Be Merry this Christmas: Beijing’s Best Holiday Feasts

Christmas is literally just around the corner (sorry for not posting this sooner!), but hopefully this reaches all Beijingers before it’s too late!  If you don’t have Christmas plans yet and you’re anti-hotels like me, there’s still plenty of quality options for a special Christmas/NYE dinner at Beijing’s top dining destinations.

Merry Christmas and with only a few days left, I hope you all make the best of the rest of 2011!

Christmas Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. Agua’s Spanish Holiday Menus

Agua’s arranged for special Spanish set dinner menus for the days surrounding both Christmas and New Year’s at RMB 388 or RMB 528 per person.  You can indulge in Agua’s signature suckling pig or some of their other house specialities this holiday season.

RSVP: 5208-6188

2. Blue Frog’s 3-course X-Mas Dinner 

Blue Frog provides a simple, no-fuss holiday 3-course Xmas dinner menu for only RMB 298 per person.  And if you know anyone who’s a massive Blue Frog Fan, you can treat them to a gift card from their favorite frog.

RSVP: 6417-4030

3. An Very M Christmas and New Years

Christmas trees, roaring fireplaces and traditional holiday goodies – Capital M has prepared everything you could want for a warm, intimate holiday occasion with Christmas carols, holiday treats and of course their stunning views. Check out their happenings for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day below.

RSVP:  reservations@capital-m-beijing.com    (86-10) 6702 2727

M’s Holiday Menus Here:

 Christmas Eve Dinner

6pm, with Christmas carols by the International Festival Choir at 7.30pm

Christmas Specials, served alongside our a la carte menu ~ and Christmas crackers & holiday treats

 Christmas Family Lunch

11:30-5pm, with Christmas carols at 1.30pm by the International Festival Chorus

Adults: RMB 488 and Kids (over 3 years): RMB188, including gifts and lots of Christmas treats

Celebrate an old-fashioned family Christmas at Capital M: Santa reads Christmas stories by the fireplace, with hot chocolate and marshmallows for the kids, and a Christmas gift, of course!

Christmas Dinner at 6PM

Christmas Specials, served alongside our a la carte menu, with Christmas crackers, holiday treats and surprises for all!

New Years Eve at Capital M

988 RMB per person (pre-booked/pre-paid tickets only)

Begin your New Year’s Eve celebration with Champagne cocktails and canapés around the bar with our Brass Band performing Jazz, followed by a delectable seven-course menu. As the clock strikes 12, savour the unforgettable experience of a Champagne toast on the terrace overlooking Tian’anmen.  Includes Champagne cocktails and canapés and a Taittinger Champagne toast on the terrace at midnight.

 New Year’s Brunch- 11:30am-5:00pm

288 RMB per person 

Ring in the New Year with Capital M’s delicious New Year’s brunch: it’s a fabulous start to the year!

4. Celebrate Christmas Twice at The Hutong –

A very cozy, humble and homely type place, The Hutong would probably be my choice pick for where to spend Christmas holiday with close friends.  They are also winning me over with their combined dinner + Christmas classic – A Christmas Story (organized by Electric Shadows).

If you are also looking for where to spend Christmas Eve, you can enjoy an interactive cooking class and learn all the holiday staples – Roasted Turkey, glazed carrots, homemade gravy, red cabbage cider, apple crumble, just to name a few.  Celebrate Christmas Twice at The Hutong.

RSVP: 15901046127

5. Lollipop Bakery’s Holiday Cups of Love

Lollipop Bakery‘s spiced apple and cinnamon cupcakes decorated in snowflakes and holiday colors might be “the perfect treat to enjoy next to a glowing log fire with a steaming cup of tea.”  RMB 340 per dozen with holiday decoration or just RMB 220 per dozen of cupcakes in standard decoration.

To Order, call: 13552772683 or Email: Cupcakes@LollipopBakery.cn

6. Migas Might Fancy Holiday Menus

Migas is going mighty fancy with a beautiful 5-course Christmas meal for RMB 380 per person and also an 8-course New Year’s Menu for RMB 500 per person or RMB 900 paired with Arzuaga wines.

RSVP:  5208-6061

7. Modo’s 4-course Christmas Eve & NYE Dinner Celebrations

Modo’s Christmas Eve Dinner Set Menu is RMB 390 per person and RMB 420 for their NYE set menu.  See full menus here.

RSVP: 6415-7207

Be Merry at Modo

8. Mosto Christmas Dinner

Mosto’s 4 course Christmas Eve menu is priced at RMB 490 per person and their 5-course NYE menu is set at RMB 550 per person.

RSVP: 5208-6030

9. SALT’s Special Holiday Dinner

SALT will be hosting 4 special dinners: Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day (12PM-10PM), NYE Countdown Dinner from 6PM-Midnight and New Year’s Day Brunch from 12PM-4PM.  Leave it to owner Gaby Alves and chef Paolo to put together some really special holiday meals for Beijingers with options for meal + free flow drinks or just the special set menus of 2-5 courses.

RSVP Essential as Seating is Limited: 6537  8457

Here is SALT’s Holiday Meals Breakdown:

SALT Christmas Eve – Saturday December 24, 6-10.30pm

Indulge with friends and family for SALT’S Christmas Eve as Chef Paulo De Souza adds contemporary flair to traditional Christmas Cuisine. Beef Tenderloin with Foie Gras Scent and Dark Chocolate-Sherry Sauce and Black Forest Glass, Dark Chocolate Marquise, Cherry Pavlova will tempt while special Christmas Cocktails and Champagne ensure a delightful evening. 5 courses 398 rmb.

SALT Christmas Day – Sunday December 25. 12pm-10pm

Celebrate Christmas with an extended brunch, late lunch, early dinner or evening get-together as SALT opens it kitchen all day to present a fun, warming Christmas with festive flair. Roast Turkey, Pressed Apples, Glazed Wild Pork Roulade, Corn Roesti and Figs and Spiced Bread Crusted Foie Gras with Pumpkin Cannelloni will delight.  2 courses 218 rmb, 3 courses 258 rmb. 2 courses + free flow 428 rmb. 3 courses + free flow 468 rmb.

New Year’s Eve Sparkling Celebrations – Saturday December 31, 6pm-midnight.
Light up the night at SALT for their popular New Year’s Eve Sparkling Celebrations. Ring in the new year with an innovative 5 course feast and free flow sparkling in delightful festive surrounds. 5 courses 568 rmb. 5 courses + free flow 798 rmb.

New Year’s Day – Sunday January 1, 2012, 12-4pm
Welcome in 2012 with a celebration (or recovery!) cocktail or two and a scrumptious brunch at SALT. Delicious contemporary cuisine, hearty portions, free flowing sparkling and tempting treats from the bar. 2 courses 218 rmb, 3 courses 258 rmb. 2 courses + free flow 428 rmb. 3 courses + free flow 468 rmb.

10. Susu’s Special Xmas Dinner for Two

Christmas at Susu is something sweet and perfectly shared between two.  Price for 7 dishes shared between 2 is RMB 666 total.

RSVP:  84002699, or email: beijingsusu@gmail.com

SUSU’s Special Christmas Set

12.24-25.2011

Susu Champagne Cocktail

Sugar Cube, Angostura Bitters

Shrimp & Pork Spring Roll

The classic, with a pinch of pineapple. Homemade peanut dip

Salmon Cucumber Salad

Salmon seared and diced, cubed cucumber, bed of greens, squeeze of lime.

Hue Beef Noodle Soup

Legendary. With lemongrass & shrimp paste, sliced beef and pork.

Tamarind King Prawns

A Statuesque pair drizzled with tamarind reduction, steamed vegetables.

Shaking Beef

Cubed and flash fried with sautéed onions, green pepper. Side of sweet potato fries.

Lemongrass Panna Cotta

With pear confit, red wine reduction

 Susu’s Tamarind Prawns

11. Terra’s South-American Holiday Menu

In line with SALT, TERRA will also be hosting holiday dinner for the days surrounding both Christmas and New Years.

“At Terra we go beyond the standard traditional fare and spice up the holidays with a delicious South-American styled Menu…with the inclusion of… mouth-watering South American Roast Suckling Pig.” – Jennifer Eden, PR Director for both TERRA and SALT

RSVP: 6591 9148

 Check out full menus at their website here and see below for summary of each -

A Very Terra Christmas – Saturday December 24 6-11pm & Sunday December 25 11am-11pm

Terra presents a festive menu with Latin twists and old favourites. Chef Paulo De Souza spices up Christmas with Tender Turkey, Succulent Seafood, Christmas Ceviche and of course, Christmas Churros and delicious desserts. Perfectly paired with Terra’s Winter Rum Cocktails or go free flow and liven up the season!
2 courses 218 rmb, 3 courses 258 rmb. 2 courses + free flow 428 rmb, 3 courses + free flow 468 rmb.

New Year’s Eve – Party Menu – Saturday December 31, 6pm-late
Ring in the new year with excellent contemporary cuisine, serious sparkling and great tunes in Terra’s modern, hip surrounds. 4 courses and free flow ensures a night full of fun, laughter and luck. 4 courses 358 rmb. 4 courses + free flow bubbly or beer 578 rmb.

New Year’s Day – Revive, Recover and Celebrate! Sunday January 1, 2012, 11am-11pm.
It’s time for resolutions, recovery and more fun. Kick back in style and enjoy Chef Paulo De Souza’s delicious New Year’s Day menu and a bit more bubbly – why not?
2 courses 218 rmb. 3 courses 258 rmb. 2 courses + free flow 428 rmb. 3 courses + free flow 468 rmb. 

…and that’s a wrap!  

*Merry Christmas and Enjoy the Last Days of 2011!*

Find X-Mas Treats at The Hutong’s Winter Fayre

“Fayre is an old English word describing a fun gathering featuring a range of locally produced goods made and sourced from, and connected to the local community.”

The Hutong’s Winter Fayre brings this concept of a traditional fayre to Beijingers next Sunday, December 11, which will also be the last Christmas Bazaar of the year ie, your last chance to stock up on Christmas gifts for friends and family!

Featuring a “warm-winter” theme, they will be serving hot cups of vin brulé (mulled wine) and have live caroling. The fayre will be selling a wide range of products from homemade jams and infused teas and cheeses to handmade handicrafts, photography to jewelry, unique cards and papers, handmade body scrubs, baked goods to chocolates to cashmere scarves.

Some popular vendors who will be selling their goods include:

• BJ Postcards
• Great Leap Brewery
• Hand Affection
• Hummingbird Therapeutic Spa Retreat
• Koko Chocolate
• Le Formager de Pekin
• Lollipop Bakery Cupcakes
• Puddington Pies
• Sassy Scrubs
• Shangrila Farms
• Starfish Jewelry
• Tai Tai
• Tea Journeys
• Time Out’s “Beijing Past and Present Design Competition” T-shirts and Tote Bags by AnyShopStyle.cn
• Viaggio Scarves

Check out BJ Postcards at The Hutong’s Winter Fayre

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, December 11
• Time: 11AM-3PM
• Location: The Hutong
• Address:#1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong 东城区九道弯中巷1号
• Contact: info@thehutong.com
• Website: Click here

Thanksgiving 2011′s Best Turkey Feast Breakdown

Beijingers are all getting amped up for Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday, November 24.

Whether you’re American or not, everyone can appreciate a massive gathering of friends and family for a full-on feast of turkey and all its fixings! A holiday focused on food and good company, everyone can celebrate Thanksgiving with a home-style meal even if they are so far away from home.

Although 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. Blue Frog’s 3-course Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner -

Starting early in the afternoon (4PM), you can head to Blue Frog for a 3-course turkey dinner + beverage for RMB 200 per person or RMB 90 per child. 

RSVP: 6417-4030

2. 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

3. Chef Too’s Home-Style Thanksgiving Dinner

With their home-style dinner atmosphere and quality comfort food, Chef Too is a very popular destination in Beijing for Thanksgiving.  But with 3-seating times, you can’t hang out all evening and guests are constrained by time limits as the seats will be in high demand! Three seatings: 4.30-6.30pm, 6.30-8.30pm, 8.30-10.30pm. You can look forward to a full-on turkey dinner with giblet gravy, sweet potato and marshmallow casserole and apple and pumpkin pie.

RMB 248 per person, Located Opposite of West gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District; RSVP: 6591 8676

4. Filling Station’s Thanksgiving Dinner

A bit further away as Filling Station is by WAB school, but they have a nice 3-course dinner inclusive of homemade pumpkin soup, roast turkey with all the trimmings (plus a veggie option) and pecan pie. 160RMB per head, bookings only.

RSVP: 8470 3821

5. Lollipop Bakery’s ‘Turkey’ Cupcakes

Choose delicious flavors including spiced pumpkin, you can order these adorable turkey-decorated cupcakes for RMB 340 per dozen.

To order, call: 13552772683 or Email: Cupcakes@LollipopBakery.cn

6. Thanksgiving a la Maison:

An elegant Thanksgiving dinner by Executive Chef Brian Reimer. 6-10pm.

Price: RMB 488+15% per person, Located: Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District

RSVP: 6559 9200

7. The Orchard’s Thanksgiving Buffet:

From 6PM-10PM, the Orchard will be serving their version of a Thanksgiving buffet dinner or as theBeijinger likes to call it “Beijing’s only multicultural Thanksgiving buffet, sans colonial connotations.” RMB 300 (adults), RMB 150 (kids 4-12, kids under 4 eat free).

Located: From Jingshun Lu, turn left (west) at Shunbai Lu Intersection (turn at the driveway just west of the Hegezhuang Village sign), Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Shunyi District, Beijing  北京市顺义区崔各庄乡何各庄村

RSVP: 6433 6270

8.  THANKSGIVING AT SALT:

Starting at 6pm, SALT is hosting their annual Thanksgiving dinner, this time it’s 5-courses at RMB 368. Choice of three mains: Roasted Turkey, Salmon or Scallop-Mushroom Risotto.

RSVP: 6437-8457

See menu below:

Thanksgiving Menu

Ruccula, Clementine Salad, Goat’s Cheese, Pistachios, Beetroot, Champagne Dressing

 Roast Pumpkin-Pine Nut Foam, Smoked Duck Breast Ham, Ginger, Pears, Spiced Bread 

Prawn & Chicken Ballotine, Romaine Salad, Crustacean Vinaigrette, Parmesan Foam 

MAINS

Roast Turkey, Turkey-Fig Terrine, Spiced Apple Puree, Three-Coloured Nutty Rice, Waldorf Salad

or

Salmon, Smoked Leek Emulsion, Braised Seasonal Greens, Fennel, Radish, Grapefruit Salad

or

Scallop-Red Wine-Mushroom Risotto, Truffle Scent, Prosciutto, Young Peas, Ruccula, Parmesan 

DESSERT

Chocolate Cocotte, Smooth Hazelnut Chocolate, Calamansi,

Hazelnut Crumble

or

Roast Apple Tart, Cinnamon Caramel Mou, Walnut Ice Cream

or

Passionfruit Panna Cotta

9. SWITCH! Thanksgiving Roast Turkey Feast:

SWITCH! knows the turkey is as important as the company so they have an option for a whole oven-roasted grain-fed turkey dinner package for 6 people including all sides (rich pan gravy, homemade spiced cranberry chutney, stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, medley of root vegetables and pumpkin tart) for RMB 1108.  Individual turkey options are set at RMB 198 and RMB 280 per person.  Kids under 8 eat for FREE!  Dinner seating at 6PM or 8:30PM.

RSVP required: Call Jane Tan (by Monday, Nov. 21) – 5978 4918 or email: jane.tan@culinarycapers.cn

*For those with a serious sweet tooth, here’s a nice breakdown of Beijing’s best options to score some delicious Thanksgiving sweets.  

theBeijinger’s Guide: Sweet as Pie

…And that’s a wrap

Enjoy your Turkey Comas!

*Gobble Gobble*

Foodies, Arm Yourself in 2012 with the Little Gold Book

Little Gold Book is like the “Little Black Book for Charitable Foodies in Beijing”.

It’s a coupon book with crazy good discounts on Beijing’s top restaurants with 30% of proceeds going towards local community charities.

Just think about it – All those places you’ve been wanting to try out or that you wish you could go more often (if they were more affordable), you can finally begin to eat your way through Beijing’s top dining destinations armed with a little gold book filled with coupons that are up to 50% off!

Here’s a few top deals you can score with The Little Gold Book:

• 50% off Hatsune
• 2 for 1 mains at Assaggi
• 2-for-1 wine at Enoterra
• 50% off Stumble Inn
• 2-for-1 Food Items at The Bookworm
• 50% off ROOMbeijing
• 2-for-1 cooking classes at Vegan Hut
• 50% off Filling Station
• RMB 50 discount on a dozen Lollipop Cupcakes

Click for full list of deals here (there are 85 deals by 70 restaurants).

For only RMB 240 per Little Gold Book, you can cover the cost of the entire book after just one meal at one of the 70 participating restaurants.  It’s valid for the entire 2012 year so there’s plenty of time to work your way through each deal.

With the holidays quickly approaching, the Little Gold Book is a great stocking stuffer for all fellow Beijing foodies!

Little Gold Book was first released at the Chi Fan for Charity 2011 After-Party at Hatsune and will be available for sale again at Kagen’s Christmas Charity Dinner on December 10th with 30% of proceeds going towards BICCO.

Little Gold Book is currently sold at The Bookworm, April Gourmet’s and Colibri.

Spooky Halloween Cupcakes by Lollipop Bakery

Celebrate Halloween this year with Lollipop Bakery’s festive “Spooky Halloween” creative designs with each dozen cupcakes ordered includes Jack O’Lanterns, Tombstones, Spider Webs and Mummy Cupcakes.  RMB 340 per dozen cupcakes, you can order these fun holiday designs in any of their standard flavors (vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, earl grey, spiced carrot, Cookies ‘n’ Cream, Black Sesame, Marble Cupcakes).

While their Red Velvet and Spiced Carrot are my general favorites, I recommend that you choose their newest flavor – Spiced Pumpkin.

“The smell of baking pumpkin in the Lollipop Bakery ovens is divine, and we love this flavour!” – Lexie Morris, Founder of Lollipop Cupcake

With spice notes of nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon, and fresh chunks of sweet pumpkin, their Spiced Pumpkin cupcakes sound too good to miss out on!  RMB 220 per dozen.

Lollipop Bakery’s Newest Cupcake Flavor: Spiced Pumpkin 

Lollipop Bakery’s ordering website here.

You can also email Cupcakes@LollipopBakery.cn or call 13552772683 to place your order.

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

CCSweets: Made Just for Kids

Playful and adorable, CCSweets is like a fairytale come true for kids.

Created by Carol Chow, the CC stands not for her initials, but for CupCakes or Cakes and Cookies, Candy and Ice Cream, or Custom Created sweets. Mother of two twin girls, CCSweets is her “labor of love” and she gets exactly what kids (and their mothers) want.

“Carol create things that she loves to eat and share with friends.   They are not too sweet in taste but they will add some sweet memories to your celebrations.”

Stepping foot into her store in Central Park, you will find pretty pink furniture made just for little princesses and the store is decorated with all kinds of fun, creative characters on display.

More than just cupcakes, I think CCSweets’ birthday cakes are brilliant and the perfect addition to any kid’s birthday party!

Check out a selection of some of CCSweet’s cake & cupcake creations:

On my visit, I sampled two of her flavors: Chocolate & Banana and Red Velvet & Cream Cheese.  Both were beautiful and moist, but sadly lasted only seconds (ie, 2 bites)!  It didn’t bother me that they were not as sweet as I am used to, but they are also not as big as I am used to!  CCSweets’ standard cupcake is definitely much smaller in comparison to Lollipop Bakery and Colibri’s cupcakes.  However, they do come in three sizes: mini, classic (medium) and Royale Deluxe (large). I guess I’ll have to stick with the Royale Deluxe size!

Chocolate Banana / Red Velvet & Cream Cheese Cupcakes (RMB 120 for 6 cupcakes or RMB 240 for a dozen)

Some other fun flavors: Strawberry Shortcake, Vanilla with Rum buttercream frosting, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

With an easy-to-order bilingual website and a charming little store in Central Park, CCSweets is a marvelous addition to Beijing’s cupcake market.

Review of CCSweets: Shop 109, Central Park Tower 11, 6 Chaoyangmen Wai Dajie, 朝阳门外大街6号, 新成国际11号楼底商109号, Tel: +136-8328-1648

Best Part:

• Adorable custom creations in the form of cakes, cupcakes and cookies

• Their store in Central Park is made just for kids with mini kids’ furniture and fun creations on display all around.
• Cupcakes are not only pretty, they are high-quality using ingredients that are imported or from well-known, local organic sources.
• CCSweets offers a range of sugar-free and gluten-free cupcakes.

Comments:

• CCSweets says up-front – they are not too sweet in taste so if you’re a sweet-tooth like me, you may prefer the rich taste of Lollipop Bakery.
• They are similarly priced to their competitors – Lollipop Bakery, Colibri, etc., but their cupcakes are much smaller in size.  Really cute and really great presentation, but quite mini (can be eaten in 1-2 bites) where my max is not eat more than 1 or 2 of Lollipop cupcakes.

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 8
• Service: 6
• Overall Experience: 7

Belita Jewelry Grand Opening Party

This Thursday, February 24, BELITA Jewelry will host a Grand Opening Party from 6-9PM on the 1st floor of Eric Paris Salon.

Guests will be treated to wine by Top Cellar, cheese by  Le Fromager De Pekin, cupcakes by Lollipop Bakery, catering by Punjabi Indian Restaurant, live music and the main event – a luxurious jewelry fashion show by Belita Jewelry.

And in the event that you see something you like, all guests enjoy 20% off all jewelry and hand bags.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, February 24, 2011
• Time: 6:00PM-9:00PM
• Location: 1st Floor of Eric Paris Salon
• Address: 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

• RSVP: 15711128542 or e-mail contact@lizamjewelry.com
• Website: lizamjewelry.com

LumDimSummary: Hatsroomie & ROOMsune

Hats off to both Alan Wong of the Hatsune Restaurant Group and Brian McKenna of ROOMbeijing for pulling off two exceptional dinners: Hatsroomie & ROOMsune.

A powerful collaboration between two of Beijing’s most popular culinary personalities, diners were treated to a one-of-a-kind 10-course menu created specially for this event.

Event Breakdown:

• 2 chefs / 2 restaurants / 2 nights / 1 menu
• 1 night in Hatsune/ 1 night in ROOMbeijing
• Special 10-course dinner menu with all completely original, never seen-before creations
• A Behind-the-Scenes video featuring both chefs in the kitchen setting up everything from the prep work to the final presentation touches and playful sabotage and commentary throughout. (see below)

The Result: Two sold-out events with a wait-list of over 100+ people.

For the 100+ who couldn’t make it, here’s what you missed:

Hatsroomie & Roomsune Behind-the-Scenes Video (on youtube)

**Note: video can only be viewed with VPN. youku video coming soon

A Taste of Hatsroomie & ROOMsune’s 10-course Dinner:

Alan’s 1st course –  the apps:

• torched unagi and foie gras sushi ball
• dashi poached spinach roll with shiitake mushroom and flying fish roe
• miso marinated black cod in a lettuce wrap with shredded daikon and gobo root

Brian’s 1st course – Appetizers: Shellfish 1-2-3

• Mini lobster burger
• Fresh cracked oyster with lime and anise star flavored crushed ice
• Lightly curried sweet potato soup, coconut foam, marinated shrimp

Alan’s 2nd Course – the onsen (spring bath):

Brian’s 2nd course – 1st course: Crab and avocado

• Hand picked crab meat / crushed avocado / sweetcorn sorbet / basil oil

Alan’s 3rd Course: Secret Sushi roll

Brian’s 3rd Course – Salmon and foie gras

• Slow cooked Norwegian salmon / spiced lentils / sauteed foie gras / herb creme fraiche

Alan’s Main Course – the sukiyaki:

Brian’s Main Course – Beef and Bone:

Alan’s Dessert – the sweets:

Brian’s Dessert: 1-2-3 Breakfast

While this event was all in the name of joining forces and proving that two uniquely different styles of cuisine can compliment one another, it’s also impossible not to compare the dishes from each chef and vote for favorites.

Overall, the general consensus was that Brian’s 3-piece appetizer and 3-piece dessert won hands down but Alan’s signature sushi roll and onsen beat out Brian’s crab and avo and salmon and foie gras dishes.  The tie-breaker comes down to either the sukiyaki or the beef and bone. While the beef and bone with mash melted in your mouth, the sukiyaki was both interactive between the chefs and all the guests and the marbled wagyu beef was so good, we ate it raw.

In any case, Brian’s lemongrass and mango panna cotta (served in the shell of an egg) was a big hit and Alan’s onsen dish is by far one of the best dishes I have ever had in my entire life.  Not exaggerating.

Both chefs have gone above and beyond in terms of creativity, effort and generosity and it truly showed in both events.  More than just exceptional cuisine, they gave guests an extraordinary experience.

On a scale of 1-10, both chefs rightfully deserve 11 stars.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Hatsroomie:

LumDimSum Snapshots of ROOMsune:

…and to sum up how we all felt at the end of both nights?

FOOD COMA.

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!!

Colibri Cupcakes: A Cheeky Indulgence

Cupcakes are taking Beijing by storm. With different cupcake catering companies and stores popping up all over town, the high demand for quality sweets is finally being addressed!

Colibri Cafe is one of the newest additions, located in the center of Sanlitun North Village, surrounded by high end boutiques and clothing labels.

Offering a range of 10 different flavors from Carrot & Zucchini, Orange & Poppy Seed and Green Tea & Chocolate Granache (all priced at RMB 23 each), Colibri sets itself apart by using all natural and organic ingredients.

“Each cake is made from scratch and baked fresh every day. We source the highest quality ingredients including free range eggs, creamy butter, vanilla and Valrhona chocolate. Each cake is hand finished and topped with a splash of colour. Expect adventurous flavors that are stylishly presented. The cupcakes are a cheeky indulgence perfect for a little celebratory treat.” – Kim the Malaysian pastry chef who is trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris and worked in pastry kitchens in Paris, London, Sydney and now Beijing.

Out of the range of flavors, I chose to order a sampling of 6 for a group of us to try, out of which I got to taste the Carrot & Zucchini, Raspberry & Lemon and the Double Chocolate.

The Carrot & Zucchini was the winner out of the batch of cupcakes – a moist, fluffy cupcake bursting with flavor.  I loved the cake part but the cream on top was a bit strong and overpowering.

Carrot & Zucchini Cupcake (RMB 23)

The Raspberry & Lemon consisted of a lemon cake topped with raspberry cream on top.  If you like lemon, I would recommend this cupcake to you.  The flavor was right, but the consistency was not.  This cupcake was more like a muffin than a traditional cupcake with its drier, dense cake consistency.

While the Double Chocolate cupcake looked tasty, it was rather dry and flavorless.  A disappointment to be perfectly honest, but I hear the Chocolate Banana Cupcake is much better (but it is only available on Mondays and Tuesdays as it is not a permanent part of the Colibri menu).

Double Chocolate (RMB 23)

Although cupcakes are the featured item in Colibri Cafe, they serve some of the best coffee in town and they also offer great salads, soup, and sandwiches.

Their Couscous Salad with Roasted Pumpkin (RMB 48) got raving reviews from everyone at the table. It’s light, refreshing and the cool, sweet pumpkin really compliments the couscous.  We also tried the Roasted Cauliflower, Radicchio, Feta, Bacon, Crouton, Quail Egg, Grapes and Red Wine Dressing Salad (RMB 48).  The individual ingredients of this salad were all nice, but they did not complement each other and were too giant to even try to eat together.  The Tomato Chutney, Basil and Cheese Panini (RMB 38) was served toasty hot, just how we like it.

With its bright and airy interior and spacious outdoor seating space, Colibri offers the perfect lunchtime/coffee ambiance.

Watch out Starbucks - Colibri is about to replace you as the new, preferred meeting destination for quick coffee breaks and business meetings.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Colibri’s interior design:

Beautiful Outdoor Patio Space (soak it up now before the temperature drops!):

Review of Colibri Cafe: Opposite Armani Building in Sanlitun North Village, Level LG 51, No. 11 Sanlitun Road, Tel: 6417-0808

Best Part:

• Colibri’s Carrot & Zucchini Cupcake
• You don’t have to feel as guilty devouring these cupcakes as they are made from all natural and organic ingredients.
• Serving some of the best coffee in town
  
• I highly recommend the Couscous salad with roasted pumpkin
• Airy, bright interior space and beautiful outdoor lounge space
• Friendly Service
• They deliver!  With 24 hour notice, you can have freshly baked cupcakes delivered to your door. Call 6417 0808 – RMB 115 for 1/2 dozen or RMB 220 for any dozen
• Colibri has the cutest take away boxes (like little shoe boxes) I have ever seen.

Comments:

• I have only tried a handful of the 10 cupcake flavors, but it seems that most of the cupcakes are more like dense muffins than moist, buttery cupcakes. The exception is the carrot & zucchini cupcake and I plan to go back on either Monday or Tuesday for their Chocolate Banana flavor.
• There is no doubt that Colibri has very quality cupcakes and I like thinking that they are “healthier” than other cupcake brands, but the design of the icing is not the prettiest. Lollipop cupcakes still wins in terms of presentation and decorations.

Rating: (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being best)

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 9
• Service: 8
• Overall Experience: 8

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!

From BBQ’s to Parties: Independence Day Weekend

There are so many reasons to love the Fourth of July, even if you’re not American.  Admittedly, I am American and I love the Fourth of July for all reasons unrelated to national pride. Scratch that, I shouldn’t have said that.  I am proud to be an American, but that’s honestly not why I love the Fourth of July.

Fourth of July is a day to BBQ, have a picnic, play in a park, chill out, have water balloon fights, more BBQ and fireworks. I’m sure people of other nationalities would find this combination of activities just as exciting…no?

Anyway, I’m happy to find that Beijing has a lot going on in terms of things to do and ways to celebrate this holiday and not just the Fourth of July, but ALL weekend!

For those who aren’t going all the way out to the Great Wall Beach Party, there’s plenty of parties to hit up right in town – like BLING’s Independence Day Party this Saturday, July 3rd to warm everyone up for Sunday!

Anyone wearing red, white and blue will be rewarded with ‘All-American’ shooters and beer/drink specials all night.

On the actual day of, there will be BBQ’s all over the city.

Breakdown of Fourth of July Festivities:

• AmCham will be celebrating at Ch’ien Men 23 – a day of family-friendly festivities. Tickets available at the AmCham website.
• All-Star Sports Bar & Grill will be hosting a BBQ Cook-out with an all-you-can-eat-BBQ including a salad bar, a variety of cold cuts, our famous baby back ribs, barbequed chicken, beef short ribs, steak kebabs, chicken kebabs, hot dogs and much more for only RMB 138!  12pm- 3pm, 6pm-11pm
• Special Set Menu at Nola: For RMB 135 per person you get: three kabobs (choose from pepper marinated pork with peach and shallot, ribeye steak with potato and mushrooms, shrimp with lime and corn, and/or chicken with tomato, olive, and panzanella), three sides (baked beans, coleslaw, red beans, sweet potato salad, green bean salad, cucumber and tomato salad, green bean casserole, and/or corn maque choux) and dessert (red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, German chocolate cake, lemon poppy cake, or cupcakes).
• The Apartment’s BBQ & Drinks: 4-10PM. Friends & Flatmates Welcome!
• 2 Kolegas’ Funky Reggae BBQ Party: Serving Funk, Soul, Reggae tunes along with Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Salad, Tamales (by Texas Tamale Junkies), Cupcakes (by Lollipop Bakery) and Pies (by Pie House).  Starts 3PM, RMB 30 at the door.

• China Doll’s Independence Day Rooftop Party: Live music, Jell-O shots & BBQ. Dress in red, white and blue and get a free drink.

And if you don’t feel up for parties and socializing at all this weekend, then at least indulge yourself in Lollipop Bakery‘s absolutely adorable Fourth of July cupcakes -

Lollipop Bakery’s Red Velvet Cupcakes capped with patriotic red, blue and white frosting – sure to add fireworks to any holiday BBQ! 220RMB per dozen

LumDimSum Discovery: Lollipop Bakery’s Cupcakes

I consider these mouth-watering cupcakes as my ‘precious’ little treasures. It’s hard to be in a room with them and not turn into Gullum from Lord of the Rings and claim all the cupcakes as “My Precious”.

These cupcakes are sensational and they taste even better than they look.

I’ve had the fortune of sampling a variety of their flavors from vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, and carrot, which has been my personal favorite thus far.  It’s got the perfect balance of cinnamon and sweetness.

The latest addition to Lollipop Bakery’s Gourmet cupcake flavors is the Spiced Carrot Cupcake, which has wonderful hints of cinnamon and ginger complementing the moist carrot cake, and is perfect with a tall glass of iced coffee. 220RMB/dozen

Freshly baked to order using quality imported ingredients, each individual cupcake is finished by hand with a soft buttercreme frosting, and beautifully packaged.

*Note: Order 24 hours in advance, minimum order is 1 dozen cupcakes (Free delivery with minimum order of 2 dozen cupcakes)

LumDimSum Discovery Explanation: Whenever I try a dish worth sharing, I will post this find as a LumDimSum Discovery.  Just click tagged LumDimSum Discovery articles for more recommendations.

CUP of BLING

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Beijing’s Best Cupcakes & Champagne

Sponsored by Lollipop Bakery, Bling will be serving Beijing’s best cupcakes to pair with champagne for a night that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Specials on champagne & cupcakes all night.

Exclusively @ BLING.

• Date: Friday, May 14
  
• Time: 9pm-late
• No Cover
• Reservations for table bookings are highly recommended