Sail Away With Me…

For the very first time, my family and I are breaking lifelong traditions and spending our Christmas holiday a world away from California, on a cruise ship sailing down and around South America’s coast.

I’m usually a stickler for keeping with tradition, but after spending my Christmas day trekking through the beautiful terrain of Tierra Mayor National Reserve in Ushuaia, Argentina, I couldn’t be happier!

Watching the world news on the ship about America’s east coast and London’s record snowfall, I feel a little guilty spending my winter holiday break under the beautiful blue skies of Chile and Argentina.  The sun here doesn’t even set until close to 10PM.

And hey, even if I’m not waking up to presents under a giant Christmas tree, my family and I still got into the groove of holiday festivities on the ship!

LumDimSum Christmas Family Pic 2010

Wishing all my LumDimSum friends a wonderful time with your loved ones!

See you in 2011!

Wishing You a Very Merry Christmas!

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow,

stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?

It came without ribbons.  It came without tags.

It came without packages, boxes or bags.

And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.

What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.

What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”

~Dr Seuss

Christmas!  The very word brings me so much joy and holiday cheer.  While some dread Christmas shopping and the hassle of travel, I cherish all Christmas traditions from putting up lights, decorating a tree, baking cookies for Santa, spending all day in the kitchen, and most of all – feeling the same warm, giddy feeling I had as a child waking up on Christmas day.

A day of meaning and traditions, Christmas has always been a cherished holiday spent in the warm circle of family and friends.

More than just a good time, Christmas is a kind, forgiving, charitable, and loving time.

Open not only presents, but open your hearts and remember that the good you do for others is good you do yourself.

May the gladness of Christmas give you hope,

The spirit of Christmas bring you peace,

The heart of Christmas grant you love.

Ho Ho Ho: Beijing’s Best Christmas Deals

When I first came to Beijing in 2006, Christmas decorations consisted of everything from Christmas trees and lights to Easter bunny decorations and Halloween masks. Like most things in this often confused country, the effort is there, but they don’t quite get it right.

…3 years later, Beijing is swimming in choices this holiday season!

Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy and comfortable or something extravagant and indulgent, here’s a breakdown list of top Christmas Eve/Christmas Day feasts:

Christmas Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. All-Star’s Christmas Buffet Dinner -

Enjoy All-Star’s executive chef’s 10 lb. Smoked Turkey & Honey Glazed Ham. Only RMB 218 per person (Kids under 12 years old are half price).

Available both Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

RSVP: 5905-6999

2. Blue Frog -

A 3-course set Christmas menu including a special gift.  RMB 298 per person.

Available Christmas Eve & Christmas Day.

RSVP with Santa: 6417 4030

3. Enoterra -

A 12-piece oyster platter +2 bottles of Champagne Gosset Brut for only RMB 998. Each bottle of Champagne Gosset Brut is RMB 498 each.

Available Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) and New Years Eve (Dec. 31).

RSVP: 5208-6076; For More Info: www.enoteca.com.cn

4. Maison Boulud –

A 6-course set Christmas menu + glass of champagne. Indulge in a decadent meal – Celery Chestnut soup with Foie Gras, Slow Poached Egg Yolk, Roasted Lobster, Black Truffle Chicken, Wagyu Beef Rossini and dessert. RMB 688 + 15% service charge per person.

Available Christmas Eve & Christmas Day from 6PM-10PM.

RSVP: 6559 9200

5. SALT –

A 5-course set Christmas Eve menu including a complimentary cocktail on arrival. 5 course highlights include Foie Gras, Salmon Tartare, Scallops and Foie, mains (cod fish, tenderloin steak, or rack of lamb) and either chocolate souffle or chocolate soup dessert.  RMB 358 per person.

For Christmas Day, enjoy either 2 or 3-course brunch (12-4PM) or dinner (6-10PM). Each course has selection of 4-5 choices for appetizer, main and dessert.

Separate Set Menus Available Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

RSVP: 6437 8457; Contact: info@saltrestaurantbeijing.com

…And that’s a wrap!

*Don’t forget to save room for Santa’s Cookies!*

LumDimSaying: On Surviving Winter Months

“Winter is a time for comfort, for good food and warmth,

for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:

It is the time for home.”

- Edith Sitwell

It’s about that time of year – when most return home for the holidays to spend with family and loved ones.

This year will be my first year spent traveling with my family rather than congregating with relatives under a Christmas tree.  Although I will not exactly be “home” this year, I’d rather say that my family is my home and I’m pretty stoked to spend my winter holiday with them basking under the sun in South America!

Don’t fret my dear readers, even though I’ll be away the next few weeks, LumDimSum will continue to be updated daily throughout!

LumDimSum Family Pic at the top of San Cristobal Hill (Santiago, Chile)

*What is a LumDimSaying? A quote I find worth noting. And sharing.

MCF’s Christmas Dinner Party

The Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF) will be hosting their very first Christmas party with a Christmas dinner of roast chicken with the trimmings, drink specials (10RMB for beer and spirit mixers) and a host of festive games and music this coming Saturday, December 18 from 6:30PM onwards at Café Camardo.

Bring a Christmas gift worth approx. RMB 20 to put under the tree and you’ll receive one in return!  All proceeds from this Christmas party will be invested back into their projects, so lend a hand while enjoying a great dinner party.  It’s Christmas come early…

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, 18th December 2010
• Time: 6.30pm – Midnight
• Donation: 100RMB
• Location: Café Camardo
• Address: 38-4 Xingfu Square, Xindong Road, Chaoyang District
  朝阳区新东路首开幸福广场38-4 卡玛多咖啡西餐厅
• RSVP: Before Dec. 16, e-mail: helen@mcfchina.org

Migrant Children’s Foundation Background:

The Migrant Children’s Foundation is committed to enriching the lives of disadvantaged children in Beijing through volunteering. Every penny from the Christmas party will be invested back into our projects, so you’ll be lending a hand as well as having a great time.

The Hutong Christmas Fayre

The Hutong is hosting its annual Christmas Fayre this coming Sunday, December 12 from 11AM-3PM.

The word “fayre” is an old English term meaning “an fun gathering featuring a range of locally produced goods made and sourced from, and connected to the local community” and that is exactly what The Hutong offers this holiday season.

This Christmas Fayre is a great opportunity for you to do your Christmas shopping and celebrate the holiday season with a “warm-winter” theme ie, serving hot cups of Hutong mulled wine while you browse an extensive range of teas, cheese, handmade handicrafts, photography, jewelry, and baked goods.  A fun day out for the whole family, they will also have kids face paints.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, 10% of all Christmas Fayre proceeds will go towards charity.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, December 12
• Time: 11AM-3PM
• Free for all to Attend
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: #1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong
• 北京市东城区北新桥十字路口南马路东边北新桥邮局（簋街西头北新桥路口）
• Tel: 159 0104 6127

Stock Up on Shangrila X-Mas Specials

Known most commonly for their organic, all-natural honey and local Southern Yunnan coffee, Shangrila Farms now offers a wide range of products including botanicals (face cleansers and creams), naked soaps, and essential oils.

Shangrila Botanicals brings you the finest in natural cosmetics. Our products are made from pure, organic ingredients that nourish your skin in a natural way. Because our skin absorbs everything we put on it, we at Shangrila Botanicals believe that skincare products should be full of ingredients that are truly good for your skin.

This Christmas, stock up on Shangrila Coffee, honey and all-natural botanical products with up to 20% discount on some of their top-selling gift sets.

• Coffee Gift Set RMB 88 (originally RMB 98)
• 5 Naked Soaps & Soap Dish RMB 150 (originally RMB 206)
• Honey Gift Set RMB 160 (originally RMB 205)
• Lavender Botanicals Gift Set (Day & Night Face Cream & Face Mist): RMB 398 (originally RMB 498)
• Four Cream Set RMB 499 (originally RMB 605)

Visit their website here for full range of products as all products are 15% off.  Just call and place your order.

About Shangrila Farms:

Shangrila Farms gourmet coffee is a social enterprise. In addition to our fair trade buying practices, we donate a portion of our proceeds to the Yunnan Mountain Heritage Foundation, which supports projects in community service, poverty alleviation and preservation of cultural heritage in Shangri-La and its surrounding area. Please see www.ymhfshangrila.com for further information.

Care for Children Christmas Cards

With Christmas just around the corner, a wonderful solution to your annual company or family Christmas card is to order Care for Children‘s customized Christmas/holiday greeting cards.

“Spread your love and warmth this Christmas to your existing customers and potential clients using Care for Children’s custom holiday cards!  A hassle-free way to send your greetings, a meaning way to say thank you, and a perfect way to be involved in CSR during this season of giving!  With each purchase, you are extending your love to the thousands of orphans in China by gifting them with a family to grow up with!

The best gift an abandoned child could ever receive FROM YOU is their rightful place in a good and loving family.” - Gerald Ang, Director of Fundraising for Care for Children

Choose from these 3 designs:

Cards are RMB 5 each, no minimum order.  Just pick a design and give a gift that keeps on giving!

To order Care for Children’s Christmas Cards, contact Gerald Ang – gerald@careforchildren.com.cn or Kay@careforchildren.com.cn

CARE FOR CHILDREN:

Care for Children exists to relieve hardship, distress and sickness in abandoned and orphaned children in China by the introduction of strategic initiatives in child care practice, directly training staff from orphanages across the country and effectively creating a solution for a long-term benefit to give orphaned children a family of their own.

Since it’s start in 1998, Care of Children has directly trained staff from over 200 orphanages, estimating that there are now over 250,000 children in families!

They have a vision to see 1 million children in a good and loving family.

LumDimSaying: On Gratitude

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.

It turns what we have into enough, and more.

It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.

It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

– Melody Beattie

More than just a splurging, coma-inducing turkey feast, Thanksgiving is a day to be grateful. For many Americans, Thanksgiving is the one day a year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty, but living in a cosmopolitan city like Beijing, Thanksgiving day can be interpreted and enjoyed by all nationalities as a day to gather loved ones over a merry feast.

As much as we ought to express our love and gratitude to all of our loved ones on a daily basis, the truth is that we don’t.  So it is a truly wonderful thing to have a holiday like Thanksgiving to remind us to take time to count our blessings and reflect on the wonderful people in our lives and express our many reason to give thanks.

To all of LimDimSum’s dedicated followers, friends and family, I want to sincerely say thank you to each of you. Every minute of every hour of writing each and every post is dedicated to you.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support, your invaluable feedback and advice, and for giving me the motivation to continue writing everyday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

*What is a LumDimSaying? A quote I find worth noting. And sharing.

Gobble Gobble: Best Thanksgiving Deals in Town

Considering Beijing is such a internationally diverse city, I was surprised to see how many people get excited about American Thanksgiving! But I guess rather than being celebrated as a religious or historical holiday, Thanksgiving is more of an excuse to gather friends and family over an incredibly good feast.  And who doesn’t enjoy that??

With Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching, Beijing’s restaurant scene is having a field day.  Everyone and their mom is having a special Thanksgiving buffet or special set menu.  While I prefer a traditionally home-cooked meal, many who are crammed and just too busy to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen will be happy to know that there is an abundance of amazing venues who would be more than happy to host your friends and loved ones over a massive turkey feast.

Thanksgiving Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. All-Star‘s Thanksgiving Turkey Buffet Dinner -

Enjoy a Succulent Turkey Feast with Home-Cooked Fixings. Only RMB 199 per person (Kids under 12 years old are half price)

RSVP: 5905-6999

2. Apothecary –

Known for their Fried Chicken Sundays, Chef Max Levy is switching from fried chicken to fried turkey this Thanksgiving!

Enjoy 7 dishes including crawfish & pumpkin soup, fried turkey, sweet potato fries for RMB 150. RSVP: 5208 6040

3.  Blue Frog -

A 3-course set menu including roasted squash and apple soup, Thanksgiving turkey and sides, and a bourbon pumpkin pie + soft drink and glass of wine.  RMB 200 per person (RMB 90 for kids).  RSVP: 6417 4030

4. Bread of Life Bakery –

Your savior for traditional holiday pies, cakes and breads including Carrot Cake 180, Pumpkin Roll Cake 180, Chocolate Cake 180, Pumpkin Pie 90, Pecan Pie 140, Apple Crumb Pie 100, Dinner Rolls & Breads, Cookies & Muffins & Cinnamon Rolls.

Minimum order RMB 200, they deliver to your door and deadline for delivery is min. 24 hours in advance. Call 13722622865

5. Maison Boulud –

5-course elegant Thanksgiving dinner for RMB 428 + 15% service charge. RSVP: 6559 9200

6. The Orchard –

Includes a roasted turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings with live jazz in the covered courtyard space. RMB 220 (includes tea or coffee). RSVP required: 64336270

7. SALT –

Enjoy a 5-course menu for RMB 298 per person.  Mains include turkey breast, beef tenderloin steak, pecan crusted salmon or wild mushroom risotto. RSVP: 6437-8457.

8. SWITCH!

3-course menu including oven-roasted grain-fed turkey and all the fixings for RMB 188 per person (kids under 8 eat for free).

If you are having Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of home, you can also order a whole roasted turkey with all the fixings to feed the entire family for 850 RMB.

For reservations & orders, call Jenny at 136 9338 6984 or 5978 4918 or email bookings to jenny.zheng@culinarycapers.cn

…And that’s a wrap

Enjoy your Turkey Comas!

*Gobble Gobble*

Fulfill a Holiday Wish List for Beijing Huiling Community

This Saturday, November 20, The Opposite House is hosting a Charity Fashion & Jewelry Show to both collect donated items and raise funds for the Beijing Huiling Community‘s Christmas Wish List.

An organization devoted to helping people with learning disabilities, their wish list includes everything from bedding and blankets to kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies, electronics and even toilet paper. (To see the complete wish list, contact me directly – kristen@lumdimsum.com.)  There will also be a truck to collect both new and used items donated at the event.

The event itself will feature a fashion show with designs by SaraYunXi, The Bauer Company, Qiaoen of Palma, MB-ID, and Tebogo Lefifi, a jewelry show by Liza M Jewelry, an art auction with artists Miguel Payano, Devin Allen & Dan Finn, free flow Gelipu Wines, canapes provided by the Opposite House, a live band, an appearance by Santa Claus himself and a presentation by Beijing Huiling Community.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 20
• Time: 4:00PM-8:00PM
• Location: The Opposite House
• Donation: RMB 100
• For More Info: Cassie at 010-64046631 or 15801341803 ＆cassieliu@sina.com
• Website: http://www.huiling.org.cn/en/)
  

Trick or Treat?

“Trick or treat, Smell my feet
Give me something good to eat.
If you don’t, I don’t care
I’ll pull down your underwear!”

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

HalloWIN All Weekend Long

So what are the Halloween hot spots to trick or treat this year?

Beijing’s got a pretty hefty line-up of events all weekend for whatever kind of mischief you plan to get yourself into whether you’re out to grub on some Halloween treats, win some big bucks or surround yourself with freaky fetishes, you’ve got your fair share of freaky parties and restaurants to choose from.

Halloween Warm-Up on Friday, October 29:

1.  Migrant Children’s Foundation: 

An evening of Halloween themed drinks, munchies and entertainment all in aid of the Migrant Children’s Foundation.

“There’ll be an array of dark delights for your entertainment including howlingly good happy hour drinks (until 10.30pm), freakishly tasty finger food, eccentric entertainment and a ghostly gallery of raffle prizes…and be sure to wear your freakiest Halloween costume as there’ll be a prize for the best dressed guest.“

2. Black & White with Something Bright:

Raffles Hotel Beijing gets rowdy with Open Bar from 10PM-12:30AM for RMB 150.

3. All-Star’s Spooky Halloween Menu:

4-Course Menu including everything from Creepy Appetizers (Trio Bruchetta), Witch’s Brew (Creamy Pumpkin Soup), Body Parts (Pork Chops) to Graveyard Pie (Spiced Pumpkin Pie).

Top 7 Haunting Hot Spots for Halloween 2010

Saturday, October 30:

7. Urbanite Dance Competition:

Hosted by 2XS, the event will showcase international dance performances and a Scholastic Team Competition with a ¥2000 RMB cash prize.

• Time: 7PM-10PM
• Location: Mako Live House (Shuangjing Bridge)
• RSVP: Jessica.T2XS@gmail.com

6. Divinaura Masquerage Party:

Hosted by Divinaura (Enoch, Shanti & Claire), this Masquerage Party will take place in Bed Bar with food, drinks, DJs and special prizes courtesy of Paper, Meili Autumn, Kocoon Spa and more!

Exclusive Ladies Party from 7:30-9PM with RMB 180 entrance (tapas, wine and lucky prizes included) and Gentlemen are allowed entrance for RMB 100 after 9PM (includes glass of wine).

“Veil it, paint it, or mask it; just come as anything else but yourself.”

• Time: Ladies – 7:30PM-onwards, Gents: 9PM-onwards
• Location: Bed Bar
• RSVP: http://crush3r.com/page/geyrcncbvu?i=gjzmaxxeza

5. Trick or Treat at TERRA:

With all night Happy Hour Drink Specials, 20RMB shots, tasting plates and DJ Suiki, Terra will be full of treats.

• Time: 7PM-onwards
• Location: TERRA

4. Scarlett goes GAGA for Halloween:

Free flow cocktails for all those dressed as Lady Gaga and set of 10 shooters for RMB 88!

• Time: 9PM-late
• Location: Scarlett (Hotel G) – A7 Gongti Xilu
• RSVP: Marc- 1520140320
  

3. Haunted House Party:

Yan Club transforms into a Haunted House for a “spooktacular” celebration.

• Time: 9PM-late
• Location: Yan Club (KunLun Hotel)
  

2. Yen Fetish 2010:

In an all white warehouse space in 798 Art District, the annual YEN Fetish is at it again. Featuring DJ Blackie, DJ Usami, Ou Yang & Yang Bing.  For those with freaky fetishes! First year in Beijing, I went to YEN Fetish and never saw so many head-to-toe leather suits (think gimp suit from Pulp Fiction). 

“From the sexy to the scary, freaks of all varieties get down and dirty at the 706 Factory with the Yen party crew, where “skin is in” and your lustful longings can come out to play.”

• Time: 10pm-5am
• Location: 706 Factory in 798 Art District  706大厂房(798艺术区内)
• Price: 150RMB (door, includes one drink); 80RMB (presale). Online tickets: http://clubzone.cn/
• Website: See www.o2culture.com for the full list and more details.

1.  BLING’s Cash Money Halloween Bash:

RMB 5,000 Cold, Hard CASH goes to the most innovative, creative costume. Bring your friends to increase your chances of winning!  Free Entrance before 11PM.

• Time: 9PM-late
• Location: Club BLING (Solana)
• RSVP: Hill – 13810858776

And if partying is not your thing?

At least indulge in some Spooky Lollipop Cupcakes.

Treat yourself to Lollipop Spiced Pumpkin Cupcake Treats decorated as Mummies, Pumpkins, Cobwebs and Tombstone cupcakes.  300RMB per dozen.

To order, e-mail: cupcakes@lollipopbakery.cn

HAPPY HALLOWIZZLE!!

Mid-Autumn Festival = An Excuse to Party

Ring in the Mid-Autumn Festival with parties already starting this Tuesday night:

The techno legend Derrick May with Punk resident DJ Saul D will be playing for one night only @ PUNK.

“From the cold, mindless machines comes so much hope, spirituality, and soul…. this is how Techno was born, in the urban wasteland of Detroit, and Derrick May (along with Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson) is the godfather of this sound.”

Wednesday, September 22:

Lunar Moon Party @ BLING:

Bling will also be celebrating the Lunar Moon Party with complimentary moon cakes for all guests along with Ladies drink specials (complimentary Mojito & Cosmopolitan cocktails ALL NIGHT).  Gents enjoy all-you-can-drink specials for only RMB 100.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, September 22
• Time: 9PM to late
• Location: BLING
• Free Entrance

If hip-hop is not your thing, celebrate with Acupuncture Records as they turn 3!

Acupuncture’s 3 Year Anniversary Party:

“Since its inception in 2007, Acupuncture has released 6 international EPs and 2 full length albums in addition to hosting China’s first large-scale electronic music festival INTRO and opening their very own nightclub, marking a ground-breaking epoch in China’s electronic music history.”

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, September 22
• Location: LAN Club
• Cover: RMB 50

Try An Alternative to Moon Cakes

Moon cakes are tricky.

They are so adorable on the outside, but you never know what you’re going to get when you take a bite – it can be anything from egg yolk and lotus seed paste (most common) to red bean paste, taro paste, 5 Kernel (a combo of different nuts and seeds mixed together), jujube paste, the list goes on.

This Mid-Autumn Festival, I suggest a safe and delightfully clever alternative:

1. Moon Pies by the Pie House:

Each box contains four flavors (RMB 199):  French Silk with hazelnuts, Cheesecake, French Cream, and Peach Cream

Delivery available from Sept. 13 to Sept. 22.  Free delivery within 4th ring road.

2. Moon Cupcakes by Lollipop Bakery

Minimum order of 1 dozen, but they can custom deliver them in separate boxes of a half dozen to your family, friends and clients.  For further bespoke options, call us!  280RMB per dozen

To order, call: 13552772683 or e-mail Cupcakes@LollipopBakery.cn

To all LumDimSum’s friends, I wish you all a very happy Mid-Autumn Festival!