Guangdong native Stephanie Rocard and Aussie Stephen Rocard are the co-owners and managers of Mao Mao Chong. Located off Nanluogu Xiang, this bar offers a wide selection of drinks, themed music nights, and house-designed T-shirts and artwork. The Rocards have lived in Beijing for over four years and are the proud parents of 2-year-old Noah.
Best Places to Play
The family likes Ritan Park, and Solana, which has a huge indoor play area with food and shopping options nearby.
Family Ritual
Every Sunday afternoon, the Rocards go out for dim sum. Jing Ding Xuan is a cheap, reliable, and relaxed option. There’s also Tang Palace Restaurant at Hotel Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao.
Favorite Family Restaurant
Saveurs de Corée. It’s kid-friendly and has a nice courtyard, as well as coloring books, high chairs, and kid-sized cutlery.
Favorite Dessert/Snack
Stephanie’s favorite dessert is cheesecake from BreadTalk and Stephen’s are Portuguese egg tarts from Weiduomei.
Favorite Places to Shop
Stephanie likes going to Raffles City Beijing for herself. The family rarely buys clothes for Noah, but Pumpkin Patch, Gap, and Yashow Market are all good options.
Favorite Way to Relax
At night, the Rocards love to draw, read books, watch a movie, and generally unwind together.
Date Night
Stephanie and Stephen like trying out new bars and restaurants for date night. Recently, they discovered the Guizhou restaurant Dagui (大贵) in Daxing Hutong and Shun Feng 123 (顺风123), a Chongqing restaurant near Gongti Ximen. Their regular bars include Migas, Mokihi, and 12SQM.
Favorite Neighborhood
Nanluogu Xiang, because it’s the only neighborhood in central Beijing where you actually feel like you’re in China. There are relaxed quiet areas with lots of character; plus, it’s home to Mao Mao Chong!
This article is excerpted from beijingkids September 2012 issue. View it in PDF form here or contact distribution@beijing-kids.com to find out where you can pick up your free copy.