Capital Bites: A California Menu, Black Truffles, Meat and Cheese Platters

American or not, I hope you all managed to scarf down a bit of barbeque, some burgers or at least a few drinks this past week. And if you've got some post-Fourth of July blues, no need to stress because Sanlitun is getting another outpost of classic Americana. A new branch of T.G.I. Friday's has moved into Shimao Department Store. Even if there's no more flair on their suspenders, they should be bringing plenty of Jack Daniel's sauce along with their upcoming opening.

There are still a few more days yet to sample the "California menu" from Chef de Cuisine Martin Brock, of San Francisco's restaurant Gary Danko. Brock is calling Temple Restaurant home for the month of July, and the first menu he's presenting is themed after the Golden State. This particular four-course set (RMB 458+15%) has a strong focus on seafood with options like a risotto with shrimp, a rice flake-crusted lobster or a king crab salad with avocado mousse (which seems the perfect archetype of California). The tasting menu is available during dinner service until July 14, after which Brock will be offering up something new.

Next weekend, Chef Umberto Bombana will be coming to Beijing to join his Executive Chef Marino D'Antonio at Opera Bombana. They'll be presenting a special black truffle menu on the evenings of July 19 and 20. Look forward to an excess of black truffle (including a veal tenderloin) with a capstone of black truffle ice cream and Chantilly caramelized pistachio. Seats are RMB 1088+10% (with wine pairing, RMB 1688+10%) which may seem steep but if you have the inclination and budget, it's sure to be an excellent meal that's well worth it. Reserve at infobeijing@operabombana.com or 5690 7177.

Great Leap Brewpub in Sanlitun just rolled out a new cheese and meat platter (RMB 240). The platter is scaled for six to eight people and actually comes on two different platters heaped with four kinds of domestic salted, cured meats and sausages as well as four cheeses (Emmental, Cheddar, Maasdam and Gouda) along with house-pickled green beans, a side of Dijon mustard and slices of baguette.

For an afternoon pick-me-up, Beiluo Bread Bar started a sweet deal where you can get a slice of cake plus a coffee (Americano or espresso) for RMB 30, Monday through Thursday (2-5pm).

Also on the sweet tip, this Thursday July 11 (7.30-9pm), Xiao Ju Bar on Mao'er Hutong is hosting a wine and dessert night. For RMB 100, get a taste of five wines paired with desserts. Email imre.toth1832@gmail.com to RSVP.

Lastly, this isn't food, but it uses a vegetable, it is delicious and it certainly merits a mention: Flamme recently launched their summer menu with new cocktails and a few new dishes. I was there just for happy hour last week and let me say, The Southside Fizz (RMB 70) with gin, cucumber, mint, lime, sugar and soda is the ultimate summer beverage, no lie.

Photo: www.etsy.com