Talking Pints: Openings, Closings and Rumors of Demise
Friday is finally here as Beijingers emerge squinting and blinking from their work places into a beautiful sunny weekend. You've earned it after having to work through a week chock-full of glorious blue sky days, and now you want to know been happening and what's going on, right? Let's get to it.
A big week of closures, or at least rumours of demise, on the Beijing drinking beat this week. All things to all men, Gulou Xidajie spot Tushuguan 98 is closing down but plans to go down swinging as they host a "Last Super Party" tonight. The plan is to drink the taps dry and do away with any booze still lying around, so it has potential for a fun night. Additionally, they are looking to give everyone a momento, Berlin wall-style, by allowing those there tonight to choose their own souvenir from a vast collection of books and DVDs. With the demise of a lot of our favourite DVD shops, this alone could be reason to get along. I wonder if they have the new Batman?
Italian diner Ciro's Pomodoro has bitten the dust over in Nali Patio. Going the way of Let's Burger and Pantry Magic before it, the closure comes as something of a bolt from the blue. Rumors have abounded recently over the future of several establishments in the Nali / Sanlitun houjie area. We're certainly hoping some of what we've heard is just that, rumour. Rest assured that if we get anything concrete, we'll let you know.
From closures to openings as the latest Blue Frog outlet, located over at Lido's Indigo complex, prepares for its grand opening next weekend. If the Indigo opening stands up to the U-Town Blue Frog opening last year, then we could be in for a quite the night. The beer flowed like wine and we made ourselves sick on the plentiful bar snacks, before winding up over the road at KTV on that joyous night last year. Blue Frog manager Greg assures us he's upped his order of jelly vodka administering syringes for next Friday's bash, too. RMB 100 gets you in and pays for all you can drink and eat from 7pm onwards. And you can chew and guzzle in the knowledge that you're helping the kids as the proceeds from the night go to Operation Smile.
Terra is set to celebrate its second anniversary with a summer party from 3pm on Saturday. A summer caipirinha bar, barbecue, and seasonal Slow Boat sips are just three of the reasons to get along. There'll also be a display by Beijing Capoeira Mandinga.
And on Sunday, the newly renovated Chongwenmen Penta Hotel launches its Pentabrunch Sunday Rehab. If you sip one too many martinis or throw your back out imitating the Capoeira Mandinga, you can recover in the stylish surroundings of Penta. RMB 128 gets you all-you-can-eat every Sunday from 11am to 3pm. And to mark the launch of the offer, they're also offering a buy-three-get-one-free offer for groups of four.
Finally, this Sunday between 1pm and 4pm; and then 6pm and 10pm, Mao Mao Chong is offering sausage rolls, veggie rolls and Greek-stlye meat balls.
The Kempinski is 20 years old this year and to mark their upcoming Oktoberfest, we're giving away a set of six Paulaner Brauhaus glasses. If you want them, answer this question: What year was the German Beer Purity Law first introduced?
Send your answer as well as your name and cell phone number to win@thebeijinger.com. The winner will be chosen at noon on Monday (August 27), and will be notified shortly after.
Don't forget, you can see what else is coming up in our Events section.
Enjoy your weekend.
