Capital Bites: Hatsune's Third Branch, Peach Pie and Lunch Deals

They've taken home the first place for Best Japanese in our Reader Restaurant Awards every time for ten years running, so it's almost a surprise that Hatsune only has two branches. This is soon to change with the opening of a third location of the city's favorite California-style sushi empire in the Kerry Mall. The dates have not been confirmed as of yet, but we'll keep you in the loop as we know more.

Two Guys and a Pie are featuring a new pie just in time for summer: peach, with a hint of ginger. Get yours before peach season ends at the end of July. Look forward to homemade ginger beer next month as well.

Michelin-starred chef Thierry Fischer has flown in from his Swiss castle outside of Bern and will be running the kitchen at Heritage in the Sofitel Wanda Beijing for the week (June 2-9). Two set menus are available: four courses for RMB 598+15% or eight courses for RMB 998+15%. Wine pairings are incredibly reasonable at RMB 198 for the 4-course menu and RMB 228 for the 8-course menu. The Alaskan cod fish, slow-cooked at low temperature in a sorrel sauce with mushrooms and sunchokes was a particular standout. While it may be pricey compared to your neighborhood jiaozi joint, if you're looking to spring for something a little special and out-of-the-ordinary this week, Heritage might do the trick.

But if what you need is quick, cheap lunch, look no farther than Brussels for the next few days. Today through Sunday (June 4-9), they're offering half-price lunch (all salads and sandwiches) with the purchase of any drink from 11am-4pm.

Traitor Zhou's also has a lunch special (Tues-Fri, 11.30am-2.30pm). RMB 50 bags you one of two options – either half sandwich plus soup and salad or a full sandwich and salad, plus your choice of coffee or a house made flavored soda. Stop by for a bite if you're up in the 798 area.

Jeff Powell of Back Alley Bistro has said they will switch up their menu towards a bit more of a tapas feel. The old favorites will still be there, but expect some new dishes forthcoming.

Thai restaurant Patara on Jinbao Jie has a few new items out for their summer menu. They are strong on the seafood with a refreshing prawn salad as well as a new beef salad, both served with chopped onion, tomatoes and cilantro – light but with a slight citrus kick to it and perfect for the warmer weather. The pork neck grilled with ginger, peanut, lime and chili and a light coconut chicken soup with galangal were also delights.

SALT began their Saturday summer barbecue (noon-4pm) on the terrace this past weekend. It's an all-you-can-eat deal; lay down RMB 140 and get as much as you'd like from the grill in addition to a buffet of selected salads, hot dishes, breads and sauces. Keep it flowing free with an extra RMB 150 for beer and wine or RMB 200 for prosecco or draft beer. Pimms & lemonade is available for RMB 50 (glass)/RMB 200 (pitcher) and caipirinhas for RMB 60 (glass)/RMB 240 (pitcher).

Finally, should the sunny, clear weather return and you find yourself hungry in Chaoyang Park, Annie's on the west side of the park has undergone a bit of a facelift with renovations out front. More importantly, their terrace is now open so you can dine al fresco if that's your thing.

Photo: Cat Nelson