address: North Gate of Worker’s Stadium, 工体北门
• Tel: 138-1188-2470

Let’s Powwow Background:

Powwow Limited is a Mobile Internet company providing a location-based service that is founded upon personal user needs and set preferences to provide relevant information about places, people and events around the individual that pertains to that person’s particular likes and interests. “Let’s Powwow” is the platform that will deliver this information by matching the user’s identified “likes” with our vast database of venues, social networks and events. The more frequently an individual uses Let’s Powwow, the more specific and unique the information s/he receives will become. In essence, we view each user as having their own thumbprint in the form of a personalized database that we can cross reference with ours to provide exacting information they want and require.

Let’s Powwow can be downloaded from the iTunes App store or Android Market. You can also register and log in to the website - www.letspw.com.

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Hooking Up Deals on Let’s Powwow

Posted: March 16th, 2011 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Hot Tips | Tags: 1st Floor, 2nd Floor, Alameda, Flamme, Frost Nails, Hatsune, Hummingbird Therapeutic Retreat, Let's Powwow, Mo Lounge, Modo, Mosto, Ole, OYO House, Sanlitun, TERRA | 2 Comments »

If you have an iPhone or Android, you must download Let’s Powwow today.  My favorite phone application, it’s like a combination of WhatsApp, foursquare and city listings combined.

Not only is this application incredibly useful with finding venues, getting addresses in Chinese and English to show your cab driver, reading quick honest reviews and recommendations, it’s also an easy way to stay in touch with friends.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had an hour to kill in Sanlitun (before or after a meeting) and turned on Powwow to see who’s in the neighborhood to pop over for a quick hello!  Instead of texting around to see where everyone is or what everyone is up to, you can just check in and see who’s around you and what’s going on!

Already selected by Apple as one of the top 25 free applications on iTunes, Let’s Powwow is well on its way to the Application Hall of Fame – a the list of hottest applications available.

Most recently, Let’s Powwow has launched “deals” around town. Exclusively created for members of Let’s Powwow, you are entitled to some pretty awesome special deals at some of the best restaurants, bars, cafes, spas and gyms around town!

Top 3 Favorite Deals on Let’s Powwow:

1. Flamme:

Buy-one-get-one-free on any sandwich, burger or salad from Monday-Friday, 11AM-5PM (valid until April 30)

- This is an amazing lunch deal. Used this deal last week and the two of us chowed down on two massive sandwiches with a total bill of RMB 58. Crazy good deal.

Leo’s Steak Sandwich RMB 58

Grilled petit house steak with oven dried tomatoes, arugula and creamy mustard sauce on ciabatta bread served with crinkle cut fries

Flame Dip Sandwich RMB 58

Thinly sliced rotisserie prime rib of beef with fontina cheese and grilled onions on ciabatta roll with dipping sauce, horseradish cream, fries and side salad

2.  Hummingbird Therapeutic Retreat:

Enjoy an extended 1 hour massage service for a purchase of any 1 hour massage.

Offer available Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm, valid until April 30, 2011

3. Hatsune’s Double Threat Duo Special:

Experience 2 Rockin’ New Menu Items at Hatsune:  RMB 100 gets you 1 Japanese Burrito + 1 of Hatsune’s New Sushi Roll Creations (total valued normally at up to RMB 188)

Choice of: AMA Roll, candy&caviar Roll, LumDimSum Roll, Megatron Roll, Lady Bug Roll, Rossini Roll, South Beach Roll, Q Roll, Malaka Roll, G Roll, Monaco Roll, Shichimi Roll

Valid Mondays – Thursdays until April 28, 2011.

Japanese Burrito

+ 1 New Hatsune Sushi Roll = RMB 100

(see some sample sushi rolls below)

candy&caviar Roll / Megatron Roll

LumDimSum Roll / Rossini Roll

South Beach Roll / Q Roll

G Roll

Other Let’s Powwow Deals Available:

• Alameda: One glass of house wine per dinner set menu ordered. Valid March 16-June 15 during dinner time
• Terra: Bring 4 friends to Weekend Brunch and you get your brunch for free (save up to RMB 458). Sat & Sun, 11am-4pm to March 30
• Ole: Order any kind of paella and get a FREE bottle of Spanish wine (red or white). Valid until April 30
• Mosto: 30% off any bottle of wine for dinner on Mondays. Valid until April 1
• Modo: 30% off any bottle of wine for dinner on Tuesdays. Valid until April 1
• Frost Nails: For any purchase of hand or food treatment, get a free mani or pedi at Frost Nails. Valid until April 1
• Mo Lounge: 2-for-1 standard cocktails. Valid until April 1
• 1st Floor: Every Monday, enjoy half price on all dishes, Valid until March 31
• 2nd Floor: 2-for-1 Martinis every Wednesday, until March 31
• Oyo House: 25% off brunch for 2 people or 1 for free for group of 4, Valid until March 31

Let’s Powwow Background:

Powwow Limited is a Mobile Internet company providing a location-based service that is founded upon personal user needs and set preferences to provide relevant information about places, people and events around the individual that pertains to that person’s particular likes and interests. “Let’s Powwow” is the platform that will deliver this information by matching the user’s identified “likes” with our vast database of venues, social networks and events. The more frequently an individual uses Let’s Powwow, the more specific and unique the information s/he receives will become. In essence, we view each user as having their own thumbprint in the form of a personalized database that we can cross reference with ours to provide exacting information they want and require.

Let’s Powwow can be downloaded from the iTunes App store or Android Market. You can also register and log in to the website - www.letspw.com.

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Flamme will Spread like Wildfire

Posted: September 2nd, 2010 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene | Tags: Dining, Element Fresh, Flamme, New Restaurant, Sanlitun Village, Steak | 1 Comment »

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

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