2013 Reader Restaurant Awards Experts' Panel: Xixi Cheng
Each year in our annual Reader Restaurant Awards, we ask our readers to assess the best of Beijing's dining world. Alongside of the Awards, we also query a panel of experts to throw in their informed opinions on top spots in the city. In this series of blog posts, we introduce our connoisseurs and a select handful of their picks.
Xixi Cheng
Xixi is the founder of Beijing Foodies, whose charity dinners have raised more than RMB 100,000 for good causes over the past four years. They dine, socialize and donate each month at different restaurants around the city, with special set menus priced at around RMB 100. To get involved in their next event, email bjfoodies@gmail.com.
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (NON-CHINESE, FINE DINING)
Modo
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (NON-CHINESE, CASUAL)
Hatsune
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR (CHINESE)
Duck de Chine
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (NON-CHINESE)
Q Mex
BEST BAKERY
Pekotan
BEST BEIJING DUCK
1949 Financial Street
BEST BUSINESS LUNCH
Alameda
BEST CAFÉ
Rug Bagel and Cafe
BEST CANTONESE (FINE DINING)
Lei Garden
BEST CHEF (FINE DINING)
Amber Deetlefs, Pinotage
BEST CHEF (CASUAL)
Thomazini, Alameda
BEST DESSERTS
Wenyu Yogurt Shop
BEST DIM SUM
Lei Garden
BEST DUMPLINGS
Baoyuan Jiaozi Wu
BEST FRENCH (FINE DINING)
Maison Boulud
BEST FRENCH (CASUAL)
Café de la Poste
BEST FOR IMPRESSING VISITORS (NON-CHINESE CUISINE)
Capital M
BEST FOR IMPRESSING VISITORS (CHINESE CUISINE)
Pure Lotus
BEST INDIAN/PAKISTANI
Tadka
BEST JAPANESE
Sake Manzo
BEST KOREAN
Ssam
BEST LATE-NIGHT DINING
Bellagio
BEST MIDDLE EASTERN
Biteapitta
BEST MEXICAN
Q Mex
BEST OUTDOOR DINING (FINE DINING)
Capital M
BEST OUTDOOR DINING (CASUAL)
Dali Courtyard
BEST PERSONALITY (FINE DINING)
Amber Deetlefs, Pinotage
BEST PERSONALITY (CASUAL)
Alan Wong, Hatsune
BEST PIZZA
Kro's Nest
BEST PLACE FOR CELEBRATION (FINE DINING)
Modo
BEST PLACE FOR CELEBRATION (CASUAL)
Kairaya
BEST RESTAURANT ENTREPRENEUR
Alan Wong, Hatsune
BEST FOR A ROMANTIC DINNER
Mosto
BEST SALADS
Kro's Nest
BEST SANDWICHES
Home Plate BBQ
BEST SERVICE (NON-CHINESE, FINE DINING)
Alameda
BEST SERVICE (NON-CHINESE, CASUAL)
Biteapitta
BEST SERVICE (CHINESE CUISINE)
Karaiya
BEST SICHUAN (FINE DINING)
Transit
BEST SICHUAN (CASUAL)
Karaiya
BEST SPANISH/TAPAS
Mare
BEST STEAK (FINE DINING)
Le Pre Lenotre
BEST STEAK (CASUAL)
Cafe de la Poste
BEST THAI
Lime Cafe
BEST VALUE (FINE DINING)
Pinotage
BEST VALUE (CASUAL)
Dali Courtyard
BEST WESTERN BREAKFAST
Vineyard Cafe
BEST WINE LIST
Pinotage
BEST YUNNAN
Dali Courtyard
Note: Xixi's choice for Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese, Fine Dining), Modo, is currently closed for renovations. Look for it as Modo Urban Deli next month in the same space.
Photo: thebeijinger.com, Sui
