It's that time of year again where you've told us exactly what you think of the city's dining scene in our Reader Restaurant Awards. For the ninth year running, we've expanded the categories to match Beijing's growing gastronomical tastes and then put it to the public vote. Perhaps you agree with the results, perhaps you don't – but this is what Beijing thinks of its culinary content in 2012.

Experience should tell you that Beijing is a city of writers. Why else would that be everyone's response when asked, "And what do you do?"

It seems that everyone's got something to say and in the Beijinger's March issue we want to help you say it. There are interviews and handy advice from some of the best authors and publishers in the game - and not just for print. We've also given you a how-to guide to both pitching and starting your own writers' group, plus we've our favorite 50 entries from the "Your Beijing In Just Six Words" competition.

CORRECTION: The following article appears exactly as printed in the Beijinger's November issue. Otaku's management has since pointed out that Otaku should not be linked with Izaka-Ya and Jazz-Ya as part of a "family" of venues, as our article implies. We apologize for any offense caused. 

Otaku follows Spice Factory as the second recent addition to Li Bo’s stable of stylish venues, also including Jazz-Ya, d lounge and Izaka-Ya. It’s as obsessively tasteful as the rest of the family, but gets bashful with manga art and cocktails in bubble tea cups. The quirks won’t wash with everyone, but are minor distractions.

Established in Tokyo in 1866, Inagiku expands its international network of restaurants with this first Beijing branch. Subtle orange lighting softens the mood, while a Swarovski chandelier hanging above the bar area illuminates the 1,500sqm space, which features 11 elegant VIP rooms. Nineteen set menus (RMB 180-1,050 for lunch, RMB 350-1,980 for dinner) and the a la carte menu (RMB 48-3,880) are dominated by top-end ingredients and seasonings imported from all around the world – everything from Wagyu beef and Hokkaido hairy crab to Australian lobster, Italian black truffles and French caviars.

Presumably, Fairy Su is named for the light, virtuous sensation attained after a vegetarian meal prepared according to Buddhist precepts. The first floor offers simple but nutritious set meals and fresh juices for a quick stop after a Lama Temple tour. Even the cheapest set (RMB 21) comes with pickled radish, stir-fried pea sprouts, tofu slivers, and tomato and mushroom soup.