Ring in 2012: Best Breakdown for Beijingers!

Celebrate the close of another year and ring in 2012 with a bang…as it may be our LAST (dun dun DUN!)  just kidding - fingers crossed the world will not end this year.

I’ve posted a Christmas list last week (click here), but here’s an updated list for the upcoming New Year Weekend.

For foodies, many of Beijing’s top restaurants are hosting special NYE dinners and New Year Day brunches while night owls can party to their heart’s content at practically all night clubs around the city.

In order of my preference (and timing of the night), here goes the breakdown down to 2012:

NYE Dinner Options:

1. Agua’s Spanish NYE Menus

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

RSVP: 5208-6188

2. An M New Years

Roaring fireplaces and a spectacular view, Capital M has prepared everything you could want for a warm, intimate holiday occasion. Check out their happenings for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day below.

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

M’s Holiday Menus Here:

New Years Eve at Capital M

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

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

 New Year’s Brunch- 11:30am-5:00pm

288 RMB per person 

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

7. Terra’s South-American NYE Menu

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

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

RSVP: 6591 9148

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

New Year’s Eve – Party Menu – Saturday December 31, 6pm-late

Ring in the new year with excellent contemporary cuisine, serious sparkling and great tunes in Terra’s modern, hip surrounds. 4 courses and free flow ensures a night full of fun, laughter and luck. 4 courses 358 rmb. 4 courses + free flow bubbly or beer 578 rmb.

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

LDS Top Picks for NYE Nightclub Options:

1. Alfa’s NYE Party 

“Beijing’s Biggest Gay Night”, Alfa’s serving 2-for-1 on drinks and free CD of Alfa’s top music hits for all attendees while supplies last. FREE admission

More info here.

2. Aria’s Classy, Jazzy NYE Countdown 

Croon to jazz by Valeria Proano and her trio of talented jazz musicians. Free admission.

More info here.

3. Haze’s NYE Celebration

Party at Haze with one of Beijing’s Top DJ Line-Ups: DJ Patrick Yu, Donald Summer, Yang Bing, Zhi Qi, Pancake Lee and Max Feelgood. RMB 100 admission.

More info here.

4. Genesis 2012 Countdown at Lantern

The Acupuncture group will be launching yet another massive techo-bash to ring in the new year. Expect a line-up of Acupuncture’s legendary DJ gang at Lantern Club.  RMB 100 (pre-sale) or RMB 150 (door).

“Gorge on an aural banquet with futuristic techno grooves from Beijing’s best DJs and thaw away those winter chills as the surreal visual installations conjure the crowd into near sensory overload. Ride with us through time and space and count down to a great 2012! Party like it’s the end of the world!” – Miao Wong, Acupuncture Group Voice

More info here.

5. NYE 2012 at Migas’ NEW BAR

Featuring their newly opened bar with a lot of Funky music and hip DJ’s including Bite-Size Buddha, Metro Tokyo and Bottin Italia.  RMB 120 (presale) or RMB 150 at door includes 1 glass of Mumm champagne.

More info here.

6. NEW! Nova NYE Party in 798′s D-Park  

Dance in the New Year with UK DJ and Producer Dance Legend Darren Emerson and a great DJ line-up of both local and international talents.  RMB 120 (presale) or RMB 200 (door).

More info here.

7. Party at Punk with Kid Fresh

3x DMC World Champion Kid Fresh is back at Punk to ring in the New Year. Last year was a bash, see pictures below for proof! FREE before 11PM, otherwise it’s RMB 50 admission.

More info here.

 Pics from Kid Fresh’s last performance at Punk. More pics on his website here.

8.  Show Off at Xiu Bar this NYE

Champagne bottles flying off the shelves is exactly what you should expect at their NYE celebration. Admission is RMB 400 which includes 1 glass of Moet champagne.

More info here.

9. YEN Countdown to 2012

Widely known as one of the most popular NYE parties every year in Beijing, YEN is sure to be a hit for those looking to party in a crowded warehouse with thousands of other nightowls.  DJ line up includes Yangbing, Ouyang, Slide, Donmy Liu and Mia(from Shanghai).

More info here.

…and that’s a wrap!

Just remember: Despite the rumors of 2012, you don’t actually want to make this your last new years so remember to be safe and have a blast this NYE! 

Dance to DJ Danny Rampling at PUNK

“Danny Rampling is a bonafide music visionary and a revolutionary dance music pioneer. “

Dance fanatics, TONIGHT head over to PUNK tonight as British dance music pioneer Danny Rampling will be behind the decks spinning his trance-dance tracks.

“Rampling is firmly back in the musical limelight, where he belongs, sharing his passion for music with a wealth of experience as we journey forward through the unprecedented evolution of contemporary culture.”

Free cover before 11PM (it’s RMB 50 after 11PM), so get there early and get the party started..for the rest of us who will be stumbling in after midnight!

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, November 18, 2011
• Time: 10PM
• Location: PUNK (Opposite House)
• Address: B1 floor of The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Road, 三里屯11号
• Website: Click here.

Jasmine Beijing: Network with Entrepreneurs & Investors

Join Jasmine Beijing as they host their monthly networking event for entrepreneurs and investors and they get together to exchange ideas, seek investment opportunities, make new contacts and catch up with like minded friends all in the cool surroundings of PUNK at The Opposite House this Wednesday, November 9 at 7:30PM.

“Confident that no one leaves disappointed, this event offers a monthly platform for entrepreneurs to mix and mingle; with frequent special guests (Beijing Olympic Committee heads to Department of Commerce officials); and a great opportunity for investors to meet some of the rising talent, of whom Beijing is so proud.” – David Ronald, Founder of Jasmine Beijing

In addition to complimentary drinks upon arrival, 2-for-1 happy hour until 9PM, and hongbao of goodies, this Wednesday also marks Jasmine Beijing’s their first anniversary, so all guests will be treated with Opposite House snacks and CAKE if you’re lucky!

With a live band and delicious drinks to consume, you can sign up early and get RMB 50 off pre-registration (RMB 150 if you register online or RMB 200 at the door).

Early Bird Web Registration Here: Jasmine-Beijing Networking.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, August 10
• Time: 7:30PM
• Tickets: RMB 150 (pre-registration – click here), or RMB 200 at the door
• Location: Punk, The Opposite House
• Address: B1 floor of The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Road, 三里屯11号
• Website:  http://www.jasmine-beijing.com/

Steve Aoki at Yigongyishan TONIGHT

“Aoki’s never-ending globe-trotting brings him to our lovely, dirty city to play some quality electro tunes.” – Time Out Beijing

Steve Aoki is the man behind Dim Mak Records and credited with launching the careers of some of the influential acts of the past decade including Bloc Party, The Kills, MSTRKRFT, The Bloody Beetroots, Mystery Jets, The Rakes, The Gossip and more. Since founding the label, he’s stepped into the limelight as DJ, artist and producer.

Thanks to M Agency, Steve Aoki will be making his way to Beijing, playing TONIGHT at Yugongyishan and DJ Saul (Resident DJ of Punk) will be opening for Steve Aoki!  But if you are already attending The Chi Fan for Charity After-Party at Hatsune Sanlitun, then you can still catch Steve Aoki afterwards as he will be playing late night until 4am.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, November 5
• Time: 10PM-4AM
• Price: RMB 150 Presale, RMB 200 Door
• Buy Tickets here: http://shop68161459.taobao.com/
• Location: Yigongyishan
• Address: 3-2 Zhangzizhong Lu, Dongcheng district 东城区张自忠路3-2号段祺瑞执政府旧址西院
• Website: Click here.
• Email: meticket.asia@gmail.com

So Money: Punk’s Guest DJ Oliver $

Oliver $ is a Berlin born and based DJ/Producer currently releasing music with famous labels MADE TO PLAY, Grand Petrol, and Front Room Recording and he’s bringing his sick house beat to Punk TONIGHT (Saturday, October 22, 2011).

“Oliver $ production has always been solid, but his most recent work has propelled him to limelight and making him one of Europe’s rising stars and most sought after acts.” – Punk in The Opposite House

Some of his top tracks include the hit song by Aloe Blacc “I need a Dollar” and “Doing Ya Thang,” which became, easily, one of the summers surprise hits. The track was on the top 5 of the BEATPORT charts for 5 weeks, and still in the top seller.

Listen to a Taste of how Money Oliver $ is:

Oliver $_Doin´ Ya Thang by oliverdollar

Aloe Blacc_I need a Dollar_Oliver $ Edit by oliverdollar

The Opposite House presents Oliver $ Oct. 22 @ PUNK by The Opposite House  

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 22
• Time: 10PM-late
• Location: Punk in the Opposite House
• Address: Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district  朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号楼
• Website: www.barpunk.com

DJ Saul and DJ Wordy Ring in 3 Years for Punk

Seems like it’s a weekend full of birthdays!

theBeijinger Magazine celebrates it’s 10 year birthday this Saturday at Sanlitun SOHO (see LDS article here).

And this Friday (tonight, October 14), Suzie Wong’s club is celebrating its 9 year anniversary and Punk will be it’s third year. Although Punk is the baby of the three veterans, this is one of Beijing’s top hotspots and it is the one I am most excited about.  Suzie’s may be swanky and focused on super duper VIP treatment, but Punk is raw, real and all about getting the dance floor on fire.

With Wordy and Saul behind the decks, it’s bound to be a night of full-on, fast-paced dance madness.

**Note: there has been some confusion with the date of this event and I would just like to set the record straight for the betterment of Beijingers: Punk’s 3 year anniversary is on FRIDAY, October 14 (not Saturday). 

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, October 14
• Time: 10PM-late
• Ticket: Free before 11PM, RMB 50 after 11PM
• Location: Punk (The Opposite House)
• Address: Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district  朝阳区三里屯路11号院1号楼
• Website: www.barpunk.com 

A Home Run for Home Plate Bar B-Que

Home Plate is home of the best pulled pork sandwich of my life and let me tell you, their savory BBQ corn-on-the-cob and homemade corn bread and yummy Oatmeal Raisin and Peanut Butter cookies for dessert were equally as impressive.  Serving authentic All-American Southern BBQ favorites, Home Plate has a wide range of BBQ burgers, sandwiches, fries, hot dogs, wings and BBQ platters.  Highlights are their pulled-pork sandwiches and briskets where the meat is slow cooked for 8 hours over apple wood.

“Smoked for ten hours, the pulled pork offers a moist, juicy bite that even the most toothless hillbilly could chew his way through.” – theBeijinger
Click here for their review of HOME PLATE.

Other than their slow-cooked BBQ meat and ribs, I also recommend ordering their homemade drinks like their Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade and Iced Southern Sweet Tea and for desserts, try their homemade cookies or their pies and cakes delivered fresh from Life of Bread Bakery.

Home Plate Bar B-Que Menu

LumDimSum Snapshots of our meal at Home Plate:

Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade (RMB 20) and Ice Southern Sweet Tea (RMB 18)

Corn Bread (RMB 5 each) and BBQ Corn-on-the-Cob (RMB 10)

Pulled-Pork BBQ Sandwich (RMB 35):

Slow-cooked over 8 hours over apple wood topped with slaw and BBQ Sauce

Homemade Cookies: Oatmeal Raisin and Peanut Butter Flavors (RMB 5 each or 3 for RMB 12)

If our tummies allowed us, we would have wanted to consume twice more what we ordered as the rest of their menu was sure to shine, but alas, this is just an excuse for us to go back for more!

I’ve been meaning to get my foodie buddies out here for ages it seems and I’m kicking myself for waiting so long to make it!  Since the first time I went, I can’t stop singing their praises and my very foodie friend and talented Resident DJ of PUNK, Saul Diaz has been back three time in one week and I have appointments to bring more friends this coming week.  If it’s your first time to Home Plate, be sure to make not of their address and map (see below) as it’s not the easiest place to find (on parallel street north of Xiaoyun Lu along a strip of Chinese restaurants resembling a less-busy version of Ghost Street 鬼街。Biking down this road, we knew exactly when we reached Home Plate not because of the big sign posted outside the restaurant but because the outside seating was packed with foreigners (with a wait might I add).

LumDimSum Snapshots of Home Plate Restaurant:

Word-of-mouth on this little American BBQ joint has spread like wildfire and it’s easy to see why.  If you are a serious fan of slow-cooked BBQ meat and Southern American favorites at it’s finest, Home Plate may soon become your second home.

Review of Home Plate: Go down alleyway behind Kro’s Nest on XiaoYun Lu and turn left on food street to Home Plate, 35 Xiaoyun Lu courtyard, 朝阳区霄云路35号院（Kro’s Nest后面200米）远洋新干线美食步行街 Tel: 5128 5584, Open from 11AM-10PM.

Best Part:

• Best Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich of my life
• Quality All-American Southern BBQ
• Try their BBQ Corn-on-the-Cob, corn bread and homemade lemonade!

• Burgers and Sandwiches are all great value with prices ranging from only RMB 30-40
• They will soon begin to offer delivery!

Comments:

• Some of their good stuff is not on their menu (like their corn-on-the-cob) so be sure to ask what’s available!
• I hear it is common for them to run out of popular menu items…hopefully they will never run out of pulled pork sandwiches!
• Location is definitely off-the-beaten-track and not the easiest venue to find, but your efforts to find Home Plate will be rewarded once you try their food!
• Their interior decor is nothing to write home about, but then again, who really cares when the food is this good.  While the weather is still warm, I recommend sitting outside if you’re able to wait for a table to free up.
• Service was mediocre, but owner Seth Grossman was really friendly and personable and able to make some great recommendations.
• They are relatively newly opened, so they are still figuring out their website (link here), some kinks on their menu (still don’t have chocolate chip cookies) and service (working on offering delivery option).

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

• Food: 9
• Atmosphere: 6
• Service: 7
• Overall Experience: 8

Map to Home Plate Bar B-Que, on street parallel north of Xiaoyun Lu

Directions: Go straight down alley by Kro’s Nest (all the way through), turn left at major street and you’ll find Home Plate on Left-hand Side

Network with Beijing’s Entrepreneurs & Investors at PUNK

Join Jasmine Beijing as they host another networking event for entrepreneurs and investors and they get together to exchange ideas, seek investment opportunities, make new contacts and catch up with like minded friends all in the cool surroundings of PUNK at The Opposite House this Wednesday, August 10 at 7:30PM.

“Beijing is a city of SME’s. A large amount of R&D and tech-based industry in Beijing, means this is the city for cutting-edge entrepreneurs in China.”

With a live band at 9:30 and delicious drinks to consume, you can sign up early and get 50% off registration (RMB 50 if you register online or RMB 100 at the door).

Early Bird Web Registration Here: Jasmine-Beijing Networking.

Ticket gets you first drink for free + hong bao + prize draw and happy hour drink specials until 10PM.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, August 10
• Time: 7:30PM
• Location: Punk, The Opposite House
• Website: http://www.jasmine-beijing.com/EInetworking10.htm

Drink for a Better World with Wokai

This Tuesday, April 12, Wokai will be organizing their monthly event – Drinks for a Better World (DFBW) at Punk (The Opposite House).

Welcoming Iris Li and Helen Gao, representatives from the Beijing office of Handicap International (HI), they will be speaking about their projects and activities in China with HI.

An organization founded in France in 1982 to provide help in refuge camps, HI now serves as an independent organization that helps those with disabilities.  Opening its office in China in 1998, they work with local governments and other organizations to aid disabled people (especially those in rural regions) to better integrate into society.

Event details:

• Date: Tuesday, April 12
  
• Time: 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Location: PUNK in B1 of The Opposite House
  
• Address: The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Road, 三里屯11号
• Tel: 6410-5222 www.barpunk.com

*DFBW is a bi-monthly speaker and networking event organized by Wokai to bring together like-minded people to discuss social issues in China.

Wokai Background:

Wokai is a not-for-profit organization committed to alleviating poverty in China. Wokai (wo3kai1 我开 in Chinese) means “I start” and refers to the the opportunity that our organization provides to Chinese micro-entrepreneurs to start small businesses, start change in their own lives, and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Entrepreneurs & Investors Networking Night at Punk

Jasmine Beijing is organizing their next Entrepreneurs and Investors Networking Night this Wednesday, March 9 at 7:30PM at PUNK, located in the Opposite House.

“A great opportunity to promote your business, seek investment opportunities or simply relax and chat with old and new friends, these events typically bring in a majority of entrepreneurs and budding partnerships are often the most valuable thing that people take away from this event.” – Marie-Claire Lalor, event organizer

Register online here for a 50% discount admission – includes a complimentary welcome drink, happy hour drink prices and hong bao with offers from their featured businesses.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, March 9, 2011
• Time: 7:30PM
• Location: PUNK (Opposite House)
• Website: http://www.jasmine-beijing.com/EInetworking5.htm

Midnite Clash: DJ Kid Fresh and Yao

After their Midnite Clash premiere event on New Year’s Eve, Punk is bringing back Kid Fresh with DJ Yao – a young, talented producer hailing from SF’s Bay Area, whose many influences include “jazz, funk, soul, Brazilian, black futuristic, and psychedelic music and movements, which he incorporates into his own distinct style of production”.

Together with Punk’s resident DJ Saul D, Midnite Clash 2011 will be breaking new ground in new school club music.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, February 19
• Time: 10PM-late
• Door Charge: RMB 50 (after 11PM)
• Location: PUNK (Opposite House)

Stretch into the Rabbit Year at PUNK

While many will be out Wednesday night lighting up Beijing’s sky into a fire works war zone, PUNK (Opposite House) gives Beijingers an outlet to hop/dance their way into the Rabbit Year with the legendary Stretch Armstrong alongside PUNK’s resident DJ Saul D.

“A love for both house music and New York’s hip hop mix shows has led him to start a ‘mash-up’…the beginning of a genre that rules clubs worldwide today.”

Just to name-drop a few music tycoons, Stretch has worked with the likes of Kanye West, Wu-Tang Clan, Busta Rhymes, Tittsworth, and Steve Aoki and the Dim Mak collective.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, February 2
• Time: 11PM-late
• Door Charge: RMB 50
• Location: PUNK (Opposite House) 

Stretch Armstrong Rings in the Rabbit Year @ PUNK with DJ Saul D

Design for a Better World by PAE

Hosted by PAE, this Social Conscious Design Event will also mark the launch for their lifestyle brand PAE Halo and will be held at Punk (Opposite House) this Wednesday, October 13 from 7:00PM-10:00PM.

With only two designs of 50 bags each, the limited edition Halo 08/15 bag is the first product of a lifestyle brand that supports a socially responsible way of production as well as social causes in China.

“Are goats orange? Usually not. But can good design also be socially conscious? Definitely yes.

We think innovative social design is cool and benefits everyone.

Design for an (even) better world.”

- PAE

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 13
• Time: 7:00-10:ooPM
• Location: Punk in the Opposite House, Sanlitun
• RSVP: Leo Stachnik at leo.stachnik@pae-halo.com or 1371 878 1954
• http://www.piech.asia/newlaunch/pae_halo_newlaunch.html

“Produce fairly. Trade equitably. Live sustainably. Love The Goat.”

10/10/10 = Saul Diaz’s 30th Birthday

On this momentous day – 10/10/10, my dear friend Saul Diaz turns the big 3-0!!

Get it?

10 + 10 + 10 = 30

EPIC.

Not only is Saul Diaz one of the most talented DJs in town (resident DJ at PUNK in the Opposite House), he is one of the kindest, most thoughtful, fun-loving and genuine people I know.

…and not only is Saul a fellow foodie, his love and appreciation for good food almost rivals mine.  Almost.

Celebrate with Saul on this special day @ Migas from 8PM-late TONIGHT.

Happy Birthday Saulyyy!

Here’s to you Saul and to many more years of adventures, Sunday brunches, and great times:

A true friend unbosoms freely, advises justly, assists readily, adventures boldly, takes all patiently, defends courageously, and continues a friend unchangeably.   ~William Penn

Mid-Autumn Festival = An Excuse to Party

Ring in the Mid-Autumn Festival with parties already starting this Tuesday night:

The techno legend Derrick May with Punk resident DJ Saul D will be playing for one night only @ PUNK.

“From the cold, mindless machines comes so much hope, spirituality, and soul…. this is how Techno was born, in the urban wasteland of Detroit, and Derrick May (along with Juan Atkins and Kevin Saunderson) is the godfather of this sound.”

Wednesday, September 22:

Lunar Moon Party @ BLING:

Bling will also be celebrating the Lunar Moon Party with complimentary moon cakes for all guests along with Ladies drink specials (complimentary Mojito & Cosmopolitan cocktails ALL NIGHT).  Gents enjoy all-you-can-drink specials for only RMB 100.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, September 22
• Time: 9PM to late
• Location: BLING
• Free Entrance

If hip-hop is not your thing, celebrate with Acupuncture Records as they turn 3!

Acupuncture’s 3 Year Anniversary Party:

“Since its inception in 2007, Acupuncture has released 6 international EPs and 2 full length albums in addition to hosting China’s first large-scale electronic music festival INTRO and opening their very own nightclub, marking a ground-breaking epoch in China’s electronic music history.”

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, September 22
• Location: LAN Club
• Cover: RMB 50