the Beijinger

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.

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.

“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

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!

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 ...

Hands up on this one - Beijing Boyce has already sacked (is that an American football term? I'm pretty sure it's when the quarterback gets tackled ...) the competition, us included, on coverage of where to watch Super Bowl XLV. The MVP of Beijing bar bloggers has compiled a detailed list of around 20 venues that will be screening the highlight of the NFL calendar on the morning of Monday, February 7, complete with details of the food and drinks promotions that bars are offering - many are doing buffet breakfasts and promotions on beer.