EAT: Daily Specials at Home Grounds, Free-Flow Sauvignon Blanc, and the Return of Cold-Pressed Cocktails, Guest Chef at TRB

Casual Xingfu Ercun eatery Home Grounds have launched a series of daily specials, so there's no excuse not to treat yourself mid-week. Tuesday is seafood day, with 50 percent off seafood dishes such as New Zealand mussels and Tsingtao-battered fish and chips (pictured below); Wednesday gets you 50 percent off roast beef sandwiches, steak sandwiches, and beef burgers; and Thursday is all about half-price chicken dishes, from the indulgent (crispy chicken nuggets) to the relatively virtuous (grilled chicken burger). As an added incentive, all cocktails and wines by the glass are buy-one-get-one-free every weeknight from 5.30-8pm. See the Home Grounds WeChat for more information.

CBD types also have access to some good new deals this week, with the new RMB 88 lunch sets at Beersmith Gastropub. There are eight different main courses to choose from, all of which come with a starter of wild mushroom soup and a drink (coffee, tea, soft drink or pilsner). Main course options include grilled salmon salad (pictured at top), Wagyu beef burger, and pils-battered fish and chips.

If you prefer your calories in liquid form, there is plenty to satisfy you this week, too. Juice by Melissa have relaunched their signature cold-pressed cocktails just in time for the hottest days of the year, with five brand new cocktails priced at RMB 50 each. We've got our eye on the Vita Sangria, made with orange, apple, and strawberry juices, chia seeds, acai powder, and a healthy measure of white wine. The cocktails are sold in handy bottles – did someone say "picnic?" 

Speaking of wine, the Hatchery has put together an evening of free-flow wine in celebration of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Month this Saturday, July 8, which they have dubbed "Electric Vines." From 7-10pm, you'll be able to taste 40 different New Zealand wines, alongside beats from DJ Ted Dancin' and canapés by Hatchery chef Simone Thompson. Entry to the event costs a very reasonable RMB 148 per person; you'll need to pre-purchase via Yoopay.

Finally, TRB Forbidden City have invited young Belgian Chef Koen Verjans to occupy their kitchen for a short five days this July 5-9. Verjans is recognized for choosing the freshest ingredients to create perfectly balanced dishes, and for his efforts was this year awarded a Michelin star at his Restaurant Innesto in Belgium. Verjans stay at TRB begins on Wednesday (Jul 5) for dinner and runs through to Sunday.

A four-course lunch costs RMB 588, whereas a five-course dinner is RMB 888. Both sets come with an inclusive wine pairing and are subject to 15 percent service charge. Make a reservation via 6401 6676 or forbidden@trb-cn.com.

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Photos: Robynne Tindall, courtesy of Hotel Jen, Juice by Melissa, Hatchery