The Beijinger Blog - Iain Shaw

Talking Pints: Migas, Valentine's Day, Music Festival Rumors and More

thebeijinger — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0800

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.

Capital Bites: Valentine's, Veal, Pasta and Pingtan

thebeijinger — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0800

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!

Is This Beijing's Brainiest Bartender? Mike Bromley

thebeijinger — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0800

“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

Beijing Boyce: Creator of the Buffalo Wing Martini

thebeijinger — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:00:00 +0800

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.

Turning the Corner: Jun Trinh Presents 4corners

thebeijinger — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:00:00 +0800

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

Bar of the Month: Union

thebeijinger — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0800

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.

Upper Crust: Promising Pizza At Da Giuseppe

thebeijinger — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0800

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.

Capital Bites: Pizza Preview, Hot Dogs, Indian Opening, Gourmet Desserts And More

thebeijinger — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0800

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 ...

Talking Pints: NL Sports Bar, Rum, Migas, Hidden Lounge and Offside

thebeijinger — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0800

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.

A Taste of Home: South Korea

thebeijinger — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:00:00 +0800

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.