Foodies, Arm Yourself in 2012 with the Little Gold Book

Little Gold Book is like the “Little Black Book for Charitable Foodies in Beijing”.

It’s a coupon book with crazy good discounts on Beijing’s top restaurants with 30% of proceeds going towards local community charities.

Just think about it – All those places you’ve been wanting to try out or that you wish you could go more often (if they were more affordable), you can finally begin to eat your way through Beijing’s top dining destinations armed with a little gold book filled with coupons that are up to 50% off!

Here’s a few top deals you can score with The Little Gold Book:

• 50% off Hatsune
• 2 for 1 mains at Assaggi
• 2-for-1 wine at Enoterra
• 50% off Stumble Inn
• 2-for-1 Food Items at The Bookworm
• 50% off ROOMbeijing
• 2-for-1 cooking classes at Vegan Hut
• 50% off Filling Station
• RMB 50 discount on a dozen Lollipop Cupcakes

Click for full list of deals here (there are 85 deals by 70 restaurants).

For only RMB 240 per Little Gold Book, you can cover the cost of the entire book after just one meal at one of the 70 participating restaurants.  It’s valid for the entire 2012 year so there’s plenty of time to work your way through each deal.

With the holidays quickly approaching, the Little Gold Book is a great stocking stuffer for all fellow Beijing foodies!

Little Gold Book was first released at the Chi Fan for Charity 2011 After-Party at Hatsune and will be available for sale again at Kagen’s Christmas Charity Dinner on December 10th with 30% of proceeds going towards BICCO.

Little Gold Book is currently sold at The Bookworm, April Gourmet’s and Colibri.

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:

Flavors of Japan: A Birthday Menu by Brian McKenna

Alan Wong has said that the best meal of his life was a 15 course dinner + 20 course dessert menu by Brian McKenna.  After a very successful Hatsroomie & ROOMsune event back in January 2011, I began to realize the amazing talent and creativity that Mr. McKenna is widely known in the kitchen for.

So to celebrate Alan’s birthday last week, we managed to scheme and successfully throw him a surprise birthday dinner at ROOMbeijing where Brian McKenna specially created a “BMK Japanese inspired menu dedicated entirely to Alan Wong”.

“6AM I was doing sushi…I might even ask Alan for a job after this!”

- Brian McKenna (BMK) on prepping for Alan’s Birthday Dinner

In the end, we managed to surprise him with both the arrival of his friends with distraction schemes and BMK’s special birthday dinner was beyond outstanding.

BMK’s Japanese Inspired Menu Dedicated to Alan Wong:

Appetizers: Chilled tomato tea in tubes, foie gras with carmelized rice, raw oyster with passionfruit foam and raw shrimp inside cooked shell

Tuna wrapped in avocado with wasabi ice cream & citrus dressing / Salmon sashimi with orange textures

Daikon Salad with Ginger Dressing / Foie gras with Avocado rice and sauce.

Searned tuna sushi / Bag Baked Cod fish with sake and shiitake mushrooms

Crispy Shrimp Wrapped in Basil / Grilled asparagus with wasabi hollandaise

Miso Marinated Beef with Sesame Green Beans

Grilled rib eye beef with sea urchin butter / Crispy bean curd with 8 mushrooms

Brian’s Signature “Breakfast” Dessert with Mango & Lemongrass Hard Boiled Eggs

Strawberry Shortcake with Balsamic Ice Cream (Mr. Wong’s Fav dessert with “BMK Twist”) / Black Forrest Cake 2011

ROOMbeijing’s Signature Fruit Tree with Dry Ice

Highlights of BMK’s Dinner were definitely the appetizers (raw shrimp in cooked shell was ridic), daikon salad with ginger dressing, foie gras with avocado rice and sauce and the miso marinated beef was to die for – among the most tender and juicy steaks I’ve had in awhile!

This dinner was truly a labor of love by BMK and with a table full of sushi fanatics, I have no doubt everyone was ecstatic as I with every dish of the dinner.

+1SPACE Opening Party with Visual Artist Tie Ying

After a successful artist exhibition launch media dinner at after-party at ROOMbeijing, +1SPACE in Pingod hosted the official Tie Ying New Works Exhibition Launch Party for the release of his newest art series – “The World Is Yours” together with his other art series including “3 Seconds” and “Masses”.

Hosted by Jiayi Li, owner of +1SPACE and the inspiration behind ROOMbeijing’s new Artist Project series, the private launch event attracted many art industry and media tycoons for a lively party with delicious canapes courtesy of ROOMbeijing, a fully-stocked bar (a permanent fixture and attraction of +1SPACE) and smooth tunes by DJ Mo Li.

Tie Ying’s New Works Exhibition will continue to be on display in both +1SPACE in Pingod and ROOMbeijing until mid-May.

LumDimSum Snapshots of +1SPACE Opening Party:

Featured Visual Artist Tie Ying and +1SPACE owner Jiayi Li

+1SPACE:

22 Street, Pingod Community #6 -­078, Baiziwan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

Tel: (86)10-5826-3407, (86) 1370-137-5811

*Advanced Visit Appointments Recommended

Tie Ying: “The World Is Yours” Exhibition Launch Party

“Any record of events can ignite a fresh understanding and reevaluation of the things considered already known and maybe unknown. I want to present a new perspective on life’s dilemmas and confirm the supremacy of freedom of thought and expression whilst demonstrating the absurdities and conflicts between them.”

- Tie Ying, visual artist featured at ROOMbeijing’s new Artists Project

This coming Friday, April 8 will mark the launch of ROOMbeijing’s Artist Projects featuring Tie Ying’s newest series of art works.

Tie Ying is a visual artist originally from Harbin, China and has exhibited all over the world – most recently at Cath Alexandrine Danneskiold-Samsoe Gallery in Copenhagen, Denmark, and he will be the first featured artist to be invited to display some of his large pieces of artwork as a part of a month-long exhibition beginning this coming Friday night at 7:00PM.

Art works by Tie Ying focus on the diversity and variability of individual perception and the language of art. Inspired by current news and utilizing photographs from the internet and other media sources, Tie Ying inputs his own perspective to extend the significance of the image to provide a broader perspective for his audience to realize and uncover the relationship between the world and humanity among the never-ending cycle of changes in the world.

“I’m willing to express the dilemma of life and the vertices of freedom on thinking and expression from a wholly different angle, meanwhile to show the absurdity and contradictory between the two.” – Tie Ying

‘The World Is Yours Art Series’ by Tie Ying

The strong personal style and conceptual thinking embodied in his works have drawn much attention and recognition from many renowned art organizations and personal art collectors around the world. Tie Ying has mounted a number of solo exhibitions in many influential galleries worldwide, notably Malborough Gallery in New York and Mai 36 Gallery in Zurich.

To celebrate this event in style, the artist will be introducing his displayed artwork at ROOMbeijing this Friday from 7:00PM-10:00PM followed by an after party with ladies treated to complimentary cocktails from 10PM-11PM and guest superstar DJ Keza will be back in Beijing doing what he does best – firing up the dance floor for a night to remember.

*Tie Ying’s most recent series of art works — “The World Is Yours” will be released at +1SPACE in 22 International Art Plaza (by Pingod Apartment’s Today Art Museum) on April 10,^th 2011 together with his other art series created in recent years.

+1SPACE will be hosting the official Tie Ying New Works Exhibition Launch Party on Sunday, April 10

(contact me directly for more details: kristen@lumdimsum.com)

’3 Seconds’ by Tie Ying

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, April 8, 2011
• Time:  7:00PM-late
• Price: Free Entrance & Ladies enjoy complimentary cocktails from 10:00PM-11:00PM
  
• Location: ROOMbeijing
• Address: 301-302, 3/F, PARK LIFE, Beijing Yintai Center, 2 Jianguomenwai Street, 建国门外大街2号, 银泰中心3层
• Tel: 58699038

Sadler & Le Quai: Dining Without Frontiers

On Saturday, March 19, Kenny Fu from Le Quai and Riccardo La Perna from Sadler Ristorante teamed up to create an unforgettable 6-course Italian-Chinese Culinary Wine Dinner.

I was the first to walk in to this event and the set up was stunning – beautiful table settings with fresh flower centerpieces, bottles of wine laid out and the chefs taking a final break before the other guests start arriving.

Pre-Dinner Set Up in Sadler Ristorante:

Throughout the meal, the restaurant had a glowing ambiance that was both intimate and buzzing with excitement. Diners were “ooh”ing and “aah”ing the dishes as they came out of the kitchen, each prepared with meticulous perfection and thoughtful presentation…and tasted phenomenally.

Each course was prepared by one of the two chefs which were all exceptional dishes in their own right, but with such a contrast between Chinese and Italian cuisine, I found that the two dishes did not actually compliment the other as each Italian dish was matched with paired wines.  In any case, the dishes were not served together or meant to be eaten together, so it was easy to enjoy each one separately as it came out.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Sadler & Le Quai’s 6-course Dinner:

Kenny Fu’s Appetizer Selection:

Pan fried bean curs skin layers with black mushrooms

Shanghai smoked pomfret fish

Crispy spring rolls with cheese

Spring rolls stuffed with tuna tartare

Chilled Shanghai drunken chicken

Riccardo La Perna’s Appetizer Selection:

Cannelloni with shrimps and orange reduction

Cuttlefish gnocchi with mashed peas

Caprese Salad

Fried dumpling with pancetta

Parmesan cheese foam with saffron popped rice and dry Porcini mushrooms

*Paired with Montenisa Franciacorta Sparkling Wine Brut N.V. Lombardia, Italy

1st Course: Kenny Fu’s Double Chicken Soup

2nd Course: Riccardo La Perna’s Parmesan Cheese Risotto with Parma Ham Chips

*Paired with Tormaresca Chardonnay 2008, Puglia, Italy

3rd Course: Riccardo La Perna’s Baked Lobster with Sweet and Sour Vegetables

*Paired with Livio Felluga “Sharjs” Chardonnay 2007, Friuli, Italy

4th Course: Kenny Fu’s Roasted Australian Lamb, Turnip cake and Potato foam

*Paired with Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2005, Toscana, Italy

5th Course: Kenny Fu’s Assorted Desserts – homemade yoghurt, mango pudding and

6th Course: Riccardo La Perna’s Traditional Tiramisu

*Paired with Prunotto Moscato D’Asti 2009, Piemonte, Italy

Highlights of the meal were Riccardo La Perna’s Parmesan Cheese Risotto and Traditional Tiramisu (still wins as the best Tiramisu in Beijing), but Kenny Fu’s Roasted Australian Lamb was the winning dish of this exquisite meal.  The tenderness, soft texture and taste was beyond exceptional. It was so good, I had to pause everything I was thinking or saying so that I could properly savor each bite as it deserved to be appreciated.

Hats off to two incredibly talented chefs and to Sadler’s GM Gian Luca Fusetto for organizing an unforgettable dining experience!

Riccardo La Perna / Gian Luca Fusetto / Kenny Fu

Another event displaying culinary teamwork was Hatsroomie & ROOMsune – a culinary collaboration between Alan Wong of the Hatsune Restaurant Group and Brian McKenna from ROOMbeijing.  See full article here.

Sadler Ristorante’s News & Upcoming Events:

Starting today (March 31), Sadler is launching a new Spring Menu featuring classic favorites.  Guests can order a la carte or enjoy the full set menu at RMB 688.

On Saturday, April 2nd, Sadler will also be hosting an Australian Sicilian Wine Dinner together with Firriato Winery and of course Sicilian native Executive Chef Riccardo La Perna.  RMB 618 per person + 15% service charge.

For reservations, call 6559 1399 or email gianluca.fusetto@chienmen23.com

Ristorante Sadler: Located within Ch’ien Men 23, neighboring Maison Boulud, Ch’ienmen 23, 23 Qianmen Dong Da Jie,前门东大街23 Tel: 6559-1399

LumDimSummary: Hatsroomie & ROOMsune

Hats off to both Alan Wong of the Hatsune Restaurant Group and Brian McKenna of ROOMbeijing for pulling off two exceptional dinners: Hatsroomie & ROOMsune.

A powerful collaboration between two of Beijing’s most popular culinary personalities, diners were treated to a one-of-a-kind 10-course menu created specially for this event.

Event Breakdown:

• 2 chefs / 2 restaurants / 2 nights / 1 menu
• 1 night in Hatsune/ 1 night in ROOMbeijing
• Special 10-course dinner menu with all completely original, never seen-before creations
• A Behind-the-Scenes video featuring both chefs in the kitchen setting up everything from the prep work to the final presentation touches and playful sabotage and commentary throughout. (see below)

The Result: Two sold-out events with a wait-list of over 100+ people.

For the 100+ who couldn’t make it, here’s what you missed:

Hatsroomie & Roomsune Behind-the-Scenes Video (on youtube)

**Note: video can only be viewed with VPN. youku video coming soon

A Taste of Hatsroomie & ROOMsune’s 10-course Dinner:

Alan’s 1st course –  the apps:

• torched unagi and foie gras sushi ball
• dashi poached spinach roll with shiitake mushroom and flying fish roe
• miso marinated black cod in a lettuce wrap with shredded daikon and gobo root

Brian’s 1st course – Appetizers: Shellfish 1-2-3

• Mini lobster burger
• Fresh cracked oyster with lime and anise star flavored crushed ice
• Lightly curried sweet potato soup, coconut foam, marinated shrimp

Alan’s 2nd Course – the onsen (spring bath):

Brian’s 2nd course – 1st course: Crab and avocado

• Hand picked crab meat / crushed avocado / sweetcorn sorbet / basil oil

Alan’s 3rd Course: Secret Sushi roll

Brian’s 3rd Course – Salmon and foie gras

• Slow cooked Norwegian salmon / spiced lentils / sauteed foie gras / herb creme fraiche

Alan’s Main Course – the sukiyaki:

Brian’s Main Course – Beef and Bone:

Alan’s Dessert – the sweets:

Brian’s Dessert: 1-2-3 Breakfast

While this event was all in the name of joining forces and proving that two uniquely different styles of cuisine can compliment one another, it’s also impossible not to compare the dishes from each chef and vote for favorites.

Overall, the general consensus was that Brian’s 3-piece appetizer and 3-piece dessert won hands down but Alan’s signature sushi roll and onsen beat out Brian’s crab and avo and salmon and foie gras dishes.  The tie-breaker comes down to either the sukiyaki or the beef and bone. While the beef and bone with mash melted in your mouth, the sukiyaki was both interactive between the chefs and all the guests and the marbled wagyu beef was so good, we ate it raw.

In any case, Brian’s lemongrass and mango panna cotta (served in the shell of an egg) was a big hit and Alan’s onsen dish is by far one of the best dishes I have ever had in my entire life.  Not exaggerating.

Both chefs have gone above and beyond in terms of creativity, effort and generosity and it truly showed in both events.  More than just exceptional cuisine, they gave guests an extraordinary experience.

On a scale of 1-10, both chefs rightfully deserve 11 stars.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Hatsroomie:

LumDimSum Snapshots of ROOMsune:

…and to sum up how we all felt at the end of both nights?

FOOD COMA.

Hatsroomie & ROOMsune: A Culinary Collaboration

Two of Beijing’s most talented restaurateurs: Alan Wong of the Hatsune Group and Brian McKenna of ROOMbeijing will be showing off their culinary skills, each creating their own specialties and joining forces to bring Beijing a masterpiece 8-dish dinner menu featuring completely original, never seen-before recipes guaranteed to impress.

The first night will be hosted at Hatsune Sanlitun branch on Tuesday, January 25 and the night after, Wednesday, January 26, will be hosted at ROOMbeijing.

For both nights, both Alan and Brian will be personally cooking 4-courses in the kitchen (for a total of 8 dishes) and everything from the prep work, final presentation touches and playful sabotage throughout, will all be caught on film with a video for all guests to enjoy.

• 2 chefs / 2 restaurants / 2 nights / 1 menu
• 1 night in Hatsune/ 1 night in ROOMbeijing
• Special 8-dish dinner menu with all original creations

With these two in the kitchen, expect the unexpected.  Expect nothing less of epic.

Event Details:

• Dates:
  • ‘Hatsroomie’ Dinner: Tuesday, January 25 @ Hatsune Sanlitun Village
  • ‘ROOMsune’ Dinner: Wednesday, January 26 @ ROOMbeijing
• Time: 7:00-10:00PM
• Addresses:
  • Hatsune: Sanlitun Village South, 3/F, S8-30, 19 Sanlitun Road 三里屯19号院, 南区三层S8-30
  • ROOMbeijing: 301-302, 3/F, PARK LIFE, Beijing Yintai Center, 2 Jianguomenwai Street,
    建国门外大街2号, 银泰中心3
• Cost: RMB 488 for dinner only or RMB 588 for dinner + free flow beverages (red & white wine, sake, beer)
• RSVP Required:
  • Bookings for “Hatsroomie” event: contact me directly: e-mail: Kristen@lumdimsum.com
  • Bookings for “ROOMsune” event: call Lisa Zhao 8517 2033 or e-mail: lisa@room-beijing.com

Savor 2010′s Final Moments

Before we say goodbye to 2010, let’s live it up, count our blessings and soak up every last minute before it flies by because before we know it, it’s going to be the start of yet another year!

Ring in 2011 in style and feast to your heart’s content!

New Year Eve’s Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. All-Star’s NYE Buffet Dinner -

Ring in 2011 with Hawaiian-style BBQ Ribs, Orange Roasted Whole Turkey, Seared Sea Bass & BBQ Pork Ribs. Only RMB 188 per person (Kids under 12 years old are half price).

RSVP: 5905-6999

2. Blue Frog -

A 3-course set NYE dinner menu with a special midnight toast.  RMB 268 per person.

Available Friday, December 31

RSVP: 6417 4030

3. Enoterra -

A 12-piece oyster platter +2 bottles of Champagne Gosset Brut for only RMB 998. Each bottle of Champagne Gosset Brut is RMB 498 each.

Available New Years Eve (Dec. 31).

RSVP: 5208-6076; For More Info: www.enoteca.com.cn

4. Migas -

Migas will be ringing in 2011 with Mumm Champagne on their rooftop terrace.  Expect lots of bubbly and funky disco soul beats by DJ Suiki.  Party starts 10pm.

Free for ladies, RMB 120 entrance fee for men, but free entry for pre-reserved RMB 500 bottles of Mumm champagne.

Reservations, contact: 5208 6061

5. ROOMbeijing

Join Brian McKenna with a night beginning with passed hors d’oeuvres and 6 hours of premium open bar followed by a 15 dish gourmet sharing dinner and live music by singer RAYE and a live New Year’s countdown.  RMB 688 per person for set dinner menu and open bar from 8PM-2AM or just RMB 488 for open bar and lounge seating from 9PM-2AM.

Available New Year’s Eve, December 31.

Reservations: Contact Lisa by lisa@room-beijing.com , 010-85172033

*Brian is also hosting a New Years Day Brunch with 15 dish sharing lunch and 4 hours of champagne open bar from 12PM-4PM for RMB 348 per person or RMB 248 for all food and no alcohol.

6.  SALT –

A 5-course set NYE menu and choice of free flow bubbly, selected red and white wines and beer.  RMB 498 per person for food only or RMB 698 with free flow drinks.

RSVP: 6437 8457; Contact: info@saltrestaurantbeijing.com

LumDimSum Discovery: ROOM’s Magical Fruit Tree

ROOM Signature Fruit Tree with Seasonal Fruits/sugars and sauces (RMB 200)

Known for his innovative food creations and playful dishes, Brian McKenna of ROOMbeijing is all about quality ingredients, beautiful presentation and this fruit platter is a perfect example of Brian’s magic touch – taking something simple and making it magnificent, original, something unforgettable.

After seeing this brilliant fruit tree creation at ROOM, never will I look at a standard fruit plate the same.

ROOMbeijing

Address:

301-302, 3/F, PARK LIFE, Beijing Yintai Center, 2 Jianguomenwai Street,
建国门外大街2号, 银泰中心3

Tel: 8517-2033

LumDimSummary: 85 Broads Progressive Dinner

From L to R: Founder Kat Don, Speakers Lijia Zhang, Nancy Murphy, Nami Park and Lilian Chou, Event Coordinator Meili Autumn and Deborah Ehrlich

A global network of over 25,000 ambitious, intelligent women who aim to inspire others and make a difference in the world, 85 Broads began at Goldman Sachs on 85 Broad Street in NYC with its founding members and now includes everyone from students of the world’s leading universities to senior executive women and industry experts.

About once a month, Beijing’s 85 Broads Chapter organizes a unique platform for women to engage in an interactive event, connecting with each other and to a global platform of other women in the world today.

Their most recent event was a Progressive Dinner at ROOMbeijing.  An engaging and delightful evening, all attendees had the fortune of meeting four very unique and influential women in Beijing:

• Nancy Murphy, Senior Partner, JT&N Law and author of China Art Law Newsletter
• Lillian Chou, Food Editor, Time Out Beijing and Beijing LUXE City Guides
• Nami Park, Finance Consultant and a Power Circle member of 85 Broads since its inception in 1997.
• Lijia Zhang, Write and Author of “Socialism is Great!” (I bought her book immediately after hearing her speak)
  

It was truly a privilege to attend this event and I encourage all fellow ambitious, career-driven women to join 85 Broads’ global network and participate in future chapter events.

*Shout out to three very inspiring women/Beijing Chapter Founders: Kat Don, Deborah Ehrlich and Meili Autumn for organizing a lovely event!

If you are interesting in joining 85 Broads global network, sign up here: www.85broads.com and if you are interested in future Beijing Events: e-mail: beijing85broads@gmail.com.

The next 85 Broads Dinner will be in conjunction with Chi Fan for Charity as they are hosting a table of 10 at Ristorante Sadler with a local female artist as the evening’s guest speaker. Funds go to three worthwhile organizations including Rural Women’s Charity.  Details and Sign Up here: www.chifanforcharity.org

Buy Your Tickets Now: Chi Fan for Charity 2010

Bringing together local opinion leaders, celebrities and other charitable-minded individuals to raise money for worthwhile philanthropic causes, Chi Fan for Charity is one of the strongest charity events of the year.

Last year, Chi Fan for Charity raised over RMB 100,000 for The Dandelion School, a non-profit middle school for children of low-income migrant families.This year, Chi Fan for Charity will support three local charities:  The Dandelion School, Prevention Through Education (HIV/AIDS Awareness) and Rural Women’s Charity.

Beijing’s top restaurants are each donating a table for ten valued at RMB 500-1000 per seat.  People who want to enjoy an exceptional meal while contributing to a worthwhile cause can sign up for a seat at their restaurant of choice or preferred table host and “eat for charity”.

Each guest is treated to a special set dinner menu with a table host who is engaging and dedicated to making a difference here in China.  Table hosts this year include the talented actor and film director Chen DaMing, Hatsune Restaurant Group owner Alan Wong, CCTV host James Chau, Bespoke Beijing Founder Sarah Keenlyside and AAB Founder Tom Pattinson, Pulitzer Prize–winning photographer H.S. Liu and his partner, Chinese art expert Karen Smith, and PTE Founder Gabe Suk just to name a few.

After dinner, guests will be invited to the Chi Fan for Charity After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village, entertaining revelers with all-you-can-drink cocktails from 10PM-1AM and DJ Patrick Yu spinning jams into the small hours.

For those who would like to contribute without committing to a dinner seat, you can purchase a ticket for the after-party online (RMB 150 for advanced tickets or RMB 200 at the door).

Chi Fan for Charity Basic Breakdown:

• Beijing’s top restaurants are again being invited to donate a three-course meal for tables of ten hosted by the capital’s leading opinion makers and celebrities.
• Seats for the evenings of entertaining conversation and fine cuisine are sold publicly from 500RMB to 1,000RMB+ depending on the restaurant, with all proceeds going directly to three local charities.
• Last year’s inaugural event raised over 100,000RMB for The Dandelion School, a non-profit middle school for children of low-income migrant families. Two additional charities will benefit this year: the Aids-awareness organisation PTE China and the Cultural Development Center for Rural Women, a practical skills training centre in Changping district.
• Confirmed participating restaurants this year include Capital M, Green T House Living, Maison Boulud, Chef Too, Hatsune, Grange, Karaiya Spice House, Modo, Oden, Black Sesame Kitchen, Nola, Sureno, Bei, Cru Steakhouse, Jaan, Carmen, Vasco’s, Red Capital Club, ROOMbeijing, Duck de Chine, Taverna, Scarlett, Courtyard, Toro Bar and Kagen Teppanyaki.
• After the charity dinner, guests are invited to the Chi Fan for Charity ‘after party’ at Hatsune Sanlitun Village, entertaining revelers with their legendary cocktails and DJ Patrick Yu into the small hours.
• Supporters and friends can purchase tickets for the ‘after party’ alone at 150RMB advanced ticket sales or 180RMB at the door (gets you all-you-can-drink from 10PM-1AM).
• Tickets for both the dinners and after party will be on sale beginning October 16^th at the Chi Fan for Charity website: www.chifanforcharity.org.

Beijing’s Broads Progressive Dinner at ROOM

To all of Beijing’s ambitious, motivated, talented and career-driven women -

The Beijing Chapter of 85 Broads will be hosting an intimate 3-course Progressive Dinner at ROOMbeijing this Tuesday, October 19 at 7:30PM.

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

This month’s progressive dinner will feature the following guest speakers:

• Nancy Murphy, Senior Partner, JT&N Law
• Lillian Chou, Food Editor, Timeout Magazine
• Nami Park, Finance Consultant

Seats are limited to 40 to provide guests with an intimate dining experience with 85 Broads’ invited guest speakers. RSVP required before Thursday, October 14.

“25,000 amazing women who passionately believe in using their intellect and ambition to change the game for all women globally.”

VISION ACCOMPLISHED.  – 85 Broads

*Note: This event is the English-language event.  The Chinese-language event will be held on Thursday, October 19 at Purple Haze Courtyard

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, October 19
• Time: 7:30PM
• Price: 285 RMB / person
• RSVP Required by Thursday, October 14;
• Contact: Katherine Don 15810189440 or e-mail Beijing85Broads@gmail.com
  
• Location: ROOMbeijing, Beijing Park Hyatt
• Address:

中国北京市朝阳区建国门外大街2号

北京银泰中心三层301-302 邮编: 100022

301-302, 3/F, PARK LIFE Shopping Centre, Beijing Yintai Centre

No. 2 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

Tel: 8517-2033

About 85 Broads:

‘Ham It Up’ at ROOM

ROOMbeijing knows good ham.

Serving up some of the nicest selections of fine ham in the capital (ranging from RMB 55-750 for 100g platter), here is a list of my top 3 picks:

#1 Top Pick: 5J pata negra ham (Spain)

The king of hams from the black-hoofed pig, rich nutty flavour (RMB 750/100g)

#2 Pick: Salami – Italy

Cured Mixed-Meat Sausage, Air Dried (RMB 55/100g)

#3 Pick: Parma Ham – Italy

Cured for 2 years (RMB 90/100g)

If you like to mix it up, ROOMbeijing also offers mixed ham platters:

• Selection of 3 – RMB 560/150g

• Selection of 6 – RMB 660/300g

Click here for ROOMbeijing Restaurant Review.

ROOMbeijing:

中国北京市朝阳区建国门外大街2号

北京银泰中心三层301-302 邮编: 100022

301-302, 3/F, PARK LIFE Shopping Centre, Beijing Yintai Centre

No. 2 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China

Tel: 8517-2033

LumDimSummary: Indulged for a Cause @ ROOM

Beijing Foodies 2 Year Birthday Bash was my very first time dining at ROOMbeijing and needless to say, I was absolutely blown away!

When I signed up for this event, I was stoked to see such a good valued meal – a 3-course menu + 2 glasses of wine for only RMB 150 per person. With 3 dishes listed under starters, mains and 2 desserts, I was expecting everyone to pick and choose their selections out of the set menu but then every single item on the menu came out family-style so we got to try everything!

For starters, we were served a 42-ingredient salad, tuna tartar with avocado and Italian ham with arugula salad.  While I was most intrigued to try the 42-ingredient salad, the tuna tartar won me over with the giant chunks of avocado and marinade for the tuna.

For mains, the rack of lamb and BBQ pork noodles were both tasty, but the star dish of the night was by far the Whole Roasted Baby Chicken.  Slow-cooked and soaked in whiskey for 24 hours, the chicken was incredibly tender and juicy and I was also a big fan of the sticky rice.

Ending on a sweet note, the ti-ROOM-isu was a giant block of goodness and the Milk Chocolate Mousse Bars were attached to a pile of POP Rocks!  Been ages since I’ve had pop rocks crackling in my mouth; it was such an unexpected treat!

LumDimSum Snapshots of the 8-dish Meal by ROOM:

OVERALL:

Serving 8 amazing dishes all family style, I applaud ROOM for offering this incredibly generous menu selection, for their very professional and efficient service for a packed house of 152 hungry diners, and hats off to owner Brian McKenna for doubling the total funds raised (RMB 12,759.70 + $50CND) with proceeds all donated to the featured charity group of this event: Compassion for Migrant Children (CMC).

This dinner was such a treat, I’d like to give a shout out and say thank you to Xixi Cheng & the BJ Foodies Group for organizing such a spectacular dinner event!

Review of ROOMbeijing: 301-302, 3/F, PARK LIFE, Beijing Yintai Center, 2 Jianguomenwai Street, 建国门外大街2号, 银泰中心3层 , Tel: 8517-2033

Best Part:

• Chef Brian McKenna’s innovative food creations and playful dishes. This is definitely a place for major foodies who appreciate creativity.
• You can count on quality ingredients and beautiful presentation.
• Very professional waitstaff and service was surprisingly efficient for a relatively new restaurant.
• Table set-up is as innovative as their cuisine – they have submerged lazy susan’s!  Each setting also has a unique utensil holder that fits everything from your chopsticks, fork, knife and spoon to your dessert utensils when you flip it over!  Love little details like that.  Very creative.
• The bathrooms are AWESOME.  My favorite part was the illusion mirrors ie. the “skinny” lengthening mirror.

Comments:

• This BJ Foodies 2 Year Birthday Bash was my first dining experience at ROOM, so my impressions of the food, decor and service may be unique to the average dining experience.  And while the 8 dish set menu + 2 glasses of wine was a steal at RMB 150, I have no idea what that price would have been normally.  But overall, in terms of food, ROOM delivered beyond expectations, the staff was very professional and everyone seemed to have a great night!
• While I liked the sofas and was a BIG fan of the table set-up (lazy susan & utensil holder), I was not a fan of the colorful chairs, the colorful walls and the giant, vibrant posters that look like movie advertisements.  I felt like I was sitting in a kindergarten classroom.

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

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

LumDimSum Snapshots of this BJ Foodies event: