Sneak Peek: Lost Heaven at Ch'ien Men 23

Lost Heaven's high-end Yunnanese folk cuisine has been attracting crowds down in Shanghai for a few years now, so it's about time that we got one up here in the north. We've been giddily waiting for Beijing's first Lost Heaven to open at Ch'ien Men 23 in June. Read on for our sneak peek.

By bringing together multiple minority group cuisines, traditional Yunnan flavors, and Burmese and Thai influences, the Lost Heaven Group has created a unique menu out of familiar flavors. What's more, the group works to craft a unified unique restaurant-going experience with its custom-designed decor.

We dropped by Lost Heaven, which is currently in private soft open mode, to see how things are running so far. In a word? Prettyfreakingawesome.

The good news is you won't have to wait much longer to see for yourself, as they're set to officially open up on June 1. Manager Muze Chang reassured us that the menu will have all the dishes that the Shanghai locations offer (at the same prices, too). They've also added a few dishes to the Beijing menu that will start out here before working their way down south.

We tried out a barrage of Lost Heaven's signature dishes and were delighted by all of them. Two of our favorites were the Burmese tea leaf salad (RMB 60) and the copper plate potstickers (RMB 66). If you're looking for Yunnan delicacies, the stir-fried prawns with jizong mushrooms (RMB 190) and the steamed cod generously covered with black truffles (RMB 360) will have your tastebuds frolicking.

If you're the drinking type I'd recommend the Thai zeed cocktail (RMB 60) to go with your meal. It's a lovely mouth-wallop of spice, lime and lemongrass that highlights the food. Or you can try the pu'er martini (RMB 70), which packs a heady dose of fermented tea.

We've got a full review coming in a future issue of the magazine, but for now, just mark June 1 on your calendars. Lost Heaven is about to shake things up.

Lost Heaven 花马天堂
Daily Noon-2pm, 5pm-1am (Open to public June 1)
23 Qianmen Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (8516 2698)
东城区前门东大街23号

If all this talk of Yunnan food has left you with some serious cravings, you can head over to Haney Restaurant in Baochao Hutong near Gulou tomorrow (May 19) at 6pm for a traditional Yunnanese "Long Street Banquet" (RMB 150 per seat, drinks included). Call 6501 3318 for a reservation.

Of course, my biased self thinks you should definitely drop by the Beijinger's beach-themed Bar & Club Awards at Sanlitun SOHO on Saturday. RMB 100 for all you can drink. If you do come, you should also definitely find me and say hi. I'll be the guy in board shorts.

There are also plenty of other dining-related events going on this weekend. Guess folks are trying to make the most out of the lovely weather before things start to heat up. Speaking of heat, the Grand Millennium's Cuisine of Sichuan promotion, which features the cooking of chefs from their Chengdu location, wraps up on Sunday.

SALT's holding its first-ever "BBQ on the Terrace" this Saturday. You can choose from Meat, Fish & Seafood, or Surf 7 Turf platters for RMB 288 with sides, or go with an RMB 188 vegetarian option. If you're in particularly high spirits, you can also enjoy free flow bubbly or beer for RMB 200.

Finally, tonight's festivities include a barbecue at Terra and a fifth-anniversary party over at Enoterra. Check this week's Talking Pints post for more details.

Photos: Josh Ong