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23
Jun
Even with Thailand and other beachy vacation spots so accessible in Asia, it’s nice sometimes to just get away for a day or two, flying kites and renting a couple of tandem bikes to people-watch along the shore. A number of buses and trains leave for Beidaihe everyday, and some hotels, like the guest house we stayed in last weekend, have private beaches.
17
Jun
Funky drinks are one of the best things about Asia. From Coke boiled with ginger and lemon to milk tea with pudding and all kinds of fruit teas to coffee & tea concoctions with tapioca, there is an endless list different flavors to try. In Beijing, one chain called Happy Lemon seemingly tries to conquer them all (with varying levels of success). We recommend the cocoa milk tea with brown sugar jelly, and if you’re brave enough to try it, we’ve heard the “rock salt cheese” line is good. There’s a happy lemon in several of Beijing’s major shopping malls. Happy experimenting!
Coney Island’s famous hot dog chain Nathan’s is coming to Beijing! This may seem unremarkable to people just passing through, but this is good news for some of us who live in China. Before moving here, we never thought we’d miss hot dogs (forget those wannabe hot dogs that are so popular around town now). We can’t wait to get some cheese fries, too. Now, all we need is White Castle…
Seems like there are a lot of haters in our midst (no local music scene would have any credibility without them); but however much people want to argue over a title, “Big in China” is a great book for inspiring new expats, whether or not they are part of the Shunyi crowd. Anyway, Alan Paul mentions in this interview that one of his favorite restaurants, Sange Guizhou Ren, has gone south, reminding me to share will all of you that yes, it’s completely true. I was there last week and it was unclear to me whether the deterioration was due to a management change or what, but their menu is limited now with fewer dishes from Guizhou that are not done as well. I will be on the prowl for a new spot to get those succulent ribs—open to suggestions!
Three Guizhou Men (Sange Guizhou Ren), 8 Gongti Xi Lu; 三个贵州人, 工体西路8号楼 +86 10 6551 8517
Nice Vietnamese lunch set up at Susu with outdoor seating. Set menu that includes yummy gỏi cuốn (summer rolls), and the bánh mì sandwiches are great. I’d had higher hopes for the phở, but the noodles weren’t great (mushy). But other than that I definitely recommend Susu on a sunny afternoon!
Susu, Qianliang Hutong, West Alley No. 10; 钱粮胡同西巷10号 010-8400-2699
06
Jun
Your experience in Beijing isn’t complete without trying some freshly steamed dumplings and baozi in the early morning. To be honest, they aren’t as good as Shanghai’s famous shengjianbao, but are homemade and hit the spot. The places are scattered around, but you can find one shop on the southwest corner of Dongzhimennei dajie and Dongzhimenbei xiaojie, and another by the police station in Sanlitun back street.
27
May
Enjoying a gigantic salad at The Kro’s Nest flagship restaurant. DJ Ton’s playing. TGIF!
The Kro’s Nest, 35 Xiaoyun Lu; 霄云路35号 10 8391 3131
24
May
Heading to Side Park tonight for our weekly dose of 5-a-side football, by China Club Football. If you’re a player, check out the league, or if you’re a fan, watching a game is a great way to spend a nice Tuesday evening!
Si’de Park, near Lido; 四得公园 10 6438 6093
23
May
20
May
Terminal 2 might be run down, but it’s great. No Burger King, but it’s efficient, there are fewer people here and you don’t have to walk in circles as you would in the multi-story T-3 maze. Now if only the flights would leave on time…
