Thanksgiving 2011′s Best Turkey Feast Breakdown

Beijingers are all getting amped up for Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday, November 24.

Whether you’re American or not, everyone can appreciate a massive gathering of friends and family for a full-on feast of turkey and all its fixings! A holiday focused on food and good company, everyone can celebrate Thanksgiving with a home-style meal even if they are so far away from home.

Although I prefer a traditionally home-cooked meal, many who are crammed and just too busy to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen will be happy to know that there is an abundance of amazing venues who would be more than happy to host your friends and loved ones over a massive turkey feast.

Thanksgiving Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. Blue Frog’s 3-course Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner -

Starting early in the afternoon (4PM), you can head to Blue Frog for a 3-course turkey dinner + beverage for RMB 200 per person or RMB 90 per child. 

RSVP: 6417-4030

2. Bread of Life Bakery -

Your savior for traditional holiday pies, cakes and breads including Carrot Cake 180, Pumpkin Roll Cake 180, Chocolate Cake 180, Pumpkin Pie 90, Pecan Pie 140, Apple Crumb Pie 100, Dinner Rolls & Breads, Cookies & Muffins & Cinnamon Rolls.

Minimum order RMB 200, they deliver to your door and deadline for delivery is min. 24 hours in advance. Call 13722622865

3. Chef Too’s Home-Style Thanksgiving Dinner

With their home-style dinner atmosphere and quality comfort food, Chef Too is a very popular destination in Beijing for Thanksgiving.  But with 3-seating times, you can’t hang out all evening and guests are constrained by time limits as the seats will be in high demand! Three seatings: 4.30-6.30pm, 6.30-8.30pm, 8.30-10.30pm. You can look forward to a full-on turkey dinner with giblet gravy, sweet potato and marshmallow casserole and apple and pumpkin pie.

RMB 248 per person, Located Opposite of West gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District; RSVP: 6591 8676

4. Filling Station’s Thanksgiving Dinner

A bit further away as Filling Station is by WAB school, but they have a nice 3-course dinner inclusive of homemade pumpkin soup, roast turkey with all the trimmings (plus a veggie option) and pecan pie. 160RMB per head, bookings only.

RSVP: 8470 3821

5. Lollipop Bakery’s ‘Turkey’ Cupcakes

Choose delicious flavors including spiced pumpkin, you can order these adorable turkey-decorated cupcakes for RMB 340 per dozen.

To order, call: 13552772683 or Email: Cupcakes@LollipopBakery.cn

6. Thanksgiving a la Maison:

An elegant Thanksgiving dinner by Executive Chef Brian Reimer. 6-10pm.

Price: RMB 488+15% per person, Located: Ch’ien Men 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District

RSVP: 6559 9200

7. The Orchard’s Thanksgiving Buffet:

From 6PM-10PM, the Orchard will be serving their version of a Thanksgiving buffet dinner or as theBeijinger likes to call it “Beijing’s only multicultural Thanksgiving buffet, sans colonial connotations.” RMB 300 (adults), RMB 150 (kids 4-12, kids under 4 eat free).

Located: From Jingshun Lu, turn left (west) at Shunbai Lu Intersection (turn at the driveway just west of the Hegezhuang Village sign), Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Shunyi District, Beijing  北京市顺义区崔各庄乡何各庄村

RSVP: 6433 6270

8.  THANKSGIVING AT SALT:

Starting at 6pm, SALT is hosting their annual Thanksgiving dinner, this time it’s 5-courses at RMB 368. Choice of three mains: Roasted Turkey, Salmon or Scallop-Mushroom Risotto.

RSVP: 6437-8457

See menu below:

Thanksgiving Menu

Ruccula, Clementine Salad, Goat’s Cheese, Pistachios, Beetroot, Champagne Dressing

 Roast Pumpkin-Pine Nut Foam, Smoked Duck Breast Ham, Ginger, Pears, Spiced Bread 

Prawn & Chicken Ballotine, Romaine Salad, Crustacean Vinaigrette, Parmesan Foam 

MAINS

Roast Turkey, Turkey-Fig Terrine, Spiced Apple Puree, Three-Coloured Nutty Rice, Waldorf Salad

or

Salmon, Smoked Leek Emulsion, Braised Seasonal Greens, Fennel, Radish, Grapefruit Salad

or

Scallop-Red Wine-Mushroom Risotto, Truffle Scent, Prosciutto, Young Peas, Ruccula, Parmesan 

DESSERT

Chocolate Cocotte, Smooth Hazelnut Chocolate, Calamansi,

Hazelnut Crumble

or

Roast Apple Tart, Cinnamon Caramel Mou, Walnut Ice Cream

or

Passionfruit Panna Cotta

9. SWITCH! Thanksgiving Roast Turkey Feast:

SWITCH! knows the turkey is as important as the company so they have an option for a whole oven-roasted grain-fed turkey dinner package for 6 people including all sides (rich pan gravy, homemade spiced cranberry chutney, stuffing, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, medley of root vegetables and pumpkin tart) for RMB 1108.  Individual turkey options are set at RMB 198 and RMB 280 per person.  Kids under 8 eat for FREE!  Dinner seating at 6PM or 8:30PM.

RSVP required: Call Jane Tan (by Monday, Nov. 21) – 5978 4918 or email: jane.tan@culinarycapers.cn

*For those with a serious sweet tooth, here’s a nice breakdown of Beijing’s best options to score some delicious Thanksgiving sweets.  

theBeijinger’s Guide: Sweet as Pie

…And that’s a wrap

Enjoy your Turkey Comas!

*Gobble Gobble*

Last Chance: CFFC’s Final Summer Charity Dinner

The final of three summer dinner series hosted by the Chi Fan for Charity team, they will be finishing off with an exceptional dinner planned for this Saturday, August 27 at The Hutong beginning at 6:30PM.

Multiple award winning Top Chef Jeffery Powell who also happens to be the mastermind behind Beijing’s much-beloved restaurants like The Orchard, Element Fresh and Flamme, will create a special menu of bocadillos for a crazy low price of RMB 100 per person.

Knowing that theBeijinger will be sponsoring the drinks and entertainment for this dinner, you are guaranteed to be in for a treat! To follow in suit with the food theme, I expect plenty of tequila and definitely some lively entertainment…possibly a mariachi band even?

Only RMB 100 per person, this is an awesome price for great food, drinks, entertainment, company and to make it even better, all event proceeds will benefit The Dandelion School and of course any additional funds can be donated to a featured charity at your own discretion.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, August 27
• Time: Starts at 6:30PM
• Price: RMB 100 per person
• Location: The Hutong
• Address: 1 Zhongxiang Hutong, Jiudaowan, Dongcheng district  东城区九道湾中巷胡同1号
• RSVP: erin@thehutong.com
• Website:  Click here to RSVP online

About The Dandelion School:

The recipients of both 2009 & 2010 Chi Fan for Charity proceeds, this is the first government approved middle school specifically for children from low-income migrant families in Beijing.

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

Gobble Gobble: Best Thanksgiving Deals in Town

Considering Beijing is such a internationally diverse city, I was surprised to see how many people get excited about American Thanksgiving! But I guess rather than being celebrated as a religious or historical holiday, Thanksgiving is more of an excuse to gather friends and family over an incredibly good feast.  And who doesn’t enjoy that??

With Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching, Beijing’s restaurant scene is having a field day.  Everyone and their mom is having a special Thanksgiving buffet or special set menu.  While I prefer a traditionally home-cooked meal, many who are crammed and just too busy to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen will be happy to know that there is an abundance of amazing venues who would be more than happy to host your friends and loved ones over a massive turkey feast.

Thanksgiving Dinner Break Down: (in alphabetical order)

1. All-Star‘s Thanksgiving Turkey Buffet Dinner -

Enjoy a Succulent Turkey Feast with Home-Cooked Fixings. Only RMB 199 per person (Kids under 12 years old are half price)

RSVP: 5905-6999

2. Apothecary –

Known for their Fried Chicken Sundays, Chef Max Levy is switching from fried chicken to fried turkey this Thanksgiving!

Enjoy 7 dishes including crawfish & pumpkin soup, fried turkey, sweet potato fries for RMB 150. RSVP: 5208 6040

3.  Blue Frog -

A 3-course set menu including roasted squash and apple soup, Thanksgiving turkey and sides, and a bourbon pumpkin pie + soft drink and glass of wine.  RMB 200 per person (RMB 90 for kids).  RSVP: 6417 4030

4. Bread of Life Bakery –

Your savior for traditional holiday pies, cakes and breads including Carrot Cake 180, Pumpkin Roll Cake 180, Chocolate Cake 180, Pumpkin Pie 90, Pecan Pie 140, Apple Crumb Pie 100, Dinner Rolls & Breads, Cookies & Muffins & Cinnamon Rolls.

Minimum order RMB 200, they deliver to your door and deadline for delivery is min. 24 hours in advance. Call 13722622865

5. Maison Boulud –

5-course elegant Thanksgiving dinner for RMB 428 + 15% service charge. RSVP: 6559 9200

6. The Orchard –

Includes a roasted turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings with live jazz in the covered courtyard space. RMB 220 (includes tea or coffee). RSVP required: 64336270

7. SALT –

Enjoy a 5-course menu for RMB 298 per person.  Mains include turkey breast, beef tenderloin steak, pecan crusted salmon or wild mushroom risotto. RSVP: 6437-8457.

8. SWITCH!

3-course menu including oven-roasted grain-fed turkey and all the fixings for RMB 188 per person (kids under 8 eat for free).

If you are having Thanksgiving dinner in the comfort of home, you can also order a whole roasted turkey with all the fixings to feed the entire family for 850 RMB.

For reservations & orders, call Jenny at 136 9338 6984 or 5978 4918 or email bookings to jenny.zheng@culinarycapers.cn

…And that’s a wrap

Enjoy your Turkey Comas!

*Gobble Gobble*

LumDimSum Discovery: The Orchard’s Garden of Eden

The Orchard is easily one of my favorite places in Beijing.  If it weren’t so far, I swear I’d spend every Sunday there. The food is awesome (click here for previous restaurant review), I love their fresh organic salads, the home-baked bread, their banana bread is AMAZING, and the food selection is always changing with what’s fresh and what’s in season.

The trip to the Orchard is a bit tricky if you’ve never been, but trust me, it is well worth your while. A canopy of apple trees will greet you at the entrance, and once you step into the charming courtyard oasis, you will feel right at home.

And once you finish your meal, take a stroll and lounge about in their beautiful garden oasis.  Exploring the area, I felt like I was discovering the real “Secret Garden”.

The lush, green trees, the lotus filled pond, the drooping willows, the moss covered bridge, the cobbled walkways, the shaded swings, the brick walls covered in vines, orchards lined with apple and pear trees…I could go on and on.

It’s so pretty, it doesn’t even feel real.  Struggling to battle my food coma, I didn’t want to even blink because I didn’t want to take my eyes off the dreamlike scenery before me.

If you’ve never been before, I highly recommend going there for brunch and then spending the rest of your afternoon walking around or just sitting and soaking in the picturesque scenery.

The Orchard: Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Shunyi – Located right behind the Beijing Riviera and Quanfa Gardens  崔各庄乡何各庄村  Tel: 139-1121-1965, 6433-6270

LumDimSum Snapshots of The Orchard’s Garden:

CW Reader’s Choice Awards vs. LumDimSum

Unlike theBeijinger and Time Out magazines, CityWeekend lumps both the Dining & Nightlife Award Categories into one evening rather than split it up into two events. And for the first time this year, CityWeekend changed it up and actually kept the vote count visible to the public and made sure that every voter had a validated CW User Name Account.

If you are interested in comparing results, check out theBeijinger Restaurant Awards Breakdown posted here.  Time Out’s Restaurant Awards Breakdown is posted here.

I unfortunately was not in Beijing to attend the CityWeekend’s awards ceremony at Brasserie Flo, but word on the street was that it was packed and the turn-out was impressive.

If you haven’t seen the results already, here is a LumDimSummary Breakdown of all the winners in both the Restaurant & Bar Awards Categories:

CityWeekend’s Awards for Best Dining Categories:

• Best New Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Tamarind

  • LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

• Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: SALT

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

• Chinese Restaurant of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Zen5es

  • LumDimSum Vote: Karaiya Spice House

• Most Romantic:

  • CW Winner: Jaan

  • LumDimSum Vote: Capital M

• Best Value:

  • CW Winner: Kiosk

  • LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

• Chef of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Mario Cittadini

  • LumDimSum Vote: Max Levy – Bei/Apothecary

• Best Service:
  

  • CW Winner: Maison Boulud

  • LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud

• Best Mexican/Tex-Mex:

  • CW Winner: Casa Latina

  • LumDimSum Vote: Casa Latina

• Best Italian:
  

  • CW Winner: Prego

  • LumDimSum Vote: Metro

• Best Japanese:

  • CW Winner: Nishimura

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hatsune

• Best French:

  • CW Winner: Maison Boulud

  • LumDimSum Vote: Maison Boulud

• Best Thai:

  • CW Winner: Purple Haze

  • LumDimSum Vote: Aroy-D (by Fulicheng)

• Best American:

  • CW Winner: Chef Too

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Indian:

  • CW Winner: Mughal’s

  • LumDimSum Vote: Punjabi

• Best Middle-Eastern:

  • CW Winner: 1001 Nights

  • LumDimSum Vote: Biteapitta

• Best Beijing Duck:

  • CW Winner: Fat Duck

  • LumDimSum Vote: Made in China (Grand Hyatt)

• Best Hot Pot:

  • CW Winner: Ding Ding Xiang

  • LumDimSum Vote: Hai Di Lao

• Best Burger:

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Pizza:

  • CW Winner: The Tree

  • LumDimSum Vote: The Tree

• Best Dessert:

  • CW Winner: Din Tai Fung

  • LumDimSum Vote: Comptoirs de France

• Best Steakhouse:

  • CW Winner: Grange (Westin Chaoyang)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Meat & Wine Co. (but it’s closed now)    I will need to find a new favorite steakhouse…
    

• Best Wine Selection:

  • CW Winner: Enoteca

  • LumDimSum Vote: Palette Vino

• Best Buffet:

  • CW Winner: Seasonal Tastes

  • LumDimSum Vote: Westin Chaoyang

• Best Sunday Brunch:

  • CW Winner: Bubbalicious (Westin Chaoyang)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Orchard

• Best for Families:

  • CW Winner: Din Tai Fung, Seasonal Tastes (Tie)

  • LumDimSum Vote: Orchard

CityWeekend’s Awards for Best Bar/Club Categories:

• Club of the Year:

  • CW Winner: Mix

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Bar of the Year:
  

  • CW Winner: Apothecary

  • LumDimSum Vote: Apothecary

• Nightlife Newcomer of the Year:

  • CW Winner: White Rabbit

  • LumDimSum Vote: Fubar

• Best Local Band of the Year:

  • CW Winner: The Redbucks

  • LumDimSum Vote:  The Redbucks

• Beijing-Based DJ of the Year:

  • CW Winner: DJ Blackie

  • LumDimSum Vote:  DJ KEZA

• Best Alfresco Drinking:

  • CW Winner: XIU

  • LumDimSum Vote: Q Bar

• Best Live Music:

  • CW Winner: Mao Live House

  • LumDimSum Vote: Yugong Yishan

• Best Cocktails:

  • CW Winner: Mix-The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

  • LumDimSum Vote: Glen

• Best Place for Singles:

  • CW Winner: Mix

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Best for Dancing:

  • CW Winner: GT Banana

  • LumDimSum Vote: BLING

• Best Sports Bar:
  

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Hardest Bar to Find:

  • CW Winner: Fubar Peking

  • LumDimSum Vote: Club Obiwan

• Best Pub Grub:
  

  • CW Winner: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

  • LumDimSum Vote: All-Star Sports Bar & Grill

• Best Fruit Plate:

  • CW Winner: Destination

  • LumDimSum Vote: Bling

• Best Promoter:

  • CW Winner: Street Hustle Promotions

  • LumDimSum Vote: Acupuncture

Sundays at Sureño

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

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

• 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

Dessert Platter

Beijing Brunchathon + Second Sip

Beijingers are spoiled with choice when it comes to weekend brunches.

Brunch in Beijing means more than a hangover cure or a weekend gossip fest, it can ultimately be an all day excursion.

With heavenly places like the Orchard and the Vineyard Cafe, you can easily find yourself spending the better half of the day lounging around, enjoying the good food and good company, knowing that today is your day to relax, worry-free before Monday rolls around.

Orchard Oasis

Top 5 picks for a lazy Sunday brunch:

1. The Orchard – It’s a magical place. The Sunday Brunch Buffet is absolutely worth the RMB 180 considering the quality and wide assortment of delicious “European Comfort Food” dishes to choose from.  There is a delightful selection of fresh, home-baked breads (I’m a sucker for fresh bread), fresh, organic salads, whole salmon, 2 soups, over 10 different entree dishes (meats and veggies), and 5 different dessert baked goods.  Only downfall: it’s a nightmare to find and to leave if you don’t have a car/driver.
2. Vineyard Café – A hidden gem, down an alley across from Yonghegong (Lama Temple). I say ‘hidden’ in the sense that it’s a bit difficult to find, but it’s incredibly popular. Don’t go without a reservation, especially if you want to sit in their outdoor courtyard seating.
3. Chef Too - Known for their steaks, but I enjoy their eggs benedict.  See review here
4. DimSum Brunch @ JinDingXuan (Tuanjiehu branch) – 24-hour joint with buzzing atmosphere, and great, cheap dimsum anytime of day. See review here.
5. Café Zarah – (located on Gulou): A sweet little Cafe on Gulou with wifi, good people-watching perch, and satisfying breakfast combos and ice cream from Gustomenta

And then there are those dangerously tempting and not to mention gluttonous hotel champagne brunches.

When the Westin Chaoyang first launched their Sunday brunch, Bubblicious, I was there in a heartbeat since my ultimate Beijing champagne brunch is by far the Westin Financial Street brunch, Senses.  This is by far the most elaborate, extensive, high-quality hotel brunch in Beijing. Champagne included is close to RMB 400 including the 15% service charge, it’s about 50 RMB less without the bubbly.  See review here.

My previous experience of Bubblicious was satisfactory, winning bonus points with their fresh squeezed juice and smoothies selection along with a jaw-dropping dessert section.

This past weekend, my good friend and fellow foodie MeiLi Autumn just brunched it up at the Westin Beijing Chaoyang brunch, Bubblicious and as a LumDimSum fan, she would like to present to you a ‘second sip’ of this mega-brunch.

Bubblicious Second Sip by Meili Autumn

• This was my second Bubblicious at the Westin Chaoyang and I have to say it did not disappoint. At such Mega-Brunches, as I like to call them, one must have a clear strategy in order to enjoy all that the venue has to offer. Upon first walk-around I saw an impressive meat station, an extensive raw bar with lobster, oysters, prawn, and assorted sashimi, sushi chefs hand-rolling fresh sushi,  DIY Caesar salad bar, Chinese noodle section, dimsum and dumpling assortments, Italian section with pizza and handmade pastas, an amazing array of Indian curries, roasts meats, and naan, breakfast station with fresh juices, smoothies, eggs to order and all the sweet breakfast carbs (pancakes, French toast, waffles) and of course the breakfast meats (bacon, sausage, ham). I haven’t even gotten to the dessert and alcohol sections!

This was a lot to take in, I admit. But take it in I did, in platefuls and platefuls. It was decadent and over the top and I felt like royalty at a glamorous feast. The waiter never let my champagne glass get dry and they serve Vueve Clicqot too- one of my faves. If taking vodka shots is more your style on a Sunday morning, they also have a shot bar with different chasers and mixers.

My favorite little touch is their DIY Blini station. Blinis are small, yeast-leavened, buckwheat pancakes that originally come from Russia. Classically they are served with sour cream and caviar or smoked salmon. They go perfectly with champagne, oysters, and yes, vodka.

I have to say, I’ve been to many Mega-brunches in Beijing. Bubblicious is definitely at the top.

Best Part:

• LOTS to choose from and EVERYTHING was delicious
• Great Indian Food- some of the best I’ve had in BEIJING!
• Delicious smoothies and fresh juices
• Innovative and Creative
• Great Service
• Amazing desserts- try their custard bread pudding
• Family-friendly

Comments:

• A little disappointed at the weak looking oysters
• Didn’t care for the brand of ice cream- stick with Haagendaaz.
• Bit Pricey – they just raised it from RMB 368 to 398

**For the next two Sundays, the Westin’s Bubblicious brunch will be featuring the acapella group, “Under Broadway” singing Christmas Carols directed by my good friend, Cody Leung.

The Orchard Oasis

In the three years I have spent in Beijing, I have never made the trip out to Shunyi until today.

I have heard great things about The Orchard but was always reluctant to go without being accompanied by someone who knew how to get me there (after hearing how difficult it is to find).

Granted the cab ride from my place in the Chaoyang Park area to The Orchard was a hefty 64RMB (+5 RMB toll fee), but when you pull up into a canopy of apple trees and step into the charming courtyard oasis, I instantly fell in love and you really do feel right at home.

It’s a magical place. The Sunday Brunch Buffet is absolutely worth the RMB 180 considering the quality and wide assortment of delicious “European Comfort Food” dishes to choose from.  There is a delightful selection of fresh, home-baked breads (I’m a sucker for fresh bread), fresh, organic salads, whole salmon, 2 soups, over 10 different entree dishes (meats and veggies), and 5 different dessert baked goods.

Orchard Brunch Breakdown:

• Winners: Puff Pastry Turnover (shrimp, mushroom and spinach), Pineapple-Avocado Salad, Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, Grilled Veggies (eggplant, onions, peppers, zucchini), Oyster Mushrooms, Whole Salmon, Cheesy Bread and Olive aoli, Vegetable Quiche, Beer-Braised Beef.
• Fresh Bread and Salad Selection were the buffet highlights
• Meat entree dishes (lamb and chicken) were both quite dry and tough
• Desserts were only mediocre (we found ourselves going back for appetizers and banana bread instead of their cakes)
• Selection of refreshments: Apple Juice, OJ, Iced Tea (was a bit disappointed they did not serve fresh apple juice with their massive orchard of apple trees just outside)

If it weren’t for the difficult location and inaccessibility, I would be the Orchard’s #1 fan. Location aside, I really did fall in love with this place and would still say that The Orchard experience is still worth the long trip out to the boonies.

Review of The Orchard: Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Shunyi – Located right behind the Beijing Riviera and Quanfa Gardens  崔各庄乡何各庄村  Tel: 139-1121-1965, 6433-6270

Best Part:

• My new favorite Sunday Brunch Spot, perfect for a cozy, peaceful Sunday afternoon, where you can enjoy good food and just sit and relax for hours.
• The ambiance is incredibly warm and welcoming with its charming décor and friendly service
• The Orchard’s very own unique garden and three hot houses grow the restaurant’s organic herbs, vegetables, and fruit (the salads are delightful).
• They venue also contains a quaint little gift shop that sells furniture, jars of homemade jams and cooking sauces, dried herbs, clothing, jewelry, handmade soaps, and accessories.

Comments:

• I highly recommend coming with a driver as its a nightmare to find and also to leave (the restaurant only provides black taxis who will charge RMB 100 to get you back into town)
• Its advised to make a reservation 3-4 days in advance (My choice seating would be in their center courtyard space with plenty of natural sunlight throughout the day).