Welcome Winter with Obentos’ Winter Specials

In addition to a few new maki sushi rolls, udon vegetable/beef noodle soup and Japanese vegetable/beef curry rice options, Obentos 本之味 Japanese restaurant in Central Park is also introducing a few winter specials I am very excited to try.

Order me a Pumpkin Tofu Salad with Soy Ginger Dressing (RMB 48) together with a hot ginger lemon tea (RMB 24) and I’ll be ready to brave the winter cold.

Good news for those who would prefer their food delivered to their door: Obentos has expanded their delivery menu to the greater Sanlitun area and beyond.

Obentos New Delivery Zone:

Click Link for Previous LDS Review of Obentos:

Bento Pushers: Obentos Japanese is in Business!

Obentos Contact Details:

• Address: Just west of The Place Cafe in Central Park, Unit 106-107, Bldg 9, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区朝阳门外大街新城国际9号楼106-107室

• Tel: 6597 0085, 6597 0223

Get On the Bus: Halloween Party Hop

Get in the spirit with Clubzone & Let’s Powwow’s Halloween Party Bus this Friday, October 28.

Party begins at 8:30PM at Kokomo before moving on to Twilo at 9:30, 798 for the legendary Yen Fetish Halloween Party and eventually back to Sanlitun in the wee hours of the night. Hitting up all the hottest Halloween parties around town (literally), you get hooked up with transportation and free entrance tickets to all venues and the best part? No waiting in any lines!

RMB 300 for transport and entrance to 4 parties including YEN Halloween Party.  RMB 220 for transport and entrance to 3 parties (no YEN)

Here’s how to hop on before all the seats are sold out (click here).

Event Details:

• Date: Friday, October 28
• Time: 8:30PM
• Location: From Kokomo to 798 and back to SLT
• Price: RMB 220 for bus transport and entrance to 3 parties or RMB 300 for total package of bus transport and 4 parties (including YEN Halloween Fetish Party)
• Website: click here.

“If You Can Dodge Traffic, You Can Dodge a Ball!”

“Alright Kate, time to put your mouth where our balls are.” – Peter LaFleur

Such an awesome movie.  Dodgeball rocks.

If you haven’t seen it, go and buy the DVD and get inspired to get out to mashup and join their dodgeball league!!

Dodge, Duck, Dip, Dive, Dodge

The 2011 Coed Dodgeball League Starts September 19!

“Have a friend whose mouth never closes (the 7-11 flag football award winner)? Get him to sign up f or dodgeball too and close that trap.

After the match, buy him a drink to ease the pain from the whooping he just received by your balls.”

It’s a great way to meet friends as everyone signs up as an individual and gets “mashed up” into different teams.

The best part is that now you can come try out dodgeball first for FREE!

On Monday, Sept. 5th, 7:00-10:00pm, mashup will hold pick-up games at The British School of Beijing in Sanlitun. You must RSVP if you want to come to the pick-ups to info@mashupasia.com due to the school’s security. League games are held at Dongsi Olympic Community Sports Culture Center.

• Location: Dongsi Olympic Community Sports Culture Center near Chaoyangmen Station on Line 2. 东四奥林匹克社区体育文化中心
• Address is: No. 14 Chaoyangmen North Alley, Dongcheng, Beijing, China.  朝阳门内北小街14号
• Dates/Times: 8:30pm – 10:30pm, Mondays, September 19 - November 14, 2011.
• WEBSITE:  Get the dodgeball information here!

Let’s Smushi: Snooping Royal Smushi House 皇家慕喜

The Royal Smushi House, house of Nordic food and design first caught my eye a few weeks back and one day, I decided to park my bike outside and have a look around.  I came on a weeknight around 8PM and was in a mood for something light or something sweet. I heard the bakery inside Smushi was pretty good as they specialize in Danish Smørrebrød sandwiches.  Unfortunately, their bakery and cafe closes by 7PM, so I was out of luck this time around.

Outside of their bakery, they also feature a little Monocle Shop and an area dedicated to Georg Jensen.

…and there’s more!  Up a spiral staircase, they have a grand piano and a long hallway with an equally long bar with deep colors and a large formal dining room with leather couches and dim lighting.  A few tables dining, I had a sneak peak at their menu offerings of contemporary Danish dishes which looked quite impressive.  Unfortunately, I was not in the mood for a fancy, sit-down dinner…perhaps another time!  The decor is stunning to say the least:

Just newly opened, Royal Smushi House has it all with a restaurant, a bakery, a cafe, a bar, a Monocle Shop and Georg Jensen dedicated shop. Expect big plans for it’s opening in the coming weeks and I definitely plan to return for their Danish Smørrebrød and Smushi lunch!

In a recent press release from Royal Smushi, they describe an experience in their venue as so:

“We are open all day offering guests a unique experience of food, design and shopping. You will have a chance not only to taste the fantastic wine, the Scandinavian flavor of Smushi and to appreciate the latest released masterpieces of the exclusive Danish design and luxury brand Georg Jensen, the newly opened Monocle Shop, from the global affairs, business, culture and design magazine.”

Royal Smushi House 皇家慕喜 Contact Details:

• Address: No.12 South-West corner of the Dongzhimenwai Ave. and Sanlitun Rd. crossing.
• 地址：三里屯北街 (东直门外大街12号与三里屯路交叉路口西南角)
• Tel: 010-64169 66
• Website: www.royalsmushihouse.cn.com

Casa Pagoda Presents Belita’s Summer 2011 Collection

This Saturday, July 16 2011, Casa Pagoda will be featuring Belita Jewelry’s 2011 Summer collection.

Enjoy a day of shopping, wine and hor d’oeuvres in Belita’s jewelry store just north of Sanlitun Village (below Eric Paris Hair Salon) from 12PM-8PM.

Check out LumDimSum’s Review of Belita’s Grand Opening Party here.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, 16 July 2011
• Time: 12-8PM
• Location: Belita Jewelry Store
• Address:  Just below Eric Paris Hair Salon just north of Sanlitun Village - 北京市朝阳区三里屯北街南43号楼（巴黎爱丽克美发沙龙一层）
• Tel: 157 1112 8542
• RSVP: contact@belitajewelry.com

About Belita Jewelry:

Belita Jewelry by Liza M., a stylish, high quality collection comprised of attainable luxury pieces.  Belita Jewelry is handmade, artisan jewelry, crafted from sterling silver, plated in gold, platinum, and rhodium finished with an assortment of semi-precious gemstones and pearls from around the world. Belita Jewelry offers a full range of chic and elegant pieces.

See their website for more information: www.Belitajewelry.com

LumDimSummary: BJ FOoDIES ‘ONLUS’ Charity Dinner

This past Sunday night, BJ FOoDIES hosted their monthly “Indulge for a Cause” foodies event at the classic Beijing favorite – Alameda contemporary Brazilian restaurant to support ONLUS charity organization.

Serving up a Brazilian feastage, guests enjoyed a slam-dunk 3-course menu with a glass of wine/beer/juice for only RMB 100 per person.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Alameda’s BJ FOoDIES Dinner:

Choice of Starters:

Roasted Beef Salad with Dry Tomatoes and Toasted Bread with Herbs Served with Balsamic Reduction / Pacotinni Stuffed with Ratatouille and Goat Cheese with Green leaves and Tamarind Sauce

Main Course Selection:

Duck Leg Comfit served with Polenta Cream with Shiitake and Red Wine Sauce / Baked Tamboril with Green Beans Foam served with Asparagus and Pumpkin Risotto / Grilled Picanha Steak served with Baked Tomato, Onions and Eggplant served with Sweet Garlic & Crisp Rosemary

Dessert Selection:

Milk Pudding / Fruit Plate with Zabaglione / Cocoa Creme Brulee

Highlights of the dinner at Alameda were the Beef Salad and Alameda’s rich and creamy milk pudding is to die for.

Overall, I was thrilled to re-visit a Sanlitun old-timer like Alameda and enjoy such a lovely meal with fellow foodies while also supporting a worthwhile cause.  Doesn’t get much better than that.

This month’s BJ FOoDIES had a great turn-out with the restaurant totally booked out and in the end, they raised a total of ￥6,185 RMB + US$100 for the ONLUS Charity Organization.

About the ‘ONLUS’ Charity Organization:

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ONLUS ASSOCIAZIONE MONSERRATE – TheNGO’s mission is to address provide economically disadvantaged families of handicapped children affected by cerebral palsy with financial resources necessary to ensure adequate rehabilitation of children & give parents the opportunity to participate in a specialized training course to learn how to help your child at home.

For more information: http://www.monserrate.org

LumDimSum Snapshots of BJ FOoDIES Dinner at Alameda:

Alameda Restaurant Details:

• Address: Close to Jazz-Ya (across the street from Nali Patio) Sanlitun Beijie, 三里屯北街
• Tel: 6417-8084

**To Join BJ FOoDIES Mailing List,  email bjfoodies@gmail.com

BJ FOoDIES: ‘ONLUS’ Charity Dinner at Alameda

Always putting together a steal meal deal for fellow foodies in the Beijing ‘hood, BJ FOoDIES is celebrating the coming of Spring with a special 3-course menu from a classic Beijing favorite – Alameda.

Known for their killer lunch deals, Alameda is ready to show foodie addicts why this old-timer is still a Sanlitun favorite.

Be sure to RSVP as seating is limited to 60 pax – e-mail BJ FOoDIES team: bjfoodies@gmail.com

BJ FOoDIES –  BRAZILIAN FEASTAGE at ALAMEDA:

RMB 100 includes 3-course dinner menu + Wine Glass / Asian Beer / Soft Drink

1. STARTER (pick one)

Salmon Gravlax

w/ Cress Leaves, Yogurt & Mustard Dressing, Crisp Noodles

Pacotinni Stuffed w/ Ratatouille

w/ Goat Cheese, Green Leaves, Tamarind Sauce

Roasted Beef Salad

w/ Dry Tomatoes, Toasted Bread, Herbs, Balsamic Reduction

2. MAIN COURSE (pick one)

Grilled Picanha Steak

w/ Baked Tomato, Onions & Egg plant, Sweet Garlic, Crisp Rosemary

Baked Tamboril

w/ Green Beans Foam, Asparagus, Pumpkin Risotto

Duck Legs Confit

w/ Polenta Creamy, Shitake, Red Wine Sauce

Mezzaluna Stuffed w/ Riccota

w/ Roasted pine nuts, Mascarpone Creamy Sauce

3. DESSERT (pick one)

Cocoa Brule Creamy

Plated Fruits w/ Zabaglione

Milk Pudding

“Indulge for a Cause”

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 10, 2010
• Time: 7:30-10:30
• Location: Alameda
• Address: Sanlitun Beijie, 三里屯北街
• Cost: RMB 100 includes dinner menu + drink
• RSVP: E-mail BJ Foodies Team - bjfoodies@gmail.com

April Charity Theme: ‘ONLUS’

The charity to receive this months proceeds will go to ONLUS ASSOCIAZIONE MONSERRATE – The NGO’s mission is to address provide economically disadvantaged families of handicapped children affected by cerebral palsy with financial resources necessary to ensure adequate rehabilitation of children & give parents the opportunity to participate in a specialized training course to learn how to help your child at home.

For more information: http://www.monserrate.org

About BJ Foodies Group:

Organizing monthly group meals at about RMB 100/head with food/drinks included, this group of dedicated foodies is all about “satiating their inner-foodie appetites for good quality food, conversation & fine wining/sake-ing/cocktailing/beering while indulging for a cause.”

BJ FOODIES PURPOSE:
1. Just to eat a nice meal & catch up with real people & friends outside the clubbing-disease we all suffer from called Vics/Mix.
2. Opportunity to contribute our little bits to society while doing something we love – EATING. The Charity aspect is a supplementary & added bonus BUT NOT the main purpose of the group

Hooking Up Deals on Let’s Powwow

If you have an iPhone or Android, you must download Let’s Powwow today.  My favorite phone application, it’s like a combination of WhatsApp, foursquare and city listings combined.

Not only is this application incredibly useful with finding venues, getting addresses in Chinese and English to show your cab driver, reading quick honest reviews and recommendations, it’s also an easy way to stay in touch with friends.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had an hour to kill in Sanlitun (before or after a meeting) and turned on Powwow to see who’s in the neighborhood to pop over for a quick hello!  Instead of texting around to see where everyone is or what everyone is up to, you can just check in and see who’s around you and what’s going on!

Already selected by Apple as one of the top 25 free applications on iTunes, Let’s Powwow is well on its way to the Application Hall of Fame – a the list of hottest applications available.

Most recently, Let’s Powwow has launched “deals” around town. Exclusively created for members of Let’s Powwow, you are entitled to some pretty awesome special deals at some of the best restaurants, bars, cafes, spas and gyms around town!

Top 3 Favorite Deals on Let’s Powwow:

1. Flamme:

Buy-one-get-one-free on any sandwich, burger or salad from Monday-Friday, 11AM-5PM (valid until April 30)

- This is an amazing lunch deal. Used this deal last week and the two of us chowed down on two massive sandwiches with a total bill of RMB 58. Crazy good deal.

Leo’s Steak Sandwich RMB 58

Grilled petit house steak with oven dried tomatoes, arugula and creamy mustard sauce on ciabatta bread served with crinkle cut fries

Flame Dip Sandwich RMB 58

Thinly sliced rotisserie prime rib of beef with fontina cheese and grilled onions on ciabatta roll with dipping sauce, horseradish cream, fries and side salad

2.  Hummingbird Therapeutic Retreat:

Enjoy an extended 1 hour massage service for a purchase of any 1 hour massage.

Offer available Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm, valid until April 30, 2011

3. Hatsune’s Double Threat Duo Special:

Experience 2 Rockin’ New Menu Items at Hatsune:  RMB 100 gets you 1 Japanese Burrito + 1 of Hatsune’s New Sushi Roll Creations (total valued normally at up to RMB 188)

Choice of: AMA Roll, candy&caviar Roll, LumDimSum Roll, Megatron Roll, Lady Bug Roll, Rossini Roll, South Beach Roll, Q Roll, Malaka Roll, G Roll, Monaco Roll, Shichimi Roll

Valid Mondays – Thursdays until April 28, 2011.

Japanese Burrito

+ 1 New Hatsune Sushi Roll = RMB 100

(see some sample sushi rolls below)

candy&caviar Roll / Megatron Roll

LumDimSum Roll / Rossini Roll

South Beach Roll / Q Roll

G Roll

Other Let’s Powwow Deals Available:

• Alameda: One glass of house wine per dinner set menu ordered. Valid March 16-June 15 during dinner time
• Terra: Bring 4 friends to Weekend Brunch and you get your brunch for free (save up to RMB 458). Sat & Sun, 11am-4pm to March 30
• Ole: Order any kind of paella and get a FREE bottle of Spanish wine (red or white). Valid until April 30
• Mosto: 30% off any bottle of wine for dinner on Mondays. Valid until April 1
• Modo: 30% off any bottle of wine for dinner on Tuesdays. Valid until April 1
• Frost Nails: For any purchase of hand or food treatment, get a free mani or pedi at Frost Nails. Valid until April 1
• Mo Lounge: 2-for-1 standard cocktails. Valid until April 1
• 1st Floor: Every Monday, enjoy half price on all dishes, Valid until March 31
• 2nd Floor: 2-for-1 Martinis every Wednesday, until March 31
• Oyo House: 25% off brunch for 2 people or 1 for free for group of 4, Valid until March 31

Let’s Powwow Background:

Powwow Limited is a Mobile Internet company providing a location-based service that is founded upon personal user needs and set preferences to provide relevant information about places, people and events around the individual that pertains to that person’s particular likes and interests. “Let’s Powwow” is the platform that will deliver this information by matching the user’s identified “likes” with our vast database of venues, social networks and events. The more frequently an individual uses Let’s Powwow, the more specific and unique the information s/he receives will become. In essence, we view each user as having their own thumbprint in the form of a personalized database that we can cross reference with ours to provide exacting information they want and require.

Let’s Powwow can be downloaded from the iTunes App store or Android Market. You can also register and log in to the website - www.letspw.com.

Self-Indulge with iSpa

The year of the rabbit is a year celebrating tranquility, good taste, refinement and self-indulgence…and what better way to self-indulge than with a full pampering session?

I was recently introduced to iSpa and after over 2 hours of a full body massage and facial, I left feeling so spoiled, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty.  But then again, it’s the start of a new lunar year, so escape the warzone of fireworks outside your window and treat yourself to a few hours of bliss.

iSpa is one of the most stunning spas I have seen in Beijing.  From the moment you walk in, you enter a world of serene tranquility.  A paradise themed with Thai decor, the shelves are stocked with the highest quality products, essential oils and herbal remedies. Spa services include body massages, scrubs, wraps, aromatherapy baths, facials, etc.

LumDimSum Snapshots of iSpa in China Central Place:

I think this quote appropriately sums up a nice introduction to iSpa:

“I think of life as a path of discovery,” says I Spa co-founder, Ms. Sirirat Fungkhajon, “The frantic pace of life in a large city leaves us with no time to reflect deeply upon our lives, and leaves us with little time to care for ourselves and those we love. I Spa more than just a haven where our guests can regain balance of the body, mind, and soul. It is also a place where you can rediscover and renew yourself so that you radiate with elegance. We chose the name “I Spa” to convey this idea of personalized treatment and service. This spa is yours.”

Be sure to check on their seasonal promotions and special packages.  I was lucky to try their “winter bliss” special package – 75 min. body massage with a 60 min. Jurlique facial.

With branches all over Beijing (Sanlitun, Gulou, UpperEast, China Central Place and the airport), find one near you and let the pampering begin!

Review of iSpa: Next to CRU Steakhouse on the second floor of JW Marriott hotel, 83 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区华贸中心建国路83号北京JW万豪酒店2层, Tel: 5908 8380

• Best Part:

• Stunning ambiance inspired by Thai themes
• High-quality products and wide range of services from standard massages to body wraps, facials, etc.
• Nice selection of essential oils and herbal remedies
• English speaking staff
• Great promotional deals- keep your eyes peeled for a pampering Valentine’s Day package inclusive of a chocolate wrap and chocolate scrub – yum!
• They treat you to a foot bath and tea at the start of your session and end with a complimentary treat and tea in the end

Comments:

• Extremely soothing and relaxing massage, but was not very impressed by the facial (have had better in Beijing)
• One of the pricier spas in Beijing, so I would not rate this spa as good value but definitely one of the most stunning and professional spas.
• They have several branches in Beijing  - Sanlitun, capital airport, Gulou, Gehua Tower, and Uppereast Side)

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

• Therapeutic Treatment: 7
• Atmosphere: 9
• Service: 7
• Overall Experience: 8

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

Hercules’ Three S’s: Soups, Salads & Sandwiches

Located in the space of the old White Rabbit, Hercules is a venue specializing in gourmet soups, salads, sandwiches pastas, all-day breakfast and desserts.

I was pleasantly surprised by how nice and loungy the venue space is.  The decor is simple with wood benches and tables, higher bar tables and lounge beds by a window overlooking Sanlitun’s backstreets.

It is interesting to find a venue with such a casual menu serving on soups, salads and sandwiches to have the atmosphere more suitable for an evening lounge rather than a lunch, diner or cafe as the menu suggests.

Hercules Menu:

Over the past two weeks, I’ve dined at Hercules for dinner twice and have had a very different experience each time.  The first time was on a slow Saturday night so the manager took the time to come over, give us his recommendations and we very much enjoyed everything we ordered!

Eager to try more, we went back a second time the following Friday night, which was quite busy compared to the first night (maybe a total of 30 guests vs. 10 the first night) and had quite the opposite experience compared to the week before.  The service was terrible, they were forgetful and mixed up the majority of our order (brought us the wrong salad and the wrong sandwich) and we were super disappointed with our meal and overall dining experience.

They were clearly more busy the second night, but that goes to show a lack of consistency in both their menu and service.  Definitely a hit-or-miss place.

In any case, if you go to Hercules, I highly recommend trying some sort of combo of their 3 S’s.

Their soups – both the borscht and cream of mushroom were delicious (both RMB 18), their Orange Red Cabbage Salad (RMB 22) is probably my favorite thing on their menu and I am a fan of both their Pastrami and Ox Tongue Sandwiches (both sandwiches recommended by Hercules’ manager).

Do NOT order their Eggplant Parmesan – it’s dry, tasteless and was majorly disappointing and their banana bread was also quite a let-down.

Hercules’ 3 S’s:

Borscht Soup RMB 18/Cream of Mushroom RMB 18

Orange Red Cabbage Salad RMB 32

Pastrami on Wheat Bread RMB 38/Ox Tongue with Sauteed Onions, Mushrooms on French Roll RMB 38

Eggplant Parmesan on Rye Bread RMB 32/ Grilled Cheese on White Bread RMB 22

Banana Bread RMB 22/Kiwi Sutra RMB 50

Review of Hercules: Old White Rabbit space, 2/F, Tongli StudioSanlitun Back Street, 朝阳区三里屯同里2楼, Tel: 6415 0299

Best Part:

• 3 S’s: Soothing soups, Refreshing Salads and Delicious, hearty sandwiches – I recommend the Pastrami and Ox Tongue
• Orange Red Cabbage Salad is my favorite item on their menu thus far

• Slick wood decor and lounge area facing Sanlitun’s back streets
• Nice weekday promotions – All-you-can-eat Pasta Mondays, Buy-One-Get-One-Free Sandwiches on Tuesdays
• Lunch set menu for RMB 58, happy hour from 4-8 every day (2-for-1 drinks)
• Free, fast wifi and get unlimited refills of coffee for RMB 20 (Everyday from 2-5PM)

Comments:

• Both their menu and service has been a hit or miss.  Be sure to ask manager for recommendations if you are unsure of what to order.
• By the same people who created The Apartment, run Muse Vietnamese restaurant below and owned White Rabbit.
• A great spot for a quick lunch or relaxing coffee in the afternoon.

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

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

LumDimSum Snapshots of Hercules:

Migas Grand Opening Party

After a soft-opening party on Wednesday, Migas launches its grand opening party in style TONIGHT with Riviera Events getting the word out:

“Expect some beautiful people, champagne, cocktails, fine food and quality house music from the famous DJ Betoko (get physical) !”

Party starts 6PM-late.

Date: Friday, August 20, 2010

Location: 6th floor of Nali Patio, Sanlitun

Check it out:

TERRA Replaces Rickshaw

By the same culinary geniuses behind SALT (and before that Alameda), TERRA is a new cevicheria and bar that has taken over what was once The Rickshaw.  Once a shabby, run-down joint is now slick and brand-spanking new.  Although TERRA has kept the building’s exterior shape intact, their team has replaced absolutely everything else inside and replaced the walls with glass (according to PR chief, Jennifer Eden).

With a menu serving Peruvian-inspired dishes with an emphasis around delicious ceviches (seafood flavored with citrus fruits), the 2-story restaurant features a ceviche bar on the first floor with the main dining restaurant and full-service bar upstairs serving “boutique” beers, healthy cocktails and an extensive selection of fine wines.

“Drawing on the ages old traditions of ceviche – fruits of the sea delicately seared in citrus and perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and flavors – TERRA presents a cevicheria with a large selection of tempting treats as well as contemporary cuisine with Peruvian inspirations.“

The decor is contemporary and fresh with black wood furniture and a high bar area with stools. While the outside is mostly sprayed with blotches of black paint, insiders will still have a nice view of Sanlitun Nanlu through the glass walls.

First Floor Ceviche Bar/Second Floor Full-Service Bar:

Opening Party Pics:

While Alameda still remains consistent with their unbeatable lunch deal (click for article), it’s great to have Gaby back in the Sanlitun hood.  In addition to serving a great lunch, I have no doubt that TERRA will quickly become known as the new “after-work drinks” destination and start to give Apothecary a run for their money.  Only time can tell…

Congratulations to Gaby Alves and her unstoppable team on a successful new restaurant opening!

TERRA:

• Hours: Open 11AM-1AM daily.
• Address: 1 Sanlitun Nanlu, 三里屯南路1号
• Tel: 6591-9148

A New Make-Over for Crêpanini

The perfect little nook for a quick bite, Crêpanini is one of my all-time favorite spots, especially during the summer months.

When they first opened last year, they operated out of a mini cubicle of a kichen with a giant window serving perfect crepes and only a few stools indoors with mostly outdoor seating.  The menu was limited with a list of savory crepes & panini sandwiches and a dessert menu composed of sweet crepes, waffles & ice cream. And as limited as that was, it was amazing to have such perfect crepes available in Beijing.

This year, Crêpanini has undergone renovation and re-opened with an expanded kitchen, a additional indoor section for sit-down dining (rather than a few stools at a counter) and a brand new menu with much more variety and a few great Breakfast & Lunch Set Menus.

Lunch Set (RMB 55):

• Paris Crepe/Panini (Ham, Emmental cheese, egg) or Saint Michael Crepe/Panini (Goat Cheese, tomato & basil)

• Chocolate or Jam Sweet Crepe

• Soft Drink or Tsingtao Beer

Gourmet Set (RMB 65):

• Saint Michael Crepe/Panini or Celtic Crepe/Panini (Smoked Salmon, Cream, Lemon, Dill)

• Nutella or Banana & Chocolate Sweet Crepe

• Soft Drink or Beer

A couple of my favorite crepes:

The Bretonne (RMB 35/37 for crepe/panini) – Now made with buckwheat crepes, it is filled with ham, French Emmental cheese, egg, mushroom & tomato.  Another top pick is the Provencale (RMB 37/41 for crepe/panini) – pesto, grilled chicken, French Emmental Cheese & tomato.  All orders of crepes & paninis are accompanied by a small vegetable salad.

Review of Crêpanini: 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Beilu, 三里屯北路81号那里花园1层酒吧街对面 , Tel: 5208-6092

Best Part:

• Both their Sweet & Savory Crepes are my favorite items on the menu. Their Nutella & Banana Sweet Crepe is Heaven on Earth.
• Available all-day, it’s a perfect spot for a snack, breakfast or lunch, or even after-dinner dessert
• They’ve switched their savory crepes to now be made of buckwheat, a more filling & much healthier alternative.
• Service is very friendly and most speak English.
• Join their Crepanini Fan Club for promotional deals
• Free delivery! Click here for delivery area and menu.
• Outdoor seating is mostly all shaded, so it’s an ideal, relaxing place to chill, people-watch, and enjoy good food & drinks.
• They serve fresh fruit smoothies and juice.
• Atmosphere is casual, comfortable and super chill.
• Owners JB & Nicolas are both awesome people.

Comments:

• With the new renovations and new menu, there is a noticeable hike in their prices compared to when they first opened last year.
• The set menus are great value.

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

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

LumDimSum Hook-Up: ChopSchticks Comedy Event

A World-Class Improvisational Comedy Show by The Chicago Improv All-Stars!

Hosted by ChopSchticks on Saturday, June 5th, there will be two performances at 7:00pm AND a late show at 10:00 PM at the Joyluck in SanLiTun (top floor of 3.3)!

Be the First LumDimSum reader to contact me and get two free tickets!!

• (e-mail me at kristen@lumdimsum.com)

Ticket Info: 300 RMB at the door, 250 RMB in advance up until Thursday, June 3rd. Every ticket comes with a free drink!

Order your tickets online at www.beijinghomedelivery.com, or call 158 1026 1614.

• Date: Saturday, June 5
• Time: 7 PM and 10PM
• Location: Joyluck Restaurant

The Chicago Improv All-Stars. These guys are among the best improvisational actors and musicians working in the world today. Their troupe has done 1,400 shows around the world to RAVE reviews and we are pumped to have four of their main players here in Beijing.

If you have seen Whose Line Is It Anyway, then you’ll be familiar with the type of on-the-spot, audience suggestion based sketch comedy and musical bits that these guys do. And do so well.

“HILARIOUS!” – South China Morning Post

“AN ENTERTAINMENT PHENOMENON! I AM IN AWE OF THEIR TALENT!” – The Scotsman

• Tom Shillue
• Russel Peters
• Pablo Francisco