the Beijinger

Coffee, in case your wits are too inert to notice (go brew a pot right this second) has reached its tipping point in China. Starbucks has been here for over two decades, but only lately has it found serious traction, expecting to triple its stable of 500 stores over the next three years.

As the Chinese coffee market diversifies, companies are scrambling to find their niche. Not only is this heralding the arrival of the latest American coffee trends (organic, “farm-to-cup” and microroasting) but the emergence of weird and wonderful new retail models that cater to the demands of the local market.

Move over, CourtYard – there’s a new “romantic fine-dining in historic setting” restaurant set to steal your guidebook crown. But Temple Restaurant Beijing (TRB), run by former Maison Boulud GM Ignace Lecleir, is too lovely for mere tourists. The dining room itself is housed in a modern annex. However, tall windows capture the astonishing site, just outside of a hitherto forgotten, centuries-old Buddhist temple.

It was supposed to be called The Arrow Factory, named after Jianchang Hutong, the alleyway it sits on connecting Wudaoying Hutong with Guozijian (also home to European deli Chez Gerard). But alas, there’s already an ‘Arrow Factory’ at number 38, a tiny, ever-changing art space well-worth seeking out. So, Vineyard Cafe owner Will settled on the less adventurous Vine Leaf for his latest dining project.

At this rate, pretty soon they’ll be no tea drinkers left. Yes, another coffee shop has opened in Beijing, but this one’s a little different. Actually, little is the wrong word – Ocean Grounds Coffee is one of the biggest joints in town, it roasts its own (in a machine as big as a pair of romping ligers) and seeks to spread its message of love and coffee connoisseurship with nigh-on religious fervour.

The weekend is here, and that means we're all back at work to pay for the seven days off we just had. Luckily, we're back with a healthy dose of restaurant news to keep you entertained this Saturday afternoon.

Whoever was in charge of marketing Modernista’s opening deserves a prize. About 300 people descended on sleepy Baochao Hutong for free booze, tapas and live gypsy jazz. Seems the local authorities aren’t into gypsy jazz – the party was promptly closed down. Since then, Modernista has settled down as a relaxed, artsy hipster joint, with checkerboard flooring and a smoky 1930s vibe.

It doesn’t seem that long ago I was making wildly enthusiastic faces about Dali Renjia (my mouth was really full). But in the breakneck world of Beijing chow, chefs move on, places are sold, prices and salt levels rise. Soon enough, your order of tudou wan comes daubed in ketchup.

Thankfully, you can’t keep a good idea down. Wen Juan, one of the former Dali Renjia owners, has opened Haney right across the street.

Got an underused roof terrace or balcony? Nothing equals good times with friends quite like the sizzle-and-smoke of home-grilled meat, so we’ve put together this fact-filled guide to help you get your grill on. Girls, look away now. This is about fire, meat and a less-than-rudimentary grasp of gastronomy. The boys are cooking.

What’s on your plate (or in your bowl) tonight? Food scandals in the world’s most populous country have been in and out of the media over the last few years faster than, well, a dodgy kebab passing through a drunkard. We’ve reported a few, like toxic oil and recycled chopsticks (here) and melamine-tainted baby milk (here).