Capital Bites: Openings and Closings, Summer Menus at S.T.A.Y. and Flamme and Wine and Cheese!
Temperatures have officially risen, and you know what that means: Summer menus are popping about, enticing you with grilled meats and creative uses of summer fruits and veggies. Read on for wine and cheese events, new openings and closings and where you can get a bite of that delicious-looking strawberry macaron.
We recently tried the new summer menu at S.T.A.Y. at the Shangri-La. As expected, their food shines when it's at its simplest. The finalized menu is a slight variation on some of the dishes we tried, but our faves were the pan-seared scallops (RMB 368, served with black truffle carbonara, which we did not try) and veal filet served with potato gnocchi and morel mushrooms (RMB 298). Again and again, what really blows people's minds at S.T.A.Y. is the dessert. The strawberry macaron was scrumptious: tart and sweet, with lightly crisp edges and a chewy center. Sometimes, enjoying Beijing's posher restaurants is about strategy. If you show up at S.T.A.Y. with a group of friends and all go in on the half or full branch from their pastry library, you'll enjoy a nice setting and some mind-blowing desserts (cheesecake balls dusted with sliced almonds, pistachio-topped cream puffs, chocolate and raspberry sorbet) without totally breaking the bank.
Flamme's new summer menu is also a good option, and perhaps more doable on a budget. Try the skewers of beef and shrimp with bell peppers and onions. Grilled meat (that's not finished off with a hair dryer) and fresh veggies are a refreshing combo – an easily forgotten product of the summer grill.
Tonight at 7pm, Niajo is hosting a dinner with an Iberico ham-carving demonstration and a talk about wine pairing. Cost is RMB 398 a person. Call 135 2262 0132 or email rsvp@niajo.com to check if any last spots are open.
Beer Mania's hosting a Cheese Lunch this Saturday, May 12. RMB 248 for wine, cheese (Le Fromager Pekin is involved) and charcuterie. They've asked for bookings before Wednesday, but it might still be worth a call if you're interested (6500 0559).
Bob Louison of Spirit It is hosting more cocktail master classes, this time with a focus on "smoking cocktails." I don't know who will be smoking – you or the cocktails – but either way, it sounds like a good time. By popular demand, he'll be working with some whisky this round. The classes take place May 12 and 19, 7.30-10pm at Zeta Bar. As usual, seats are limited to 15 and you'll need to reserve. Call 186 1016 0571 or email bobspirit.it@gmail.com.
If you've needed an excuse to splash out at Temple Restaurant Beijing (for the first time, or just for the next time), an upcoming Burgundy wine dinner might be your ticket. Next Tuesday, May 15, Burgundian wine royalty Nicolas Potel will be presenting nine wines with a seven-course menu. It's RMB 580 a person and starts at 7pm. Email meet@temple-restaurant.com to reserve.
In anticipation of the Dragon Boat Festival, Shangri-La's also running a rice dumpling (or zongzi) promotion, including Steamed Conpoy, Thai Style Chicken Rice and Purple Potato dumplings. There are seven different types of gift boxes and hampers available, so if you have a Chinese family somewhere that you need to impress (girlfriend's surly parents? new potential boss?), this might be a good option. They'll be available until June 23. Call the Shang Palace restaurant (6841 2211 ext 6732) for inquiries and reservations.
Now, to run down some quick news:
A friend was disheartened when she came upon the Dongbeiren near Dongzhimen mid-demolition. Those who loved the rowdy establishment will be relieved to hear there's a new location. If you're heading north on Third Ring Road from the CBD, make a right onto Xiaoyun Lu, and it'll be in the yard immediately to your right.
Mare is moving from the first floor to the second floor of E-Tower. It'll be closed while the move takes place, but should reopen soon (mid-May).
Bamiyan, the new Afghan restaurant from the people behind Punjabi, has started hosting private events as they build up to a full opening. Owner Gireesh Chowdhury tells us they'll be open " ... as soon as I can find enough staff. Impossible to find service staff." We know, we know.
Hatsune sushi will now be available at a new Timezone 8 sushi bar in 798. One of our colleagues was really impressed with the new space. You can read up on it more at Lumdimsum.com. This is good news for anyone who's ever wandered 798 hungry and confused.
Kris Ryan (of the original Rickshaw triumvirate that includes Chad Lager and Luga) is still set to open two exciting new spots: The Big Smoke and Uncle Otis, with focuses on homestyle food and chicken wings. Our friend Beijing Boyce mentioned this back in March, with an opening slated for end of April. We're stilling waiting on news but will let you know as soon as we hear anything.
Last but most definitely not least, don't forget that this Sunday is Mother's Day. If you're lucky enough to have Mum here to celebrate (or if you just wanna go and eat vicariously for her), check out our list of all the Mother's Day brunches and deals happening around town.
Photos: Marilyn Mai, Flamme International Grill
