the Beijinger

Like it or not (let's face it, you don't have much choice), the Valentine's Day pressure is on, and it's increasing by the hour. And you've got no plans yet. Ah yes, that's what the Beijinger is here for. To help you get your Valentine's act together, we've compiled this first of two lists rounding up what restaurants are doing for Valentine's Day, how much you'll pay and how to get in touch to make your reservation.

Here we are with the second of our two-part Valentine's Day dining guide. After yesterday's roundup of everything that isn't a buffet, today we present our list of all your options if you want an international feast of self-served, all-you-can-eat cuisine. One or two even have free-flow alcohol thrown in to help move your evening along ...

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!

Swedish heavy metal band Opeth will be taking the stage Saturday, February 11 at Tango. If you are in any doubt as to their metal credentials, consider that their drummer is named Axe. Gosh. They will be exposing Beijingers to their unique sound, which blends metal with softer elements such as folk, blues and jazz. Before that happens, we got guitarist Fredrik Akesson to offer some insight on the band's influences, fake blood and loud fans.

Gothenburg may be known as the cradle of melodic death metal, but it also nurtured the much gentler indie sound of post-rockers Immanu El, whose atmospheric pluckings have been compared to Sigur Rós and Mogwai. In less than four years, the quintet has played almost 200 shows in over 25 countries. Before finally landing in China, frontman Claes Strängberg had some thoughts to share with us.

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.

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.