Black Sesame Kitchen: Relocation to Courtyard Institute

Black Sesame Kitchen’s New Courtyard Flagship Location

One of my favorite hidden gem places to bring out of town guests, it was heartbreaking to say the least when Black Sesame Kitchen had to close down their Black Sesame Hutong location to all public cooking classes and events about two years ago. Though they had a short-lived stint hosting weekly dinners at The Orchid Boutique Hotel, they have now moved into their new flagship location at The Courtyard Institute.

A place where I always felt at home, where I met so many fellow foodies and Beijing friends, Black Sesame Kitchen (BSK) was all about quality home-cooked Chinese staples done exceptionally well with minimal use of oil and salt, no MSG and just the cutest chefs imaginable.

Though I haven’t hosted a dinner at Black Sesame since they closed their original location, I used to be a regular and I know their staple dishes quite well. Just last weekend, I was invited as a guest to a small dinner party for 7 at Black Sesame’s new location and was delighted to be seated among some of Black Sesame’s biggest fans including the dinner party hosts Michael and Joanna Crain (founders of the legendary Chi Fan for Charity annual charity event in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong), Benjamin Manthey (fellow foodie and CrossFit Slasher who used to work at Black Sesame as a host once upon a time), the lovely Sarah Keenlyside (founder of Bespoke Beijing Travel Co.) and Superwoman Sue Zhou of SueZhouDoesFood (go to her Summer BBQ this weekend!). Needless to say, I was sitting among some of Beijing’s most knowledgeable foodies!

Continue Reading » Black Sesame Kitchen: Relocation to Courtyard Institute