Capital Bites: BBQ Round Two and Other New Eastside Bites

All the springtime talk of fresh starts and new things on the horizon gets boring without a doubt, but after Beijing's long, dark and bitterly cold winters, it's hard to take warmer and warmer breezes and the lighter evening skies for granted. And well, it's true, lots of new things are on the horizon.

Rumors of a new Home Plate Bar-B-Que abound. It's clear that the city is clamoring for more pulled pork and fried pickles from the team. Here's to hoping Home Plate picks a location near you.

In Sanlitun Village South news, Page One opened their cafe, The Woodhouse, last Friday. You'll find it on the second floor of the bookstore. The kitchen's chef formerly worked at Nobu. They're billing themselves as a "bakery and casual dining" affair. We hear very good things about the pasta and pastries, though fewer about the mains. But we'll be getting over there ourselves to give you the full report, if you don't beat us to it.

Equilibrium is maintained in the Village as with the opening comes a closing. Fisheye Cafe shut its doors last Wednesday and the space has been shuttered and gutted. Word has it that they're seeking a new location.

The east side of the city gets yet another outlet for cakes and croissants with the opening of a new branch of Comptoirs de France at Chaoyang Park's west gate.

Further south, springtime is greening things up. Green Bites Dumpling Bar will be opening a new branch in Soho Shangdu shortly.

Across the way, the LEED-certified lifestyle center Parkview Green keeps up a steady pace of new culinary offerings. Their food court is now open with largely East Asian cuisine. City Shop has opened with a wide spread of imported groceries and goods available. The front counter features a decadent array of candy bars – many American and harkening back to my childhood – and the hot tip is the table near the entrance with buy-one-get-one free for products nearing their expiration date. A sweet deal for the thrifty. I snagged some Cool Ranch Corn Nuts which prompted a weird return to the third grade.

After some closure for staff training and licensing, Quickie Salad now seems to have regular hours. The theme ought to be apparent from the store's name, but that aside, the salads look substantial and the ingredients fresh. Paninis, soups and a build-your-own pasta dish are also on offer. We'll be munching on some greens soon and let you know our thoughts.

Photo: The Beijinger