2011 Sep 23 Capital Bites: World Vegetarian Month, New Pantry Magic and How I Lost at Cupcake Eating
Dear Reader, I write to you from the confines of my bed. Sadly, I have been struck down by the very tragedy of not winning yesterday's cupcake-eating contest at Colibri Cafe in celebration of their first anniversary. My very ardent attempt (two cupcakes in two minutes!) was four off the winning total of six. In any case, que sera sera, and now onto this week's dining newsbits.
Pantry Magic's new location at 17 Gongti Beilu is now soft-opened, incidentally very close to Alfa. For all your kitchen wizardry needs, this is what it looks like:
Speaking of openings, Nanluogu Xiang is now home to a Beard Papa and an iTea. I'll let you decide whether that's a good thing or not...
Vegetarians and vegans of Beijing, I know that you can get a bit overlooked. In honour of World Vegetarian Awareness Month this October, Punjabi will have a special vegetarian buffet dinner on October 1, and a new all-veggie set menu every week throughout October. November is World Vegan Awareness Month, and vegans will have the opportunity to feast on a vegan buffet on November 1.
In other news, turban-clad Argentinian Chef Chakall has confirmed his dates at the Astor Grill. Enjoy his menu on October 14 and 15 from 6-10pm, or have brunch with him on October 16. Give the St. Regis a call on 6460 6688 (ext 2637) if you're up for it.
Oh, and in case you didn't know, Burger King delivers now. If you're within a 15-minutes walking distance from one of their locations, and want to place a minimum order of RMB 35, give them a call. Just FYI: Avoid the chicken tenders at all costs.
You might also be interested in :
Capital Bites: First Meals & Last Bites
First broken resolution of 2012: "get up earlier". First food regret of 2012: overcooked beef tenderloin. First nutty food discovery of 2012: BEIJING DUCK FLAVORED PRETZ. I found these in a jumbo pack at Qingdao duty-free, of all places, for RMB 200-ish. Other interesting "Chinese" flavors include Shanghai Hairy Crab, Guangdong Shark Fin Soup, Sichuan Mala, Oolong Tea, Lychee and Chestnut. Please, please, please keep an eye out at your convenience store, your supermarket, your xiaomaibu - and let me know if you find these little gems. Or if you happen to pass through Qingdao Duty-Free and have a spare RMB 200. There is a reward: I will buy you a sandwich.*
Now, onto eating news of a bit more import.
Capital Bites: Wintering at Ssam, Kro's Pizza Cup Party and Hello Kitty Opens for Business
It was a good week in food. Yes, the weather is terrible. Yes, nobody else can breathe either. Yes, all of it yes, yes, yes. But you gotta focus on the positives of being in the Beej. Maybe you've got an ayi who'll wash your window frames for you. Maybe you have the luxury of supporting yourself easily (*cough*English teachers*cough*) while figuring out what you want to do in life. Maybe you're in a city where world-class cuisine is comparatively cheap. So, y'know, go out and get some this weekend.
(Oh, and in case you forgot, we ran this little pizza competition a while back. Now we're throwing it a party. Keep reading for details and more food news.)
Capital Bites: M's Holiday Menu, French Michelin Stars & What to Eat at Shimao
Across dinner the other night, myself and some fellow scribblers and editors discussed the Bacon-Cake dichotomy. The premise is mighty simple on the face of it: BACON or CAKE? For the rest of your life. No cheating with pancetta, pork belly or any manner of brownie. Which one would triumph?
Most people want both. Personally, I'm still waiting for someone here to pick up on bacon-crumble cake doughnuts, bacon-peanut-butter cupcakes, and, ah, massive cakes of bacon. If you're on the fence, maybe the above will sway you: Capital M's roast suckling pig, from their holiday celebration menu. The skin's even crispier in real life! The set holiday menu is RMB 488+10% per person, twelve-person minimum. Book for twenty and get their sumptuous private room; call Jay on 6702 2727 if you're interested.
Capital Bites Weekend Special: Indian News, Afghan Cuisine and Grill 79's Arty New Menu
The weekend is here, and that means we're all back at work to pay for the seven days off we just had. Luckily, we're back with a healthy dose of restaurant news to keep you entertained this Saturday afternoon.
Get Fresh: Healthy Eats at Backyard Cafe
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.
