Talking Pints: Burrito Wars, (Bar)maid in Manhattan, Rahzel and Renegades

If you didn’t see our post on the subject already, the Global Times was all hot under the collar yesterday with a lengthy report on the news that The Rickshaw has scrapped its original formula of burritos, cheap drinks and televised sport. “Burrito brawl!” “Sanlitun Tex-Mex high noon!” “copycat-cuisine combat!” - read the original story here. So out go the burritos, in comes a new menu and a more upmarket approach. Look out for a post on the all-new Rickshaw early next week. Meanwhile, over at the Villa, does Luga have something up his sleeve? …

Back in September, Fubar bartender Li Shan won the right to represent China in the Stella Artois World Draughtmaster Competition. She flew to New York City to take on the world’s top 26 pint-pourers in the finals at the end of October. Unfortunately, Li didn’t quite make the second round – the competition was eventually won by Avril Maxwell of New Zealand – but she did manage to get herself on the big screen in Times Square, as you can see below. Li ought to be in training for next year’s competition, so stop in at Fubar this weekend and get her to pour you a Stella.

Six days later than originally scheduled, Rahzel’s show at Bling tonight is this weekend’s nightlife highlight. The former Roots man is expected to be on from around midnight, but get down earlier because Bling is likely to be stacked with people. Cover charge is higher than usual for Bling at RMB 100, but that’s a small price to watch a man make beats and sing simultaneously using only his own vocal chords.

For something totally different, head to Contempio Temple Bar – it’s opposite Bed Bar, at 4 Zhangwang Hutong – for the third Renegade Ceilidh. If you don’t know, a ceilidh is a party involving traditional Scottish music and dancing and, more often than not, lots of drinking. Lots of drinking. What’s “renegade” about it, you ask? Mainly the fact that it’s all pretty informal and doesn’t require attending weeks of dance practices so that you don’t make mistakes on the night – just show up and they’ll walk you through each dance quickly, so beginners need not fear.

Co-organizer Halla Mohieddeen says “ceilidhs are just parties where friends get together, have fun, drink and dance – a place to let your hair down. We keep the prices as low as possible, because we want lots of people to come – we want as many people in Beijing as possible to experience the fun of a Scottish party. A lot of people are priced out of the expensive balls which are on at this time of year, but ours are open to everyone, and affordable for all.” It's guaranteed fun, with a live ceilidh band coming in from Scotland, and the RMB 40 entrance fee goes to support the work of the Magic Hospital and Sichuan Quake Relief.

That's your lot - cheers to a fine weekend.