LumDimSum Discovery: Sureno’s Wagyu Entrecôte

Set your Sights on Sureno’s Wagyu Entrecôte

Truly a masterpiece, this drop-dead-gorgeous dish is yet another example of Sureno’s culinary excellence.

A Mediterranean restaurant in the basement of Sanlitun’s luxurious boutique hotel The Opposite House, Sureno never ceases to impress me. But they don’t just impress me, they astound me.

With Themis Kouris’ gracious hospitality and the talented Laia Pons making Mediterranean magic in her gorgeous open kitchen, this talented team is among the best in the industry and I’m so so glad that I chose Sureno for that special birthday celebration. Not only did Themis help us with the menu and wine ordering (order a bottle of this: Honoro Vera Garnacha 2013), he went above and beyond the call of duty to make us feel like a million bucks. As the organizer/host, you really can’t ask for more!

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LumDimSum Discovery: Schindler’s Pork Knuckle

Mighty Hunk of Crispy Pork Knuckle

Crispy and crunchy on the outside while remaining moist and tender on the inside, you can never go wrong with this desired combination of textures. That is one of the magical components that makes Schindler’s in-beer-made Pork Knuckle (photo above) so addictive and irresistible.

While Schindler’s remains a place I like to frequent regularly for their super-size-me-lunch buffet, their pork knuckle is probably the only menu item that keeps me coming back in the evenings.  They run a pretty popular buffet lunch deal with all the embassies in the neighborhood within walking distance, but I was actually a bit surprised to hear that we’d need to wait 45 minutes for a table when we strolled over on a Friday evening.  But with my heart set on having that pork knuckle, I sucked it up and sat in the freezing cold outside for just over 45 minutes. If you find yourself in this pitiful, helpless position, I recommend minimizing the torture of waiting by ordering a hot cup of mulled wine (it’s served in a huge mug that makes this great value and helps keep you a little warmer) or at least a big mug of one of their house draft beers.

LDS Snapshots of Schindler’s:

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LDS Discovery: Frost’s Taco Trio & Salmon Hash

***THIS VENUE IS NOW CLOSED!***

Frost’s Signature Tacos are a Fiesta in My Mouth

I know Frost is well-reputed for their burgers and their quirky combination of comfort American food alongside a range of nail services, but I have fallen instead for Frost’s terrific tacos and brunch menu.

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Obentos’ Summer Menu: Quinoa Salad & Rice Bowls

Obentos’ Fresh Summer Menu with New Salads and Bentos

Known for its healthy menu and efficient delivery service, Obentos‘ new Summer menu just launched this week and is sure to remind you just how good healthy can taste.

Already reconsidering my favorite, go-to Obentos dishes, their new Quinoa Salad with Miso Vinaigrette Dressing and a mountain of shredded tuna (or tofu) is in the running for my choice salad this summer.

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LDS Discovery: Mosto’s Pan Seared Curry Sea Bass

The Fish Dish that Changed my Perception of Cooked Fish:

Mosto’s Pan Seared Sea Bass with Shiitake Rice, Light Curry Sauce and Ruccula Salad

I LOVE Mosto’s Pan-Seared Curry Sea Bass and that says something about this particular dish because I don’t generally think of myself as someone who would ever order fish in a restaurant.

If it’s not Japanese sushi or sashimi, Ahi tuna or Cantonese-style steamed fish, I generally will choose anything other than fish on a menu. To me, fish can be quite polarizing; I either love it or won’t touch it.  I am quite particular about how I like my fish prepared, especially in Western styles of cooking because I’ve never cared much for grilled fish or pan-fried fish. I find it dry more often than not and the texture of cooked fish is something that’s always put me off. Like the way I like my meat, I like fish that’s soft and tender and juicy. At least with beef, I can always order my meat rare, but you don’t have that kind of choice when you order fish.

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LDS Discovery: Pinotage’s Biltong & Bunny Chow

Pinotage’s Homemade Beef Biltong Carpaccio with Avocado, Parmesan Shavings, Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic Syrup (RMB 100)

I first learned about biltong on my first trip to South Africa last summer and it completely redefined my previous notions of jerky.

Whenever I had jerky in the States, it was either a greasy Slim Jim or dry Pacific Gold Jerky sold in bulk packaging at Costco Wholesale Foodstore. So while I never cared much more jerky in the States, the biltong in South Africa is something entirely different.  And the best part is that it’s not just limited to beef or some other kind of mystery meat you don’t even want to consider.  The biltong in South Africa is as diverse as it comes in terms of flavors, spices and meat types.  My personal favorite is ostrich biltong, which I now beg my South African friends to bring back for me whenever they make a trip home. In fact, I like it so much that it’s considered a serious notch on my list of reasons why I want to move to Cape Town at some point in my life. Not exaggerating.

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LumDimSum Discovery: Biteapitta’s Stuffed Zucchini

My New Favorite Biteapitta Dish: Stuffed Zucchini with Couscous (RMB 33)

Recently, I find myself consistently coming back to Biteapitta once again (I took a break from Biteapitta for a few months last year – see text below), but this time for something other than my usual Hummus and Falafel Pita Sandwich (RMB 30).

“Stuffed in soft, fresh pita bread, the Hummus & Falafel Pita Sandwich holds about six falafels (fried balls from ground chickpeas) with hummus spread throughout and topped with cucumbers, tomatoes and sour cream.  The falafel is served fresh and hot and is by far, my favorite item on Biteapitta’s menu. It’s perfectly proportioned leaving me full but not stuffed and the combination of hummus and falafel is perfect. And for only RMB 28 (now RMB 30), this is a steal.” – Excerpt from Previous LDS Post Praising Biteapitta’s Hummus & Falafel Sandwich

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