Capital Bites: Avocado Tree Joins Home Plate, Garlic Meets Pork Bone, New Wudaokou Food Plaza Opens

This week, we have news about burrito barons Avocado Tree, more ramen in town, new spots for favorites Home Plate, Alio Olio and The Loop, and new deals at Niajo, Alameda and more. And of course, you can read on to find out where we ate that amazing plate of fatty pork.

Answer: A new ramen joint at Beixinqiao, planted here from its home base in Osaka, where there are dozens of branches. You'll read more about Satsuma Han ramen here soon, but the main takeaway for now is that they let you choose a level of garlickyness for your broth – none, less, or "normal." The normal level ... isn't.

Burrito spot Avocado Tree is no longer serving burritos at their Chengfulu location in Wudaokou, though you can still eat their noodles and xiaolongbao there, which frankly speaking, aren't bad. Burrito hounds should know, though, that their Shunyi location is doing well at Pinnacle Plaza, and they'll be opening a new one right next to Home Plate Bar-B-Que in just a couple days (owner Chelsea told us Thursday or Friday). Call 158 0154 1003 if you're thinking of heading out there but want to check if they're open. But hey, if you go out and they're not open, you could still partake of a pulled pork sandwich or some crunchy falafel at Al Safir.

Niajo in Nali Patio is starting a new Business Lunch: three courses for RMB 98, which includes drinks, wine and coffee. The menu will rotate weekly, but this week's includes a cold creamy lentil soup and grilled sea bass, among other options. They're also doing a Special Rice Menu. RMB 148 per person for chef's salad, paella of the day, dessert and a glass of wine. These deals are available Monday-Friday, Noon-2.30pm.

Alameda just celebrated their 8th anniversary last night, so happy birthday to them. They're also launching a new Sunday brunch. In fact, a few others are too. See our roundup of new brunches in town here.

The new Veloce wine bar in 1949 – The Hidden City is soft opened. Leon Lee is involved in this project, and tell us it's "the first China satellite of the most successful wine bar in New York City." More info – including details on the full opening – soon.

Twilight is putting some tables outside for the daytime, and serving up a new item – Scotch quail eggs. They've also got new summer cocktails in store.

Alio Olio and Home Plate are both talking about new branches, most likely in Shuangjing. Details are still fuzzy but we'll keep you posted.

The Loop is moving into a space along the same strip as Nearby the Tree (or possibly on the strip with Lebanese cafe/restaurant Cedar's and Revolution).

There's also a huge new outdoor food court of sorts opening up in Wudaokou. We've explored and will give you the skinny in a separate post, coming up soon. But for now, some teaser pics: