EAT: TRB to Open French Bistro Concept in May, Shepherd's Pie Championship, Smoked Salmon Brunch at Nuo
EAT: Your bite-sized guide to the best eats to be had in Beijing this week.
TRB releases details of new French bistro venue "Merci"
Starting with the biggest foodie news of the week, details have emerged that TRB Hospitality Group – the brand behind TRB Hutong, TRB Forbidden City, and Hulu – are preparing to launch their fourth venue in the city. The new restaurant, simply titled "Merci" will take a French bistro focus and open on May 1 in Chaoyang Joy City. That's all the information currently available but you can bet that TRB is likely to have another winner on their hands thanks to owner and founder Ignace Lecleir's unmatched attention to detail, creative food pairings, and the care the team puts into training their service staff. We'll update you as soon as we know more.
Hulu and Paddy's team up for Saint Patrick's Day
Sticking with TRB, the unlikely duo of Hulu and Paddy O'Shea's have teamed up to create a couple of Irish specials in celebration of Saint Patrick's Day (Mar 17). The dishes on offer all revolve around that most Irish of libations: Guinness. Sample a Guinness beef stew for RMB 98, featuring beef cheeks braised until tender in Guinness, or order it with a pint of the black gold itself for RMB 128. The dishes and deals are available from now until Mar 31.
Shepherd's pie championship bake-off at 4corners
In celebration of Saint Patrick's Day, on Mar 16, 4corners are holding a shepherd's pie bake-off. "What's a shepherd's pie?" you ask. Well, it's a baked meat pie with a layer of lamb mince (hence the "shepherd" part; beef mince makes it a cottage pie) and a topping of mashed potato. The winner will get a cash prize of RMB 500 and a basket of goodies from Foxes Rock, so there's a lot at stake. The deadline to enter as a contestant has passed but you can head over and sample at least eight Shepherd's Pies, as well as a cocktail, for RMB 80, which will also give you the right to vote for your favorite pie.
Indian food pop-up at Arcade by Hatchery
Arcade have partnered with Indian chef Sarika to put together a one-off evening of authentic Indian cuisine such as vegetable samosas, mutton curry, and cumin rice on Mar 15. Dinner is priced at RMB 188 (RMB 250 on the door) and will be served family style (vegetarian options available), with the option to add free-flow Kirin beer and house wine for RMB 120. Scan the QR code on the poster above for the menu and more details.
H. Forman and Sons smoked salmon brunch takeover at NUO Hotel Beijing
On Sun, Mar 17, London's oldest and most esteemed artisan smoked salmon purveyor, H Forman & Sons, will be taking over the brunch at N'Joy for one day only. Sample this incredible Scottish salmon (Ed's note: seriously, it is incredible) on its own or with a garnish of creme fraiche and capers, alongside N'Joy's usual bounty of global gastronomy. Scan the QR code in the post above to follow Nuo's WeChat account for more information.
Wagas opens two new Beijing stores
Finally, good news Wagas fans, as the Shanghai-based chain has announced the christening of new Baker & Spice and Wagas stores in Beijing's World Trade Center and Grand Pacific Mall respectively (click through for full directory details). The chain of Western health restaurants marks its 20th anniversary this year. Read more about the openings via Wagas' official WeChat account here.
Click here for more of the many Beijing dining events happening this week.
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Photos: realfood.tesco.com, Wagas
