LumDimSum Discovery: Veggie Table’s Carrot Cake

A Thick Slice of Veggie Table’s Moist Carrot Cake (RMB 28)

The Veggie Table has been on my hit-list for months now.

After reading Bespoke Beijing‘s well-written review of Veggie Table on their blog site The Urban Edit Website, I have been really been dying to go.

“Not only are no animal products used anywhere on the menu, but every aspect of this enterprise is completely green and sustainable. From the water filters on the taps to the fact that vendors delivering their produce in unsustainable packaging have been banned – owner Laura Lawless has thought of everything.”

Check out Full Article here.

The only problem is that I have YET to have a full meal here.  I did stop in once for a quick bite – some hummus, lentils and beer (which was all OK, but nothing exceptionally great or bad), and since “a quick bite” doesn’t count as a full-on meal, I’ve decided it best to hold off before I judge Veggie Table after only trying a few dishes. Stay tuned for a full LDS review…Soon my foodies, I promise!

In any case, last week I was hell-bent on checking Veggie Table off my restaurant hit list and finally dig in to some giant veggie burgers and I hear their “stink out” is fantastic.  But to my great disappointment, they were unable to seat us and the experience itself was actually quite frustrating.  We arrived at 12:30 and there was a sign taped to their door which read “We will open at 12:30, apologizes for any inconvenience caused.”  Considering it was already 12:30, we figured our timing was just right until we looked in to see that the restaurant fully occupied in what looked like a teaching seminar.  When we stepped inside the restaurant at 12:45, owner/chef Laura Fanelli said that their event was taking longer than expected and asked if we would be willing to sit down on a sofa that was covered in coats as we waited for the seminar to be over.  No, thanks.  It’s really not a big deal that the previous event ran over-time, but the suggestion for waiting customers to sit on a couch clearly not available or suitable was a lame, half-ass effort and just not well-handled in my opinion.

We ended up eating at Vineyard (which has a great set lunch!) and afterwards, we came back to Veggie Table for a slice of carrot cake and just one bite later, all prior frustrations were forgiven (but not forgotten).  The carrot cake was just fresh out of the oven and Laura explained that it is vegan and even made with organic flour (which is apparently near-impossible to find in Beijing).

Whether or not it’s healthy or entirely organic, it was mouth-wateringly delicious, a slice of heaven if you will. It’s moist, tasty and just knowing that it’s made from Veggie Table (home of vegan cuisine and about as organic as you can get in Beijing), I feel less guilty indulging in a giant slice of sweetness.

Well-worth the RMB 28 and if I ever find another chance to make my way back to The Veggie Table, I’ll be sure to save room for more carrot cake!

Loaf of Carrot Cake Fresh out of the Oven

*LumDimSum Discovery Explanation: Whenever I try a dish worth sharing, I will post this find as a LumDimSum Discovery.  Just click tagged LumDimSum Discovery articles for more recommendations.

Other Reviews of Veggie Table:

• Time Out
• theBeijinger
• CityWeekend
• LocalNoodles

The Veggie Table Contact Details:

• Address:  19 Wudaoying Hutong, Dongcheng District  东城区五道营胡同19号
• Tel: 6446 2073
• *Note: Restaurant is not open on Tuesdays and I hear their dinners are quite busy (so try lunch instead!)

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

Beijing’s First Ethical Trade Fair by brandnü

What you can expect to see at Beijing’s first ethical trade fair: Local Goodies on sale along with live music, Greek snacks and iced drinks on the rooftop patio of Argo Greek Restaurant overlooking Wudaoying Hutong.

Highlights: The best of China’s artisans and a talk by China’s most prominent women’s rights advocate, Wu Qing.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: From 1969-2000, Wu Qing was an esteemed professor of English at Beijing Foreign Studies University. She has served since 1984 as a Deputy to the Beijing Haidan District People’s Congress, focusing on the rule of law and transparency in government. Professor Wu Qing is a well-known advocate for women’s rights in China and the 2001 recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service, also known as “Asia’s Nobel Prize.” She was nominated by the Schwab Foundation Network as one of the World’s Outstanding Social Entrepreneurs of 2003.

Local Beijing Goodies: Organic honey and coffee, contemporary clothing designs, and hand-crafted silver jewelry.

Event Host: brandnü, a Beijing-based store and artisan network that connects the energy of young urban designers with the age-old traditions of Chinese craftsmanship.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, July 10
• Time: 1:00-5:00PM (3PM talk by Wu Qing)
• Location: Argo Greek Restaurant (Rooftop Terrace) 59 Wudaoying Hutong (down the street from Vineyard Cafe & Saffron)
• Contact: Nathan Zhang，Email brandnuproject@gmail.com，Tel: +86 15011153421

For more information, check out: www.brandnuproject.com

Don’t Expect Grandma’s Cooking at Grandma’s Kitchen

Grandma’s Kitchen is definitely one of Beijing’s old timers. Back in the hay day, Grandma’s was the place to go when we got sick of oily, cheap Chinese and craved some hearty American staples from breakfast omelets to pancakes, salads, sandwiches, burgers and a good milkshake. And there’s no denying Grandma’s presence in Beijing with locations all over the city from Jianwai SOHO to Tian An Men and my favorite location at Beixinqiao with its own bed and breakfast guesthouse and an outdoor courtyard in its backyard.

Since as long as I’ve been around, Grandma’s has continued to stay consistent – decent food with decent prices and mediocre service. Four years ago, Grandma’s was considered to be pretty decent for China standards. To me and my gang, Grandma’s was an American restaurant from a Chinese perspective – trying to be, but not quite there.

But clearly today, four years later, Beijing’s dining scene has grown exponentially into a very internationally diverse scene. And now there’s more than just Grandma’s Kitchen and Paul’s Steak & Eggs if you’re craving authentic American grub.  The choices for American food in Beijing is more than you could want -  Blue Frog, Element Fresh, All-Star Sports Bar & Grill, Chef Too, Vineyard Cafe, Union Bar & Grill, Nola, Apothecary, the list continues.

It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Grandma’s, so it was nice to check out my favorite location at Beixinqiao and enjoy a relaxing lunch in their outside seating.  The menu is just how I remember and although their milkshakes are the highlight of the menu, I chose to order Fresh Squeezed Orange juice (RMB 25) and a Pastrami Sandwich on Rye Bread (RMB 40).

The toast was not the rye bread I was expecting, it was served cold, rye bread was not toasted, there was too much mayo and not enough pastrami -  overall unsatisfying and disappointing.

Pastrami on Rye Sandwich

While I was quite looking forward to my return to Grandma’s, at the end of the meal I remembered why it’s been over three years since my last there – it’s really not that great.

Review of Grandma’s Kitchen: 28 Shique Hutong, Beixinqiao, 石雀胡同28号 , Tel: 8403-9452

Best Part:

• Beixinqiao location’s airy, quaint atmosphere with outdoor seating area and guest house bed & breakfast out back.  Everything about this location is sweet, welcoming and understated.
• It’s consistent and you get what you pay for. You can get a decent American meal under RMB 100, but then again, there are better choices and bargains to be found in Beijing.

Comments:

• Anything you crave on Grandma’s menu, you can find better in Beijing. Everything on the menu is mediocre, there’s nothing particularly unique or extraordinary about any of the food items.  At least Paul’s Steak & Eggs is still the place to go for Poutine (fries covered in mozzarella cheese and gravy – a popular Canadian dish).

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

• Food: 4
• Atmosphere: 7
• Service: 5
• Overall Experience: 5
  

LumDimSum Discovery: Vineyard’s English Breakfast

Vineyard's Full English Breakfast (RMB 68)

The Vineyard Cafe’s Full English Breakfast has long been reason alone to make the trip there. For only RMB 68, you get the following (photo above):

2 Pork Sausages

Sautéed Potatoes

2 Rashers of Bacon

Grilled Tomato

Button Mushrooms

Baked Beans

Toast & Butter

Egg (however you like it)

Your choice of coffee or tea

In addition to their popular Full English Breakfast, they have most recently updated their Brunch Menu to add a Vegetarian Brunch Set Menu (RMB 63) along with the option to customize your own breakfast plate.

I opted for a combination of the Classic English Breakfast and the Vegetarian Meal Deal -

2 Rashers of Bacon

2 Sausages

Button Mushrooms

2 Vegetarian Patties

Over-easy Egg

Whole Meal Toast

Total: RMB 53

Another great brunch menu item is their Eggs-Benedict (RMB 26):

The Vineyard’s New Brunch Menu:

Review of Vineyard Cafe: 31 Wudaoying Hutong,Yonghegong - west of Yonghegong; 五道营胡同31号  雍和宫桥南; Tel: 6402-7961

Best Part:

• Great value for a hearty brunch meal – Full English Breakfast is a great deal
• Venue has a nice outdoor dining space and I personally love the use of the hutong style space.
• Conveniently located by the Yonghegong subway stop, just across from the Lama Temple
• Giant glass of fresh squeezed juices and smoothies only RMB 25.
• Consistent, quality food every time.

Comments:

• Their Full English Breakfast used to come with fresh squeezed apple juice, which was a highlight. Now you can choose between coffee and tea and they were inflexible when asked if that could be substituted (even for drink items at a lower cost than coffee/tea).
• Service is a bit slow and staff did not speak very good English.
• They book up, so I recommend making a reservation in advance.
• Best to check map to make sure you don’t get lost:

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

• Food: 8
• Atmosphere: 7
• Service: 6
• Overall Experience: 7

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.

A Tour of ‘The New Beijing’

It seems like a lifetime ago, but when I first moved to Beijing in 2006, I came as a student to study Mandarin at World Link Education.  Back in those days, everything was all play and stress-free – ah, the life as a student.  My crew’s regular hangout spot was Together Bar (which was recently demolished this summer and replaced with a park) and our regular party spots included none other than Babyface, Cargo, Bar Blu, Kai Bar, Suzie Wong’s and Vics (before the re-model).

Since then, so much has changed in Beijing pre and post the 2008 Olympics.

This October holiday, my best friend from World Link, Sophia Gericke came back to visit for 10 days – a visit that has been both refreshing and eye-opening.  It’s so easy to get caught up in all the small things and forget to see the big picture.  It’s hard to imagine that only a year ago, there was no Sanlitun Village, there was no Opposite House, no Bling, no Solana, no Legation Quarter, etc. etc.

With Sophia back in Beijing after a 3 years, I wanted her to experience the best of what I like to call, ‘The New Beijing’.

Having already lived in Beijing, Sophia had no interest in seeing any tourist attractions, so I was able to really give her a taste of Beijing’s new and improved dining and nightlife scene.

Here’s what the 10 day tour consisted of:

1. Sanlitun Village (Hatsune, Karaiya, Blue Frog for drinks, Panino Teca)
2. Opposite House (Alan’s Hotel Party in one of the suites, Mesh & Punk)
3. Solana (All-Star & Bling)
4. Legation Quarter Tour & dinner @ Capital M (Qianmen Pedestrian Street)
5. Park Hyatt’s Xiu
6. Olympic Green (complete with attending the Turandot Opera in Bird’s Nest)
7. 1949-The Hidden City: Club Décolleté, Club Glen, Sugar Cafe, Well Bar
8. Scarlett (Hotel G)
9. Glen Boutique Bar & Oden
10. d lounge
    

    Keep it Gangsta Party @ BLING

11. Vics (renovated)
12. Block 8‘s Ruby Khi (renovated)
13. Suzie Wong’s (unchanged)
14. Chocolate Club
15. Vineyard Cafe (best Sunday brunch)
16. Chef Too (Sunday brunch)
17. Regency Taipan (massage)
18. PurpleJade Country Club (spa)

I’m Hooked

Top Spots to Work with Wifi

1. Bookworm: Spacious, nice rooftop, best book selection to dive in, a lot of natural light
2. Le Petit Gourmand: Cozy, plugs everywhere, great crepes, but a little dark for my taste
3. All-Star Sports Bar & Grill: a lot of lights, super fast wifi, favorite burger (Californian Guacamole Bacon Cheeseburger) and milkshakes
4. Café Zarah: Cozy, relaxed little coffee shop with great wifi and a nice people-watching perch.  See posting for details.
5. Vineyard Café: Their brunch is reason to go alone
6. e.a.t. (Gulou): Cozy cafe with good sandwiches and salad options

What Sundays Mean to Me: Brunchathon Breakdown

When I was a kid, Sundays meant ‘the day before Monday’, which was almost as dreaded at Mondays themselves.  Sundays meant that the weekend was almost over and I had to prepare for the long stretch of the school week ahead – 5 long days of waking up early, homework, piano lessons, more homework and tests.

Now that my weekends are the most hectic and busy days of the week for me, with my Fridays & Saturdays running straight from morning to late night – 4 or 5am – Sundays are now the days I look forward to most, they are my days of bliss and leisure.

And my favorite part about Sundays?  BRUNCH!!

Here are my top picks for Sunday Brunch (See Below for Details):

1. The Vineyard Cafe

2. Solaire Bistro

3. Village Cafe

4. Chef Too

5. Element Fresh

6. Cafe Zarah

———————————————————————–

1. The 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. I went there today without a reservation (who knew?) and now I know, especially if you want to sit in their outdoor courtyard seating.

For those looking for a hearty meal after a rough weekend, I highly recommend the “Full English Breakfast” for RMB 65, which gets you generous portions of the following:

• 2 Pork Sausages
• Sautéed Potatoes
• 2 Rashers of Bacon
• Grilled Tomato
• Button Mushrooms
• Baked Beans
• Toast & Butter
• Egg (however you like it)

On top of all that, you also get a choice of coffee or tea AND a glass of fresh apple juice (which is just the icing on a cake)

My personal favorites:

• Ben-e’fish’-ial RMB 35

Like Eggs Benedict, but with imported Norwegian smoked salmon on a bed of arugula instead of ham.  Only downside is that it’s quite small.  Instead of two halves of an English muffin with 2 poached eggs, etc., it’s just one half, so I recommend to also get a side dish.

• Natural Yogurt RMB 11 with a side of honey

The Yogurt with Musseli and Fresh Fruit looked really tempting as well.

*Best to check map to make sure you don’t get lost:

31 Wudaoying Hutong,Yonghegong - west of Yonghegong 
五道营胡同31号  雍和宫桥南

6402-7961

2.  Solaire Bistro: An all-you-can-eat Organic Sunday Brunch for only RMB 88!! (from 11am-3pm)

All-You-Can-Eat & Drink includes:

• Unlimited Fresh Fruit
• Organic Homemade Yogurt
• Fresh Mango Lassi
• Tea & Coffee
• Organic Salad
• Fresh Bread
• Cheese Platter
• Pumpkin Soup
• Baked Scallops**soooo good
• Samosas (a bit of Indian influence from Solaire’s manager)
• Potato Croquets
• Organic Bacon and Sausages
• Organic Omelets

In addition to the unlimited salad and appetizers available, you also get a choice of One Main Entrée:

• Grilled Lamb Chops** I recommend this, it was perfectly cooked and so so delicious)
• Home-style Beef (like a meatloaf)
• Potato Gratin
• Grilled Sea Bass Fillet
• Pork Ribs

Solaire’s brunch is a great option for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking for a healthier brunch option.  Make sure you check out a map on your way there so that you don’t get lost.

Beside Wanda (Sofitel) on Zhenzhi Lu at Cable 8 Block B ground floor,
CBD/Guomao
Beside Wanda (Sofitel) Facing Guomao
北京朝阳区建国路郎家园8号尚8创意产业园区B座东侧108

5208-3689

3.   Village Café (Located on the First Floor of Opposite House in Sanlitun):  Wonderful selection of brunch items and came highly recommended to me.

Best Part: Every dish I’ve seen and sampled– from their Eggs Benedict to their Banana Pancakes and Sandwiches are top-notch.  Food is delicious. Period.

Comments:

• Chairs could be more comfortable
• The food and selection is great, but too pricey considering all the other great brunch options in Beijing.

4.  Chef Too – Known for their steaks, I’ve just been for their brunch.

Best Part:

• Great Brunch Selection
• Delicious Eggs Benedict

Comments:

• Super Pricey – I think it’s close to RMB 100 just for eggs benedict

5.  Element Fresh – People love to hate Element Fresh. Why?  It’s overpriced, it’s overrated, it’s not as healthy as it seems, the service is terrible, they always run out of everything…and yet we keep coming back.

Best Part:

• Element’s got the best smoothies in town, and it’s exactly what your body craves and needs after a long weekend.
• Salad Combinations are Awesome
• Huge outdoor terrace, perfect for a nice summer day

Comments: See above.

6. Café Zarah (located on Gulou): A sweet little Cafe on Gulou

Best Part:

• Cozy, relaxed little coffee shop with great wifi
• Good people-watching perch
• Breakfast Combo selections includes a great selection of breads, ham/salami, cheese, boiled egg, tomatoes, cucumbers, jelly, and some include nutella.
• Also offer a lot of sandwiches, pastas, etc.
• They sell ice cream provided by Gustomenta

Comments:

• Limited staff and quite busy, so everytime I needed anything, I needed to walk up to the counter to ask for drink refill, napkins, maidan, etc.

42 Gulou Dongdajie , near Jiaodaokou
鼓楼东大街42号

8403-9807

In a league of it’s own:  Top Hotel Champagne Brunches

1.   Senses (The Westin Financial Street) – Expect to drop a pretty penny, but it’s worth it.  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.

2.  Monsoon (InterContinental) – Pricier than Senses as its RMB 398 + 15% service charge for free-flow champagne, but they also have infinite Haagen Daaz Ice Cream.

3.  VIC short for Voyage of International Cuisines (Sofitel Hotel by Wanda Plaza) RMB 358 inclusive of champagne

Not the best brunch, a lot of variety, they have a great cheese selection and their dessert section has beautiful chocolate eclairs and I always have so much fun here.

Recent Brunch Experience:

Agua Aperitivo Brunch:

I had the pleasure of joining my friend for a complimentary meal at Agua when they first launched their new Aperitivo Brunch – all-you-can-eat tapas for RMB 198 per person.

Best Part:

• Enjoying the sunshine on Agua’s lovely outdoor terrace with its beautiful view overlooking the Legation Quarter (I don’t like to call it Ch’ien Men 23)
• The fact that you can order as many tapas as you’d like (20 choices)
• Salad with Avocado, strawberries, asparagus and hazelnut is outstanding
• Great Diced fresh fruit dessert with ice cream on top
• Service was very friendly and attentive

Comments:

• Too much mousse/foam…in everything
• Spanish Omelets were just scrambled eggs combined with other ingredients
• Not a good drink selection – only one fresh fruit drink
• Only 2 other tables in the restaurant

Ch’ienmen 23, 23 Qianmen Dongdajie,
Tian’anmen
前门东大街23号

6559-6266