The New and Improved 1949 Duck de Chine Jinbao Jie

This place is gorgeous. I was so in awe of my surroundings that I spent 30 minutes just wandering around taking photos of everything.

If you have ever been to the original Duck de Chine in 1949 Hidden City in South Sanlitun, the decor of both venues run in similar themes with the same red lanterns hanging from the ceilings and green/teal floral paintings along the walls, but this layout is even better. Housed in a large siheyuan with an open courtyard in the middle surrounded by clear glass walls with views into the kitchen, bar area and dining space, this is really a space you can explore.

LumDimSum Snapshots of the New Duck de Chine in Jinbao:

I could really go on and on about how stunning this venue is, but considering this is a restaurant review, I will move on to equally as important matters – the food (in this case, the DUCK).

The DUCK of Duck de Chine: 

One whole roast duck will set you back RMB 238, but the presentation and service is flawless and the sauce is a show in itself. This is my favorite part (second to the decor) as it is utterly unique and a swirl of perfection.  A waitress comes around and adds in extra sauces and with one swish of the sauce bowl, it becomes a work of art.  Literally.  It’s marvelous.  In general, I was most impressed by the duck’s sauce and also their Tofu & Duck Soup (RMB 58 per person). Almost USD$10 for a small bowl of soup, but it is soothing and a perfect compliment to duck pancakes.

Chefs Roasting Ducks in Open Kitchen / Family Dinner Pic

Enjoy duck served to you table side (RMB 238 for whole duck)

Tofu & Duck Soup (RMB 58 per bowl) / Swirl of Duck Dipping Sauce (duck fixings are RMB 8 per person)

Aside from the two ducks we ordered, we went to town on the other dishes on their menu.  Highlights include their Bamboo Shoots in Chili Oil (RMB 48), Deep-fried Tofu (RMB 68), Sauteed Shrimp in Chili Oil (RMB 168), and their Sauteed Chicken Bones with Gingko in Maggie Sauce (RMB 128).  Yes, the chicken bones are awesome…that is, if you like your food chewy and crunchy at the same time. A bit oily, but very tasty.

Every dish served was clearly very high quality and tasty, but the prices are just on another level compared to even higher-end Chinese restaurants. The portions were small considering it’s meant to be family-style and shared.  Although it was good, you are definitely bound to pay a pretty penny at Duck de Chine (and that goes for both branches).

Other Dishes by Duck de Chine:

Dry Plum Infused Pumpkin (RMB 38) / Marinated Black Fungus with Spring Onions (RMB 48)

Bamboo Shoots in Chili Oil (RMB 48) / Chinese

Sauteed Shrimp with Chili Sauce (RMB168) / Poached Chinese cabbage with Wild Mushrooms in Chicken Soup (RMB 98)

Deep Fried Tofu with Salt and Spice (RMB 78) / Sauteed Chicken Bones with Gingko in Maggie Sauce (RMB 128)

Stir-fried Beef with Spring Onions in XO Sauce (RMB 148) / Sauteed Been Vermicelli with Wild Mushrooms and Dried Shrimps (RMB 88)

Fried Noodles with Shredded Chicken & Bean Sprout in XO Sauce (RMB 88) / Pan-fried Pork Dumplings (RMB 32 for 3)

Dessert & Fruit Platter

Review of the NEW Duck de Chine: 1949 Hidden City 2, 98 Jinbaojie, Dongcheng district 东城区金宝街98号; Tel: 6521 2221

Best Part:

• Hands-down, the DECOR is the best part about this venue.  It is stunning and if you’ve seen the first Duck de Chine, it’s already hard to believe this one is even more beautiful. This is an ideal place to take out-of-town visitors who want to try Beijing duck.
• The location of this new Duck de Chine branch is even better as well.  Of course Sanlitun is closer to me (and most people in the East side of Beijing), but this location is much closer and more accessible when you’re playing tour guide and closer to the vicinity of Tiananmen, Forbidden City and Chang An Jie. 
• The statues all around are pretty sweet and I love the giant faceless bear statues outside in the center courtyard.
• The duck’s sauce! I can’t get over how pretty sauce can be with just a swirl. The duck itself is good, but I’ve had better (Made in China is still my favorite and you can see my top Duck hit list). 
• The roast duck ovens are blocked off by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, so it’s completely open for all to see, a very nice touch.
• They have a giant bar stocked with bottles of champagne chilling on ice.  Quite fancy and if anything, a bit intimidating.
• Recently opened, this is a very swanky place to check out for those on the hunt for new and impressive finds. 

Comments:

• While the decor really blew me away, I’ve got to say I was not that impressed with the food.  I realize the quality and presentation is all very good, but portions are small and price tags are exorbitant. But as you can imagine from a place like this, it’s definitely a “special occasion” kind of place rather than a place you can frequent.
• Service was professional and attentive and their sommelier is extremely knowledgeable of wines.  Private wine dinners here would work exceptionally well.
• The place is quite big and wraps around in a giant siheyuan courtyard so space is quite separated and has a vibe that’s much more exclusive as opposed to inclusive and intimate.  
• Generally, the menu prices of their dishes are much higher than even high-end Chinese restaurants, but in this case, I guess you’re paying more for the decor and the experience of dining in such a stunning and impressive dining establishment.  Generally expect to spend avg. RMB 300 per person (doesn’t include alcohol). 

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

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 10
• Service: 8
• Overall Experience: 8

Chi Fan for Charity 2011: Tickets are Now on Sale!

“Good Eats. Good Times. Good Causes.”

Good food, good company and all for good causes – this really is my ideal event. As a proud member of the Chi Fan for Charity team, I am excited to be a part of such an inspiring event that involves such a strong community of individuals to come together and really make a difference with the selected charities we sponsor this year.

The concept for the charity event is simple. Restaurants donate set menus to the charity, which then charge diners for a specially-prepared meal. Each restaurant is offering at least three courses and two wine pairings for a table of 10.

Who can say no to being a part of such an all-around win-win-win situation?!  If you haven’t already booked your seat at one of the 39 fine dining establishments on board, tickets went on sale this week!

Many of the restaurants are already sold out (Agua, Bei, Barolo, Hatsune, Made in China, Mosto, Nobu, Orchid, Maison Boulud), but there are still 24 restaurants to choose from including Capital M, Susu, Sureno, ROOMbeijing, Modo, Karaiya Spice House, Punjabi, The Courtyard and the highly anticipated Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB) by Maison Boulud’s ex-GM Ignace Lecleir.

“CFFC is happy to report that some of the Capital’s most interesting and influential people will once again host our tables. The evening will be filled with opportunities;talk economics with Forbes’ Gady Epstein, debate which restaurant has the best Kao Ya with restaurateur Alan Wong, gossip about philanthropy with Red Cross’ Ramsey Rayyis or discuss this season’s best reads with Penguin’s Managing director Jo Lusby. 2011′s table hosts are shaping up to be even more intriguing than last year’s stellar group.” – CFFC Newsletter

A dining event that’s won Culinary Event of the Year in Beijing in 2010, Chi Fan for Charity has expanded to Shanghai this year (with the help of organizing sponsor Austen Morris) and has set an ambitious goal to raise RMB 300,000 in this one night to be donated entirely to both the Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation and is now bringing its theme to Shanghai.

Visit http://www.chifanforcharity.org/bookings/restaurants/category/beijing-restaurants/ to book your spot at one of Beijing’s top 39 restaurants on November 5 at 7:30 pm.  Just select the restaurant of your choice and then follow instructions to purchase your tickets.  Remember: 100% of proceeds will go to Bethel Foundation and New Hope Foundation.

And if that wasn’t good enough, the legendary after-party at Hatsune Sanlitun Branch will be where all diners unite together for boozin and schmoozin with old skool dance tracks by DJ Patrick Yu and drinks will be flowing courtesy of The Wine Republic, Kis Natural Vodka, El Charro Tequila, Tiger Beer and Hatsune.

In addition to great drinks and company, CFFC will feature some amazing silent auction packages. Although we can’t divulge what we have secured, we can guarantee that one lucky donor will be taken away on a once in a lifetime vacation.

Pictures from Chi Fan for Charity 2010:

theBeijinger’s 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards: Hatsune Wins Best Japanese 7 Years Running

On Monday, March 21, Hatsune took home Best Japanese for the 7th year running at theBeijinger’s Reader Restaurant Awards!

Considering this was theBeijinger’s 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards, that’s pretty much a perfect record.

Congratulations to Alan Wong, owner of the Hatsune Empire, for holding it strong and staying on top of the game 7 years straight.  That’s gotta be the longest-running record in town!

Get excited because this year Hatsune will be celebrating its 10 year anniversary in August 2011. If you thought Hatsune’s 9 year anniversary party and Chi Fan for Charity After Party was wild last year, you are in store for a treat this coming August.  Stay tuned for details….

Other big winners from the awards ceremony include:

• Maison Boulud – Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese), Best French, Wine List, Most Romantic Meal, Best Service
• Da Dong – Restaurant of the Year (Chinese), Best for Impressing Visitors, Best Beijing Duck, Best for Impressing Visitors
• Capital M – Best high-end brunch, Afternoon Tea, Outdoor Dining,
• Mosto – Best Business Lunch, Best Steak, & MODO got Best New Restaurant

For a complete list of all Beijinger Dining Awards Categories and Winners, click here.

Maison Boulud & Da Dong Collect “Restaurant of the Year”

Dali Courtyard / Capital M

Modo / Agua / Biteapitta

SALT / Gung Ho! Pizza

Michael & Joanna Crain for Culinary Event of the Year: Chi Fan for Charity 2010!

While many of this year’s winners are very deserving of their awards, I was disappointed to see a few of my favorite restaurants without any recognition – Bei (in the Opposite House), Black Sesame Kitchen, Karaiya Spice House, and Madame Zhu’s Kitchen to name a few.  And I am really fed up with repeat winners  - Annie’s winning Best Italian (come on people, it’s not best delivery service), Ganges for Best Indian (really not that great), and Element Fresh for Best American, Best Sandwiches, and Best Affordable Brunch? I only approve of their smoothies and salads and boycott the rest.

theBeijinger’s Restaurant Award Winners vs. LumDimSum’s Votes:

Afternoon Tea

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

American

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote: Chef Too

Beijing Duck

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote: Made in China

Brunch (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Fennel

Brunch (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote: Vineyard Cafe

Burger

• Beijinger Winner: Let’s Burger

• LumDimSum Vote: Let’s Burger

Business Lunch

• Beijinger Winner: Mosto

• LumDimSum Vote: Alameda

Cantonese (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Lei Garden

• LumDimSum Vote:  Zenses, Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Cantonese (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Jin Ding Xuan

• LumDimSum Vote: Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇

Culinary Event of the Year

• Beijinger Winner: Chi Fan for Charity (Nov 6, 2010)

• LumDimSum Vote: Chi Fan for Charity (Nov 6, 2010)

Décor

• Beijinger Winner: LAN

• LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

Dim Sum

• Beijinger Winner: Din Tai Fung

• LumDimSum Vote:  Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇

Family-Friendly Restaurant

• Beijinger Winner: Annie’s

• LumDimSum Vote:  The Orchard

For Impressing Visitors

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote:  Duck de Chine

For a Romantic Meal

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Capital M

French (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Maison Boulud

French (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Brasserie Flo

• LumDimSum Vote: Crepanini

Hot Pot

• Beijinger Winner: Haidiliao

• LumDimSum Vote:  Haidiliao

Hotel Brunch

• Beijinger Winner: Bubbalicious, Westin Beijing Chaoyang

• LumDimSum Vote:  Bubbly Sundays at Senses, Westin Beijing Financial Street

Indian/Pakistani

• Beijinger Winner: Ganges

• LumDimSum Vote:  Punjabi

Italian (High-End)

• Beijinger Winner: Sureño, The Opposite House

• LumDimSum Vote:  Sadler Ristorante

Italian (Affordable)

• Beijinger Winner: Annie’s

• LumDimSum Vote:  LMPLUS (Central Park)

Japanese

• Beijinger Winner: Hatsune

• LumDimSum Vote:  Hatsune and Kagen Teppanyaki

Korean

• Beijinger Winner: Saveurs de Coree

• LumDimSum Vote:  Ai Jiang Shan

Kung Pao Chicken

• Beijinger Winner: Xiao Wang Fu

• LumDimSum Vote:  Black Sesame Kitchen

Late-Night Dining

• Beijinger Winner: Bellagio

• LumDimSum Vote:  Jin Ding Xuan or my local Ch’uar stand

Mexican/Tex-Mex

• Beijinger Winner: Saddle Cantina

• LumDimSum Vote: Casa Latina

Middle Eastern

• Beijinger Winner: Biteapitta

• LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

Outdoor Dining

• Beijinger Winner: Capital M

• LumDimSum Vote: Dali Courtyard

Pizza

• Beijinger Winner: The Tree

• LumDimSum Vote: Gung Ho! Pizza

Russian

• Beijinger Winner:  Traktirr Pushkin

• LumDimSum Vote: Traktirr Pushkin

Sandwiches

• Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh

• LumDimSum Vote:  Hercules

Service

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote:  Fennel

Sichuan

• Beijinger Winner: South Beauty

• LumDimSum Vote: Madame Zhu’s Kitchen

Spanish

• Beijinger Winner: Agua

• LumDimSum Vote: Agua

Steak

• Beijinger Winner: Mosto

• LumDimSum Vote: The Cut Grill (Fairmont Hotel)

Thai

• Beijinger Winner: Purple Haze

• LumDimSum Vote:  Tuk Tuk

Vegetarian

• Beijinger Winner: Pure Lotus

• LumDimSum Vote:  Samadhi Teahouse

Vietnamese

• Beijinger Winner: Muse

• LumDimSum Vote:  Banh Mi Now!

Wine List

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote: Enoterra

Yunnan

• Beijinger Winner: Middle 8th Restaurant

• LumDimSum Vote: Aimo Town

New Restaurant (Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Little Yunnan

• LumDimSum Vote: Xu Xian Lou

New Restaurant (Non-Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Modo

• LumDimSum Vote: Modo

Restaurant of the Year (Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Da Dong

• LumDimSum Vote: Karaiya Spice House

Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese)

• Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud

• LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

Jingzun: Affordable Beijing Duck Alternative

With several branches around Beijing, JingZun Peking Duck Restaurant 京尊烤鸭店 is consistently packed with both expats and locals on a daily basis.  It’s not the best Peking duck in town, but it’s very affordable and they offer many other tasty dishes for incredible value as well.  Menu is extensive and easy to order with pictures and both Chinese and English text (or should I say Chinglish text).

If you want to go all in for throw down for the best duck in town, then Beijing’s best is still Made in China hands-down.  Duck de Chine in 1949 also succeeds in making a big impression on guests with its extravagant decor and excellent service.  But if you want to go the casual, local route, then Jingzun is a great alternative choice.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Jingzun’s Interior:

LumDimSum Snapshots of Jingzun’s Dishes:

Spinach & Peanuts in Sour Sauce (RMB 16)/ Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus (RMB 18)

Duck Gizzards with Fragrant Cedar (RMB 26)/ Mu Er with Shrimps (RMB 26)

Baby Cabbage with Pork (RMB 22)/ Braised Beijing Intestinal (RMB 28)

Braised Eggplant with Pork (RMB 29)/ Fried Cabbage with Salted Pork (RMB 22)

Jingzun’s Signature Beijing Duck (RMB 98 for whole duck or RMB 56 for half)

Review of JingZun Peking Duck Restaurant 京尊烤鸭店 : On east side of Guanghua Lu (east of Hatsune), 1/F Bldg 6, 朝阳区朝阳区光华路东口6号楼1楼 , Tel: 6595 6924

Best Part:

• Popular Beijing Duck restaurant chain with very reasonable prices.
• Restaurants are located all over the city
• Extensive menu selection of popular Chinese dishes
• Nice VIP private dining rooms (photo right)

Comments:

• Call ahead to reserve your duck or you could wait ages to finally get it to your table.
• I recommend the Guanghua Lu branch over the branch by Season’s Park on Chunxiu Lu.

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

• Food: 7
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 5
• Overall Experience: 6
  

CW Reader’s Choice Awards vs. LumDimSum

Unlike theBeijinger and Time Out magazines, CityWeekend lumps both the Dining & Nightlife Award Categories into one evening rather than split it up into two events. And for the first time this year, CityWeekend changed it up and actually kept the vote count visible to the public and made sure that every voter had a validated CW User Name Account.

If you are interested in comparing results, check out theBeijinger Restaurant Awards Breakdown posted here.  Time Out’s Restaurant Awards Breakdown is posted here.

I unfortunately was not in Beijing to attend the CityWeekend’s awards ceremony at Brasserie Flo, but word on the street was that it was packed and the turn-out was impressive.

If you haven’t seen the results already, here is a LumDimSummary Breakdown of all the winners in both the Restaurant & Bar Awards Categories:

CityWeekend’s Awards for Best Dining Categories:

• Best New Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Tamarind

  • LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

• Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: SALT

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

• Chinese Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Zen5es

  • LumDimSum Vote: Karaiya Spice House

• Most Romantic:

  • CW Winner: Jaan

  • LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

• Best Value:

  • CW Winner: Kiosk

  • LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

• Chef of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Mario Cittadini

  • LumDimSum Vote: Max Levy – Bei/Apothecary

• Best Service:
  

  • CW Winner: Maison Boulud

  • LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud

• Best Mexican/Tex-Mex:

  • CW Winner: Casa Latina

  • LumDimSum Vote: Casa Latina

• Best Italian:
  

  • CW Winner: Prego

  • LumDimSum Vote: Metro

• Best Japanese:

  • CW Winner: Nishimura

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

• Best French:

  • CW Winner: Maison Boulud

  • LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud

• Best Thai:

  • CW Winner: Purple Haze

  • LumDimSum Vote: Aroy-D (by Fulicheng)

• Best American:

  • CW Winner: Chef Too

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Indian:

  • CW Winner: Mughal’s

  • LumDimSum Vote: Punjabi

• Best Middle-Eastern:

  • CW Winner: 1001 Nights

  • LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

• Best Beijing Duck:

  • CW Winner: Fat Duck

  • LumDimSum Vote: Made in China (Grand Hyatt)

• Best Hot Pot:

  • CW Winner: Ding Ding Xiang

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hai Di Lao

• Best Burger:

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Pizza:

  • CW Winner: The Tree

  • LumDimSum Vote: The Tree

• Best Dessert:

  • CW Winner: Din Tai Fung

  • LumDimSum Vote: Comptoirs de France

• Best Steakhouse:

  • CW Winner: Grange (Westin Chaoyang)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Meat & Wine Co. (but it’s closed now)    I will need to find a new favorite steakhouse…
    

• Best Wine Selection:

  • CW Winner: Enoteca

  • LumDimSum Vote: Palette Vino

• Best Buffet:

  • CW Winner: Seasonal Tastes

  • LumDimSum Vote: Westin Chaoyang

• Best Sunday Brunch:

  • CW Winner: Bubbalicious (Westin Chaoyang)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Orchard

• Best for Families:

  • CW Winner: Din Tai Fung, Seasonal Tastes (Tie)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Orchard

CityWeekend’s Awards for Best Bar/Club Categories:

• Club of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Mix

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Bar of the Year:
  

  • CW Winner: Apothecary

  • LumDimSum Vote: Apothecary

• Nightlife Newcomer of the Year:

  • CW Winner: White Rabbit

  • LumDimSum Vote: Fubar

• Best Local Band of the Year:

  • CW Winner: The Redbucks

  • LumDimSum Vote:  The Redbucks

• Beijing-Based DJ of the Year:

  • CW Winner: DJ Blackie

  • LumDimSum Vote:  DJ KEZA

• Best Alfresco Drinking:

  • CW Winner: XIU

  • LumDimSum Vote: Q Bar

• Best Live Music:

  • CW Winner: Mao Live House

  • LumDimSum Vote: Yugong Yishan

• Best Cocktails:

  • CW Winner: Mix-The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

  • LumDimSum Vote: Glen

• Best Place for Singles:

  • CW Winner: Mix

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Best for Dancing:

  • CW Winner: GT Banana

  • LumDimSum Vote: BLING

• Best Sports Bar:
  

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Hardest Bar to Find:

  • CW Winner: Fubar Peking

  • LumDimSum Vote: Club Obiwan

• Best Pub Grub:
  

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Fruit Plate:

  • CW Winner: Destination

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Best Promoter:

  • CW Winner: Street Hustle Promotions

  • LumDimSum Vote: Acupuncture

Beijinger Restaurant Awards: Hatsune Wins Best Japanese 6 Years in a Row!

At theBeijinger’s Restaurant Awards on Tuesday, March 16, Hatsune took home Best Japanese for the 6th year in a row, along with Outstanding for Best Decor.

Congratulations to Alan Wong, owner of the Hatsune Empire, for holding it strong and staying at the top of the game 6 years running.

That’s gotta be a record!!

Owner of the Hatsune Empire, Alan Wong goes up on stage with baby Mason Wong to pick up his award for Best Japanese! 6 years in a row baby!

Other big winners from the awards ceremony include:

• SALT – Winner for Best Chef & Runner up for Best Business Lunch, Best Steak, Best Service, Restaurant of the Year
• Mosto – Runner Up for Best Chef, Best Business Lunch, Best Wine List, Best for a Romantic Meal, Restaurant of the Year
• Haidilao – Winner for Best HotPot, and Runner up for Best Service, Chinese Restaurant of the Year
• Da Dong – Winner for Best Contemporary Chinese, Best Duck, Best for Impressing Visitors, Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year
• Maison Boulud - Winner for Best French, Best for a Romantic Meal, Best Wine List, Best Service,  Best Western Restaurant of the Year

Complete list of all Beijinger Dining Awards Categories and Winners, click here.

Collecting Hatsune's Award for Best Japanese

LumDimSummary of Beijinger Restaurant Awards:

Best Part:

• iF Juice was a sponsor!  The most thirst-quenching, delicious fresh juice available in Beijing! I’m kind of obsessed.
• Alan Wong brought up baby Mason to collect his award for Best Japanese (6 years in a row!)
• Cheese by Yellow Valley Cheese is delicious
• Cherry flavored Beer
• Foodie Crowd Galore…or just PR people representing restaurants

Comments:

• Hosts were painfully bad.  Dominic Johnson-Hill of Plastered 8 T-shirts could not pronounce any names if his life depended on it and Ai Wan actually said, and I quote, “Wow! This is extraordinary a woman won Best Chef! Normally chefs are men.  Now, tell me Ana, how old are you?” Someone should censor that woman.
• Joy Luck provided no food for the event and it was just a very random location for a restaurant awards ceremony.

While many of the winners are very deserving of their awards, I was a disappointed to see Annie’s won Best Italian (come on people, it’s not best delivery service), Ganges for Best Indian (they just happen to have the best locations and marketing), and Element Fresh for Best American, Best Sandwiches, and Best Non-Hotel Brunch? I only approve of their smoothies and boycott the rest.

Beijinger’s Restaurant Award Winners vs. LumDimSum’s Votes:

• Best Contemporary Chinese – Beijinger Winner: Da Dong, LumDimSum Vote: Bei (Opposite House)
• Best Duck -Beijinger Winner: Da Dong, LumDimSum Vote: Made in China
• Best Sichuan – Beijinger Winner: South Beauty, LumDimSum Vote: Chuan Ban
• Best Dim Sum – Beijinger Winner: Jin Ding Xuan, LumDimSum Vote: Jin Ding Xuan (Tuanjiehu)
  
• Best Hot Pot – Beijinger Winner: Haidilao, LumDimSum Vote: Haidilao
• Best Kung Pao Chicken – Beijinger Winner: South Beauty, LumDimSum Vote: Black Sesame Kitchen
• Best Xinjiang – Beijinger Winner: Red Rose, LumDimSum Vote: Crescent Moon
• Best Yunan – Beijinger Winner: Middle 8th Restaurant, LumDimSum Vote: Middle 8th Restaurant
• Best French- Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud
• Best Indian / Pakistani – Beijinger Winner: Ganges, LumDimSum Vote: Punjabi
• Best Italian -Beijinger Winner: Annie’s, LumDimSum Vote: Sadler Ristorante & Metro
  
• Best Japanese – Beijinger Winner: Hatsune, LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune & Kagen Teppanyaki
• Best Mediterranean – Beijinger Winner: Sureno, LumDimSum Vote: Sureno
• Best Mexican – Beijinger Winner: Saddle Cantina, LumDimSum Vote: Pete’s Tex Mex
• Best Middle Eastern – Beijinger Winner: 1001 Nights, LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta
• Best Thai – Beijinger Winner: Purple Haze, LumDimSum Vote: Aroy-D (by Fulicheng)
• Best Vietnamese – Beijinger Winner: Muse, LumDimSum Vote: Luga’s Pho-Pho
• Best American – Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh, LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill
• Best Business Lunch – Beijinger Winner: Alameda, LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune
• Family-Friendly Restaurant – Beijinger Winner: Annie’s, LumDimSum Vote: Orchard
• Impressing Visitors – Beijinger Winner: Da Dong, LumDimSum Vote: Duck de Chine
• Best Brunch (Non-Hotel) – Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh, LumDimSum Vote: Orchard
• Best Hotel Brunch – Beijinger Winner: Westin Financial Street & Westin Chaoyang, LumDimSum Vote: Westin Chaoyang
• Best Pizza – Beijinger Winner: The Tree, LumDimSum Vote: The Tree
• Best Sandwiches – Beijinger Winner: Element Fresh, LumDimSum Vote: Sequoia Cafe
  
• Best Steak – Beijinger Winner: Meat & Wine Co., LumDimSum Vote: Meat & Wine Co.
• Best Tapas – Beijinger Winner: Olas Tapas Cafe, LumDimSum Vote: Mosaico
• Wine List – Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Enoteca
• Best Burger – Beijinger Winner: Let’s Burger, LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill
• Best For a Romantic Meal – Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Capital M
• Best Chef – Beijinger Winner: Ana Esteves – SALT, LumDimSum Vote: Max Levy – Bei/Apothecary
• Best Décor – Beijinger Winner: LAN, LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune & Capital M
• Best Service – Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud
• Restaurant of the Year (Chinese) – Beijinger Winner: Da Dong, LumDimSum Vote: Made in China
• Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese) – Beijinger Winner: Maison Boulud, LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

King of Ducks

If there is a visitor in Beijing, regardless if they are here on business or pleasure, their priority for dining should always be BEIJING DUCK.  End of discussion.

Here’s a list of my top 5 picks for Beijing Roast Duck (北京烤鸭):

1.  Made in China – Hands down my favorite duck restaurant. Best duck to ever touch my palette, great overall menu, and beautiful interior design.  Only down-side is that it’s located in a hotel and you need to make a reservation to get a table a few days in advance. A bit on the pricier side, but worth every penny.

2. Xiao Wang Fu 小王府 - If I’m not trying to impress any out-of-town guests and the priority is good value, then I opt for Xiao Wang Fu, a popular chain of duck restaurants with a good selection of classic Chinese dishes for a very reasonable price.

3. Duck de Chine - A place to impress visitors or business clients, the interior is exquisite and I’m sold by their special duck sauce (plum sauce with swirls of peanut and sesame sauce topped with roasted garlic). My mouth waters just thinking about it.  Great food, even better ambiance, so-so service, and expect to pay a pretty penny.

4. Da Dong大董烤鸭店- Often referred to as the Best Duck in Town, I think their duck does not even touch Made in China’s melt-in-your-mouth Beijing Duck.  They claim their duck is more lean and they have a few chain restaurants in town, and have also recently expanded upon their already extensive menu.

5. Li Qun 利群烤鸭店 - Tucked away and difficult to find, but a great destination for the more adventurous tourists on a budget.  Great duck for good value and a very authentic Chinese restaurant in terms of good food served in a poorly maintained establishment and lack of service.

In the past 3 years, I’ve been to many of the city’s top duck restaurants, but when a friend of a friend from high school came into town for only one day, I was eager to impress them with one of the city’s newest additions to the list of top duck restaurants: I introduced them to Duck de Chine, located in the factory-chic setting of 1949.

The setting was elegant, refined and upscale and the menu brings together recipes from both Chinese and French cuisine.  Within the restaurant, you feel like you could be anywhere in the world. The menu was extensive, the food was delicious and beautifully presented, and the duck was superb with the highlight of the experience being the special duck plum sauce with swirls of sesame and peanut sauce topped with roasted garlic. Brilliant. Another highlight of the evening was the Australian Lobster with E-Fu noodles and the Pan-Fried Beef Tenderloin.

Review of Duck de Chine: At 1949- The Hidden City: Courtyard 4, Gong Ti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Sanlitun. Opposite Pacific Century Place South gate. 北京朝阳区工体北路太平洋百货南门对面

Best Part:

• Their secret lies in their duck’s unique and innovative plum sauce, which combines sesame and peanut sauce together with roasted garlic. A heavenly combination and a perfect compliment for the Beijing Duck.
• The interior of the restaurant is exquisite and upscale, perfecting for impressing visitors
• The location of the restaurant within 1949 – The Hidden City makes it a great destination for dinner and drinks (just across the way from both Club Decollete & Club Glen).
• The menu is extensive with a lot of variety. Every dish was flavorful, delicious, and beautifully presented

Comments:

• It’s definitely on the pricier end of the list. Our table of 7 including wine and cocktails was over 3,000 RMB.
• Service was not up-to-par with the restaurant’s ambiance and product. There were quite a few mix-ups with our order and the waiter could not get a single drink right the entire night (kept bringing drinks to the wrong people/re-filling the wrong glasses).
• Bathrooms are down a flight of stairs.
• Definitely a place for impressing visitors/clients rather than a destination for locals.