Living La Vida Local: Indian Bazaar, Guinness Cupcakes and BJ Foodies

First off, Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Our Nightlife Editor’s already provided with you a solid list of parties going on this weekend, but we’ve got a few more hands-on events to add (including a Guinness Cupcake Making Class!). But contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about the Irish this week. There’s also the Incredible Indian Bazaar, a BJ Foodies Dinner and yet another TEDx Talk. Read on for the scoop on all the fun.

The Incredible India Bazaar is back for the fourth year in a row today, from 10.30am till 4pm. If you’re a fan of Indian curry, Bollywood dancing or even just yoga, we think you’d have a hell of a time here. Plus you can get henna done on your hands, and get the chance to win fabulous prizes like flights to India and Yogi Yoga membership cards.

If you’re still stuck on the Irish by the time Tuesday (Mar 20) rolls around, consider attending the Ireland Network China’s dinner at Dongbei Ren. This month’s speakers, John Furey and John Collins, are both Irish and both senior executives at Pfizer China (one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies). The meal starts at 7pm and will cost RMB 100. RSVP to beijingirishconnections@gmail.com.

BJ Foodies’ March Charity Meal takes place at Restaurant T on March 25 at 7.30pm. In case you’re unfamiliar with BJ Foodies, check out an interview our sister magazine Agenda did with the founder Xixi Cheng here. The basic concept is to try out new delicious restaurants and donating proceeds from the night to charity. Spaces tend to fill out fast, so reserve your spot by emailing bjfoodies@gmail.com now.

Those with a sweet tooth should look into The Hutong’s Seasonal Gourmet Cupcake Making Class today and tomorrow (see events below for times). March brings us one of the most delightful combinations ever: Guinness cupcakes topped off with Baileys whipped cream.

And finally, these abandoned cats are still looking for a home – and their situation is only getting more urgent. See last week's post for the whole story.

EVENTS (MAR 17-23)

Mar 17
Chinese Kitchen: Yunnan
Master China’s “in-cuisine,” chock full of wild veggies, mushrooms and spices. RMB 250, RMB 200 (members). 10am-12.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Peking Opera Workshop
Grasp the history, complexity and subtleties of this famous art form. Real actors come in to talk rituals and makeup. RMB 150. 2-4pm. China Culture Center (6432 9341)

Seasonal Gourmet Cupcake Making Class
St. Patrick’s Day calls for some Guinness cupcakes with Bailey’s whipped cream. RMB 280, RMB 250 (members). 2-4.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Mar 18
Seasonal Gourmet Cupcake Making Class
See Mar 17.

TEDxBFU: Life Is Different
The launch of TEDx’s brand new season, this time in collaboration with Beijing Forestry University. Innovators and thinkers are again brought together to stimulate eager young minds. Price TBD. 2-6pm. 5/F, BFU Library Auditorium (6233 8279)

Mar 20
Beyond Bibimbap: Artful Korean Cuisine*
Chef and owner of Ssam, Andrew Ahn, joins forces with fine art photographer, CYJO, for an event that unites food, art and culture. Reserve at events@thehutong.com. RMB 150 (includes glass of red wine). 7-9.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

BSK Cooking Class: Knife Skills
Improve your mincing, slicing and dicing game. RMB 300. 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408)

FAME and PRAMS Networking
Dress to impress to meet fashion, arts and media industry types. Register at info@fcgroup.org or 139 1109 8002. RMB 130, RMB 90 (before Mar 19). 7.30pm-late. Zeta Bar (5865 5050)

INC Dinner: John Furey and John Collins
This month’s speakers are both Irish and both senior executives. RMB 100. 7pm. Dongbei Ren (no tel)

INN Coffee Morning: Sanlitun
Meet friends in the neighborhood. Free. 10am-noon. The Bookworm (6586 9507; see Dining directory)

Talk: Exercise Do’s and Don’ts
Head physiotherapist Sheilagh Anderson advises on how to improve our fitness regimen. Register at seminar@internationalsos.com. Free. 10am-11.30am. Beijing International SOS Clinic (6462 9112)

Mar 21
Lecture: Daoism, Confucianism and Buddhism
Learn more about the three religions that have shaped Chinese thought. RMB 70. 7.30-9.30pm. China Culture Center (6432 9341)

Mar 22
INN Coffee Morning: Lido
See Mar 20. Maan Coffee (8457 3470; see Dining directory)

Mar 23
Wine and Woks
Not your typical Chinese cooking class, nor a haughty wine tasting – this one’s got the best of both. RMB 300, RMB 250 (members). 7-9.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

*This event is part of the JUE Music + Art Festival.

Photo: nookandpantry.blogspot.com