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LUMDIMSUM'S TOP 5 PICKS

Tasty Tavola: Authentic Neapolitain, Italian Restaurant

Posted: February 7th, 2012 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene | Tags: Alberto Alboreggia, Alla Osteria, Assaggi, Fat Burger, Italian food, La Pizza, Neapolitain, Starbucks, Sureno, Tavola, The Grand Summit, US Embassy | No Comments »

Situated on the second floor of The Grand Summit above Fat Burger and Starbucks, close to the US Embassy and Diplomatic compounds lies yet another high-end Italian restaurant named Tavola.

With a branch in Beijing and one in Shanghai, Tavola sells itself as “an exclusive Italian restaurant offering authentic and modern Italian cooking” set in a premium location with private VIP rooms, an open kitchen, and a central showcase dining table to emphasize their dining concept of Tavola, which means “table” in Italian.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Tavola Italian Restaurant:

They have an Italian chef named Alberto Alboreggia and their style of cooking is “authentic Neapolitain dishes using specially selected cuts of meat, seasonal fresh vegetables and herbs… Only authentic Buffalo cheese, imported from Italy is used in our Pizza dishes”.

We came for lunch during the Chinese New Year holiday and despite the rest of Beijing looking pretty desolate, Tavola restaurant was surprisingly busy. One of my favorite thing about Tavola is their complimentary bread.  It’s the same dough they use on their pizza and it’s just so tasty and served warm, fresh out of the oven. They have a nice wine selection and their service is solid. Our server was Filipino, so it was nice to have a fluent English speaker for a change, ready and willing to recommend dishes and understand our requests perfectly.

Between three of us, we ordered three pasta dishes and one pizza to share and it was perfect. I ordered the Spaghetti tossed with Clams, Crab Meat and Red Mullet Eggs Roe (RMB 108), which was light, yet flavorful and the spaghetti was cooked perfectly.  We ordered the Boscaiola Pizza (RMB 128) topped with mushrooms, cooked ham, Pancetta Ham and imported Buffalo Mozzarella cheese from Italy. It was big and with imported Buffalo Mozzarella cheese, you can definitely tell a difference between this high-quality, authentic Italian pizza and most of the other, cheaper pizza chains in Beijing, but the middle was soggy and I would still say the best authentic Italian pizza in Beijing is found at either Sadler or Sureno.  Being a pasta girl myself, I also managed to steal a bite of the Spaghetti with Lobster and Cherry Tomatoes (RMB 198) which was pricey, but also excellent and soaked with plenty of lobster juices and flavor.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Tavola’s Italian Dishes:

Spaghetti tossed with clams, crab meat and Red Mullet Eggs Roe (RMB 108)

Boscaiola Pizza (RMB 128)- Mushrooms, cooked ham, Pancetta Ham and Imported Buffalo Mozzarella cheese from Italy

Linguine with Lobster and Cherry Tomatoes (RMB 198)

Review of Tavola Italian Restaurant: 2nd Floor, The Grand Summit, Section B, Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Mansion. No. 19, Dongfang East Road, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区东方东路19号亮马桥外交公寓会所2层; Tel: 85325068

Best Part:

  • Probably the restaurant that serves the best complimentary bread in Beijing  - soft, doughy pizza bread warm out of the oven is such a simple treat, and yet done so well. 
  • With a head Italian chef, they boast authentic Neapolitain dishes.
  • I recommend their pasta dishes.  Spaghetti was cooked perfectly and we all know timing is everything when it comes to getting pasta right. 
  • Our waiter was Filipino so his English was perfect and he was very personable and professional.  Definitely higher than the average standard of service you find in Beijing restaurants. 
  • They offer an extensive wine list with excellent, knowledgeable sommeliers. 
  • Very stylish, elegant design. Tall windows on both sides of the cylinder shaped restaurant allows plenty of natural sunlight for lunch guests and they also showcase a very intimate dinner atmosphere with nice lighting and ambiance.

Comments:

  • It is a bit pricey, but we all know that imported ingredients cost an arm and a leg so I suspect Tavola is importing a lot of the ingredients they use.  Generally, I would say it is authentic Italian and for those who love Italian, Tavola is a great find. 
  • They offer set lunches from RMB 108-138 and set dinner menus from RMB 480-758. 
  • We didn’t get to order any dessert, but I hear their assorted dessert platter is incredible.  Definitely a reason to go back!
  • Tavola is a great option for a nice Italian dinner, but with so many Italian restaurants in Beijing, I think it’s tough for Tavola to stay afloat.  When I went for lunch, it was pretty busy, but I’ve also been to Tavola on nights where our table is one of the few in the entire restaurant. I suspect Sureno in The Opposite House gives Tavola great competition and one must also take into consideration the many cheaper Italian options in town that serve pretty authentic and affordable Italian cuisine including Alla Osteria in World City, Assaggi in North Sanlitun area and even the many La Pizza chains all over town. 

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

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

Chi Fan for Charity 2011: Tickets are Now on Sale!

Posted: October 18th, 2011 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Charity, Foodies & Dining Scene, Nightlife & Party Scene, Special Events, Upcoming Events | Tags: Agua, Austen Morris, Barolo, Bei, Bethel Foundation, Capital M, Chi Fan for Charity, Courtyard, DJ Patrick Yu, El Charro Tequila, Hatsune, Hatsune Sanlitun, Ignace Lecleir, Karaiya Spice House, Kis Natural Vodka, Made in China, Maison Boulud, Modo, Mosto, New Hope Foundation, Nobu Beijing, Punjabi, ROOMbeijing, Shanghai, Sureno, SuSu, Temple Restaurant Beijing, The Orchid, The Wine Republic, Tiger Beer | No Comments »

“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:


theBeijinger’s 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards: Hatsune Wins Best Japanese 7 Years Running

Posted: March 23rd, 2011 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene | Tags: Agua, Ai Jiang Shan, Ai Mo Town, Alameda, Alan Wong, Banh Mi Now!, Bellagio, Biteapitta, Black Sesame Kitchen, Brasserie Flo, Capital M, Casa Latina, Chef Too, Chi Fan for Charity, Chuan Ban, Crepanini, Da Dong, Dali Courtyard, Duck de Chine, Element Fresh, Enoterra, Fennel, Ganges, Gung Ho! Gourmet Pizza Factory, Haidilao, Hatsune, Heng Shan Hui 衡山汇, Hercules, Jin Ding Xuan, Joanna Crain, Kagen Teppanyaki, Karaiya Spice House, Lei Garden, Let's Burger, Little Yunnan, LMPLUS, Made in China, Maison Boulud, Michael Crain, Middle 8th Restaurant, Modo, Mosto, Muse, Punjabi, Pure Lotus, Purple Haze, Restaurant Awards, Saddle Cantina, Sadler Ristorante, SALT, Samadhi Teahouse, Saveurs de Coree, Sureno, The CUT Grill, The Orchard, The Tree, theBeijinger, Traktirr Pushkin, Vineyard Cafe, Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Xiao Wang Fu, Xu Xian Lou, Zenses | 2 Comments »

Beijinger Awards_Hatsune

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.

Beijinger8Diningawards4Beijinger8Diningawards10

Maison Boulud & Da Dong Collect “Restaurant of the Year”

Beijinger8Diningawards11Beijinger8Diningawards8

Dali Courtyard / Capital M

Beijinger8Diningawards7Beijinger8Diningawards3Beijinger8Diningawards2

Modo / Agua / Biteapitta

Beijinger8Diningawards6Beijinger8Diningawards9

SALT / Gung Ho! Pizza

Beijinger8Diningawards5Beijinger8Diningawards12Beijinger8Dining Awards1Michael & 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


Chi Fan for Charity Launch Party

Posted: October 26th, 2010 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Charity, Foodies & Dining Scene, Upcoming Events | Tags: Bei, Capital M, Charity, Chi Fan for Charity, DJ Patrick Yu, Hatsune, Maison Boulud, Modo, Prevention Through Education (PTE China), Red Capital Club, Rural Women's Charity, Sureno, The Dandelion School, Touch, Westin Chaoyang | No Comments »

With a little more than one week before the big date, Chi Fan for Charity is hosting a Media Launch Party at Touch Bar (Westin Chaoyang) this coming Thursday, October 28.

Come enjoy drinks (courtesy of the Westin) and meet the restaurateurs and celebrity hosts making it happen.

Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, October 28
  • Time: 5:30PM-7:30PM
  • Location: Touch Bar, Westin Chaoyang
  • Address:  The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 7 North Dongsanhuan Road, 金茂北京威斯汀大饭店, 东三环北路7号
  • RSVP: tom@bespoke-beijing.com

CFFC Press Invitation

Background on Chi Fan for Charity:

One of the strongest charity events of the year, Chi Fan for Charity has gathered 33 of the city’s top restaurants to simultaneously host a table of ten people for a minimum three course meal and wine. The restaurants are donating the food and drink for free, so your payment for the meal goes direct to three, genuinely great local charities (Prevention Through Education (HIV/AIDS Awareness), Dandelion School and Rural Women’s Charity, a practical skills training School for Migrant Women). This event is perfect for people who want to enjoy an exceptional meal while contributing to worthwhile causes by “eating for charity”.
Participating restaurants include everyone from Maison Boulud, Capital M, the entire Hatsune Restaurant Group (Hatsune, Kagen, Kagen Teppanyaki and Karaiya Spice House), Bei & Sureno in the Opposite House, Modo, Red Capital Club, The Courtyard, and many many more.  Tickets are available from the website but better hurry as many tables are already sold out and the rest are selling out fast.

Similar to the Hatsune 9 year party, there will be a Chi Fan for Charity After Party at Hatsune Sanlitun Village with free flow drinks from 10PM-1AM, DJ Patrick Yu will be spinning tunes and everyone from the various restaurants all coming together!  For those who don’t have the time or the budget to commit to dinner, the after party is a great way to come out to contribute to these worthwhile causes and show your support.  Tickets are RMB 150 in advance (pay here: www.chifanforcharity.org)  or RMB 200 at the door. However, guests who buy a ticket to a table will gain free entry to the afterparty at Hatsune.   And yes, there will be sumo suits.  :)

Book your seat at a table here: www.chifanforcharity.org.


Sundays at Sureño

Posted: March 28th, 2010 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene | Tags: Chef Too, Mediterranean Cuisine, SALT, Sureno, The Opposite House, The Orchard, Vineyard Cafe | 7 Comments »

If I’m not recovering from a rough weekend in bed, chances are you’ll find me at Vineyard Cafe, The Orchard, Chef Too or SALT.

For the first time this past weekend, we switched it up for Sunday brunch at Sureño (The Opposite House).

On Sundays, Sureño offers a Mediterranean 4-course set menu (RMB 188 or RMB 298 with free flow bubbly):

Veal Tenderloin

Veal Tenderloin

  1. Antipasti Selection (fried mussels, swordfish sashimi, egg omelet, fried rice ball, diced oxtail and white beans) – 1 of each appetizer per person, and still quite filling. While the mussels were dry, the swordfish sashimi was the highlight
  2. Minestrone Soup – standard minestrone soup
  3. Choice of 6 different main entrees (seabass, risotto, veal tenderloin, cheese & spinach capelle, suckling pig, etc.) – Veal Tenderloin was served with cheese sandwiched in between two slabs of meat with mashed potatoes and veggies beneath.
  4. Choice of Cheese Selection or Dessert Selection (Apple tart, lemon tart & tiramisu) – I recommend cheese selection over desserts (soft brie and blue cheese were delicious)

Review of Sunday Brunch at Sureño: Located next to Punk & Bei, B1 floor of The Opposite House, Sanlitun. 三里屯路11号三里屯Village1号楼; Tel: 6410-5240

Best Part:

Risotto

Risotto

  • Venue design – Sureño is stunning with its wood-fired oven and open kitchen.  The space is absolutely beautiful.
  • Veal Tenderloin was excellent – well-cooked, nice presentation, and great quality & taste
  • Cheese platter was a nice ending to the 4 course meal
  • A great brunch for those who want to escape a big hotel all-you-can-eat brunch

Comments:

  • Sureño is always full, if not packed.  But this Sunday was relatively quiet, which was a bit unexpected and the empty atmosphere took a bit away from the experience that I know Sureño normally has to offer.
  • Cheese portions were a bit skimpy and call me crazy, but I do not like Sureño’s desserts (in my defense, I just don’t like tiramisu dessert, but people do rave that Sureño’s is the best in town).
  • Quality and quantity of the Sureño Sunday brunch menu was satisfactory, and I love the restaurant (pizza is great), but Sureño will remain at the bottom of my list of Sunday brunch destinations because there was nothing in particular about this Sunday brunch experience that was worth returning for in comparison to other Sunday brunch venues around town.

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

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

Cheese Platter

Cheese Platter

Dessert Platter

Dessert Platter


Beijinger Restaurant Awards: Hatsune Wins Best Japanese 6 Years in a Row!

Posted: March 17th, 2010 | Author: LumDimSum | Filed under: Foodies & Dining Scene, Hot Tips | Tags: Alameda, Alan Wong, All-Star Sports Bar & Grill, Annie's, Aroy-D, Bei, Black Sesame Kitchen, Capital M, Chuan Ban, Crescent Moon, Da Dong, Dining, Element Fresh, Ganges, Haidilao, Hatsune, Jin Ding Xuan, Kagen Teppanyaki, Let's Burger, Luga's Pho-Pho, Made in China, Maison Boulud, Meat & Wine Co., Metro, Middle 8th Restaurant, Mosaico, Mosto, Muse, Olas Tapas Cafe, Pete's Tex Mex, Punjabi, Purple Haze, Red Rose, Saddle Cantina, Sadler Ristorante, SALT, Sequoia Cafe, South Beauty, Sureno, theBeijinger, Westin Chaoyang, Westin Financial | 13 Comments »

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!!

Screen shot 2010-03-18 at 4.21.10 PM

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

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



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Events Today

  • BJ Foodies and Charity Auction
    BJ Foodies and Charity Auction
    Time: 7:00 PM
    BJ FOoDiEs is teaming up with the Hilton Beijing, The Beijing Beatles, and Hoegaarden for the 2012 Charity Auction! Dinner starts at 7PM at ONE EAST and then Auction will be at ZETA BAR starting around 9PM-midnight.
    at 7:00 PM

Upcoming Events

  • February 11, 2012
    • Free Preventative Health Talk
      Free Preventative Health Talk
      Time: 10:00 AM
      On Saturday, February 11, The Hutong is offering a unique opportunity to attend an hour and a half discussion led by Alex Tan to learn how we can use both eastern and western ideas to improve our health and how to incorporate these into our daily lives in both a practical and useful way.
      at 10:00 AM
    • Cupid Charity Pub Crawl
      Cupid Charity Pub Crawl
      Time: 4:00 PM
      Pay RMB 100 and work your way through a 9-pub crawl through Sanlitun. Saturday, Feb. 11 at 4PM
      at 4:00 PM
  • February 15, 2012
    • Love Stories Live at Bookworm
      Love Stories Live at Bookworm
      Time: 7:30 PM
      Live Storytelling at The Bookworm. This month's theme: Love and Romance. Presented by LGBT Beijing. 7:30PM, RMB 30
      at 7:30 PM
  • February 17, 2012
    • Slow Boat Brewery at Grinders
      Slow Boat Brewery at Grinders
      Time: 7:00 PM
      Slow Boat will be tapping fresh kegs to pair with Grinders’ hearty food, music and friends all in a relaxed and informal environment. February 17th at 7pm at Grinders
      at 7:00 PM
  • February 21, 2012
    • Hilton Pancake Race
      Hilton Pancake Race
      Time: 7:00 PM
      The Hilton Beijing is hosting their 3rd Annual Pancake Race to crown Beijing’s “Celebrity Foodies Tosser” on Tuesday, February 21 from 7-9PM.
      at 7:00 PM
  • February 22, 2012
    • Hatsune Sushi Making Class
      Hatsune Sushi Making Class
      Time: 7:00 PM
      Here’s your chance to learn the secrets behind the legendary Hatsune sushi rolls, eat your own creations and you even get to take home essential equipment to start making your own sushi at home! Wednesday, Feb. 22 from 7-10PM at The Original Hatsune on Guanghua Lu
      at 7:00 PM
  • March 9, 2012
    • Bookworm Literary Festival2012
      Bookworm Literary Festival2012
      Time: 8:00 PM
      Featuring international literary sensations, brilliant debut novelists and China’s leading intellectuals, this year’s festival promises to be as diverse as ever with an eclectic range of events for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to enjoy. March 9-23, 2012 at The Bookworm
      at 8:00 PM
  • March 10, 2012
    • Bookworm Literary Festival2012
      Bookworm Literary Festival2012
      Time: 8:00 PM
      Featuring international literary sensations, brilliant debut novelists and China’s leading intellectuals, this year’s festival promises to be as diverse as ever with an eclectic range of events for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to enjoy. March 9-23, 2012 at The Bookworm
      at 8:00 PM
  • March 11, 2012
    • Bookworm Literary Festival2012
      Bookworm Literary Festival2012
      Time: 8:00 PM
      Featuring international literary sensations, brilliant debut novelists and China’s leading intellectuals, this year’s festival promises to be as diverse as ever with an eclectic range of events for people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to enjoy. March 9-23, 2012 at The Bookworm
      at 8:00 PM

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Recent Posts

  • Cuffed by Cupid: Charity Pub Crawl through Sanlitun
  • Tales of Love Live at The Bookworm by LGBT Beijing
  • Treat Your Feet to Hummingbird’s Warm Chocolate Therapeutic Lotion
  • Tasty Tavola: Authentic Neapolitain, Italian Restaurant
  • Genghis Khan Festival: Run & Bike in Inner Mongolia
  • Free Preventative Health Talk by TCM Specialist Alex Tan
  • Nathan’s New Salad Wraps & Jinshisong Delivery
  • BJ FOoDiEs ‘Magic’ Dinner & Hilton’s Charity Auction
  • Starfish Wine & Seafood Bar: Expect Straight-Up Seafood
  • LDS Hook-Up: Free Craft Beer from Slow Boat Brewery

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