EAT: Belgian Guest Chef at TRB Hutong, BJ Michelin Guide Announced, Brazilian Day at Latina, Vegan Brunch at Zarah
EAT: Your bite-sized guide to the best eats to be had in Beijing this week.
Sep 5-7: Belgian guest chef Timothy Tynes at TRB Hutong
From Sep 5-7, TRB Hutong will welcome back Belgian chef Timothy Tynes to take over their kitchen. Located in Antwerp, Chef Tynes's restaurant Atelier Maple is set in a restored Art Nouveau building with seating for just 20 diners. His food is international in style and he gained worldwide recognition for his incorporation of global flavors, such as those from Indonesia. During the event, a four-course lunch will be priced at RMB 388 (RMB 588 with wine pairing), while a five-course dinner will be priced at RMB 688 (RMB 988 with wine pairing).
Sep 7: Celebrate Brazilian Day in Beijing at Latina
Brazilian Day, despite the name, is an annual event that originated in New York City in 1984 as a way to celebrate Brazilian Independence Day (Sep 7) and Brazilian culture in general. The celebration has since spread to other cities around the world and now makes its way to Latina in Beijing, which is offering 30 percent off their Brazilian barbecue and buffet for all guests. As ever at Latina in Grand Summit, you can expect truckloads of meaty skewers, from beef to lamb chops to homemade sausage, alongside a buffet of salads, appetizers, and Brazilian specialties like feijoada. On Saturday, there will also be a live Brazilian band from 6.30-9.30pm.
Sep 8: Vegan vibes Sunday brunch at Zarah
On Sunday, Sep 8, Zarah will create a 100 percent plant-based rendition of their popular weekend brunch. The vegan menu will bolstered by offerings from plenty of local and international brands. For example, local restaurant Cloud Kitchen will offer sliders, gluten-free muffins, chocolate brownies, and some homemade cheeses, while Yeyo will provide their signature coconut yogurt and their vegan vanilla bean froyo. You can also expect egg dishes from plant-based egg substitute Just Egg, which is relatively new to the China market and very much worth trying. The all-you-can-eat brunch is priced at RMB 198, including one drink or RMB 298 with free-flow wine, beer, and prosecco (also vegan).
Michelin Guide announces official Beijing launch in November
After months of rumors in the F&B community that a Michelin inspector has been doing the rounds, the venerable French dining guide has officially announced that their inaugural Beijing edition will launch on Nov 28. Of course, there's no word on which restaurants are in the running since the guide is judged and prepared in absolute secrecy but many of the city's higher-end restaurants will certainly be biting their fingernails at this announcement.
When we spoke to local chefs a few weeks back, the overall consensus was that the Michelin Guide's arrival in the capital is long overdue, and will make for a positive influence on the city's dining scene. Jarrod Verbiak, head chef at Rosewood's Bistrot B, told the Beijinger that it's "an opportunity to vindicate those restaurants that are truly committed to quality." If you're wondering how a restaurant is determined to be Michelin-worthy, the inspectors rate the experience – from reservation to departure – via five main criteria: quality, cooking techniques, the personality of the chef in his cuisine, value for money, and consistency between visits. We've got a few ideas as to who is likely to make the final cut but like everyone else, will be waiting with bated breath for the final announcement come November.
Grinders reportedly closed
Shuangjing has lost one of its earliest Western dining establishments, Grinders, which is reportedly closed after a decade of serving the southeasterly hood American grub. Though quality was sometimes lacking (according to the abundant user reviews here), the restaurant did provide respite for homesick foreigners when options in the capital were few and far between.
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Images: TRB Hutong, Max Pixel, Wikimedia, Hosco, WeChat
