Feast Your Eyes: Newly Opened Haiku in Jinqiao, SH

Newly Opened Haiku in Jinqiao 金桥, Shanghai

Lucky Shanghai-ers, I rarely envy you but when I stepped in to the newly opened Haiku in Jinqiao 金桥, I was so green with envy I practically turned into the Hulk. 

Designed by Alan Wong, founder of the Hatsune Restaurant Group in Beijing, the space is stunning. It is unique in its own right, but with the high ceilings and perfect lighting illuminating a soft glow throughout the dining area, it bears the same trademark of Alan’s other restaurants, especially the Hatsune Sanlitun Branch which won “Best Decor” in this year’s Beijinger’s 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards.

Hatsune Sanlitun Branch: CFFC 2011

Contrasting Hatsune Sanlitun’s underwater, aquatic themes evident throughout the restaurant from the oceanic ground flooring and the stream of fish swimming across the restaurant into a spiraling mass in the center of restaurant’s high-ceilings, Haiku in Jinqiao features a theme of a rocky mountain face with tiered seating and bouldering tables and my favorite part is the bright sushi bar’s “firefly” lights that are only visible if you sit at the sushi bar. I should also mention that the sushi bar seats are quite possibly the most comfortable (and extravagantly expensive) chairs I have seen provided at any sushi bar.

Haiku’s Sushi Bar with Hidden “Firefly” Lights

Haiku’s doors are just now open to walk-in customers and the restaurant is already buzzing with happy sushi fanatics, but the project is not quite complete.  While the Haiku, California-style Japanese fusion side of the restaurant is complete, there is still the Kagen Teppanyaki side that is finishing up its final touches before it is fully operational.  This Haiku branch in Jinqiao is split into two concepts, the only restaurant that will combine both Haiku and Kagen Teppanyaki restaurant concepts into one.

Located just across the way from Green Sports & Leisure Center, there is no in-your-face, back-lit sign or entrance to the restaurant but just a very simple sign with Haiku’s restaurant label that you will miss unless you look for it. The unobtrusive exterior makes your first-impression that much more exaggerated once you step inside.

Stepping into Haiku, Front Door Reception Table

Everything is brand-spanking new, dressed in stylish furniture, new staff uniforms and a new menu design.  I love the size and quality of this menu, but was a bit gutted to see that my “LumDimSum” roll didn’t make the cut for this new Haiku in Shanghai.

So far so good, everything looks to be running smoothly thus far!

Stay tuned for more details regarding the other project – Pulau Ketam, a modern crab house opening in Xintiandi!

LumDimSum Snapshots of the NEW! Haiku in Jinqiao:

NEW! Haiku in Jinqiao Contact Details:

• Address: 601 Lantian Lu, near Yunshan Lu  蓝天路601号, 近云山路

• Tel: 3882 0611

Haiku Jinqiao’s Official Opening Party:

To inaugurate the new Jinqiao location, Haiku will be inviting all to attend their grand opening party on Friday, May 18th.

In appropriate Hatsune fashion, the night will be fueled by free flow sake, signature cocktails, and never-ending signature sushi rolls.  DJ Saul D from Beijing will be flying out to play alongside DJ MK. And don’t not forget the dangerous “Wasabi Challenge” and a sumo wrestling competition!

It wouldn’t be a real party without some serious sumo action.

• Tickets: RMB 100 Online Reservation or RMB 150 at the door

• Email:  info@haikushanghai.com

SakeMANZO: New Restaurant Grand Opening Party

Already in soft-opening stages, the NEW SakeManzo (moved from its original location north or Solana Shopping Mall) has moved to the Tuanjiehu Neighborhood and they are hosting a grand opening party with (surprise surprise)…a massive Sake Party!

For this celebration, they will be featuring a sake competition where they will be showcasing over 40 different types of fine sake for all to taste and give points to.  After each sake has been voted on, they will determine the best sake of the year.  A sake brewer who they call “Toji” will also be attending the evenings festivities and will be available to discuss sake with all who are interested!

Sake aside, Manzo will also have a “tuna cutting show” and a buffet of Manzo’s dishes together with free flow beer and soft drinks.

Pre-sale tickets are only RMB 150 per person so don’t miss this chance and RSVP your spot now! Event Details and map below.

SakeMANZO Launch Party Event Details:

• Date: Friday, September 23
• Time: Doors open at 6PM, party starts 19:00-23:00
• Location: NEW sakeMANZO
• Address: Tuanjiehu Beisitiao, Chaoyang district. (  same place as ”味之厨“ at the google map)
• Ticket Price: Pre-sale ticket  RMB150, (RMB100 for VIP card holders); At door: RMB200 (RMB150 for VIP card holders)
• RSVP: 13522633130 (Okuyama)

Grand Opening Weekend: Haze by M Agency

“The new messiah is here. The posse that brought you White Rabbit Club now brings you Haze.”

- The M Agency

Haze Lounge/Nightclub is Beijing’s newest underground club because it’s literally underground in a basement of a cafe in a shopping mall and also quite possibly the after-hours club Beijingers have been begging for since White Rabbit shut its doors on Lucky Street.

Haze is located in the basement of On The Corner Café, located on Guanghualu Soho (the white building with a lot of circles).

With free entrance, everyone is welcome to celebrate their opening weekend and see what Haze is all about.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, September 2- Saturday, September 3
• Time: 10PM-late
• Location: Haze Nightclub
• Address: 22 Guanghualu SOHO A101

Upcoming Events Line-Up in October & November:

M Agency will be hosting AZARI & III live set in October 2011 & Steve Aoki in November 2011

About M Agency

The M agency is specialized in electronic music engagement, through musical event production, booking, the promotion of international & local music talent. The M agency is pushing forward the electronic music culture for an everyday growing audience in China.

‘Jamaica Me Crazy’ 6-Course Wine Dinner

Private Kitchen Founder Rose Zamoa will be teaming up with MANA restaurant to host a special 6-course wine dinner this Monday, April 4.

With live music by El Johnson, this Grand Opening Launch event will mark the beginning of MANA & Private Kitchen’s weekly dining events celebrating Afro-Caribbean cuisine (every Saturday).

For this special event, Rose has selected six of her most popular dishes to be paired with four different types of red & white wines.

“JAMAICA ME CRAZY” 6-COURSE WINE DINNER

Pasta  salad

Jamaican Pattie

Classic Jerk Chicken

Curry Mutton

Steamed Yam with Spinach

Rum Cake and Exotic Cheesecake

+ Free Flow Wines (Choice of 2 Reds & 2 Whites)

Price: RMB 170 per person

“Embark on a epicurean journey to titillate your senses.”

Event Details:

• Date: Monday, April 4, 2011
• Time:  5:30PM-8:00PM
• Price: RMB 170 per person for 6 course wine dinner
  
• Location: MANA Restaurant
• Address: No. 2 Sanlitun Beixiaojie 三里屯北小街 2号
• Tel: 64606721
• RSVP Required (Call Mana: 6460 6721)
• www.privatekitchen.asia

Party Like a Tsar: Sim-Sim Lounge Grand Opening Party

Choco-what?

Come check out the new kid on the Russian block –  Sim-Sim Lounge Bar.

Throwing a guaranteed over-the-top Grand Opening Party this coming Friday, March 11, the night will kick off with a private VIP party (invite-only) where guest list will enjoy a live performance by “The Knutz” and then DJ Alex will hit the decks at 11PM when doors open to all for “an event fit for a Tsar!”

So what else can you expect?

“Crazy performances and enough Vodka to get the whole of Moscow drunk”

- Riviera Events Promoters

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, March 11, 2011
• Time: 8-11PM (VIP ONLY) 11PM-onwards for everyone
• Location: Sim-Sim Lounge
• Address: Ritan Highlife (in front of Ritan parc north gate), 39 Shenlu Jie, Chaoyang District, Beijing

LumDimSummary: Belita Jewelry Grand Opening Party

Last night, Belita’s Grand Opening Party on the first floor of Eric Paris Salon was the talk of the town.

Packed with beautiful people, a mini runway fashion show showcasing their most glam jewelry pieces and live music, guests were treated to wine by Top Cellar, snacks by Punjabi Indian Restaurant and sensationally sweet cupcakes by Lollipop Bakery.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Belita’s Fashion Runway Show:

LumDimSum Snapshots of Belita’s Grand Opening Party:

Belita Jewelry:

• Address: 1st Floor of Eric Paris Salon (behind Sanlitun Village) 43 Sanlitun Bei Jie Nan, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯北街南43号楼贝丽塔珠宝店
• Website: lizamjewelry.com

Pop On Over to Check Out Sanlitun’s New Pop-Up Store

Nouveau Riche*, a pop-up store selling a limited quantity of select goods between a Chinese Finnish designer Shumeng Ye and her friends both locally and abroad (only available until February 5, 2011) will be hosting an opening party tonight, Thursday, January 13 from 6:30-8:30PM in Sanlitun Village.

“Nouveau Riche will feature an exclusive, affordable mini-collection of unique items designed for the pop-up and inspired by local Chinese elements. The store also hosts a selection of Slow and Steady Win the Race, the NYC-based conceptual clothing and accessory line; and the Native Fitzsimmons boots from Native brand.”

This new store concept refers to a “new, emerging class of people, practices and ideas” to compliment the growing energy of Chinese youth. “Nouveau Riche aims to bring a new experience to the market, one that is about being open to new ideas and challenging the status quo,” says Founder Shumeng Ye.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, January 13, 2010
• Time: 6:30-8:30PM
• Location: TheThing (SLG15)
• Address: Sanlitun Village South

Designer Background:

Shumeng Ye, 28, is a Chinese-born Finnish designer based in Helsinki. Originally studying graphic design, Ye developed an interest in exploring themes of consumerism and manufacturing related to China. In 2008, she released a photography book called Book of Warriors that documented the story of the iconic Chinese sneaker brand Warrior (回力). Following the book’s release, Ye joined USA-based Warrior Footwear, LLC—a team of individuals representing the Warrior brand in Western markets.

LumDimSummary: Powwow at SSAM Opening

This past weekend, SSAM Contemporary Korean Restaurant opened in Sanlitun SOHO with a 2-day opening party. “Ssam” meaning “wrapped” in Korean, refers to dishes which use leaf vegetables to wrap meat or rice.

Sample dishes by SSAM:

LumDimSum Snapshots of SSAM’s Open Kitchen:

Despite the hidden location of SSAM within the pretty deserted, unopened Sanlitun SOHO mall, SSAM’s minimalist space and wide open kitchen quickly filled up with a curious crowd trying to piece together SSAM’s diverse elements for an accurate assessment of the restaurant/lounge.

The event featured a chef from 7-star Hotel Burj Al Arab in Dubai, a contemporary Korean buffet serving “Ssam” varieties, an open bar serving beer, Korean ‘Makkoli’ wine and Hua Lang and jamming urban house music mixed by DJ Dongjun and Johnny K, along with a live performance by a guitar vocalist.  (Like I said, diverse elements.)

In collaboration with Let’s Powwow (new iPhone application that helps its users stay in touch with their network, recommend and comment on restaurants & bars/clubs around town and find everyone in their network with one tap), the event encouraged powwow users to arrive early as the first 15 users to “check-in” were rewarded with a free bottle of wine or Korean ‘Makkoli’ wine.

For a FREE download of Let’s Powwow on iTunes, click here.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Powwow Party @ SSAM Opening:

*Yes, LumDimSum was the first Powwow user to “check-in” to SSAM’s Opening Party!*

SSAM Address:

B1-238, Building 1 in Sanlitun SOHO, Workers Stadium North Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

北京朝阳区工人体育场北路三里屯SOHO 1号楼 B1-238

POW to the WOW: Let’s Powwow & SSAM Opening

One of my favorite social network applications on my iPhone, Let’s Powwow is all you need to stay in touch with your circle of friends, recommend and comment on restaurants & bars/clubs around town and find everyone in your network (literally find people on a map) with just one tap.  Better grab this application quick as it’s well on its way to the Application Hall of Fame – a the list of hottest applications available.  As this is a relatively new application, it’s still FREE to download at this point!

Celebrating its first-ever event together with the restaurant opening weekend of SSAM, a contemporary Korean restaurant, you can round up your crew for a powwow together and enjoy a contemporary Korean buffet with an open bar of beer, Makkoli and Hua Lang.  Only RMB 60 to enter.

Early birds are rewarded, so come early.  The first five who check in “SSAM Opening Party” on both Friday & Saturday night will receive a bottle of imported red wine, and the following 10 users who check in the party will be given a bottle of limited edition Korean wine.

Event Details:

• Dates: Friday & Saturday, November 19 & 20
• Time: 7:00PM-10:30PM
• Entrance: RMB 60
• Location: SSAM Korean Restaurant
  
• Address: 北京朝阳区工人体育场北路三里屯SOHO 1号楼 B1-238

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.

LumDimSummary: Colibri’s Opening Party

Located in the center of Sanlitun North Village, Colibri Cafe officially opened with a celebratory launch party last week, inviting media and friends to enjoy an early evening at Colibri.

While they’ve been open to the public for about a month now, this event marked their official opening.

Colibri’s cupcakes are now not only legit, they mean serious business.

Serving champagne and sample trays with a range of mini cupcakes and other desserts, Colibri’s manager Kelly Wang introduced Colibri’s concept, vision, background about their head chef Kim and of course her delightful cupcakes and concluded with a video showcasing film clips of cupcake shots in everything from Sex & the City to Devil Wears Prada.

Click here for previous review of Colibri Cafe.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Colibri’s Opening Party:

LumDimSummary: Enoterra’s Grand Opening Party

Enoterra (once known as Enoteca) has been a long-time favorite of mine and I am thrilled they have moved into the Sanlitun ‘hood.

With the best wine deals in town along with plenty of wine tasting events and weekly promotions, I have no doubt Enoteca will find its new home more than an improvement from before at The Place. The new venue design is the perfect balance of cozy, stylish and perfect for anything from pre- or post-dinner drinks to a wine night out with friends.

It’s like the new Apothecary, but with wine.

Wine fanatics beware -  the wine specials at Enoterra are not a bargain, they are a steal.

Happy hour every day from 5-8PM is buy-one-get-one-free and every Friday, bottles of wine are RMB 200 and champagne is only RMB 500. And their management is not only extremely professional, they always make the best recommendations.

With bottles of wine going for RMB 100 each and live music throughout the evening, Enoterra’s Grand Opening Party was a big hit and I have no doubt this will quickly become a favorite drinks destination for many Beijingers.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Enoterra’s Opening Party:

Enoterra Grand Opening Party

Enoteca…I mean Enoterra (note the name change) – celebrates its move from The Place to the 4th floor of Nali Patio with a Grand Opening Party this Saturday, October 9 from 7PM onwards featuring live music, tapas and drink specials.

Not sure what’s with the new name change, but it’s got pretty much the same logo and you can still expect the place’s wine cellar to be stocked high with an extensive selection of affordable wines and a nice range of nibbles to compliment your choice of drink.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 9
• Time: 7:00PM – late
• Location: Enoterra is on the 4th floor of Nali Patio (just above Mosto)
• Address: D405, Nali Huayuan, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, 三里屯北路81号那里花园D405
• No RSVP required

Migas Grand Opening Party

After a soft-opening party on Wednesday, Migas launches its grand opening party in style TONIGHT with Riviera Events getting the word out:

“Expect some beautiful people, champagne, cocktails, fine food and quality house music from the famous DJ Betoko (get physical) !”

Party starts 6PM-late.

Date: Friday, August 20, 2010

Location: 6th floor of Nali Patio, Sanlitun

Check it out: