Mr. Claudio Sadler Returns to Beijing with Liquid Gold

Mr. Claudio Sadler himself will make a return to Beijing this May for 4 days only – from May 3-May 7 to introduce a brand new a la carte Spring Menu together with a special Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dinner on Saturday, May 7.

“Olive oil has been more than mere food to the peoples of the Mediterranean: it has been medicinal, magical, an endless source of fascination and wonder and the fountain of great wealth and power.”

Using the finest quality olive oil, one of Earth’s healthiest natural ingredients referred by Homer as “liquid gold”, Mr. Sadler has created a magnificent 5-course menu with paired wines for RMB 888 per person.

Reservations recommended: call 6559-1399 or reserve online: gianluca.fusetto@sadler-beijing.com

Event details:

• Date: Saturday, May 7, 2011
• Time: 8PM
• Location: Sadler Ristorante
• Address: 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

The Hunt for Easter Brunch in Beijing

It’s ON – The LumDimSum Easter Hunt…for brunch!

Lucky for you, there’s plenty to choose from in Beijing from family-style brunches to free-flow champagne.

Practically every hotel is hosting their own Easter brunch, but I choose to opt away from hotel-style buffet brunches.  However, if you prefer the hotel setting, I hear the JW Marriott by the Ritz is the choice pick as they are also hosting their own Easter egg hunt.

…and if it’s really the traditional hunt for Easter eggs you’re after, then you can join Comptoirs de France in the biggest family Easter Egg hunt in Beijing.  The hunt begins at East Lake Villas starting 10AM. Prizes include giant Chocolate Eggs, Chocolate Bunnies…and apparently chocolate roosters as well!

Here are some Top-Notch Easter Brunch Deals around Town:

1. Capital M –

More than just a beautiful brunch spread, Capital M is also hosting performances by the Sunshine String Quartet (from the Beijing Sunshine Philharmonic Orchestra) starting just after brunch at about 4PM.

I can’t imagine a better way to digest brunch than listening to a program of Mozart, Handel, Pachelbel Johann and Bach.

For reservations, call: 6702-2727

2. Fennel –

Currently, my favorite brunch in Beijing – Fennel is phenomenal. See previous brunch review for Fennel here.

This Easter brunch, Fennel’s Easter Seafood Brunch (RMB 298 per person) will be adding a carving station with some easter roasts, a big cheese selection and extra desserts.

Don’t go without first making a reservation as they book out fast!  For reservations, call 6436-1818

3. Maison Boulud –

A magnificent choice for a memorable brunch, Maison Boulud is guaranteed to deliver both a quality brunch and 5-star service.

For reservations call 6559 9200

4. Sadler Ristorante –

Every Sunday, Sadler hosts a very sophisticated Italian brunch menu (see previous Sadler brunch post here), but Easter will be bringing on a special deal of just RMB 388 per person.

For reservations, call 6559 – 1399

5. SALT –

“Enjoy a relaxing Easter away from the crowds” on SALT’s open balcony terrace with a choice of 2 to 3-course brunch menu (see menu below).

For reservations, call 6437-8457

6. TERRA -

A champagne Easter brunch offering a 5-course menu, a bottle of champagne to share between two and free flow mojitos and caipirinhas (for RMB 458 each), this is quite an ambitious brunch!  Skip the free flow drinks and just enjoy the 5-course menu for RMB 288.

For reservations, call 6591-9148

Happy Easter Egg Hunting / Brunching!

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

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

Sensational Sadler Lunch Special

Founded by two Michelin starred chef Claudio Sadler, Sadler Ristorante is widely known in Beijing as the most decadent, sophisticated restaurant for high-end Italian cuisine.  Using only the freshest ingredients, Italian olive oil, super fresh seafood and home-made pasta and pizza every meal here is a beautiful dining experience.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Sadler Ristorante:

Reception & Lounge Area:

Main Dining Area:

Having recently started regular Italian Sunday Brunches with a new menu every week (click here for Sadler’s Sunday Brunch Review), Sadler has now introduced an even better (and more affordable) quick lunch deal the other days of the week (Mondays-Saturdays from 11:30AM-2:30PM).

Similar to their Sunday brunch, Sadler’s Lunch Special also includes a cold buffet antipasti (RMB 118 per person) inclusive of Italian cured meats (salame and Mortadella), mixed salads (Caprese and mixed greens), assorted breads (focaccia and mini pizzas), and of course a selection of desserts (panna cotta in 2 flavors, rum baba and chocolate cake).

LumDimSum Snapshots of Sadler’s Lunch Buffet:

Italian Cured Meats (Salame & Mortadella)

Mixed Greens Salad with AMAZING Italian olive oil and vinaigrette dressing (ingredients here)

Caprese Salad & Deviled Eggs

Dessert Selection (Chocolate Cake, Rum Baba, Mango & Raspberry Panna Cotta)

Highlights of the buffet was the salami, mixed green salad with Italian olive oil vinaigrette and their deviled eggs.

Should you crave more than what’s spread across the buffet table, Sadler also offers a selection of sensational main courses (RMB 168 for buffet + one main course).  From homemade pasta and pizza to braised veal cheek and fresh seafood soup with croutons, each dish is irresistibly delicious and undeniable (even though the buffet spread would be sufficient for a light lunch).

I tried each of the main courses on the menu and was a huge fan of their spaghetti seafood carbonara.  The blend of flavors, light sauce and fresh seafood was a miraculous concoction. The Potato Foam on top of the very tender veal cheek was also memorable.  The pizza is not offered on their a la carte menu regularly as I suppose pizzas are not so “fine dining”, but everything from the crust to the light sauce of Sadler’s pizza is remarkable (and it’s massive for one person)!

LumDimSum Snapshots of Sadler’s Main Course Selection:

Fresh Seafood Soup with Croutons & Spaghetti Seafood Carbonara Style

Braised Veal Cheek Served with Potato Foam

Pizza Margherita: Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella and Arugula

And if it’s possible that you saved any room for more dessert, for an extra RMB 30, you can have Beijing’s Best Tiramisu – Sadler’s Signature Tiramisu by Chef Riccardo. A simple dessert, yet done to perfection.  Their secret?  Sadler’s GM, Gian Luca Fusetto explains that “you need the right balance of texture and flavors. There is a hint of chocolate, coffee and alcohol, but it’s important that each of these ingredients never overwhelm the others.” It is this level of precision that makes this dessert perfect.

Sadler’s Signature Tiramisu

Review of Ristorante Sadler’s Set Lunch Special: 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

Best Part:

• A bright and contemporary venue for a very classy, upscale lunch at an affordable price (as low as RMB 118 per person)
• With menu created by Claudio Sadler, a celebrity two-Michelin star chef from Milan, you can expect nothing less of very refined and quality Italian cuisine.
• Best tiramisu in Beijing – perfect balance of creamy texture and coffee, alcohol and chocolate flavors. It’s  really the best I’ve tried.
• Homemade pastas and fresh seafood are top-notch.
• Sadler’s pizza is only available during lunch and it’s perfect for sharing as it’s quite large for one!
• GM Gian Luca Fusetto is both professional and hospitable. He is very knowledgeable and introducing each dish’s ingredients and how it is prepared just adds to a more meaningful dining experience.

Comments:

• Even though the venue is stunning and the food is fantastic, there were only 2 other tables in the restaurant which felt a bit empty. Then again, I did go on a Saturday at noon and the location is not exactly convenient if you live closer to the CBD.
• When you can easily find set lunch deals all around Beijing for an average of RMB 50, it’s hard to justify paying RMB 118-198 per person on a meal (inclusive of meal, buffet and tiramisu dessert.) but if you have someone you’d like to impress or if you’re in the mood to splurge, Sadler’s lunch is a wonderful option and worth every extra renminbi.

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

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

Forget the Price Tag and Think Priceless: Beijing’s Best Valentine’s Day Dinners

Probably one of the most loved and hated holiday on the annual calendar, Valentine’s Day is either a day to get all lovey-dovey with your sweetheart or it’s hated on…hardcore.

I think one of the best representations I have ever come across is a verse by my dear friend Mr. Ross Goulding in the most recent issue of Time Out magazine:

“Valentine’s Day is nothing more than a deluge of sacharrine filth, like a pool of vomit produced by a plague rat that has eaten nothing but sugar its whole miserable life. It is a day leaden with vulgar expectation, a day of pure emotion expressed via the clumsy mechanics of crass consumerism. There’s no better visual metaphor for Valentine’s Day than a mass-produced, solitary rose, wilting inside its plastic sheath, lying half trampled in a car park puddle on the morning of February 15.”

A little extreme if you ask me, but regardless of whether or not you are single or madly in love with your soul mate, Valentine’s Day is an excuse to indulge in a delicious meal and treat yourself to the divine sin that’s officially allowed on Valentine’s Day: CHOCOLATE.

…or an even more sinfully delicious treat – cupcakes!

*Lollipop Bakery Valentine’s Day Box of Love (RMB 280 for 1 dozen Cupcakes)* – To order: 13552772683

A word of advice to all boyfriends out there – It’s just one day out of the year, so suck it up, be sentimental, and please, Forget the Price Tag and think PRICELESS.

Lucky for you, Beijingers are spoiled for choice this Valentine’s Day.  Many of Beijing’s finest restaurants including Capital M, Ristorante Sadler and Maison Boulud are making your life easy with beautiful, decadent romantic dinners for two just a phone call away.

Valentine’s Day Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. Alameda -

Valentine’s Day couples are spoiled at Alameda with a welcome cocktail upon arrival and appetizers followed by a mouthwatering four-course menu with dishes like steamed lobster with spinach salad, and tiger prawns with emulsion of avocado, as well as dessert choices that include a chocolate fondue for two. The dinner is ¥608 per couple.

For reservations, call: 6417-8084, 6413-1939

2. Blue Frog -

A special Valentine’s day menu for only RMB 298 per person.

3. Capital M -

Already a winning choice with its romantic roaring fireplaces and breathtaking views of Beijing, M has gone the extra mile and created two romantic menus just for you-

Our Classic Valentine’s menu (RMB 888 per couple) begins with a romantic Royal Red Kir, and a Pate en croute d’amour of Lovebirds and Foie Gras, and features Two Soups of Passion (Chestnuts & Consomme); a choice of Romantic Classics ~ Salmon Coulibiac or Beef Wellington and finish up with a passionate Pavlova and Souffle.

A Very M Romance (RMB 1,488 per couple) begins with a sexy sip of pink bubbles and caviar, then meanders through an aphrodisiacal feast … a seductive Valentine’s Platter (foie gras, crab soufflé, scallops and prawns, house gravlax); Two Soups of Passion (Chestnuts & Consomme); Luscious Lobsters Thermidor; Beef & Yorkshire Pudding; M’s Truly Grand Dessert Platter for two.

4. The Cut Grill (Fairmont Hotel)-

What’s more romantic than sharing a perfect slice of premium steak? Meat lovers should seriously consider The Cut – Beijing’s finest steak house is offering a 7 course menu inclusive of a rose and glass of dom upon arrival.  RMB 1800 +15% service fee per couple.

5. Grill 79 -

Wine and dine with your sweetheart on top of Beijing’s tallest building.  With views of the city skyline, enjoy a specially prepared set champagne rose pairing dinner featuring a special six-course menu for RMB 1,988 +15% service charge per person.

For reservations, call: 8571 6459

6. Maison Boulud -

Maison Boulud is offering a choice of three of the most luxuriously romantic set dinner menus available in Beijing.  Choose from the following three: J’Adore Menu for RMB 1778 per couple, Passion Menu for RMB 5288 per couple or Folie Menu for RMB 13,288.

For Reservations, call 6559-9200 or e-mail: nicolas.socquet@maisonboulud.com.   www.maisonboulud.com

7.  Migas -

Migas reveals its romantic side over dinner with a 5-course menu at RMB 680 for 2 and specials on Mumm Champagne at 80RMB/glass.

For reservations, call: 5208 6061

8. Ristorante Sadler -

With the holiday named after a martyred saint of ancient Rome, what better way to celebrate than at Beijing’s finest Italian restaurant?  Ristorante Sadler offers a decadent 5 course menu for RMB 688 per person including a welcome drink, canapes and a surprise gift…

For reservations, call: 6559-1399

9.  SALT –

A Valentine’s Day ‘Indulgence‘ Menu, you begin your night with a complimentary bubbly or Valentine´s Cocktail on arrival and enjoy Chef Paulo De Souza´s touch of romance.

“Strawberries with Ruccula and Walnuts, Butter Poached Oysters, Beef Tenderloin with Truffle Sauce, Toblerone Fondue with Seasonal Fruit, Chocolate Molten Soufflé or Strawberries with  Brown Sugar Cream are some of the delights set to entice.”

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

10. Terra -

Sharing is caring.  Terra’s “Taste, Share, Pair” Vday dinner starts you off with a complimentary glass of bubbly or Valentine´s cocktail and your own first course before moving on to romantically-crafted tasting plates to enjoy together before indulging in a decadent dessert selection.  Menu below.

For reservations, call: 6591 9148

11.  Scarlett -

For anyone feeling Anti-Valentine’s Day, you can drink your sorrows away at Scarlett Wine Bar (Hotel G) with their cheap drink specials at RMB 30 for standard drinks and RMB 50 for signature cocktails.  And who knows?  Cupid just might be waiting for you there.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sadler’s Sophisticated Sunday Brunch

Every Sunday, Ristorante Sadler offers an authentic Italian brunch featuring a buffet table of beautiful salads, smoked salmon, cured meats, an assortment of fresh breads, cheeses, fresh jam, and mini pizzas. And let’s not forget to mention a separate dessert table with Sadler’s delicious tiramisu served in tall Martini glasses, passionfruit and raspberry panna cotta, fresh fruit and warm apple crumble tarts.

Sadler’s Sunday Buffet Table:

Sadler’s Dessert Table:

Highlights were definitely the mini pizzas, cheesey bread, fresh salad ingredients, smoked salmon, passionfruit panna cotta and tiramisu.

For those with looking for something more, there is also the option of ordering one main course from the kitchen in addition to the buffet tables – choice of soup, pastas, meat or fish.  Out of the main courses we sampled, the Spaghetti Ink Pasta was the big winner.

Sadler’s Sunday Brunch Menu:

Main Course Selections:

Spagetti with Black Ink, chili pepper and sea urchin sauce/Sea Salted Salmon, braised endive and capers

Cannelloni Ricotta, spinach and tomato sauce

For just the buffet selection, the price per person was RMB 248.

To add one main course, price bumps up to RMB 338 and add an additional RMB 85 for free-flow prosecco.

Review of Ristorante Sadler‘s Italian Sunday Brunch: 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

Best Part:

• A bright and contemporary venue for a classy, elegant Sunday brunch
• With menus created by Claudio Sadler, a celebrity two-Michelin star chef from Milan, you can expect nothing less of very refined and quality Italian cuisine.
• The Spagetti with Black Ink, chili pepper and sea urchin sauce is fantastic
• GM Gian Luca Fusetto is both professional and hospitable
• Nice VIP private dining room and chef’s table room available

Comments:

• After recent negative brunch experiences at some of Beijing’s finest restaurants including Maison Boulud and Capital M (see article here), it was refreshing to dine at Sadler.  To sum it up, it’s fine dining that’s very straight forward, professional and done right. (no funny business).
• I was a fan of the Italian brunch buffet (especially bread and dessert selection), but to offer a main courses like Pumpkin Soup for an additional RMB 90 is a bit steep.  Other dishes like the pasta dishes and fish dishes were excellent, but also all a bit skimpy for the price.

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

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

LumDimSum Snapshots of Sadler’s Brunch:

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

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