Enoterra Turns 5: Birthday Wine & Tapas Carnival

Need I say more?

Enoterra Wine Bar & Restaurant is one of the best places in Beijing to enjoy quality, affordable wines. That is something worth raising your glass for!

Celebrate the past 5 years of success together with Enoterra Wine Bar & Restaurant with unlimited tapas and wine for only RMB 200 per person, a ridiculously good deal for all-you-can-drink wine and tapas all night.

I have no doubt the place will be a madhouse more than a birthday carnival with a deal like this.

I just hope for Enoterra’s sake that everyone and their mom won’t be taking advantage of this “too good to be true” promise…!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, May 18, 2012

• Time: 6PM-late

• Location: Enoterra Wine Bar & Restaurant

• Address: D405, Nali Huayuan, 81 Sanlitun Beilu,

  三里屯北路81号那里花园D405

• Tel: 5208-6076

• Contact:  info@enoterra.net

Early Birds Catch the World: Breakfast with 85 Broads

 85 Broads: Global Women’s Network

Rise and Shine, Sunshine!

Start your morning off right with a fresh dose of inspiration together with the wonderful women’s network 85 Broads. This Thursday, May 10, 85 Broads is hosting a Power Breakfast with guest speaker Meagan Dietz, director of international business development at Godiva, the global luxury brand of premium chocolates.

…if only Beijing had a Godiva Chocolate Factory for us chocoholics to stuff our faces with Godiva. What better way to start off your morning?

I suppose Milly’s Cakes is an acceptable second choice with a range of treats that will be served including muffins, croissants, their specialty cupcakes, yogurt, fresh fruit, juice, tea, and coffee.

A bit of information about this month’s guest speaker, Meagan Dietz:

Director of International Business Development, Meagan Dietz broadly works on Godiva’s global expansion. Her China work has been focused on identifying and securing the best retail and café operators as well as launching Godiva’s e-commerce and wholesale channels. She also works on new market business expansion including franchise partner selection as well as improving our performance in existing markets.

Prior to Godiva, Meagan worked at Cushman & Wakefield leading their China consulting services, and 7 years at McKinsey & Company based in New York City and Beijing, China. 

Meagan has published three articles: 1) “How Chinese Companies Can Succeed Abroad”, McKinsey Quarterly, May 2008. 2) “Protecting Intellectual Property in China”, McKinsey Quarterly, July 2005. 3) “Getting More from Intellectual Property”, McKinsey Quarterly, November 2004.

85 Broads’ Progressive Dinners are ‘anchored’ by senior women who are leaders in their respective industries and have an interest in mentoring young talent.

85 Broads is an exclusive global women’s network inspiring, empowering, and connecting smart women worldwide.

The breakfast will take place on Thursday, May 10 from 8:00AM-9:30AM.

Act early and you pay RMB 50 less than if you wait to pay upon arrival. Pre-sale tickets are RMB 80 for members and RMB 100 for non-members. Click here to get your tickets delivered to you: sendmetickets.com

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, May 10, 2012

• Time: 8:00AM-9:30AM

• Location: Milly’s Cakes

• Address: 3rd Floor Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district; 朝阳区三里屯那里花园C308

• Tel: 5208 6071

• Cost: RMB 80 for 85 Broads Members / RMB 100 Non-Members  Pay online and Purchase Tickets at sendmetickets.com.  Additional RMB 50 if you pay at the door.

• RSVP: Email: Beijing85Broads@gmail.com

• Website: 85Broads.com

85 Broads is an exclusive global women’s network inspiring, empowering, and connecting smart women worldwide.

A global network of 25,000 trailblazing women, the “founding members” of 85 Broads were women who worked for Goldman Sachs at 85 Broad Street, the investment banking firm’s former NYC headquarters. Over the past decade, 85 Broads expanded its membership to include women who are alumnae and students of the world’s leading colleges, universities, and graduate schools worldwide. Our members are located in 82 countries around the world and work for thousands of for-profit companies and not-for-profit organizations.

Fez Alfresco Rooftop Bar Re-Opens Friday, April 20

Fez Rooftop Bar Re-Opens for Spring and Summer

One of Beijing’s finest rooftop bars, Fez Bar on the 6th floor of Nali Patio just above award-winning Spanish restaurant Agua will be reopening its al fresco lounge starting tomorrow, Friday, April 20.

A perfect place for pre- or post-dinner drinks, weekend afternoon lounging (they have a great brunch that they will plan to relaunch this year), Fez is a preferred destination to sip on quality cocktails and champagne in a stylish, upscale atmosphere.

“This exotic chill-out oasis for cool cocktails and parties adopts a Moorish andMediterranean theme, Fez Bar will be open from the end of April to the end of September, open every day of the week from 5PM to late night.”  - Fez Bar Team

Opening party will have a RMB 35 mixed drink deal, but starting April 21-April 30th, Fez’s soft opening drink deals will also include a selection of other cocktails for the same RMB 35 price.

“Cocktails mixed in a tent-style bar at the rooftop venue will include perfectly done tequila & rum based classics (Mojito, Piňa Colada, Margarita), excellent summertime wines from Spain (from mucat to verdejo or albariño grapes), as well as Champagne and fine liquors.”

Just last year Fez Bar moved to Nali Patio’s rooftop from its original location in the compounds of Ch’ien Men 23 (where fine dining French restaurant Maison Boulud still stands its ground as one of the last remaining survivors of the original Ch’ien Men establishments).  Operated by Agua Restaurant Group (Hong Kong, London, Beijing), Fez’s cutting edge design was created by Hong Kong Designer and restauranteur David Yeo.

This year, Fez aims to pump up the music with international DJ’s who will hold residency at Fez Bar this year. Thursday nights will feature DJ Ba’Al from Spain playing soothing Caribbean, Afrocuban, Latin Jazz and Brazilian beats while Irish DJ Moto will take the decks on the weekends playing a mix of House, Funk, Tech House, and Chill Out Lounge.

Aside from Fez Bar’s unbeatable views of the surrounding Sanlitun area, they are also known for their innovative (and pricey) cocktails created by European mixologists, tapas menu, charming staff, and most notably for attracting the city’s most stylish clientele.

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, April 20, 2012

• Time: 10PM-onwards

• Location: Fez Bar

• Address: 6th Floor of Nali Patio above Agua, No. 81 Sanlitun North Street in Chaoyang District

• To Make a Reservation: 5208 6188 or email annie.fu@aqua.com.hk

Milly’s Cakes: Pretty Princess Sweet Shop

Milly’s Cakes is a new cupcake boutique that just opened up in Nali Patio a few weeks back in early March.

In an effort to help my friend plan her wedding in September, I’ve been arranging a few cake and canapes tastings around town. I already had a few different places lined up, but I heard Milly’s is absolutely adorable and definitely a spot worth checking out.  Always eager to try out new venues, I called to book an appointment for a tasting here as well.  I was fortunate to speak with the owner Emily (which I assume is where the name Milly comes from), who was both friendly and accommodating.

On the day of our tasting, our group of tasters were delighted to walk into this dream-like fairytale of a shop. It’s adorable with chandeliers from the ceilings, big mirrors hanging on the walls, a large glass showcase of their assorted cupcakes and even wedding gown displayed in their shop.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Milly’s Cakes:

Probably my favorite part of their shop is their separately enclosed showcase of creative cake designs. They had everything from designs for children’s parties to designer brand name accessories (mini Chanel and LV purses on cupcakes), glamorous gowns and themed cupcake designs.

One woman was actually working on a few new designs and explained that since these designs are for display only, they are made from clay. Still, it’s incredibly impressive with what someone can do with clay! Very detailed and professionally done, this was an impressive display of designs.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Cake Design Showroom:

Milly’s is definitely a good choice if you’re looking for a looking for a specific, unique design for a themed celebration. The only other place I can think of that is able to do these types of elaborate cakes is CCSweets, who makes all kinds of cool designs for both kid’s birthday parties and weddings. Click here to see a few of their cake designs.

And I have to say, while their store front is adorable, their designs are elaborate and impressive, I was disappointed with the actual taste of their cupcakes. The four of us tasted an assortment of six different cupcake flavors: chocolate, green tea, blueberry, strawberry, tiramisu and lemon and none of us were in love as we had very much hoped that we would be.

Perhaps we are accustomed to enjoying much sweeter, richer desserts as all of us are either from the US or Hong Kong, and these cupcakes were probably catered to the local Chinese audience.  In any case, Milly’s may not be for us, but it is perfect for what it is. As the place was pretty busy on a rainy Sunday afternoon, I have no doubt they are doing exactly what they should be for the demographic they are targeting.

I imagine this is the perfect place for a thoughtful boyfriend to treat his girlfriend who loves all things pretty and sweet.

Review of Milly’s Cakes: 3rd Floor Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district; 朝阳区三里屯那里花园C308, Tel: 5208 6071. Open daily, 11AM-10PM

Best Part:

• Adorable store front that makes you feel like you’re in a dream-like fairy-tale with chandeliers and see-through white curtains
• Presentation is impressive for serving cupcakes and tea sets
• Showroom with an entire wall lined with elaborate cake and cupcake designs
• Staff are friendly and accommodating and many speak English

Comments:

• Cupcakes are not rich for those with a serious sweet tooth. Definitely designed to cater to local Chinese market as they generally find most Western desserts unbearably sweet. If you’re like me, you probably prefer the rich, moist cupcakes from either Lollipop Bakery or Sweet Tooth.
• As this place is very pretty, expect that it’s also a little pricey. Cupcakes are reasonably priced, but they are smaller and not as satisfying as other dessert shops in town. Desserts aside, just a set of tea is around RMB 60-80. 

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

• Food: 5
• Atmosphere: 8
• Service: 8
• Overall Experience: 6

Heyrobics: The Roof, The Roof, The Roof is On Fire!

**Due to a rainy weather forecast, this Heyrobics session is now moved to Saturday, August 20 @ 5PM!  Everything else remains the same  :)

From parks to rooftops, Heyrobics is fun no matter where you are.  This Saturday, August 20, Heyrobics is “Back on Top!” taking over Nali Patio’s spacious 4th floor rooftop space.  Get fit while rocking out to pumping music is an easy recipe for a more active lifestyle.

With the class led by the guy in bright pink shorts, Linus Holmsater will get you motivated and dancing in no time! Sponsored by Vitamin Water, there’ll also be plenty of drinks to keep you hydrated and refreshed.

Heyrobics is just another reason that solidifies my admiration of the healthy, progressive Swedish lifestyle.  Always on top of their game!

Heyrobics has already taking Sweden by storm with over 5% of the population participating in Heyrobics on a weekly basis and it’s very quickly becoming one of the most popular aerobics/fitness groups in Beijing!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, August 20
• Time: 5:00PM
• Location: 4th Floor of Nali Patio, Sanlitun
• Class Fee: RMB 20
• Questions: info@heyrobics.com

Looking Delightfully Delish: Agua’s New Summer Menu

Looking fresh and vibrant, Agua’s star chef Jordi has worked his magic to recreate a new summer menu for all to enjoy!  I have yet to sample the menu myself, but by the looks of it, I’m already salivating!

See below details to book your next reservation at Agua, located on the 4th floor of Nali Patio (above Apothecary).

Fez Bar Re-Opening in Nali Patio

Following in the lead of Agua Spanish restaurant…half a year later, Fez Bar makes its move from Ch’ien Men 23 to Nali Patio starting this May until the end of summer.

Perched up on the 6th floor, Fez Bar will be re-opening as an ideal alfresco lounge (perfect once the weather heats up), starting this Sunday from 5PM until late.

Expect the same standards of VIP service and specialty cocktails, but it will be interesting to see how the design of their new venue will compare to their previous stunning Moroccan decor in Ch’ien Men and how Migas’ rooftop terrace will fare with neighboring competition.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, May 1
• Time: 5PM till late
• Location: Fez Bar
• Address: 6th floor of Nali Patio, Sanlitun North Street
• Contact: 5408 6188

Migas 2-for-1 Lunch Promo

To celebrate the beginning of 2011, Migas is offering everyone a 2-for-1 Lunch menu promo! All you need to do is print out this coupon (above photo) and bring it to Migas to receive your complimentary menu.

This offer is valid until the end of February 2011.

*Note: Migas will be closed for Chinese New Year from Jan 31st – Feb 9th.

Migas 2-for-1 Lunch Promo Details:

• Date: Now – February 28
  
• Time: Lunch Hours: 12PM-3PM
• Location: Migas Restaurant & Lounge
• Reservations: 5208 6061
• Address: 6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun North Road, 三里屯北街81号那里花园6层
• Website: www.migasbj.com

Wine & Cheese Fondue: Enoterra’s Winter Remedy

For all you wine & cheese lovers out there, Enoterra’s got you covered this winter.  Warm up over bottles of wine and hot, steaming pots of cheese fondue, a brilliant remedy to the freezing cold weather.

Every day from 4PM onwards, you can share pots of cheese fondue for RMB 180 (2 people) or RMB 320 (4 people). And as always, Enoterra is one of Beijing’s best wine bars in terms of both selection and price.

Bon Appétit!

Enoterra (4th Floor of Nali Patio, next to Agua)

• Address: D405, Nali Huayuan, 81 Sanlitun Bei Lu, 三里屯北路81号那里花园D405
• Tel: +8610 5208-6076
• Website: www.enteca.com.cn

Agua Makes a Big Comeback in Nali

With the opening of a fine dining establishment such as Agua, I think the entire reputation of Nali Patio just stepped up a notch.

The original home of Let’s Burger, Mosto, Niajo and Mughal’s, Nali Patio has improved ten-fold with new happening spaces such as Apothecary, Migas, Enoterra and now the high-end Spanish restaurant Agua with Chef Jordi and his highly sought-after suckling pig.

Having just recently opened its doors for the first time since its move from Ch’ien Men 23 aka Legation Quarter, Agua re-opens with a Private Kitchen Menu by Chef Jordi inclusive of a sampling of 3 delicious Tapitas followed by a four-course meal for only RMB 308 per person.

Having dined several times at its original location in Ch’ien Men, I was surprised to see how much the decor and style of the venue has changed.  From it’s bright red walls and grandeur columns all around, Agua now features a high ceiling and a big, open space surrounded by all-white brick walls and minimalistic decor.  There is a bar at the entrance, two beautiful private dining rooms and Agua will open a rooftop terrace during the warmer summer months.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Agua’s Interior:

Main Entrance and Bar

Kitchen Window & Semi-Circle Dining Booths

Entrance to Private Dining Rooms & One of two Private Dining Rooms

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by the restaurant manager Richard Pirsch, who led us to our table and then Chef Jordi also came over to introduce the menu while Richard recommended some nice wines to pair with our meal.

Our meal began with the best tasting ham and mushroom croquette I have seriously ever tasted together with 3 Tapitas: Homemade Chorizo, Shrimps with garlic and herbs and Picadillo (marinated pork chunks in Spanish paprika). While I was a big fan of the shrimp, my fellow foodie favored the chorizo.

We were then served a Smoked Japanese mackerel with herbs  salad and diced tomato.  I thought the mackerel was an interesting choice for Agua to serve, but the fishy flavor was not as pungent or as tough as I had expected and it paired well with the tomatoes and herbs salad.

The pumpkin soup was probably the highlight of my meal. Never have I seen pumpkin soup served with a poached egg and I must say, it worked beautifully.  And it was a nice touch to have the waitstaff pour the pumpkin soup over the dish in front of you.

The main dish was a slow-cooked Wagyu veal cheek with marinated plums and beets.  Once again, the waitress came around and poured gravy over the meat, and as I sliced into the veal, the meat just fell apart. It was perfectly cooked and the flavors were a perfect balance of sweet (marinated plums) and savory (gravy and veal cheek).

To top it all off, we had Galician-style crepes with lemon custard, Greek yogurt and “Moscatel Oro” ice cream. I’m glad the portion was small because by this point, I was already a stuffed Humpty Dumpty and to be perfectly honest, this was the low-point of the meal.  I normally love natural Greek yogurt but the sour flavor was a bit overwhelming in this dessert and with a sweet tooth like mine, I guess I prefer rich chocolate or something sweeter rather than sour at the end of a big meal.

Overall, it was a wonderful meal and a very satisfying experience (round of applause for Chef Jordi, Richard and their team) and it should be noted that this meal is great value for only RMB 308 per person.  I will definitely be back to check out the entire menu and in their future tasting menu, they promise to feature their famous suckling pig as the main entree, served table-side!

A few other things to look forward to – Next week, Agua begins serving its full a la carte menu with a new tasting menu and in two weeks, Agua will launch its lunch menu – 2 courses for RMB 88 and 3 courses for RMB 98.

Review of Agua: Above Apothecary, next to Enoterra, 4th Floor of Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, 三里屯北路81号那里花园3层, Tel: 6559-6266

Best Part:

• Best suckling pig in town
• Chef Jordi is one of the most talented chefs in Beijing
• Expect very professional service and special treatment from both the restaurant manager and Chef Jordi himself
• A very high-end New York restaurant decor with white brick walls, low lighting and minimalistic decor
• Cozy ambiance with nice booth or table seating to choose from.
• Beautiful VIP rooms in the back surrounded in glass.
• Will launch a set lunch menu: RMB 68 for 2-courses or RMB 98 for 3-courses.

Comments:

• Considering they’ve just opened, the standard of service was very impressive and every step of the meal was transitioned and executed smoothly and professionally.
• While each dish of Jordi’s Private Kitchen Tasting Menu was all very good, little croquette aside, there was not really one course that made my jaw drop…and perhaps that’s because Jordi’s suckling pig was not one of the dishes served tonight.
• It’s wonderful to see Nali develop over the past few years and I am certain that Agua alone will raise the reputation of Nali Patio as one of Beijing’s top dining destinations.
• Nali Patio is now Spanish Restaurant Central: Carmen, Migas, Niajo and now Agua!

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

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

Oink! Oink! Agua’s Suckling Pig is Back

The wait is almost over – Agua is making a big comeback next week with its exciting move from Legation Quarter/Ch’ien Men 23 to Nali Patio, neighboring the new Enoterra (click for opening party review).

Bringing back its award-winning suckling pig along with a plethora of new dishes by Chef Jordi, sample their special 4 course opening menu for just RMB 308 per person.

Secure your seat by booking now.  E-mail bookings@aqua.com.hk or call 6559-6266.

Enoterra Grand Opening Party

Enoteca…I mean Enoterra (note the name change) – celebrates its move from The Place to the 4th floor of Nali Patio with a Grand Opening Party this Saturday, October 9 from 7PM onwards featuring live music, tapas and drink specials.

Not sure what’s with the new name change, but it’s got pretty much the same logo and you can still expect the place’s wine cellar to be stocked high with an extensive selection of affordable wines and a nice range of nibbles to compliment your choice of drink.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 9
• Time: 7:00PM – late
• Location: Enoterra is on the 4th floor of Nali Patio (just above Mosto)
• Address: D405, Nali Huayuan, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, 三里屯北路81号那里花园D405
• No RSVP required

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:

Pre-Dinner Drink Destinations to Knock Your Socks Off

Sanlitun has got new venues popping up every other day it seems.

So it’s a good thing you have LumDimSum to weed the good ones out and get the word out.

Three delightful new venues that have knocked my socks off:

• Apothecary – located next to Mosto, on the 3rd floor of Nali Patio

Run by the owners of the Japanese whisky bar Er in Maizidian & Chef Max Levy from Bei in the Opposite House, this is a no-brainer recipe for success.  Barely open for a few weeks, Apothecary has already accumulated record buzz for its quality drinks and Creole dining menu, which closely resembles my recent dining experience at Nola, but with more bar-friendly dishes and presentation.

• Tryst – located next to Alameda in the alley way across from the Sanlitun Village & Nali Patio

Only 20 square meters in size, this cozy, little joint is one of the most jaw-droppingly gorgeous bars I’ve seen.  Stunning interior design with elegant wallpaper, a crystal chandelier, and timeless antique pieces used for decor, Tryst is perfect for a romantic rendezvous, a destination for an intimate pre-dinner or post-dinner cocktail. And their cocktails were perfected by bar professional Jake Logsdon, so be careful to pace yourself because the drinks are all pretty stiff.

• Club Décolleté – Located in 1949- The Hidden City along with Duck de Chine, Noodle Bar, Taverna, and Club Glen

A dazzling and glamorous champagne bar inspired by the 1920’s Art Nouveau movement, recognized for its look of timeless elegance and class, Club Décolleté is an ideal venue for a romantic rendezvous, a girls’ night out, or an exclusive celebration. Club Décolleté boasts a fine selection of champagne cocktails, fresh fruit daiquiris, and champagne by the bottle. Champagne lovers will also be pleased to sample premium selection of champagnes available in tasting flights.

Under the Sea

Let’s Seafood may be by the same people behind Let’s Burger, but it is by far the better pick. Located just next door and keeping in the same theme of casual dining with paper menus and boxes to check off, Let’s Seafood blew my expectations for good value.

Pan fried Imported Red Mullet RMB 68

Let’s Burger may serve up a good burger with a glorious selection of sauces, but I always resented the fact that every additional topping, side dish, and drink was at an extra cost.  And what kind of place refuses to serve customers water? A burger that may have started out at RMB 65 would make an unexpected turn to total RMB 120.

On the other hand, Let’s Seafood not only offers an extensive selection of seafood salads RMB 68-78(massive portions), top-notch mussels RMB 65, six varieties of whole fish main courses RMB 68-118, fish & chips RMB 68, and great seafood combos RMB 78. Lobster sets are also available for lobster lovers RMB 238  All orders come with freshly baked homemade bread along with a brilliant assortment of sauces and their main courses all come with homemade seafood soup, along with a generous serving of lemon rice and pan-fried potato. AND they serve you water.

See? That’s what I’m talking about.

Review of Let’s Seafood: 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, 三里屯北路81号那里花园1层  Tel: 5208-6038

Best Part:

Fresh Mussels RMB 65

• Good Value – order an entire fish (RMB 68-118) and it comes with homemade seafood soup, homemade bread, a glorious selection of sauces, and generous sides of lemon rice and pan-fried potato.
• Portions are generous, products are imported fresh
• I’ll definitely be back for the mussels and seafood salads
• Relatively healthy option for a meal, leaving your stomach satisfied, not heavy
• Interior design is casual, yet comfortable with good ambiance
• Wi-fi internet
• Extensive Wine List

Comments:

• The portions are generous, but the massive plates are a little overboard
• Bathrooms are outside and a trek to find and unlike Let’s Burger, there is not even a sink to wash your hands
• Service is not perfect, but decent for having just opened.

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

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