EAT: Common Burger Pop-Up at Jing-A, El China Latino at Mosto, Vegan Burger at Slow Boat, Shandong Food Fest
Fans of Common Burger, which launched at culinary incubator Hatchery earlier this year, will be excited to hear that they have announced the launch of their first independent store in Hatchery’s latest project, Arcade, opening in November at 5Lmeet Guomao, smack in the heart of Beijing’s CBD. To celebrate, Common Burger has teamed up with Beijing brewing legends Jing-A for a pop-up at their 1949 Taproom location on Thursday, Oct 19 (4pm until sold out).
The Common Burger and Hatchery will be firing up the grill, bringing their bestselling stout (syrup made with Jing-A Vanilla Stout), bacon and cheeseburger (RMB 55), and The Common (RMB 45) burger varieties, as well as mac 'n' cheese bombs (RMB 35), and their new spiced-pumpkin ice cream sandwich (RMB 35).
The folks at Hatchery are keeping pretty busy these days, it seems. This Saturday and Sunday (Oct 21-22), they're teaming up with some of Beijing's best food artisans for a special brunch. Priced at RMB 188 per person, expect grazing platters to share featuring mind-blowing dips using Yeyo and Naked Nut Butters, crusty Estonian Rye by Rukis, and other house-made bread by Hatchery; grilled goodness featuring Andy’s Sausages and vegan delectables by Jamie Pea; and a decadent dessert station featuring Yeyo Froyo, Big Bear Cookies, and Bonbonbins Candy, all washed down with a pint of Jing-A.
On Wednesday, Oct 18, the equally busy folks at Mosto are holding El Chino Latino, a Chinese and Latin mash-up. Chef Juan Mateus will be serving a three-course feast of East-West fusion dishes – imagine your most beloved Mosto dishes with a sprinkling of Sichuan peppercorns, or your number-one Beijing snack with a compilation of Chef Juan’s South American sauces. The menu is priced at RMB 188 per person, including a limited edition welcome cocktail, and cocktails are RMB 40 all night long. Just don't blame us for your hangover on Thursday ...
Over at Slow Boat, the brewery is teaming up with Dirty Beet Vegan Cooking to put their first vegan burger on the menu: the Mighty 'Shroom Burger. Available for four weeks starting last Friday, Oct 13, the burger features a red bean and buckwheat patty packed with the earthy and fragrant flavors of shiitake mushrooms and rounded off with a touch of cilantro aioli for a fresh finish. Served with a side of fries and spicy aioli (RMB 55 for burger and sides), this plant-based burger is guaranteed to satisfy even die-hard meat lovers. Vegans may also want to note that 90 percent of Slow Boat's beers are vegan (including their popular Captain's Pale Ale), as is their house wine.
Finally, for something a little different, head to Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast where they're celebrating the oft-overlooked culinary creations of Shandong province. Listed as one of the eight culinary traditions of China, Shandong cuisine is a little sour, a little spicy, and very hearty, making it the perfect accompaniment to Beijing's increasingly wintery days. You can also expect seafood and soups to feature prominently, mirroring the two distinct cooking styles – Jiaodong (coastal) and Jinan (inland), respectively – that Shandong cuisine incorporates. The festival runs until Oct 29.
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Photos: Common Burger/Hatchery, Mosto, Slow Boat, Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
