Mar 8 is International Women’s Day. In honor of all the Queens who are crushing it and living their best lives, Jingkids will be profiling some of Beijing’s fiercest female entrepreneurs. Like Queen Beyonce says, “Who run the world? Girls!”

If you know a Girl Boss you think we should profile, don’t hesitate to shoot us a message at editor@beijing-kids.com.

They say that good wine has a way of bringing people together, and the ladies who started TRiO Wine Bar have exactly that story. Layla Wang grew up in Chengdu and has always been interested in hospitality – especially wines. She was running the award-winning Jing Bar at The Temple House when she first met Ashley Gao, who would later become one of her closest friends and business partner.

Gao’s life is all about wine. After college, she worked at a new boutique Chinese winery in the Huailai region of Hebei province, a part of China that is well known for its wines. There she learned how to make wine, manage a vineyard, and eventually became a sommelier. “I realized [a]sommelier is the bridge [that connects]the winery and the customer. I like to find different wines and share them with people who love wine,” Gao tells us.

The two ladies worked side by side at The Opposite House in Beijing, where their passion for good wines continued to grow. “Ashley and I shared a passion for wine but we found that there were not that many places in Beijing where we could go and relax and drink good wines for a reasonable price,” explains Wang. “We saw that there was a growing interest in wine so we thought it might be a good time to start our own place.”

We caught up with Gao and Wang to chat about TRiO and life as small business owners.

Tell us a bit about TRiO. What is it and what does it offer?
We like to think of TRiO as a relaxed “neighborhood” bar, where we welcome a wine loving community. TRiO’s wine list has over 150 labels and showcases wines from 15 countries and around 50 regions.

Guests can enjoy a journey, not only through the well-known regions such as Burgundy and Bordeaux, but also off the beaten path, through the “Ancient Wine World,” to places like Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

We have a wide selection of wines by the glass and offer bottles to suit everyone’s budget, and if guests are not sure what to choose we will be happy to make some suggestions. We also offer a nice selection of both Chinese and Western food dishes designed to be enjoyed with the wines.

So whether guests are on a night out with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or just fancy a relaxing evening trying something new we have the right wine for them.

Is starting a business on your own what you expected it to be?
Yes and no – there is always a lot more to be done than you imagined when you start your own business and whilst there is more freedom, there also comes a lot more responsibility and much longer working hours. What is great is to be able to set your own direction, make decisions and implement them immediately. What we love are those nights when the bar is full and you see people enjoying the wines we have selected and having a great time, it makes the hard work seem worthwhile.

What are some challenges you’ve faced and how have you overcome them?
When you go from working in a large organization to running your own business there are obviously a lot of new things you have to learn where previously you had a team to deal with it, for example accounting or legal topics. We had to be quite disciplined in dividing the tasks between us and making sure we learnt what we could, sought advice where required, and supported each other to get things done. Our constant dialogue has been key to overcoming these challenges.

When it came to the wine we also had the challenge of trying to decide what wine to put in the cellar – we are still adjusting our selection on a regular basis and learning all the time what appeals to our customers and what new wines we want to introduce. We have been lucky though as we have a lot of great wine suppliers who really work closely with us and have offered lots of great advice.

While starting their own business, Gao also became a new mom. But baking a bun in the oven didn’t stop her from giving TRiO her all. Gao worked day and night at TRiO and, as far as I know, was the only very pregnant sommelier in the city.

You’re a new mom and you worked all the way up until you delivered your baby. Tell us about that experience. Were guests supportive of having a pregnant sommelier?
Opening a bar during pregnancy is a unique experience and unforgettable one. I always tell a joke about it: I’m having two babies, one is going to spend my money and the other one is going to make money. I do think TRiO is my baby too. Of course, having a baby in my body, and meanwhile, taking care of the other one was not easy, but because I love it and enjoy it, it makes everything so meaningful and makes me feel stronger.

I think working on the floor or tasting wine are not the biggest challenges for pregnancy. Walk was good for pregnancy and tasting wine could be done with a spittoon. The biggest challenge for me was that I could not enjoy wine and share the joy of wine with friends and guests.

During the pregnancy, I felt most of the guests treated me like a normal person, and a trusted sommelier, which I appreciated. They always kindly asked me how the baby was and how I was. For some new guests, they were more interested in TRiO stories and it was easier to make new friends when they saw a pregnant woman behind the bar. That was the advantage of being pregnant.

How has it been balancing being a new mom and work? Have your partners (your husband and Layla) been supportive?
There is no perfect way to balance being a new mom and work. What I’m trying to do is when I’m at work, just enjoy the work, concentrated, and be more efficient; when at home with baby, just forget the work and focus on the time with him. It makes me feel easier to dealing with those two.

I’m thankful for my business partner Layla, who is willing to take majority of the responsibility before I returned to work, and who is still very supportive and thoughtful of my motherhood. I’m thankful for my child, who is so cooperative, healthy, and strong since the pregnancy period till now. I’m also thankful for my husband and my mom, who were so understanding and supportive to take care of baby at home and accompany baby so that I can go to work with less worries.

I would not be able to return to work without their support. I’m so thankful for all of them!

What makes TRiO different and special? Why do guests love it?
There are a number of factors which we believe makes TRiO different, the first being the relaxed atmosphere, no need to be an expert or feel intimidated if you don’t know your Malbec from your Merlot. Our team are always happy to talk customers through the different wines and help find something they will love. The second factor is that we carry a wide range of wine and the selection is always changing so you can experience something you might never have tried before and find a new favorite! The third point is that we put a big emphasis on creating a community and increasing their knowledge about wine – we run regular tasting events where people can learn about and taste wines from different parts of the world, these are always fun and a great chance to try something new as well as meet and chat with fellow wine lovers.

What can people expect from a night at TRiO?
Guests visiting TRiO will find a comfortable and cosy wine bar featuring an open wine cellar which guests can walk into to select their own wine from the wide and varied choice available. If coming for dinner, guests can enjoy a menu of delicious food or for people arriving later in the evening, there are a range of smaller dishes designed to complement the wines. The bar stays open until late everyday so whether coming for dinner or popping in for a drink later in the evening, Ashley and Layla look forward to welcoming you.

The ladies of TRiO live by the motto of women supporting women. For International Women’s Day, TRiO will be inviting two famous women sommeliers to host a wine tasting along with Gao. Throughout the night guests will be trying 22 different wines made by 18 international female winemakers. Tickets for the events are on sale now for RMB 380 per person.

Find it:
TRiO Wine Bar
#2139, Level 1, North Tower, Shangdu SOHO, 8 Dongdaqiao Rd, Chaoyang District
朝阳区东大桥路8号院3号楼一层2139 (SOHO尚都北塔2139)
Tel: 135 2205 2400

KEEP READING: Kids Are Finally Back to School, It’s Time for a Spa Day

Images: Layla Wang, Ashley Gao

While we love our family, sometimes we just need a bit of R&R on a terrace with a side of peace and quiet. Here are a few of our favorite places in Beijing for summer outdoor dining to recharge those batteries.

Xian

Sunken garden next to the city’s one and only Craft Beer Container. It’s the place to unwind and relax if you want to feel like you’ve gotten out of the city without actually doing so.

1/F, EAST Beijing 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅北京酒店1层
Open from 5pm-late
8414 9810

Union

Union has an outdoor terrace providing the perfect place to people-watch in peace. Sit in the middle of Taikoo Li with a glass of wine and relax as you watch the hustle and bustle of the city go by.

1/F, The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Nan Lu
三里屯街道11号三里屯太古里北区瑜舍酒店
Open from 11am-1am
6410 5180

Terrace Garden at Grand Mercure Hotel

When Gulou and Houhai get a bit overwhelming, the Terrace Garden of the Grand Mercure Hotel is an idyllic hideaway place to rest your feet. Soak in some zen vibes from the bamboo fencing and enjoy a cold pint of Jing-A craft beer and local snacks or afternoon tea.

Ground Floor of Grand Mercure Hotel
101 Jiaodaokou Dajie, Dongcheng District
交道口大街101号北京东方美爵酒店一层
Open from 8am-11pm
8403 1188

Atta BJ

Atta BJ’s China World Mall location is a favorite for those who want to dine while enjoying a view of Beijing’s iconic CCTV tower. Their newest location has a completely different vibe – with a stunning private garden right in the middle of the city that offers peace and tranquility.

Ground Floor of Ritz-Carlton Hotel
83 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District
建国路93好丽思卡尔顿酒店G层
Open from 11.30am – 10pm
5908 8089

Hulu by TRB

When the weather is nice, Hulu in Sanlitun is one of the most popular destinations for those who want both great food and some fun in the sun.

3/F, Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun
三里屯太古里南区三楼
Open Sun-Thu from 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat from 11am-midnight
167 1009 0452

This article appeared in the Jingkids 2021 May issue

I know it’s been a while since Pitch Perfect was in theaters but I can’t help it. I still love the drama and the singing. There’s just something irresistibly catchy about listening to a cappella mash-ups of your favorite classics that make you want to get up and dance!

Beijing’s one and only a cappella choir, Jing Sing will be showcasing their eclectic selection of songs for free at Modernista this Thursday. The group first got together in 2014 and since then they’ve been entertaining audiences with their repertoire including pop hits, Motown classics, and Disney favorites.

This original arrangement, a mash-up of The Temptations’ “Ain’t too proud to beg” and “My Girl” is just one of their many hits.

Jing Sing, Sept 26
All ages. Free. 9pm. Modernista. 44 Baochao Hutong 宝钞胡同44号

Photos: Courtesy of Jing Sings

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s not much I find more decadent and sumptuously delicious any day or time of the week than a board laden with cheese and premium cold cuts, partnered with a good and generous pour of wine. You can then, of course, imagine my elation when I found out for as little as RMB 120 you can have your fill of free-flow wine and beer, cheese, olives, homemade breads, and cured meats four times a week at four different Annie’s and Ponte restaurant and bar locations across the city.

Fancy extending your weekend? You can enjoy real Italian Aperitivo from Wednesday to Saturday, to the background of live jazz! Last week, I enjoyed a Saturday night at Ponte in Lido. The service was exceptional, the free-flow generous, and all the edible offerings were of excellent quality. I was quite staggered by the generous portions of imported meats and cheeses, and my glass was never left empty for long.

The live jazz trio played a combination of dinner jazz classics along with more uptempo fusion blues and soulful melodies. The night was more than a Wine O’Clock session. The dimly-lit and intimate dining space, immaculately dressed staff and attentiveness bestowed upon each individual either dining alone or with friends created a wonderful atmosphere ripe for chatter, laughter and entertainment all in one.

Book your table now at either Annie’s, The Place on Wednesdays, Annie’s, Sanlitun on Thursdays, Annie’s, Sunshine 100 on Fridays or Ponte, Lido on Saturdays. Perfect for dinner dates or a night out with friends, but to be honest who needs an excuse to enjoy a cheese platter with wine?

RMB 120. 6.00pm – 9.00pm.  Annie’s, The Place, East of the Place, South of Central Park (010 8590 6428). Annie’s Sanlitun, China View Building (010 8587 1469). Annie’s Sunshine 100, Guanghua Lu (010 8589 8366). Ponte, Lido, 6 North Road, Zone 1, Block B (010 6591 1931).

Photos: Nicole Bonnah

Mosto has long been a heavyweight among the Nali Patio dining spots offering casual luxury. Their menu is an experimental take on South American Cuisine, also taking inspiration from Asia, North America, and Europe. It’s a fusion restaurant that shapes up to be a perfect example of why mixing it up always pays.

The meal began with one of three “small plates”. The Smokey Salmon Tataki (RMB 88), seared smoked salmon dressed in orange-ginger teriyaki and black sesame seeds, was a refreshing and tasty start to the evening, and may require that you unashamedly wipe the plate clean with a freshly baked white mini-loaf from the breadbasket.

Smokey Salmon Tataki

I’ve always known Prawn Pil Pil as a dish prepared using olive oil and garlic or sweetened using tomato passata, so I was intrigued by the Chilean Pil Pil (RMB 88), with prawn and squid dressed in a white wine sauce with cilantro. The seafood was perfectly cooked; however, the soft fondant potato that sat beneath the generous portion of squid need not be there.

Chilean Pil Pil

For me, the Japanese Scallops (RMB 125) stole the starter show. Sweet and precisely cooked scallops sitting on a bed of sautéed shiitake mushrooms were divine, and were perfectly matched with a herby parsley sauce and sweet onion compote. This had to be one of my favorites of the evening and will likely go very quickly, so if you need to, order extra scallops for RMB 30 apiece. Ready, steady, prepare to be walloped by the scallops.

Japanese Scallops

The Boston Lobster (RMB 450) has potential to be a show-stopping plate but falls just shy of taking the crown due to the overpowering richness and overzealous quantity of butter which dresses the already rich risotto. Omitting the soaked plums and reworking the presentation would do wonders for a dish that has the makings of an opulent and oh-so-indulgent romance starter.

Boston Lobster

You never need an excuse to order a cheese board, so try Mosto’s Charcuterie Board. It’s cheese and premium cold cuts. Need I say any more?

What should be your go-to dish is the well-seasoned and seared beef tenderloin (RMB 228), which can be served with a side and sauce of your choice. Melt-in-the-mouth imported beef did not disappoint, along with a generous portion of red wine sauce and potato gratin. Other sides and sauces available to pair with the beef (cooked to your liking) include truffle mashed potato, roasted pumpkin, blue cheese sauce, and avocado salsa. This steak is not just a basic steak; it’s a Mosto steak. Say “cheers” to the night and the steak with a glass of Malbec (RMB 75).

Beef Tenderloin

To complete the evening, the manager recommended the chocolate soufflé. Dark chocolate with a lava center was indulgently washed down with a glass of Prosecco (RMB 65). A passion fruit coulis cuts through the richness and adds a pleasant palate-cleansing finish to the dish. If this isn’t the luxurious ending that all couples should experience on a date night, I don’t know what is!

Against a backdrop of exposed brick and candlelight, Mosto has instant flair and notes of bohemian charm, but unfortunately can be let down at times by lackluster service. This can be forgiven when knocking back one of their finer offerings, such as their Whiskey Sour (RMB 65); sweeter than usually prepared and finished with a frothy and fragrant egg white foam, this yumminess in a glass will prepare you to enjoy South American contemporary fare that you may just decide to make a regular trip for.

Whiskey Sour (left) Espresso Martini (right)

Top Tip: Order the Espresso Martini (RMB 80) with or for dessert. Well-balanced coffee, vodka, Kahlua, and Baileys will keep tiredness at bay, sweeten the tooth and add some warmth to your night (not that you’ll need it.)

Mosto
D308, 3/F Nali Huayuan, No.81 Sanlitun Bar Street, Chaoyang District (010 5208 6030) 朝阳区三里屯酒吧街81号那里花园3楼D308号 (近三里屯VILLAGE)

Photos: Nicole Bonnah, www.chifanforcharity.org

It’s time to take you on another culinary journey! It’s date night, and I’ve taken your weekly or monthly need for romance, good food, and glamorously seductive surroundings to a whole new level. Be prepared to be spoiled for choice.

Jing Yaa Tang: Sophisticated Hedonism

Nestled beneath the calming oasis that is Opposite House Hotel you will find a touch of unpretentious class. This one is for the discerning date night foodie, who will enjoy an eclectic mix of some of China’s best-loved and most inspired cuisines.

In this former nightclub, now a mood-lit and modern dining space, friendly and knowledgeable staff await to help you peruse the concise but colorful menu. Let the well-traveled and experienced front-of-house team take care of you, with paired wines poured by their resident sommelier, and beautifully presented dishes that deliver on both elegance and flavor.

Punchy, sweet cherry tomatoes in plum sauce (RMB 58) burst in the mouth to provide you with an appetizer that could just as well be a dessert or sweet palate cleanser. This dish was a surprising and robust element among the flawless, flavorsome bowls I devoured before the main; Sichuan poached chicken with crushed peanuts in spicy sauce (RMB 78), tea plant mushroom salad with Meiji dressing (RMB 78), and botan shrimp with ginger dressing (RMB 118). Simply divine.

Cherry tomatoes in plum sauce, Sichuan poached chicken in spicy sauce, and tea plant mushroom salad

Don’t let the starched linen covered tabletops deceive you. No one is trading in substance for style. This is fine dining with a hedonistic and modern flair epitomized by such dishes as the Jing Yaa Tang pork ribs in spicy black bean sauce (RMB 198). Guests can also enjoy well-executed classic offerings like stir-fried string beans with minced pork (RMB 68). Whatever you do, don’t leave without ordering the “three cups” clay pot with cod fish and basil (RMB 228). A little more on the pricey side, but worth the extra Renminbi for an experience I can only describe as heavenly.

Jing Yaa Tang Pork Ribs

If you’ve frequented just a few Chinese restaurants in the Jing, you will know that most will offer some variation of Chinese fried rice (chǎo fàn), and here you will find what I believe to be a superior take on the humble staple. Shaved dried scallop, organic egg, and beautifully cooked shrimp dress white grains of seasoned rice in their Jing Yaa Tang fried rice (RMB 128). A cut above all the rest.

Jing Yaa Tang Fried Rice

All this, washed down with a Sauvignon Blanc (RMB 85 per glass) to pair the starters, and a Pinot Noir (RMB 120 per glass) for the pièce de résistance that was the Jing Yaa Tang Roast Duck (RMB 188, half/ RMB 328, whole). Hung and dried in-house for 24 hours before cooking, the duck really is a showstopper, not because of the usual ceremonial carving at the table, but because of the quality of the duck served, with exceptionally crispy skin that melts in the mouth. If you really want to impress on date night, this is the way to go.

The simple equation that leads to all successful date nights is atmospheric surroundings, plus good food. Jing Yaa Tang has perfectly partnered these two elements and takes you on a refined culinary expedition of China’s expansive regional delicacies.

Top tip: Before taking to your seats, take a look at the installations on loan in the exhibition hall in the lobby area of the hotel, and grab a cocktail at Mesh. The Jing Yaa Tang (RMB 88) is fab: a sweet take on the classic whiskey sour with notes of orange in the finish. Enjoy!

Opposite House
Taikoo Li (Lower Ground Level) Sanlitun North, No. 11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District (www.theoppositehouse.com/10 6410 5230) 朝阳三里屯路11号太古里北区地下1层

One beloved past time that I truly miss from my home city of London has to be a visit to the pub (a bar, traditionally known as a Public House in the UK and other parts of the globe with a culturally specific aesthetic), to enjoy hop-fueled midweek “pub grub” and after-work drinks on a Friday night. Our friends across the pond, as well as our good friends to the east in Australia, share our love of pub culture although it may come in different variations.

Although the bars in Beijing far from resemble either the traditional pub or what has now become known as “gastropubs” in London and other cities (serving ale with revamped traditional English or fusion cuisine), a wave of trendy bars offering craft beers brewed on site, and burgers that incite prolonged “best burger in Beijing” debate, have arguably taken first position above the humble branded-beer-only watering-hole.

Queue: the new Great Leap Brewing (GL) in all its finery, nestled beneath the Nuo Center in Lido. GL #12 closed its doors back in May last year to the despair of many and has now become their corporate headquarters. News soon followed regarding their brand spanking new branch, and I for one was happy to know that an indulgent cheeseburger was only a few blocks away from home.

A slightly nautical looking bar adorns the middle of a quaintly intimate space, with wooden booths to the sides and some of the more familiar low sitting wooden benches and tables that encourage (and sometimes require) communal dining in the other two locations. Exposed brick and metal characterize the walls, and I especially love the Concrete Island that is the bar and their use of raw and natural materials to create a refined but rustic look.

The new GL Lido branch has had a few teething problems (no heat during their soft opening), is maybe a little on the difficult side to find when first setting out (there is no visible signage to or outside the property), but delivers yet again on a range of fragrant, crisp, malty, and peppery beers available on tap, including rotating Guest Beers and specialty menu items, such as The Reuben (RMB 95, see below). Like GL #45 in Liangmaqiao, the menu includes both a selection of burgers and New York style pizzas.

My go-to meal to partner the well-balanced Honey Ma Gold (RMB 35) has always been the coma-inducing cheeseburger (RMB 65), but with the introduction of their new weekday deal and a few recommendations, I now have an extended list of favorites.

From Monday to Friday you can choose any burger, salad or two slices of pizza and enjoy a free soft drink, Pale Ale #6 or craft ginger beer. Your meal should always commence with the Spinach and Cheese dip (RMB 40), a creamy delight, well-seasoned and laden with perfectly wilted buttery spinach. The first scoop, with what I have always described as the best in-house tortilla chips, will quickly lead to the last, but slow your roll and don’t give in to the temptation to order another, or you may regret it later when trying to tuck into your main.

Spinach and Cheese Dip

The beer battered fried chicken, albeit a little on the greasy side (RMB 40) – though I would argue that grease should always accompany a beer – are tuck-in-alicious and served with Spicy Mayo and Green Goddess Dressing. Another new try for me, were the crispy oyster mushrooms (RMB 45) that make a great addition to shared starters and a good option for vegetarians needing a fried-fix. Lightly peppered and earthy, there really is no need to reason why this should be added to your order.

Beer Battered Fried Chicken

The Reuben really was worth the cheeseburger trade-in. Melt in the mouth corn beef with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, Russian dressing, and toasted rye bread was indulgent and felt more like a filling continental brunch option. If burgers are not the order of the day on your visit, then this should be. If you go for any of the pizzas, you’d better like your cheese with a side of garlic. The Little Nunzio (RMB 130) is perfectly crisp and thin (like any good pizza should be), with hearty flavors such as the featured house-made sausage. However, make sure you’re happy to have your pizza laden with garlic, and of course omit this option on date nights!

The Reuben

The new Wabi-Sabi Japan Pale Ale (RMB 35), made with wasabi, was a lot subtler than I expected. I waited for a taste that packed a punch on the palate, but was left without the robust finish I was hoping for. Nonetheless, this craft creation that combines the styles of Pale Ale and IPA is pleasant enough. What I will order more of is the Mikkelle, Berliner Weisse Mango (RMB 40); fruity and tangy, and more reminiscent of a medium-dry cider. This one would be best enjoyed during Beijing’s long summer months, or you could just stay wrapped up and pretend you’re sipping this beverage while sitting under the sun. Finish off your meal with the Hand Crafted Apple Tart with vanilla ice-cream (RMB 40), which reminds me of a right-way-up tarte tatin and is YUM!

Hand Crafted Apple Tart with Vanilla Ice-Cream

A plus is the customer service, which has one-upped the other locations. Friendly, smiley staff in cool GL-branded tracksuit get-ups are always ready to assist you with a good command of the menu in English. The only thing you need to watch out for is enjoying this new haunt more than one ought to during the working week. Check out www.greatleapbrewing.com for more information on the different locations and menus.

Great Leap Brewing, Lido, Rm103, Nuo Center, A2 Jiangtai Road, Chaoyang District (010 64347221) 将台路甲2号诺金中心一层103室

Photos: Nicole Bonnah

Ditch the sofa and Netflix for a night, in exchange for enjoying everyone’s favorite pastime while supporting charity! It’s a couples’ movie and food fest in aid of a local charity, Wings of Hope.

It’s the winter season, and date nights can seriously wither into obscurity in favor of a comfy onesie, a hunt for the next best mini TV series, and a bowl of microwave popcorn! But fortunately, you can be saved from the abyss that is mediocre evenings in front of the box, by a more fun and exciting viewing experience that pays – not you, but those in need.

Why not enjoy a couples’ movie night at the awesome bar and family restaurant, Fella’s. Come prepared (not in your onesie) with your date to share a two-course meal with drink. Couples can opt for either a chicken or vegetarian meal, and their choice of libation! The movie of choice is Game Night, starring Jason Bateman and Rachel McAdams, whose game night hilariously transforms into a real-life mystery after one them is kidnapped in an apparent burglary. Sounds fun? Of course it will be!

This event is the first of its kind and if all goes well, could be a regular go-to for date night lovers needing an excuse to wrestle themselves away from anti-climatic and, let’s be honest, unexceptional move nights in. Proceeds will go toward supporting young children suffering from cancer. To register, scan the QR code below. Attendance will be capped at 30, and if you want to join you must sign up by January 21.

Movie Date Night at Fella’s, Jan 26
Adults. RMB 350. January 26. Fella’s Restaurant and Bar, 8 Laiguangying Dong Lu, Chaoyang District (info@fellasbeijing.cn) 来广营东路8号，北京朝阳区