Patrick Behrens has been in Beijing with his wife Pastraporn and baby daughter Paulina (19 months) for two years following a stint in Singapore. Pastraporn originally hails from Beijing and is relishing the chance to be back in her hometown. After a busy week as food and beverage director at the Peninsula Hotel, Patrick likes to relax with his family and enjoy leisurely French brunches and lazy afternoons in the park. Here are their family favorites.
Favorite Restaurant
Cafe Konstanz for great breakfast and fresh breads, Element Fresh for a leisurely lunch or Karaija Spice House for a spicy dinner.
Recent Beijing Discovery
Beijing has new things to discover everyday. We recently happened upon the new Qianmen district with Capital M, Element Fresh and loads of nice shops.
Best Baby Clothes
Zara Kids and H&M, but the best items come from the care parcels from the grandparents back home.
Favorite Weekend Activity
A quiet breakfast at home followed by a stroll through Ritan Park or shopping at Yashow.
Lazy Sunday
We like the a la carte brunch at Maison Boulud.
Cure Home Sickness
We don’t really get home sick, but we call the folks back home using Skype – Paulina loves to show off to her grandparents about what she’s learned that week.
Best Outdoor Play Area
Ritan Park is a stone’s throw away from where we live, so we like to go there followed by a drink at the Stone Boat or dinner at Schindler’s.
Favorite Day Trip
We like to get some fresh air at the Great Wall or the Summer Palace.
Favorite Treat
It has to be the sweet or savory crepes at Crepanini in Sanlitun.
Want to share your Beijing favorites? E-mail editor-kids@beijing-kids.com.
