The decor of this soulful little restaurant a block north of the Bell Tower is equal parts rustic teahouse and friend’s living room. The old-style wooden menu (in Chinese only) offers a hodgepodge of regional comfort foods. Try the whole braised fish (RMB 39), the potato vermicelli with homemade sauerkraut, beef and chilli (RMB 26), and the divine lao Beijing-style frozen hawthorn jellies.

Multicursal mastermind Leon Lee, previously of jazz-spot OT Lounge, has opened a new bar, Apothecary, in Sanlitun’s Nali Patio. His partners in the venture comprise a dedicated team of fellow Beijing food and drink impresarios (Max E. Levy – Chef du cuisine at The Opposite House’s Bei, and the duo behind Er whiskey bar: Motonari Uchiyama and Daisuke Onishi). Together, this brain trust has created a contemporary cocktail bar infused with the buzz and vigor of a vintage New Orleans joint, boasting a vast selection of fine beers, liquor and Creole food. Agenda sat down with Leon to discuss cocktail crafting, the inspiration behind Apothecary and jazz in Beijing.

Shane O'Shea, Head of Music at Dulwich College Beijing, has been madly busy organizing the International Schools Choral Music Society's performance of Mozart’s Requiem in the Forbidden City Concert Hall on February 26th. The event will involve 250 singers from 20 International Schools from ten countries, a 90-piece orchestra, and four of Chinas top vocal soloists. Mr. O’Shea explains what we can expect of this truly unique collaboration.

Frenchman Jean-Luc Vasseur has nearly two decades of professional culinary experience under his belt, with the bulk of that time devoted to the pastry field. He has picked up his fair share of awards along the way, and even instructed modern pastry at the Ecole Lenotre Paris. These days, aside from concocting desserts at the Kempinski Hotel, he runs a pastry cooking class in Beijing - contact the Kempinski's F&B information desk for details on 6465 3388 ext. 4200.

Beijing dance clubs are packed seven days a week – the following is a list of the most popular places in town to shake your thang.

Beijing native Chuck Zhang first developed an interest in health and fitness in the United States, where he attended high school and university. He has since brought his passion back with him to China, becoming one of the first people to import sport supplements to this country. After treating us to some strawberry-flavored protein powder, he divulged on what motivates him to stay fit and how readers can get results from working out.

Spring is coming, and with it lighter clothing. Time to live up to those New Year’s resolutions – get in shape and shake off that winter flab at the following gyms and fitness clubs.

Originally from Malaysia, where he was trained under the tutelage of Master of Wines, Dr. Ron Georgiou (one of only 262 Masters of Wine in the world), Peter Teng has recently come on board as the new wine sommelier at Hilton Beijing Wangfujing. He tells Agenda about his passion for wine, service, and oenophilic exploration.

Beijing’s jewelers have much to offer – pearls, jade, gold and silver, and precious gems including crystal, emerald, coral and diamonds. Prices range from a couple of kuai to the tens of thousands, so be ready to bargain hard for that special something for that special someone.

Looking for somewhere a bit different to accommodate overseas visitors this year? Jenny Ou, general manager of Graceland Yard Hotel, explains how they have converted an ancient temple into an oasis of comfort.