Capital Bites: Panino Teca Closes, Taps Opens, Bottles Fly
You know that idea that our bodies regenerate a completely new set of cells every 7 years? Well it has nothing to do with the food scene in Beijing, I was just thinking about it. Moving right along, we've got Panino Teca in the Sanlitun Village shutting down, Luga's new German restaurant Taps opening up, and new cocktail classes and wine dinners to check out.
Panino Teca at the Village is shut. In its place is a big red sign with cursive. Based on a photo a colleague of ours took, it looks like "Nuit Gaette" (Francophones: is that a real word?) is moving in, and "something delicious is coming your way." More information as it comes.
Meanwhile, Luga's long-awaited German restaurant and pub, Taps, is open for business. Check out our sneak peek of the new spot here.
Speaking of Tom Cruise movies, Bob Louison over at Spirit It is launching a Flair Master Class teaching would-be cocktail makers to not just make drinks but juggle, flip and throw their bottles and shakers in the air all fancy-like in the process. He will not, however, teach you to slide across the floor in socks and undies. The first class starts this Sunday, June 10, 3-6pm. You'll meet at the south gate of Chaoyang Park then head inside together. (No actual drinks or glass bottles will be used. Hang on, is this how clown school starts off too?) To reserve email Bob at bobspirit.it@gmail.com or call 186 1016 0571.
Where'd we get that delicious-looking wolfberry creme brulee? Hilton Wangfujing is building out a new team, with a new executive chef and a new Chinese chef, which means changes are afoot at both Chynna and Vasco's. We enjoyed that particular treat at Chynna. We'll keep you updated when their new menus are officially announced.
We were skeptical of the new Timezone 8 Sushi Bar when we first heard about it, but after a visit we're pretty sold. Out in 798, it won't be an every night kind of thing, but it's an excellent option for the next time you're checking out the art scene. Look out for a review soon.
Singapore might be up there with the eeriest of manmade cities (down to the white sand beaches repurposed from the likes of Vietnam), but you can't argue with its food culture. On June 9-10, Chef Jeffrey Siew brings the flavors of the Lion City to a buffet festival at the DoubleTree by Hilton. It's the Langfang location, so not quite as far as Singapore, but almost. Call (+316 555 9999) to reserve.
Mercuris Fine Wines and Temple Restaurant Beijing are teaming up for a Vieux Telegraphe wine dinner. RMB 880 gets you six courses with pairings led by Vieux Telegraphe's owner, Daniel Brunier. This takes place tonight, June 5, at 7pm at TRB. Email meet@temple-restaurant.com to see if there are any openings left.
It's also time to start scoping out the zongzi options in the weeks leading up to the Dragon Boat Festival. We've got a full post for you on that here.
Photo: Marilyn Mai
