The Vineyard’s Weekend Lunch Deal & The Vine Leaf

Vineyard’s Roasted Peppers and Hummus with Side Salad & Drink (RMB 55)

The Vineyard is famous for their great value weekend brunches (Try their “Full English Breakfast”), but they also serve up a great weekday lunch deal. For prices ranging from RMB 45-65, you can enjoy some great mains + side salad or side of fries + drink. Highlights include giant pizzas deals (RMB 60-65), sandwich combos (RMB 55), and even Baked Potato (RMB 65), Quiche Lorraine (RMB 58), Omelette (RMB 55) and Muesli (RMB 45).

The Vineyard’s Weekday Lunch Deals: 

LumDimSum Snapshots of Vineyard’s Weekday Lunch Deals:

Premium Pizza (Roasted Chicken & Bacon) + Side Salad + Drink = RMB 65

French Ham & Gruyere Sandwich + Side Fries + Drink = RMB 55

Roasted Peppers and Hummus Sandwich + Side Salad + OJ = RMB 55

The Vineyard Cafe Contact Details:

• Address: In the Hutong Street just west of YongheGong temple, 31 Wudaoying Hutong, 五道营胡同31号
• Tel: 6402-7961
• Website: www.vineyardcafe.cn
• *Note: The Vineyard is not open on Mondays! 

…Stay Tuned for The Vine Leaf!

Great news for all Vineyard fans, owner Will Yorke will be opening up his new venture called The Vine Leaf on Jianchang Hutong, just around the corner from The Vineyard Cafe.

Featuring home-brewed beers and British favorites like “steak and ale pie, Cornish pasties, scotch eggs, watercress and stilton soup, fish and chips, a smoked-haddock fish pie and English breakfasts.” I’m not even sure what scotch eggs are and I’ve never had a smoked-haddock fish pie, but I can’t wait to try it. I’m most excited for Will personally cooking a giant leg of lamb for Sunday Roast.  

Click here for more info: theBeijinger’s First Look at The Vine Leaf.

Maison Boulud Takes Care of Business: New Set Lunch

How good does this look?!??

Not sure how often people are in the Ch’ien men neighborhood during lunch hours, but if you happen to live or work nearby and have some “business” to take care of, this photo is just a little reminder of just how capable and talented Maison Boulud is in the kitchen. Impressive to say the least.

Enjoy a 3 course business lunch for RMB 188 + 15% service charge.  Not a small price tag, but knowing their reputation for high standards and attention to detail, Maison Boulud is sure to make a lasting impression and prove that what you get is worth every last penny…or in this case, every last fen.

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

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 2-for-1 Lunch Promo

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

This offer is valid until the end of February 2011.

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

Migas 2-for-1 Lunch Promo Details:

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

Best Lunch Deal: Alameda vs. SALT

Alameda and SALT have made their mark on Beijing dining as having great value, and these two restaurants are by far two of my favorite lunch destinations.

They are both so incredible, it’s really difficult to declare which is better when both venues are similar in many ways, yet each have their own unique draw that keeps the business consistently rolling in.

Here’s a breakdown of their similarities:

• Both spots offer 2-3 course set lunch menus (though not at the same price).
• Both serve complimentary bread at the start of the meal, including my all-time favorite mini-cheesey bread rolls.
• Both provide a very clean, contemporary atmosphere that’s always busy. I highly recommend making reservations before-hand for both restaurants
• Both were created and originated by Gabby Alves, who is about to open her third venue called TERRA (which will take over the space known once as The Rickshaw).

ALAMEDA’S SET LUNCH (RMB 60 for 2 courses):

While I too quickly devoured my appetizer at Alameda, here are shots of two main course items – we ordered the duck and the sea bass. Food quality and taste is top-notch and portions are super generous:

SALT’S SET LUNCH (RMB 88 for 2 courses, 108 for 3 courses):

We started off with the yellowtail ceviche with corn and sweet potato chips and pumpkin and coconut soup followed by the broccoli risotto and pork loin with polenta and veggies.  Again, only premium ingredients, mouth-watering delicious and very generous portions for a very satisfying lunch.

CONCLUSION:

While Alameda’s RMB 60 two course lunch deal is pretty tough to beat, SALT’s innovative and constantly changing menu at only RMB 88 for two courses is still a steal.

Details:

• ALAMEDA: Sanlitun Beijie (just 50m south and across street from 3.3 mall),三里屯北; Tel: 6417-8084

• SALT: 2nd Floor (above Frank’s Place), 9 Jiangtai Xilu,将台西路 6437-8457

Pussy Pussy

Fun Fact:  The Hungarian word for ‘kiss‘ is ‘pussy‘.   I will always remember my Hungarian friend who would end phone conversations with her mother saying “pussy pussy“.

Yesterday, I tried the lunch buffet at Budapest, Beijing’s first ‘authentic’ Hungarian restaurant. The interior reminded me of Morel’s with tables covered  with red and white checkered table cloths and that same “old Beijing Western-style restaurant that’s trying too hard to be authentic.”   Even though there were two other tables of people in the restaurant, it was so uncomfortably quiet, I felt like I needed to whisper. And the music?  Instead of playing some good ‘authentic’ Hungarian music, they were playing top 40 hits for background music – some hip-hop, Christina Aguilera, etc. And they were even selling Hungarian CD’s on a shelf by the door.

After looking at the menu and not really knowing what to order, my friend and I decided to just go for the lunch buffet.

Budapest Restaurant's interior shot

For RMB 48, the lunch buffet served:

• Green Salad
• Corn & mayonnaise – literally corn soaked in mayonnaise
• Goulash Soup – tasty, but would be better thicker
• Pork Ragout – diced up pork in red sauce
• Gnocchi & bread dumplings  – dry and cold
• Hunter-style beef – dry beef slices sitting in a bright yellow mustard sauce
• Marinated Chicken Breast and leg
• Crunch Duck leg
• Curdy Pasta with bacon – tasty shell pasta with cheese & bacon
• Sponge cake with chocolate sauce & lemon sponge cake – disappointing
  

  I wouldn't mind having a hearty, authentic Hungarian meal here

• Selection of fruit – watermelon, grapes, melon

I only know the name of these dishes because I asked the waitress to go through the menu and point out each dish that was served at the buffet. No name tags were provided for any of the dishes.  Food was just sitting there and up for grabs.

I think restaurant buffets are such a gamble.

From a restaurant’s point of view:  You want to give customers good value (which we got) considering you are providing customers the opportunity to try a variety of the restaurant’s top dishes off their regular menu for dirt cheap hoping that customers will come back for dishes they remember from the buffet.

From a customer’s point of view: You go for the buffet option instead of ordering a la carte off the regular menu b/c you want to try a

...or maybe here in this castle

variety of dishes, especially if it is your first time. Once you have tried the selection provided and if you find that the buffet is not up to par, if you don’t find something you love, a reason to come back, you will not return.

That is the case with Budapest. It’s a shame because maybe the food was not good because it had been sitting out?  Or made in bulk?  Maybe ordering a la carte off the menu would have been the better bet?  I liked the idea of trying some truly authentic Hungarian cuisine, but based on this experience, I just don’t think this restaurant reaches that standard.

Budapest’s website welcome message pretty much sums it up:

welcome

Dear customers,

We apologize for any inconvenience you might have at us. Apparently we cannot guarantee quality. We are working on that the restaurant would run under Hungarian management again.

Review of Budapest: 2nd Floor of China View (same complex as Danger Doyle’s, Hooters, 2nd Purple Haze, etc.) 朝阳区中国红街大厦六号楼二层202室 工体东门对面, Tel: 8587-1028/ 8587-1058

Best Part:

This would work too.

• Lunch buffet was pretty cheap and lots of food if you’re all about quantity
• Best part of buffet was Goulash Soup & Shell Pasta with Bacon
• Service was polite and made the effort to be helpful when I asked questions about what the dishes were

Comments:

• Quantity over Quality, food was very mediocre at the buffet, which they should just discontinue.  Food was not hot, dry, and just not up to par
• Big Buffet No-No: Not providing name cards for the dishes provided (we had no idea what we were eating)
• No picture menu, making ordering a la carte difficult if you are not familiar with Hungarian cuisine
• Dishes were all very hearty – mostly meat and pasta/breaded dishes
• Food and Service mediocre
• Design is tacky and reminds me of Morel’s Belgium Restaurant

Lacking restaurant “buzz” and vibes – uncomfortably silent, empty feeling, and listening to hip-hop and Christina Aguilera is not how I would imagine an ‘authentic Hungarian’ restaurant to feel

Oodles of Noodles

1949′s got a lot of people talking about their newest additions: Club Décolleté and Club Glen (replacing 1/5 Taverna’s previous bar).  Club Décolleté is a dazzling new champagne bar with beautiful sparkling cocktails and fresh sparkling daiquiris where Club Glen is a member’s only lounge featuring premium whisky and cigars. Both venues providing a nice balance for both lovely ladies and gentlemen in each respective venue.

Aside from these two new additions, 1949-The Hidden City is also home to eateries such as 1/5 Taverna, Duck de Chine, Sugar Bar, and the quaint and cozy Noodle Bar, the smallest of 1949′s venues. With only 12 seats around the noodle station, guests quickly come and go for delicious bowls of noodles with high-quality ingredients and kung-fu chefs hand-pulling wheat noodles in front of you.

The Noodle Bar concept is quite direct – a concise menu with simple dishes, clearly specializing in big bowls of beef noodle soup (with beef brisket, beef tendon, or beef tripe), veggie dishes, and about 5 cold appetizer dishes. I recommend ordering the set menu for RMB 42 (bowl of beef brisket, tendon and tripe noodles with a small appetizer and Oolong Tea). With only 12 seats in total, this is a great spot for a quick, casual lunch with a friend or two (not more considering the limited seats).  It’s small and cozy rather than intimate and romantic. It’s not pretentious or aiming to be anything more than simply what it is: A Noodle Bar.

Noodle Bar Review: At 1949- The Hidden City. Courtyard 4, Gong Ti Bei Lu, Chaoyang District, Sanlitun. Opposite Pacific Century Place South gate. Tel: 6501-1949

Best Part:

• Delicious bowls of beef noodle soup
• Nice Set Lunch Option for RMB 42 (Combo of Beef noodles, small appetizer and tea)
• Wait isn’t long (people come, eat, and leave rather quickly)
• Cozy setting and casual atmosphere with chefs hand-pulling noodles in front of you

Comments:

• There are only 12 seats, so it’s a bit complicated to arrive with more than 2 other people and expect to sit together.
• Not really a place to sit and chat and hang out (there’s more of an ‘eat-and-leave’ mentality)

I recommend this venue as a quick, casual lunch destination for people who love oodles of noodles for a reasonable price.