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 ...

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.

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.

Sanlitun renovations

Friendship Supermarket will officially reopen on June 3 with a brand-new interior and layout. The groceries have been relocated to the second floor, but the variety is similar to what was available previously, mainly imported goods ranging from cheese sold by weight, delicatessen products to fresh vegetables and fruits. However, they’ve changed their bread supplier to Bruno Bakery, distinctive from the bread offerings at Jenny Lou’s and April Gourmet.

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.

The results are in, the votes counted. Time now to unveil the winners of the Beijinger's 8th Annual Reader Restaurant Awards - Beijing's most comprehensive, most trusted and most prestigious survey of the capital's dining scene. Almost 200 restaurants were nominated across 45 categories - and the winners are ...

Restaurant of the Year (Non-Chinese)
Best: Maison Boulud
Outstanding: Capital M
Outstanding: Mosto

Restaurant of the Year (Chinese)
Best: Da Dong
Outstanding: Made in China, Grand Hyatt
Outstanding: Haidilao
Outstanding: Dali Courtyard

New Restaurant (Non-Chinese)
Best: Modo
Outstanding: Kro’s Nest
Outstanding: Agua
Outstanding: Flamme

New Restaurant (Chinese)
Best: Little Yunnan
Outstanding: Fook Lam Moon, China World Summit Wing
Outstanding: Yan Can Cook