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:

LumDimSummary: Karaiya’s Wine Maker Dinner

This past Saturday, Alan Wong joined forces with Globus Wines in presenting a unique Wine Maker Dinner featuring four exquisite Robert Weil Reisling Wines paired with a special menu by Karaiya Spice House.

LumDimSummary:

4 Unique Robert Weil Riesling White Wines

+ 8 signature Karaiya dishes

+ 1 German Wine Maker from Global Wines

= 25 Wine Geeks Embracing their Mutual Love for Riesling Whites

LumDimSum Snapshots of Robert Weil Wine Maker Dinner @ Karaiya Spice House:

Cheers to another brilliant wine event!

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:

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’

Outdustry & Bespoke Go Sumo

Outdustry & Bespoke Beijing‘s monthly office parties are easily one of the major highlights of my month (each and every month).

These office parties are really one-of-a-kind. Generous and gracious hosts aside, there’s always free beer, local chuar, an eclectic mix of music, art, film industry cats and unlike your typical office, Outdustry/Bespoke’s office is set in a beautiful hutong courtyard just south of Guijie.

On top of the usual good people, good beer and good music, we couldn’t resist the urge to indulge in some sumo fun. Inspired by the Hatsune 9 Year Anniversary Party, it was only natural that we get the sumo suits too, the perfect addition to our monthly office party.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Outdustry & Bespoke Gone Sumo:

My Favorite Photo of the Night.

Scratch that.

Favorite Photo EVER

LumDimSummary: Migas Soft & Grand Openings

A newly opened Spanish restaurant on the 6th floor of Nali Patio, Migas celebrates their restaurant opening with both a private soft opening party on Wednesday, August 18 and a grand opening launch party on Friday, August 20th.

Despite the pouring rain on Wednesday night, Migas still managed to pack the house serving everyone Spanish wines and cava (sparkling Spanish wine) together with a wide selection of giant Spanish and Mediterranean tapas.

While the rooftop lounge opened this weekend, the restaurant will officially be opening on Tuesday, August 24, 2010.

• Address: 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun North Road, 三里屯北街81号那里花园6层
• Tel: 5208-6061

Snapshots of Migas’ Invite-Only Soft Opening Party on Wednesday, Aug. 18:

Rooftop Lounge Opening Party on Friday, August 20:

LumDimSummary: BLING II BLING

Beijing’s hottest hip-hop club, BLING, celebrated its two year anniversary party in style with bottles of Goose, an endless supply of champagne, car-washing dancing divas and Beijing’s craziest party animals.

A big thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with us!

LumDimSum Photo Gallery of Bling’s 2 Year Birthday Bash:

LumDimSummary: Telihana Launch Party

Signed with Love from candy&caviar and LumDimSum

At The Beach this Friday night, Telihana launched her brand new music video for her single All NiGHT! and performed another one of her latest songs – about her crew and giving love to all her people.

Check out Telihana’s All NiGHT! music video on youtube here.

LumDimSummary:

Telihana not only packed out The Beach with all her fans and friends (even her parents were there!), she also put on a stellar show and gave her people what they came for:  The One and Only, Telihana.

LumDimSummary: Usher Pre-Party @ BLING

Apologizes for the delay in getting these photos posted, but better late than never right?

Pictures speak a thousand words, so this photo gallery should give you plenty to take in.

Here’s the LumDimSummary of this awesome event @ BLING last weekend:

*Special thanks to 8th Round and Street Hustle for making this event such a success!

Don’t miss Da Real Hip-Hop Party TONIGHT! DJ Noodles & Beatbox Double’s mad skillz will be on display tonight @ BLING!

LumDimSummary: Playboy Party @ ROOMbeijing

Superstar Guest DJ Dimitri from Paris

+

Lots of Bunnies

= A Packed House With Way Too Many Sweaty People

*Note to self: Come earlier to check out ROOMbeijing‘s dinner –> party transition.

ROOMbeijing definitely felt more like a lounge/club than a restaurant/lounge.

See for yourself.

LumDimSum Photo Gallery from Playboy Party @ ROOMbeijing:

LumDimSummary: Fourth of July BBQ Fun

LumDimSummary Breakdown of Fourth of July:

Guest Star Chef: Asher Gillespie

+

Birthday Girl: Julia Li

+

Amazing Appetizers: Asher’s famous 7 Layer Dip + Mac & Cheese + Crab Wontons + Potato Salad

+

Mighty Meats: Steaks + Sausage hot dogs + BBQ ribs + Korean BBQ Beef + Spicy Chicken Drums

+

Mango Margaritas

= A BOMB Birthday BBQ Celebration

*** HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! ***

LumDimSummary: thePark @ BLING

thePark’s WesChen & Jeff Kung

(Hosts of China’s First & Only Hip-Hop Show thePark on 88.7 FM)

+ DJ Wordy on the Decks

(3x DMC champ)

+ Live Performances by Sbazzo, Lil’ Ray, Jiawei & Jiezi (in3)

(Local Hip-Hop Legends)

+ The Forbidden City Rockers

(Beijing’s Best Breakdance Crew)

+ Free USHER Ticket Giveaways

(Provided by 8th Round & Street Hustle Promotions)

= A Night of Epic Hip-Hop @ BLING

LumDimSum Photo Gallery:

Worthy of the Reputation: DJ Tittsworth

There’s a reason why DJ Tittsworth continues to be invited back to Beijing.  The guy is not only an incredibly talented DJ, he’s such a sincere, down-to-earth & friendly guy.

Props to Tittsworth for keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed.

LumDimSummary of DJ Tittsworth @ Punk:

2 DJs with Mad Skillz

(DJ Tittsworth & Punk’s Resident DJ Saul D)

+

2 Bumping Birthday Bashes

(Happy Birthday to Dado & Max)

=   2 Much Fun on a Sunday Night

LumDimSum Photo Gallery:

Happy Birthday Max!!

LumDimSummary: Baguettes Make You Banh Mi Now!

If you didn’t happen to catch LumDimSum’s post on Banh Mi Now! passing out free mini sandwiches on Saturday, here’s what you missed:

Vietnamese White Pork Loaf Baguette

Tasty & Satisfying, these Banh Mi Vietnamese baguettes are baked fresh daily with an authentic Vietnamese recipe.

Stuffed with either 1 grilled meat or 2 chilled meats, pickled daikon and carrots, mayonnaise, pate, soy sauce, coriander, and cucumber. Served with a red-hot spicy sauce.

We tried the Vietnamese White Pork Loaf Baguette & the Vietnamese Head Cheese Baguette.

To pair with our complimentary mini baguettes, we also ordered the Goi Cuon -Shrimp & Pork Summer Rolls (RMB 23) – Shrimps wrapped with leaf lettuce, sliced pork, strips of cucumber, vermicelli, mint & Chinese chives in a fresh rice paper roll and spicy dipping sauce.

Banh Mi Now! also offers a wide range of exotic summer fruit shakes ranging from RMB 15-30 – from banana, strawberry, lychee, mango, watermelon, lime, kiwi, passionfruit, guava, coconut, durian, mangosteen, avocado, cantalope, honeymelon, pineapple, etc.

I asked Jun to make me a combination of Lychee and Honeymelon and it was absolutely delicious and refreshing. Next time, I will be more adventurous and try their highly recommended Avocado Shake.

*Banh Mi Now! is part of the Luga Empire, located above Little Luga’s in Tongli Studio.  They specialize in quick & casual Vietnamese fare from spring rolls to pho & now these authentic Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwiches & Summer Shakes!