LumDimSummary: The 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open

L-to-R: 2nd place Sam Hulbert (USA), 1st place Juuso Laivisto (FIN), 3rd place Roope Tonteri (FIN)

For the second time at the TTR 5Star 10th Red Bull Nanshan Open, Juuso Laivisto (FIN) reclaims his throne (he won first place in 2010) winning first place in this year’s 10th Annual Red Bull Nanshan Open.

Although US rider Sam Hulbert was ranked first going into the Super Finals, Juuso stole the show hitting a “back-to-back bs900 mutes, followed by a 50-50 to method on the polejam, bs lipslide on the downrail finishing off in style with a tweaked out fs360 nosebonk on the Red Bull cube.”  If you don’t speak “snowboarding”, then just imagine a lot of super fast spinning flying off massive kickers.

“It’s been awesome to see how the event has grown the last few years, and to see such legends in the judging booth made it extra special to win here today!”   - Juuso Laivisto, Winner of Red Bull Nanshan Open 2012

Juuso Laivisto flying off the big kicker. Photo courtesy of PM:Studio

Head judges Iztok Sumatic (SLO) and Ishi (JPN) alongside snowboarding legends Ingemar Backman (SWE), Michi Albin (SWI), Scotty Wittlake (USA), and Alan Wong (PRC/USA) made all the difference in the riders’ performances.

After seeing Roope Tonteri (FIN) rip every run and ranking first after blowing everyone away in the qualifying runs on Saturday, many expected him to come out first in the finals. But I gotta say, I was still rooting for Juuso all along! My favorite rider and good friend from his first trip to Beijing two years back when he won first place in the 8th Red Bull Nanshan Open, I was stoked to see my favorite rider come out first once again!  Super happy to see such a talented rider and happy person do so well and shine so bright in China!

10th Red Bull Nanshan Open Rider Rankings:

The only rider to hit the jib section’s oversized-pipe with a 50-50 to bs360 out after a bs720 to fs1080 on the kicker, Sam Hulbert (USA) took second place in this year’s Nanshan Open. Not too shabby as this was his very first time riding in the Red Bull Nanshan Open!

2nd Place – US Rider Sam Hulbert; photo courtesy of PM:Studio

Like I said earlier, Roope was the anticipated superstar for this year’s Nanshan Open and he definitely blew everyone away in the qualifying rounds. He had the biggest runs and probably would have taken 1st place if he was able to land his attempt at a cab900 indy.

“Roope Tonteri (FIN) unfortunately was unable to stomp what could have been a first place run, landing a cab900 indy but reverting out on his impressive bs1260 mute attempt – still finishing his run off in style with a switch boardslide 270out on the polejam and a lipslide 270out on the downrail, enough for third place.” – Olli Fenwick-Ross, organizer of the Red Bull Nanshan Open and member of the mellowparks.cn team

3rd place – Rider Roope Tonteri (FIN): photo courtesy of PM:Studio

LumDimSum Snapshots of the 10th Annual Red Bull Nanshan Open:

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Round 2 for Riviera’s Pool Parties 2011

The second Riviera Pool Party of the year managed to escape a massive thunderstorm and torrential rain, but unfortunately we did not see as much sunshine and blue skies as we had hoped.  Nonetheless, the lack of sunshine didn’t stop the skimpy bikinis from coming out, girls dancing in showers..and (unfortunately) a few speedos as well. Eh.

Before I show you the speedo pics, I’ll first give you the dancing shower girls…

In case you didn’t notice, YES – that dancer in the middle is doing the splits, standing up!

LumDimSum Snapshots of Riviera’s Pool Party (Part 2):

and last but not least – Mr. Speedo Man!

I just couldn’t resist the urge to emphasize the white speedo with Adidas high-tops!

*To view photos from the first Riviera Pool Party of 2011, click here for LumDimSummary of Riviera Pool Party (Part 1).

*In case you missed out on the first two, Riviera will be hosting more pool fun later this July and August so stay tuned on LumDimSum.com for more info!

Sizzling Hot: Riviera’s Pool Party 2011

Notorious for their Shanghai and Beijing Pool Parties, Riviera’s done it again.

In spite of the 30 minute torrential downpour that almost destroyed Beijing in the middle of the day, the party kept raging on.

Skies clear quickly after torrential downpour

From all the bikini-clad ladies to models dancing in birdcage showers, live saxophone performances and Piper champagne splash-age, everyone enjoyed the plentiful eye-candy and day in the sun.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Riviera’s Pool Party:

…and that’s a wrap!!

*Riviera will be hosting pool parties again in July and August so stay tuned for more info.

Hatsune Sushi School by Alan Wong

Get excited…back by popular demand, we’re hosting another Hatsune sushi making class!!

Hosted by Alan Wong, this upcoming sushi making class will be on Thursday, April 7th at the original Hatsune restaurant – Guanghua Lu Branch.

If you haven’t joined one of our classes before, here’s your chance to learn the secrets behind the legendary Hatsune sushi rolls, eat your own creations and you even get to take home essential equipment to start making your own sushi at home!

Seating is limited; RSVP required by Monday, April 4th.

Event Details:

Held Exclusively at the Original Hatsune (Guanghua Lu)

Hosted by Alan Wong, the master Sushi Samurai himself, Hatsune presents to you a Sushi Making Dinner Party. This course examines the fundamentals of sushi making and discover some of Hatsune’s secret recipes and get tips on how to make sushi at home.You’ll learn all about the different types of sushi, fish, rice and vegetable ingredients, and then it’s your turn to try it for yourself, preparing three different types of sushi rolls, with the expert advice and help from master Sushi Samurai Alan-san. Join us as we show you the path to become a Sushi Samurai.

Date: Thursday, April 7

Time: 7pm-10pm

Location: Original Hatsune (Guanghua Lu Branch)

Address: 2\F, Heqiao Building, Bldg C, A8 Guanghua Donglu, CBD/Guomao    光华东路甲8号和乔大厦C座2层

RMB 300 per person includes the sushi making class, ingredients, dinner and the essential equipment to start making sushi at home!

Limited Seating, RSVP Required: Contact ME by Monday, April 4th – e-mail: kristen@lumdimsum.com

LumDimSum Snapshots of Hatsune’s Sushi School:

LumDimSummary: Modo’s Charity Dinner for Japan

Last Wednesday, March 23, both Mosto & MODO hosted two separate charity dinners with 100% of revenues donated directly to United Nations World Food Program (UN WFP) and China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation aid program (CFPA) in Japan.

Rallying together a group of friends eager to participate in such a great event, we booked out the 2nd floor of Modo and enjoyed a beautiful meal highlighting some of Modo’s new menu dishes.

Modo’s Set Dinner Menu:

LumDimSum Snapshots of Modo’s Set Menu Dishes:

Foie Gras Terrine with Plum Chutney, Toasted Brioche & Rhubarb Compote / Seared Langoustine with Chickpeas & Chorizo Stew

Wagyu Beef Meatball with Heirloom Tomato Sauce / Spinach & Ricotta Malfati with Roasted Pears, Mushrooms & Shaved Pecorino Cheese

Dill-crusted Cod Fish with Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaff, Confit Fennel, Lemongrass Veloute / Pork Tenderloin Anticucho with Lily Root, Roasted Vegetables & Citrus Reduction

A perfect meal to share between two people, highlights from the meal were the Wagyu Beef Meatball and Spinach & Ricotta Malfati. And the 3 assorted desserts was a wonderful, unexpected surprise at the end!

All-in-all, a fantastic event.  Hats off to both Modo & Mosto for pulling off not only two very successful dining events, but also finding a great way to get the Beijing community involved in such a worthwhile cause.  They raised a total donation of Rmb 39,625 that will serve to purchase blankets, basic clothes, food and water for the Japanese population.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Modo:

*Click here for LumDimSum’s Full Review of Modo.

*Modo’s crazy cool wine dispensers have got wine geeks hooked (LDS article here)

Modo’s Contact Details:

• Located between Karaiya Spice House and Tony Studio on 3rd Floor of Sanlitun Village: S10-31, 3/F, Bldg 8, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Rd
• 三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区8号楼S10-31
• Tel: 6415-7207

A WHALE! of a Good Time

When I didn’t think it could get any better, WHALE!‘s second event this past Friday, January 28 proved me wrong.

Once again, I was bouncing around on the dance floor till the wee hours of the night and waking up in the morning thinking, “last night was the best party I’ve been to since, well…the first WHALE! night.”

This is not the tequila talking and it’s not just me. Everyone who went to WHALE! Friday night had a blast and anyone who missed out felt left out asking when’s the next one.

I can’t quite pinpoint exactly what it is that sets WHALE!’s apart from every other night in Beijing.  They don’t even try to promote the event and yet, hundreds turn up for a massively successful turnout each time and the combination of good music, good people and good vibes just seems to fill a hole in Beijing.

Random is rarely done successfully (especially in Beijing), but with WHALE!, it just comes naturally.  When I say that the music is random and the people who turn up are random, I’m talking the best possible kind of random - the kind of random that most people couldn’t get even if they tried.  The kind of random that’s beyond logic and reason. In fact, it’s brilliant and WHALE!’s got it like a fat kid loves cake.

Shout out to WHALE!’s musically gifted DJ’s: Assassin Eyes, Bobby Dropper, Infinite Mana and Lord Cheeses.

Keep it up WHALE! cause Beijingers are loving all 200 tons of you!

LumDimSum Snapshots of WHALE! @ School Bar:

‘Scuse me while I kiss the sky: Purple Haze Bistro

Purple Haze Bistro‘s move from China View buildling on the corner of Gongti (the same building as Hooters and Danger Doyle’s)  to a hutong courtyard on the corner of Dongsiliutiao 东四六条 and Chaoyangmen Beixiaojie 朝阳门北小街 is much, much better.

On the same street at Crescent Moon Muslim Restaurant, the new location is housed in a cozy, charming hutong courtyard with two indoor dining spaces, a tiki-style bar and a nicely covered center courtyard.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Purple Haze Bistro:

Other than the location, not much else has changed – you can expect the same furniture, decor, same menu and same live jazz entertainment every Wednesdays. Some standard favorites include their fresh spring rolls, papaya salad, red and green curries, etc.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Dishes:

Vegetarian Spring Rolls (RMB 35)/ Green Mango Salad (RMB 45)

Minced Beef Salad with Lettuce (RMB 45)/ Pad Thai with Prawns (RMB 40)

Red Curry Vegetables (RMB 40)/ Lime Soda (RMB 28)/Mixed Fruit Shake (RMB 30)

Review of Purple Haze Bistro: On the East end of Dongsiliu tiao, also the corner of chaoyangmen beixiaojie and dongsiliutiao,1 Dongsiliutiao, 东四六条1号, Tel: 6501-9345

Best Part:

• One of Beijing’s best Thai restaurants – food is consistently good and prices are very reasonable.
• Cozy, charming ambiance set in a hutong courtyard
• Stella beer and Beijing Beer on draft (RMB 15 for a big mug)
• Live jazz entertainment every Wednesday
• They have free wi-fi and a long hallway of books to enjoy on a lazy afternoon

Comments:

• At the end of our meal, the waitstaff handed us a dining survey to fill out and when we handed it back to him, he proceeded to not only look at our responses, he also questioned us on each point that did not receive a high score.  I think it’s great when restaurants care about customer feedback, but not great for the customer when they are grilled about their responses on the spot.  Awkward.
• A great venue during Beijing’s warmer months, but also cozy during the winter as the rooftop is covered.

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

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 8
• Service: 5
• Overall Experience: 7
  

On Top of the World at Atmosphere

When you’re 80 stories high on the China World Summit Wing, you’re not only in the highest bar in Beijing, you’re balling out like you’re on top of the world.

“Atmosphere is the beacon of style for the discerning jet set who appreciate the finer things in life.”  – Shangri-la Hotel

That pretty much says it all right there.

A relatively newly opened bar and lounge, Atmosphere boasts one of the best views of the city, stunning interior design, over 300 cocktails to choose from, an impressive selection of single malts, live music entertainment and DJ after-hours.

Atmosphere is all about image and they definitely deliver.  I was not stoked on the service, but I was so caught up in all the twinkling lights surrounding me, it really wasn’t an issue at all.

Overall, Atmosphere is sure to impress out-of-town visitors and a perfect venue for business networking, a swanky date or to celebrate a special occasion.

If I had to make a comparison, I’d say Atmosphere is a better, more refined version of Centro.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Atmosphere’s Interior:

Review of Atmosphere: On the 80th Floor of China World Summit Wing (between Kerry Center and Trader’s), 1 Jianguomenwai, 国贸3期80层 , Tel: 6505-2299 ext 6433

Best Part:

• Stunning 360 views of the city, beautiful interior decor, perfect lighting, a real world-class lounge and bar
• Selection of 300 cocktails (including fresh fruit cocktails), an extensive collection of single malts & fine cigars
• Live music entertainment & DJ Azat on the decks
• Impressive glass wine cellar
  

Comments:

• While the design was immaculate and and music was appropriate, the vibe from Atmosphere’s clientele was quite pretentious. But then again, I should expect nothing less at a venue like Atmosphere.  Not exactly my cup of tea, but definitely a beautiful venue for a special occasion or a place to impress for a business drink.

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

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

LumDimSum Snapshots at Atmosphere:

From Avatar to Harajuku girls: Halloween 2010

With a million and one Halloween parties all over town, it just goes to show Beijingers not only love this holiday, they like to go all out.

Every year, Club BLING hosts its annual Cash Money Halloween Bash and hands out RMB 5,000 cold, hard cash to the costume that get the most applause and love. This makes great incentive for people to get innovative and let loose.

With people decked out in everything and everyone from Pin-Up Girls, Garfield, Harajuku Girls, Dexter Morgan, Bridezilla, Avatar, Superheroes, Vampires and Lego-Men, the crowd went nuts for all the creative costumes around!

Bling’s Cash Money Halloween Costume Contest:

Although Avatar and Ms. Skunk came close as the runner-ups, the Winner of the Night:

(drum roll)

………

The Other Charlie’s Angels

LumDimSum Snapshots of Bling’s Cash Money Halloween Bash:

Until Next Year…

That’s All Folks!

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:

Up Close and Personal with AAB’s Talented Artists

Last Thursday, Affordable Art Beijing (AAB) hosted an engaging and interactive art event with three of their most popular artists.

Organized by AAB Founder and Director Tom Pattinson at their newest exhibition at Langham Place Hotel (by T3 airport), AAB favorite Liu Aijing gave a demonstration of her artwork, revealing the complexities behind each step of her process, explaining how she creates intricate gold, silver and bronze layers beneath the watercolor in her artwork.

Following this fascinating demonstration, both Chen Yu and Hua Jiming spoke to audiences about their background, their artwork’s inspirations and greatest challenges along with an introduction to their newest projects.

Overall, the event had a pretty decent turn-out considering the venue is out by T3 Capital Airport, and the intimate sessions with such remarkably talented artists made this event definitely worth the journey.

I encourage anyone who finds themselves with extra time to spare before or after a trip to the capital airport to stop by Langham Place and check out their gallery by Affordable Art Beijing. This particular exhibition will be on display until the end of November, after which will present a new exhibition by AAB’s top artists.

If you are interested in some of the particular art pieces in this exhibition, you can contact AAB Founder Tom Pattinson directly – tom@affordableartbeijing.com.

To check out more contemporary art, you can browse local artists on AAB’s website here.

LumDimSum Snapshots of AAB’s Exhibition at Langham Place:

12-Week Body Transformation Challenge Winners

Contestant Tony Nicholson wins Best Male and Best Overall Body Transformation

This year the World Health Store launched their very first 12-week Body Transformation Challenge in Beijing and what an amazing turnout it was!

They started with over 50 contestants, which was narrowed down to 10 finalists who competed last Friday for their chance to win over 100,000rmb worth of cash and prizes. The energy in the room was high and the suspense was intense.

In just 12 weeks, the participants truly made miraculous transformations. The final results were unreal and totally mind blowing.

10 Finalists Group Pic

See here a before and after shot of Tony Nicholson, winner of both “Best Male” and “Best Overall” categories.  Not only was his change the most drastic, going from 24% body fat to 8%, he displayed a home-made video of his 12-week journey winning him thousands in gift certificates and prize money.

“Best Male” & “Best Overall” winner Tony Nicholson lost 16% body fat!

“Best Female” winner, Dorothy Cronin lost 16 kilos and over 22 inches!

As one of the four judges (representing both LumDimSum and the Hatsune Restaurant Group), it was difficult to choose just one winner knowing how hard each contestant worked over the 12 weeks, each one making life-changing steps toward a healthier lifestyle.  Not only was it inspirational, it really goes to show that exercise and a healthy diet really does make a world of difference.

Congratulations to both Dorothy Cronin “Best Female” and Tony Nicholson “Best Male & Best Overall” on their incredible achievements!

LumDimSum Snapshots of 12 Week Body Transformation Challenge Finale Party @ Zeta Bar (Hilton):

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:

Russian Roulette: Traktirr Pushkin

Generous portions + a giant menu + super cheap bottles of vodka and pitchers of Russian beer = Recipe for a successful Russian restaurant

Located just next door to the Russian embassy, Traktirr Pushkin is consistently full of Russian clientele.

My second time dining here was a reminder of my delightful, yet hazy first experience.  Going along with the theme of Russian culture, both times I found myself knocking back shots of vodka and chasing it down with dark beer (so American, I know). It’s rough for someone who rarely goes past a glass of wine at dinner, but vodka does actually (and quite nicely might I add) compliment caviar and all those potato-filled, cheese and mayo-covered hearty Russian dishes.

Highlights of our meal were the salads (RMB 15-35), Borsch Soup (RMB 18), Beef Steak with onions & mushrooms (RMB 40), Banana or Apple Crepe Dessert (RMB 16).

LumDimSum Snapshots of ordered menu items:

Beetroot Mixed with Vegetables (RMB 15)/Kamchatka (herring, apple, potato, beetroot, sour cucumber) RMB 22

Potatoes, Herring, and pickles (RMB 22)/ White Sea Salad with Salmon & Avocado (RMB 34)

Borsch Soup (RMB 18), Beef Steak with Onions & Mushrooms (RMB 40)

Roasted Duck with baked apples and bilberry sauce/ Potatoes Stuffed with Apples (RMB 16)

Crepes Stuffed with Bananas (RMB 16)/Crepes Stuffed with Apples (RMB 16)

Review of Traktirr Pushkin: Located West of Dongzhimen subway station, 5-15 Dongzhimen Neidajie, 东直门内大街5-15, Tel: 8407-8158

Best Part:

• Great value – generous portions and reasonably priced
• Highly recommended dishes: the Kamchatka: herring, apple, potato, beetroot, sour cucumber (RMB 22)Borsch Soup (RMB 18), Chicken Kiev (RMB 38) and Crepes stuffed with bananas (RMB 16).
• A great venue if you’re with a big, lively group of friends looking to get sloshed on Russian vodka.
• Very reasonably priced pitchers of dark ale beer (RMB 40) and bottles of vodka.
• They offer delivery service (minimum order is RMB 50 and free transportation for any location within 2km).
• If there isn’t a live band, then there are cheesy Russian music videos playing on a screen. Classic.

Comments:

• Service was MIA and not very friendly.
• I am not familiar with Russian food, but seemed like everything we had was drenched in either mayo, cheese, potato or all of the above.  It was delish, but honestly a bit heavy for my stomach. Then again, I guess it’s appropriate for heavy food to coat your stomach to compliment the vodka shots.

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

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 4
• Overall Experience: 6
  

LumDimSummary: BJ Foodies @ SWITCH!

Last Sunday, BJ Foodies hosted their monthly “Indulge for a Cause” foodies event at SWITCH!, the restaurant project in 798 Art District by Chef Billy Kawaja & his catering team at Culinary Capers.

With the dining space completely open to a massive open kitchen featuring four live food stations and practically unlimited drinks, this was an amazing foodie experience.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Live Food Stations:

Arugula Salad with pears, cranberries, walnuts and Parmesan /Mac & Cheese Truffles

Duck Confit Sandwich / Grilled Prawn Tacon

Donuts in a Bag / Strawberry Pepper Martini

LumDimSum Snapshots: Open Kitchen Dining Experience @ SWITCH!:

Highlights of the dinner at SWITCH! were the Prawn Tacons, Arugula Salad and Strawberry Pepper Martini.

As an added bonus, BJ Foodies raised a total of ￥2423.50 RMB for CHINA CARE.

Shout out to Ms. Alice Chen for introducing CHINA CARE and helping to spread the word.

*We will soon be organizing trips for active volunteers at their orphanage in Shuangjing, so please contact me directly (kristen@lumdimsum.com) if you are interested in volunteer opportunities.

Alice Chen (L) with CHINA CARE representatives

SEP Charity Theme: ‘CARE’