What's going on this week in Bars & Clubs? There are openings, dragons, qipaos, tattoos, love, hate, comedy and quizzes. Not all in the same bar, unfortunately.

With Valentine's Day approaching, new pasta deals at Flamme and much more to report, here we are with this week's roundup of the latest news, gossip and scandal from Beijing's restaurant scene. Let's go!

“Mastermind” is a regular magazine column in which we quiz Beijing’s barkeeps on general knowledge as well as on a subject in which they consider themselves to be a specialist.

CONTESTANT: Mike Bromley, 12SQM
SPECIALIST SUBJECT: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

No matter how doggedly he maintains his ignorance of the finer points of the drinks industry, Jim “Beijing” Boyce knows Beijing’s bar scene better than most. We quizzed the bar blogger, consumer champion and wine challenge organizer over a drink or two.

With his new restaurant 4corners opening in the former Orange Tree space near Houhai, we asked Canadian chef Jun Trinh what’s cooking.

Although we’re big fans of the “and Grille” part of Union Bar and Grille, there’s nothing we like more than a seat at the bar, a happy hour pint and a handful of their complimentary salty chips. Led by the ever-affable Andy Bright, Union’s staff is also top-notch.

This new pizza restaurant takes over from twice-unsuccessful Hungarian restaurant Budapest (and Norwegian flop 66 North before that) on the second floor of China View at Gongti Donglu. Go there at the first opportunity you get.

Hungry? You will be soon. With news on a promising new pizza restaurant, a hot new Indian restaurant, hot dogs in Sanlitun Village, desserts to die for in China World Hotel and the latest whereabouts of all-star chefs Max Levy and Zach Lewison, here's a quick roundup of the latest Beijing restaurant news ...

A few hours later than normal – lots going on this week – here's your weekly check-in on what's making the news in Beijing's bars.

When I contacted Lee Chang-Ju of the Korean Cultural Center, the cultural wing of the South Korean Embassy, I anticipated a trip to Wangjing. Or at least Wudaokou. Instead, he took me to Gaon, located just across the road from Phoenix City. That was one preconception destroyed – apparently, there is good Korean food inside the Fourth Ring Road.