December 2010

the Beijinger - January 2011: Shape Up!

Happy New Year, Beijingers! There is a reason that overindulgence at this time of year is a cliche and that's because eating and drinking to excess is almost inescapable. With bulging waistlines and New Year's resolutions in mind - both yours and ours - this month the Beijinger brings you an issue devoted to being healthy in Beijing. January's Cover Feature has a focus on the remarkable story of a Beijing resident - our cover star, Tony Nicholson - who changed his life for the better and is now helping others to do the same. We've also thrown in a health-related board game for you to play on those dark nights before the other New Year's fireworks begin. We hope that it gives you food for thought on how to survive our city. Last but not least, we've covered some of the world of TCM with our guide to the Qi cycle. If you ever wondered why you're angry and frustrated at two in the morning it might not be those cheap cocktails ...

Elsewhere, we've the dirty truth about your toilet paper, why it might be killing tigers and what you can do to stop that. We've got the lowdown on low-alcohol wines, what to eat to fight colds, how to make healthy cookies and all you could want to know about the superfood that is soy plus tips on healthy drinking - and yes, we do mean alcohol. We've also had a chat with real ale champion Carl Setzer of Great Leap Brewery, the beer swillers of the Beijing International Hockey League and the brains behind charity-bakers Crazy Bake. Then there's serious business of Together, a "making of" documentary on a film about AIDS, and the altogether-less-serious sex-shop comedy, Red Light Revolution.

Inside the magazine, or in those handy PDFs if you're so inclined, you'll also find the usual mix of new bars, restaurants and shops plus all of your old favorites like Ich Bin Ein Beijinger and Fashion 5-0. Get a copy of the January issue while you can or download the PDFs below.

Agenda Magazine - Apples and Oranges (Dec30-Jan12)

Orange is the new Apple in this issue of Agenda, out at select locations around town, and Wu Hai, CEO of the innovative Orange Hotel Group, shared with us his secrets for standing out in a saturated market. TERRA and SALT's Gaby Alves, one of the most innovative restaurateurs in Beijing, picks up on that theme and gives Agenda readers some tips on how to spice up their business, and the founder of Spa de Feng, Xu Feng, lays bare how to mix business with pleasure. If you’re hungry for more, Agenda also spoke with Chef Kerry Hui of Chao about where he finds his inspiration, Chef Phillip Robinson and F&B Manager Eduard Ruppel about keeping it fresh at Mediterraneo, and Tracy Driscoll of Aspire Coaching about how to fulfill your goals this year.

While advertisers sleep, we got a chance to bulk up on articles, and this issue of Agenda is filled to the brim with recommendation on riding out the winter, so whether you’re looking to liven things up with Stinky Foods, indulge in Imperial Cuisine, or heat things up with Barbecue, we’ve got you covered. We also sat down with Leanne So of Bel & Well Property to learn about the luxury properties in Shunyi, reinspiring us to make our millions this year and retire in the Beijing suburbs. Not only that, but we’ve found the best Regional Cuisines, Sweet Dishes, KTV’s, Rejuvenating Treatments, and more. All in one little issue. Let’s just call it the little issue that can do it all! Happy New Year!

69 Agenda Magazine - Back in the Nest (Dec 16 - Dec 29)

This issue of Agenda, at select locations around town, is all about flying high and reinventing yourself. Beijing entrepreneurial legend Olaf Kristoffer Bauer, a.k.a. Kro, is back in the Kro’s Nest after a series of legal battles, and sat down with Agenda to talk about what he’s learned about doing business in China. Back on the ground, Agenda met with Jaime Pastor, the Asia area manager of Cinco Jotas to learn about the delicious and surprising secret of Iberico Ham, before setting flight with snowboarding legend Wang Lei. Staying true to our theme, we also met with Ivy Leung and Drew Campbell of the World Health Store to learn how to finally get in shape, how to style our world with Meili Autumn, and how to pick a good antique with Frederic Derbaudrenghien of Lily’s Antiques.

To make sure you get your fill of the holidays, Agenda has also compiled a list of the best holiday dinners and hot drinks, and for those of you needing a respite from all the indulgence, a list of Beijing’s best vegetarian restaurants. All that, plus Beijing's best restaurants, night clubs, spas and events, in the latest issue of Agenda.

69 Agenda Magazine - Back in the Nest (Dec 16 - Dec 29)

This issue of Agenda, at select locations around town, is all about flying high and reinventing yourself. Beijing entrepreneurial legend Olaf Kristoffer Bauer, a.k.a. Kro, is back in the Kro’s Nest after a series of legal battles, and sat down with Agenda to talk about what he’s learned about doing business in China. Back on the ground, Agenda met with Jaime Pastor, the Asia area manager of Cinco Jotas to learn about the delicious and surprising secret of Iberico Ham, before setting flight with snowboarding legend Wang Lei. Staying true to our theme, we also met with Ivy Leung and Drew Campbell of the World Health Store to learn how to finally get in shape, how to style our world with Meili Autumn, and how to pick a good antique with Frederic Derbaudrenghien of Lily’s Antiques.

To make sure you get your fill of the holidays, Agenda has also compiled a list of the best holiday dinners and hot drinks, and for those of you needing a respite from all the indulgence, a list of Beijing’s best vegetarian restaurants. All that, plus Beijing's best restaurants, night clubs, spas and events, in the latest issue of Agenda.

December 2- December 15: Talking the Talk

Can you talk the talk? In the latest issue of Agenda, out and and around town now, we interview some of Beijing's best communicators and learn the tricks of their trades. Ben Bravery of Kexue Communications schooled us on why science communications is a big part of China's future, Eyee Hsu of CCTV-9 shared her networking secrets, and Martin Yan, whose new restaurant Yan Can Cook Beijing opens on December 7, taught us that sometimes persistence is key. But that's not all. We've also found two entrepreneurs who are going to make your life easier this winter, including William Heathershaw from Dong-Xi.com and Charol Chyau from Shokay. One will ger your American-purchased gifts to you in time, the other will get you some locally raised, and super warm, winter clothes that are supporting a good cause.

Hungry for more? Ritz Carlton Beijing Executive Chef Andreas Krampl shares his favorite winter recipe, and Agenda has a list of the city's best hot pots and Sunday brunches to keep you warm and satisfied throughout the winter. And we didn't stop there. We also contacted Beijing's top animal trainer for some tips of training your mate (humans included), and learned more about the International Festival Chorus' plans to warm your heart this winter. All that, plus Beijing's best restaurants, night clubs, spas and events, in the latest Agenda issue.