After more than a year of construction, Beijing's newest department store, Shimao is open for business on the corner of Xindong Lu and Gongti Beilu. There's a number of edible options (more on this later in the week) but arguably the most exciting eatery is the Hello Kitty Dreams restaurant. After successful culinary ventures in Korea and Taiwan, Hello Kitty's first mainland restaurant opens on December 20. We wheedled our way in for a sneak peek ...

Revolutionary chef Ferran Adria is in Beijing for a flying visit today, visiting Nali Patio's stronghold of Spanish restaurants and hosting a demonstration class at Raffles Hotel's East 33 later this afternoon. We were fortunate enough to catch the elBulli mastermind on his tour of Nali - he visited Agua, Migas, Mosto, Niajo, Carmen and Taste Spain - and got a few snaps of the man who has been variously described as cooking's Salvador Dali (Gourmet magazine), Pablo Picasso (Rafael Anson, World's 50 Best Restaurants) and, ahem, Elvis Presley (New York Times). More to come later!

Hong Kong-based burger restaurant Shake 'Em Buns is set to open within the next two weeks at China Central Place, next to Shin Kong Place. Take a look at this menu from one of their Hong Kong restaurants to give you a taste of what you might expect (but do be warned that the Beijing menu may not be exactly the same).

This neat, peaceful café offers an alternative to nearby Panino Teca for embassy staff and health freaks. Every item reflects the health-conscious philosophy of the Chinese owner, who studied nutrition in Canada for six years.

Sanlitun renovations

Friendship Supermarket will officially reopen on June 3 with a brand-new interior and layout. The groceries have been relocated to the second floor, but the variety is similar to what was available previously, mainly imported goods ranging from cheese sold by weight, delicatessen products to fresh vegetables and fruits. However, they’ve changed their bread supplier to Bruno Bakery, distinctive from the bread offerings at Jenny Lou’s and April Gourmet.