Four New Hot Dog Joints, The Roots Opens in Haidian + More
New restaurants, dining deals, drinks discounts, guest shifts, pop-ups, and more happenings on our radar this week.
Hot dogs are what’s hot right now, with four new spots opening up over the past few months. Plus, the Roots expands with its first Haidian location, The Local gears up for a Grand Reopening, and Dastaan goes all in on food and cricket.
The Local Gears Up for Big Grand Reopening Party
After a brief closure for renovations, The Local is back in action sporting a new look but with the same old charm brought by owner Kenn Brummel and team. Now the grand reopening is set for this Friday and Saturday, with the kitchen open until 2am and other excitement like the chance to win a free Fishbowl cocktail and DJ Ennoalpha from 10am-1am.
The Local’s Grand Reopening is happening on Friday, Oct 13 and Saturday, Oct 14. Entry is free and reservations are available until 7pm.
The Roots Opens New Haidian Location
Fans of the Roots out on the west side can rejoice, as the restaurant has recently opened a new location in an old factory turned lifestyle area, Weixing Zhizaochang Science Park, near Line 10’s Zhichunli Station in Haidian (lead image).
For those unfamiliar with the Roots, here’s the lowdown. Run by Antoine (小安) and his wife, the Roots is a European restaurant where everything – including bread, sauces, sausages, smoked salmon and everything else – is homemade. Antonie says the Roots can be considered fusion in that, much like in a Chinese restaurant, everything is served in the middle of the table so guests can share. Plus, food is served by type (meats separate from veggies separate from carbs) rather than plated together as an assortment.
The fact that everything is homemade, adds Antonie, means “it's healthy, not as in diet food, but as in good for you food. We also focus on reducing our carbon footprint, especially with no plastic degradable packaging… We're eco, without it being our sole focus, more of an attitude thing.”
From the new venue, which finds itself in a brand new lifestyle area that has a focus on more up-and-coming small brands, guests can enjoy all the Roots’ favorites, from their salads and breads and, a particular favorite, their Peri Peri Chicken, cooked on hot coals for smoky, crispy skin and tender meat.
The Roots (Weixingchang branch)
1/F, Inside Weixing Zhizaochang Science Park, Zhongguancun Nan Sanjie
海淀区中关村南三街卫星制造厂科技园1层店铺
Hours: Daily, 10am-2pm; 5pm-9pm
Contact: 131 2003 6352; 010 5635 2303
Dastaan Embraces Flavors of the World with Cricket World Cup Promo
The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup is happening in India right now, and Dastaan’s Chef Rabiul has concocted a special menu and promotion for the occasion. From now until Nov 19, guests at Dastaan can enjoy Indian takes on dishes inspired by the countries participating in the Cricket World Cup, all while watching every Cup match streamed live in the restaurant.
There's Dutch Beef Vindaloo Krokets with salad (RMB 128), Sri Lankan Deviled Beef (RMB 138, pictured), Lamb Rogan Shepherd’s Pie (RMB 158, pictured), and, a particular favorite, Durban Mutton Bunny Chow (RMB 178, pictured), all paired with a beer or cider from each country. What’s more, you can even have your picture taken at bat while you’re at it.
Dastaan’s Food and Cricket Promotion takes place until Sunday, Nov 19, from 11.30am-10.30pm daily. Email or call the phone number in the poster for reservations, or scan the QR code below to contact Rabiul directly.
A Whole Lotta Hot Dogs Arrive in Beijing
Hot diggity dog it’s time to say that four times fast. Four new joints serving the sausages have popped up over the past few months, each with different takes on the American classic.
There’s Potato Brain, which offers classic dogs with ketchup and mustard plus a few other options, as well as potatoes in the form of fries. Then came SuperFry near Gulou, who along with an eye-catching exterior specializes in hot dogs piled high with toppings like Bolognese and pepperoni pizza (the pizza one has corn in it, though, which is a bit of a downer).
Then there’s Golden Dog, which recently opened near Tuanjiehu Park. From their neon-lit turquoise blue stand, they serve hot dogs and coffee, with varieties like a New York-style dog and another dubbed the California Gold Cheese which is topped with a big piece of cheese. Finally, Dog Days in Qianniang Hutong has everything from dogs topped with ketchup, mustard, and relish to chili cheese to Peking duck and Kung Pao chicken.
READ: On the Radar: New Menus at Dastaan, George's at Hotel Éclat Beijing + More
Images: courtesy of the venues, Dianping
