Time Out’s Sunday Salon: Wang Xilin at The Bookworm

Time Out’s Sunday Salons are among some of the most unbelievably rare and incredibly special events that everyone in Beijing should take advantage of!  For just RMB 20 (if you bring Time Out’s May issue), you can enjoy the chance to attend extraordinary musical performances by gifted individuals and pay next to nothing.

This month, Time Out will be giving Beijingers a ‘sneak listen’ to Wang Xilin’s latest piano concerto (Beijing premier is set for June 2011) and engage in an intimate discussion with the artist on his powerful work together with music critic Su Lihua (Sam Su), music promoter Zhang Kexin and Time Out’s Classical and Performance editor Nancy Pellegrini.

Known as ‘China’s Shostakovich’, Wang was persecuted under the Cultural Revolution; like his Soviet counterpart, his music is a direct representation of the fury and the agony he endured, as well as his attempts to heal the wounds of his beloved country.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, May 8, 2011
• Time: 7:30PM
• Location: The Bookworm
• Address: Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼
• Tickets: 30RMB; 20RMB with Time Out May Issue

LumDimSummary: SOS Charity Dinner at Karaiya

Within just about a week’s time, Time Out Magazine got just over 20 Beijing restaurants on board in a quick fundraising effort to support relief efforts in Japan with proceeds being donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

This past Sunday, both Hatsune and Karaiya Spice House in Sanlitun Village hosted tables with special set menus at RMB 300 per person with all proceeds donated directly to the cause.

Here’s a Taste of Karaiya’s SOS Charity Dinner Menu:

Trio of Chinese appetizers: Sliced Beef, Spicy Soybeans & Tofu Topped with Chili Peppers / Hand-Shredded Chicken and Onions with Crushed Ginger atop Flaming Mini Wok

Mandarin Fish with 2 Hunan Peppers / Hunan Spicy Pork Stir-fry with Pressed Tofu

Hot & Sour Soup / Spicy Pepper Diced Rib-Eye

Duo of Lightly fried Chinese Greens (Pea Sprouts and Towel Gourd)

Pork Fried Rice with Foie Gras (photo missing) / Mini Fruit Plate

Together, Hatsune & Karaiya Spice House alone raised a total of RMB 9,300.  The grand total from all restaurants will be confirmed shortly.

LumDimSum Snapshots of Karaiya’s SOS Charity Dinner:

SOS Charity Dinners: Restaurants Rebuilding Japan

Strategically utilizing the strong network of Chi Fan for Charity‘s charitable stand-out restaurants and generous foodies around town, Time Out has quickly thrown together a quick fundraiser to support relief efforts in Japan with proceeds being donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

“By dining from the delicious SOS set menus at the participating restaurants on this very special evening, you will be supporting relief efforts in the worst hit areas of Japan.” – Time Out Beijing

This “SOS – Restaurants Rebuilding Japan” event will be hosted in over 20 fantastic restaurants all over town for one night only – this coming Sunday, April 24.

Some of the generous participating restaurants include Alameda, Carmen, Green T. House, Maison Boulud, Modo & Mosto (SOLD OUT), Hatsune & Karaiya Spice House, Nola, Terra, Samadhi Vegetarian Teahouse, Little Yunnan, etc.

Alan Wong has graciously offered to donate ALL proceeds to the cause for booked seats on this night – both Hatsune and Karaiya are RMB 300 per person for the set menu.  As seating is limited, for reservations at either Hatsune (Sanlitun Branch only) or Karaiya Spice House, please contact me directly: kristen@lumdimsum.com.

Hatsune SOS Charity Dinner

*10-course Menu*

3 types assorted Japanese appetizer

Sakekawa Salad:  Crispy salmon and snapper skin salad with light oil and vinegar dressing

Assorted Sashimi

Flory Hand Roll: Shiso mint leaf, scorched salmon and raw quail egg with black tobiko

Q Roll:
Fresh shrimp salad and deep-fried gobo age rolled and topped with fresh avocado, unagi, shredded shiso leaves, tobiko and unagi sauce

candy&caviar roll:
deep fried sweet potato, crab salad, avocado and cucumber topped with yellowtail, wasabi mayo and caviar

Steak Butteryaki: Top-grade tenderloin grilled in a light butter sauce

Clear soup with Steamed Clams

Yakiudon: Stir-fry udon with chicken and vegetables

Dessert: Cookie Spoons with Diced Mangos and Grapefruit

RMB 300 per person

Flory Hand Roll

Karaiya Spice House SOS Charity Dinner

*10 Dish Menu*

Trio of Chinese Appetizers:

Soy Marinated Sliced Beef /Tofu Topped with Chili Peppers /Spicy Soy Beans

Signature Mandarin Fish with 2 Hunan Peppers

Spicy Pepper Diced Rib-Eye

Hand-Shredded Chicken and Onions with Crushed Ginger atop Flaming Mini Wok

Hunan Spicy Pork Stir-fry with Pressed Tofu

Sizzling Rice Soup

Duo of Lightly fried Chinese Greens (Pea Sprouts and Towel Gourd)

Pork Fried Rice with Foie Gras

Fruit Platter

RMB 300 per person

Click here for full list of participating restaurants and “to whet your appetites”, you can also find links to the restaurants’ offered set menus for the night.

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday, April 24
• Location: 20+ restaurants all over Beijing (click here for full list of restaurants)
• Price: Set Menu Prices range per restaurant
• For More Info: email - hannah@timeoutcn.com
• Website: http://www.timeoutbeijing.com/features/Food__Drink/11366/SOS—Rebuilding-Restaurants-in-Japan.html

LumDimSummary: Time Out Food Awards 2011

Just a few days after theBeijinger’s 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards, Time Out Beijing hosted its 2011 Food Awards last night – Thursday, March 24 at Xu Xian Lou Hanzhou restaurant.

Unlike theBeijinger and CityWeekend and other restaurant awards in the city, Time Out’s awards of the city’s “finest eats, best chefs and most delicious dining experiences” are decided by a panel of five experienced foodie journalists:

• Lillian Chou: Time Out Dining Editor
• Adrienne Mong: Beijing-based producer/correspondent for NBC News
• David Pierson: Beijing correspondent for the LA Times
• Keith Richburg: Foreign correspondent for The Washington Post
• Tini Tran: Veteran foreign correspondent with The Associated Press.

The brilliant thing about Time Out is that rather than letting their readers decide the city’s best eats, they are giving credit and recognition to where they believe it is most deserved.  No fussing around with votes and nominations, they tell it how it is…according to Time Out.

List of Time Out Restaurant Award Categories & the Winners:

Read about the winners here.

Review of Time Out’s 2011 Food Awards:

Best Part:

• Xu Xian Lou is a stunning space to host an event
• Karaiya Spice House FINALLY gets recognized for its AMAZING Hunan food
• Many restaurants who seem to have been overlooked by other restaurant awards get recognition deserved – ie Bei (only received nomination in 1 category) and Karaiya was not nominated at all in theBeijinger awards!
• Michael Crain‘s new haircut (and killer outfit) totally made my day
• Awesome to see various people get up on stage and introduce winners – including the lovely Shanti Christensen, Michael Crain, and CCTV personality & reporter James Chau
• Great gift bags – Chocolate crackers, pretty macaroons, packaged Spanish cured meat, Shangrila Farms coffee and Spanish Vinegar
• Packed out house full of F&B industry leaders, great vibe and great times!

Comments:

• Space was stunning, but narrow view so hard to see stage unless you wedged your way to the front
• It was such a classy evening – the space, the guests, the hosts…except main hostess Lillian Chou (Time Out’s dining editor) continuously yelled at guests to (and I quote) “Shut the F*** Up!” – totally unnecessary, scared people (including me!) and killed the vibe of the event
• Surprising to see Aria getting so much recognition (Best International, Best Chef, runner up for Restaurant of the Year) –  I think I need to make a trip there and see what the talk’s about!

LumDimSum Snapshots of Time Out’s 2011 Food Awards:

Karaiya Spice House Wins Best Regional Chinese

Bei Wins Best Restaurant of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

…or an even more sinfully delicious treat – cupcakes!

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

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

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

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

1. Alameda -

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

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

2. Blue Frog -

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

3. Capital M -

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

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

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

4. The Cut Grill (Fairmont Hotel)-

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

5. Grill 79 -

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

For reservations, call: 8571 6459

6. Maison Boulud -

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

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

7.  Migas -

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

For reservations, call: 5208 6061

8. Ristorante Sadler -

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

For reservations, call: 6559-1399

9.  SALT –

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

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

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

10. Terra -

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

For reservations, call: 6591 9148

11.  Scarlett -

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

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Hang Out with Hanggai: Hanggai Music Festival 2010

Sponsored by Time Out and jointly organized by Split Works, 13 Month records and the Lotus Center, the Hanggai Music Festival 2010 will take place in the idyllic setting of Anlilong Mountain Villa, a resort/organic farm in Shunyi.

With one main stage, the area will be set up to resemble a Mongolian tribal area (Time Out will be selling delicious Tiger Beer out of a yurt on the grounds), this is a chance to get out of the smoggy city and see Hanggai perform alongside of the best musicians and bands in China’s folk music scene.

The line-up includes Zhang Quan, Mamer & IZ, Shanren, Dawangang, Zhang Weiwei and Guo Long and Nanchang Erge.

For full line-up schedule, click here.

Tickets: 150RMB or 130RMB (presale before September 15), including a round-trip bus ride to the festival.  Pick up presale tickets at Yugong Yishan, Mao Livehouse, Mako Live House, 2 Kolegas, U-Speed Go-Karting, Solo Guitar Shop (Xinjiekou), Tiny Salt Coffee Club, Gulou 121 and Amilal. Buy tickets online through www.piaowutong.com or www.t3.com.cn. Or call the 24-hour ticket hotline at 400 818 3333.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, September 18

Time: 2PM – 9PM

Location: Anlilong Mountain Villa, Shanlixinzhuang Shimen Mudi, Longwantun Zhen, Shunyi district (6046 5331; 8460 3202). 顺义区龙湾屯镇山里辛庄石门基地.

Getting there and back: Shuttle buses (included in the ticket price) leave at noon on Saturday 18 from the north gate of the Workers’ Stadium (Gongti Bei Men). Return buses leave the festival venue at 9.15pm on Saturday 18. On Sunday 19, buses will leave the festival venue at 10am or guests will be transported to the station for the 918 bus, which returns to Bejiing by the highway.

Lodging: Attendees who bring their own tents can camp free of charge on the grounds – there’s room for about 200 people. Tents will also be available for rent.

Don’t Miss: China Cello Philharmonic @ The Bookworm

This Sunday, The Bookworm & Time Out Magazine will be hosting one of the most influential cellists in the world, Chu Yibing and the China Cello Philharmonic (Chu’s group of 6 cellists) as one of their featured Sunday Salons, an interactive lecture series that takes you “behind the music” of China.

Chu’s group of six cellists regularly tours the world and was the first Chinese chamber ensemble to play for Chinese President Hu Jintao and the US President Barack Obama.

Event Details:

Date: Sunday, September 12

Time: 7:30PM

Location: The Bookworm

Address: Sanlitun Nanjie, 三里屯南街4号楼

Tickets: 30RMB; 20RMB (members).

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

Hatsune Wins Reader’s Choice @ Time Out’s 2010 Restaurant Awards

Unlike theBeijinger & CityWeekend‘s Restaurant Awards, Time Out’s Restaurant Award Winners are decided based on 6 different panelists, with the exception of one category: The Time Out Readers’ Choice Award.

The people have spoken and Hatsune takes home Readers’ Choice Award 2010!

Congratulations to Hatsune and a big thank you to all you Sushi Samurais who love Hatsune enough to take the time to vote!  You made your voices heard!

Other Time Out Restaurant Award Categories & the Winners:

• Best new restaurant 2010: Samadhi Teahouse
• Restaurant of the Year 2010: Maison Boulud à Pékin
• Best lunch deal 2010: Mosto
• Best wine experience 2010: Maison Boulud à Pékin
• Best international 2010: Maison Boulud à Pékin
• Best Asian 2010: Bei
• Best Chinese fine dining 2010: Tiandi
• Best regional Chinese 2010: Qin Tang Fu
• Chef of the year 2010: Max Levy
• Best interior design 2010: Duck de Chine
• Best service 2010: Maison Boulud à Pékin

Time Out Food Awards 2010

Among Time Out’s 2010 Food Awards for Beijing’s best restaurants, they are hosting a new category this year: ‘The Readers’ Choice Best Restaurant”, where YOU get to voice which restaurant you consider to be Beijing’s crème de la crème. (Vote 4 HATSUNE!!!)

Voters also have the chance to win 4 tickets to the Time Out Food Awards @ The Renaissance Hotel’s D Bar (think complimentary food & drinks!).

Click Photo before for survey link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FGPHLYD

All About Rah Zel

Bling’s brought some pretty sick DJ’s over the past year from DJ Spider, DJ Dopey, DJ Shortkut to DJ Mixwell, but this Friday, Bling’s about to bring its most highly-anticipated guest yet: RAH ZEL, known as the “Godfather of Noyze” aka The Human Beatbox.

With such a superstar coming to the Jing, Rah Zel’s been bringing the heat to Bling with publicity and extra coverage left and right:

Xiao Bizzle gave Rah Zel multiple shout outs on his new blog, YouCallThatHipHop.com

You can check out Xiao Bizzle’s Interview with Rah Zel here:  http://www.youcallthathiphop.com/2009/11/18/interview-rahzel-da-godfather-of-noyze/

Plus another shout out: http://www.youcallthathiphop.com/2009/11/18/rahzel-bling-friday-nov-20th/

CityWeekend‘s interview with Rah Zel: Beatbox Mastermind Rahzel Tells Us How to Master Our Anatomy http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/articles/blogs-beijing/the-beat/interview-beatbox-mastermind-rahzel-tells-us-how-to-master-our-anatomy/

Time Out’s Interview with Rah Zel: http://www.timeout.com/cn/en/beijing/aroundtown/feature/9058/boxing-clever-rahzel-at-bling-nov-20.html

WeliveinBeijing’s Interview with Rah Zel: http://www.weliveinbeijing.com/groupnews/news2.rails?Nid=1000001107

Rah Zel on CityWeekend: http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/beijing/events/53704/

Event Breakdown:

As this event is bound to be a quickly booked out show, I HIGHLY recommend to all Rah Zel fanatics to haul ass to Bling before 11pm.

Get on it.

Ghosts, Goblins..& Michael Jackson, Oh My!

It’s that time of year – HALLOWIZZLE!!

I guess the big question is: what to wear? who to be? (I anticipate a lot of Michael Jackson impersonators) …but most importantly: WHERE to go?

Coming from UCSB, the school most famous for its massive Halloween parties with over 10,000 out-of-town visitors each year, I was pleasantly surprised to find Beijingers to be just as festive in celebrating this holiday filled with mischief, imagination, creative costumes, darkness and  sinfully good treats. (who doesn’t love mini candy Halloween treats?)

So what’s good this year?  We’ve got a pretty hefty line-up of events for whatever kind of mischief you plan to get yourself into whether you’re into winning some big bucks or you like the idea of theme parks and haunted houses or freaky fetishes, you’ve got your fair share of places to choose from.

Bling's Cash Money Halloween Bash

Top 6 Haunting Hot Spots for Halloween 2009:

1.  Bling’s Cash Money Halloween Bash: RMB 5,000 Cold, Hard CASH goes to the most innovative, creative costume. Bring your friends to increase your chances of winning!  Free Entrance.

2. Yen Fetish 2009 – In an all white warehouse space in 798, the annual YEN Fetish is at it again. Featuring DJ Blackie, DJ Micky Zhang, & Yang Bing.  For those with freaky fetishes! (first year in Beijing, I went to YEN Fetish and never saw so many head to toe leather suits – think gimp suit from movie Pulp Fiction)

3. Time Out Halloween Party @ Happy Valley Amusement Park 7pm-Midnight, RMB 60 with 6RMB beers and free rides until 10pm…+ DJ’s (Blackie, El-Mar & Simon Adams). Beer + Roller Coasters + DJ’s = Random Fun

4. Spooky Scarlett – Win a complimentary night’s stay at Hotel G and enjoy 10RMB shooters.

5. Xiu-loween – With Party Hosts Riviera, Xiu is hosting a “gothic chic” party. Free admission for those dressed, RMB 260 entrance for those who are not partaking in costume fun.

6. Halloween Ghost Hunting Jam Set @ Starlive – Pet Conspiracy, Y.A.C.H.T., LiMan, DJ Wordy. RMB 70

Happy Halloween!!

The Beginning of a new Tongli?

It’s remarkable how completely different Sanlitun looks during the day compared to the bustling night scene. And I’m not talking about the Village, I’m talking about the street running perpendicular, Tongli Studio – with Aperitivo, Luga’s, my favorite DVD spot, and about 5 new restaurants that just recently popped up: Muse, a Japanese restaurant with sushi, teriyaki and noodles, Salud, and Juliette’s – a fine-dining French restaurant with chef from Jaan, Guillaume Gaillot.

I’ve observed Juliette’s from the outside and by walking by it multiple times, and you can tell this venue was much more refined than it’s neighboring hubs like Shooters and Luga’s, but I was taken aback to find it to be so fine-dining, as in Maison Boulud fine-dining.  A la carte menu’s appetizers average about 75RMB, main entrees about RMB 200 (the lobster dish is RMB 450) and desserts in the same price range as appetizers.  It will be interesting to see how Juliette’s develops and whether its affect on its neighbors will be stronger than its neighbor’s affect on Juliette’s business/clientele/image.  Juliette’s is definitely the first of its caliber on Tongli Studio .

After flipping through the menu, the set lunch was the obvious choice:

• 2 courses for RMB 78
• 3 courses + coffee RMB 98
• 2 courses with 1 glass of house wine RMB 108
• 3 courses + 1 glass of wine + coffee RMB 128

For the starter, I tried the ‘Vichyssoise Soup with Pesto’ dressing followed by the ‘Poached beef tenderloin with fried potato, natural jus’  while my friend who works for the Village Times, Annabel Greene, opted for the Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Salad and the ‘Grill Salmon Fish with Celeriac Puree and Beetroot Reduction.’

Best Part:

• Portions were generous, Taste was on-point
• I like the name
• Set Lunch Meal was a great deal
• It’s conveniently located

Comments:

• Furniture, seating, and venue layout seems more suited for a more casual bistro rather than a fine-dining restaurant
• Prices from ordering off the a la carte menu is 8x more expensive than its neighboring venues, wow the contrast is quite extreme. When I see these prices, I immediately compare it to the standards set by Maison Boulud.  While the food and portions were satisfying, the service, interior, and dining experience as a whole is just not up to par with the Big Boulud.