If you’ve only got a limited time to explore Beijing’s best restaurants, then a visit to Fork by TRB has got to be on your list. Fork is the latest addition to the TRB Hospitality Group, which also owns TRB locations Hulu and Peach – both of which are renowned for offering excellent food with a personalized touch.

The new Fork is no exception.

Now, I don’t know why I was expecting Fork to be similar to Hulu. That was definitely my mistake. Fork is unlike any of its sister restaurants. It’s unique, offering its own interpretation of global fusion that seeks to blend together highlights from different cultures.

There are dishes like the classic French escargot (RMB 98) and the Southeast Asian flavors of Tom Yum Kung seafood (RMB 158), as well as Fork’s own spin on the classic Beijing stinky tofu (RMB 78) made with Yunnan shiping tofu and blue cheese, and which tastes unlike anything you’ve ever experienced – the perfect blend of Asian and European flavors and one of our favorites from the meal.

Hidden away in Yangfang Hutong, by Houhai, Fork is behind the (also) new Peach by Hulu, where Pink Rabbit once was. For those who had a chance to visit Pink Rabbit before it closed, the interior of Peach by Hulu is still rather similar, but with a more elegant and refined feel to it instead of the previous party vibe. But the iconic pink rabbits on the rooftop remain, perfect for 2023, the Year of the Rabbit!

Before jetting off for Chinese New Year holiday, we hoped to find somewhere for a girls lunch away from the families and the kids. Fork was the perfect place.

“Good choice, this one is my favorite,” restaurant manager Kyle said for a surprising number of dishes we ordered. He’s passionate about the restaurant and proud of the excellent menu that they’ve created, and it shows in the way he talks about each dish and the pride he takes in presenting them. And there were multiple dishes that really helped elevate our lunch into a whole dining experience.

Wheeling out an entire leg of 48 months Iberico ham (RMB 298), Kyle took the time to explain how it’s aged and kept. And as each dish came out his eyes just kept lighting up like those of an excited kid eager to show off his cool new toys with friends. Even through his mask, you could see him smiling for ear to ear.

The razor clams (RMB 68) were some of the best I’ve ever had. This Asian-inspired dish is served cold and covered with a generous spoonful of Fork’s own XO sauce blend and garnished with spring onions. Don’t be fooled by the one-bite size of these razor clams. They pack such a strong flavor that it’s like an umami explosion in your mouth.

Making its way over from the TRB menu is gravlax (RMB 158). The in-house cured salmon has been a TRB signature since 2012. Covered with a thick layer of fennel, the salmon is wheeled out, plated tableside, and finished like a Jackson Pollock.

For seafood lovers, the salt-baked sea bass (RMB 428) is a must-try (and another one of Kyle’s favorites). It’s an incredibly fresh whole sea bass completely encrusted in a salt pastry crust (that you’re not suppose to eat, as Kyle stressed to us multiple times) and baked for about three hours. This preparation method infuses the flavors of the light seasoning into the fish while preserving its natural juices. And of course, watching Kyle unveil the fish at your table is like watching the foodie version of an unboxing video on YouTube.

Finally, finishing off our long lunch was a dessert that was both delicious and creative.

My toddler is learning about shapes right now and this would have blown her mind! The appropriately red Chinese New Year-looking dessert virtually took up our entire table, and we ended the meal on the most amusing (and tastiest) shape matching game I’ve ever played.

So what makes Fork so different from the other TRB restaurants? It’s got the same excellent fine dining experience as TRB Forbidden City, the secluded privacy that TRB Hutong offers, and the freedom to choose your entire menu the way you can at Hulu. In a way, this new baby in the family is a mix of the best aspects of its sister restaurants.

Pro tip:
Fork by TRB has an incredible value-for-money wine list. According to Kyle, if you can find their wines at another restaurant for a cheaper price, “Drinks are on me!” They’ve got this and other similar fun promotions for members.

To make a booking at Fork, add their reservation account on WeChat at trbreservation and be sure to ask to join their WeChat group to be among the first to find out about their latest promotions and deals.

Find it:
Vue Hotel Houhai Beijing, 9 Yangfang Hutong, Xicheng District
西城区羊房胡同9号花间堂后海酒店
Tel: 135 5295 8257

Got an alternative headline that you think would have been perfect for this article? Leave it in the comment section below.

Images: Mina Yan

Being a teacher is rewarding. On your best days, you feel emotionally fulfilled knowing all the hours of planning, prepping, and instructing are helping shape the next generation and move humanity forward. On your less-than-best days you have a migraine, are covered in every possible bodily fluid, haven’t eaten or used the bathroom in the past 12 hours, and your significant other is feeling neglected because you still have four hours of homework to grade before tomorrow. And because so many teachers work weekends coaching games, leading rehearsals, and hosting speech and debate competitions, we often miss out on some of the finer experiences Beijing has to offer on the weekends.

That’s why I was so excited when I saw that TRB Forbidden City would be hosting brunch six days a week! So I grabbed two of my favorite educators and prepared to let TRB founder Ignace Lecleir and his exceptional team pamper me.

In my opinion, a great restaurant is not just about the food. It is also about creating an environment and an overall feeling. TRB Forbidden City not only creates a feeling of high-end luxury enjoyed with casual ease, but also takes advantage of its surroundings to give you a true sense of place. This is a meal that could only happen in Beijing. And the view of the forbidden city through the full-length window, juxtaposed with the pristine white and gold tables inside, sums up the Beijing experience. This is the crossroads of the ancient and the modern.

We were offered a welcome glass of champagne to sip as we chatted and looked over the menu. The four-course brunch is RMB 488 per person and free-flow options are available. Prior to ordering, three lovely surprises appeared on our table. A picture-perfect cone of tuna and caviar filled with wasabi cream, delectable cheese puffs, and a pumpkin truffle soup. All were as delicious as they were photogenic, and were followed up by an incredible basket of bread and pastries accompanied by fresh jam and lemon butter so good that I nearly ate a spoonful of it on its own.

But of course, there was more. My inner New Yorker cheered when a stunning tray of gravlax was wheeled out and carved tableside as we enjoyed foie gras terrines, asparagus salad, and duck ham brought to life by just enough citrus to keep everything fresh and light.

Then came the egg course. I love eggs Benedict. So much so that it would be one of the dishes I would choose for my last meal, but fairly often it is disappointing in its execution. This was an absolute triumph. A perfectly cooked egg with a runny center was covered in exactly the correct amount of hollandaise (I always need to ask for extra so this was impressive) and sitting on top of a soft, yet evenly toasted English muffin.

For the main courses, we each selected a different dish. The yellow croaker was light and well cooked, the rib eye a perfect medium rare and very well-seasoned, but my favorite was by far the pigeon. Juicy with a crisp skin and sitting on top of a mushroom puree that complimented the richness of the meat.

The best course, however, was dessert. I love soufflé, mostly because I am an abject failure at making them myself. This chocolate soufflé was rich and decadent and worth every second of cardio I will need to do to work it off. The entire meal had been elevated by the wine pairings presented with each course. Light, crisp whites and deep, unguent reds paraded past our table, each better than the last, until desert culminated in choices of moscato, limoncello, and cognac. As I sat sipping my post-meal port, chatting with my friends, and starring out over an iconic view I couldn’t help but be grateful to the TRB team. What they offer is so much more than food for the body, it’s food for the soul. All of these educators are separated from their families and spend their days and many of their nights and weekends serving children and parents. It’s rewarding, and it’s exhausting. But for a few hours, we were the ones being taken care of. All the extra touches normally reserved for VIPs were gifted to us, and as I looked around, I noticed all the other tables were greeted with the same care and attention to detail.

If the pressures of the past few years are taking their toll and you find yourself needing a little extra TLC, find a few educator friends and book a table. It won’t make up for the family events missed or make the pile of homework you still need to grade disappear, but it might recharge your battery enough to go back to your work as the best version of yourself. TRB Forbidden City offers brunch service every day except Tuesday. To make a reservation scan the QR code below.

Images: Ana Lourenco, Julie Wolf

KEEP READING: Picnic Activities That Won’t Break the Bank or Your Back

Although the first official day of autumn may have slipped by right under our noses last Sunday, we sure as heck aren’t about to let the upcoming Restaurant Week Autumn 2021 do the same. For the uninitiated, Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to dine at some of Beijing’s best culinary sites for a much lower-than-usual price! So without further ado, we’re pleased to announce that Restaurant Week Autumn 2021 is open for reservations beginning today, Aug 10!

This time around, Restaurant Week brings us 25 days of culinary ecstasy, Aug 12 to Sep 5. This is your chance to experience a three-course meal at top restaurants in the capital, such as Wolfgang’s, JingYaaTang, Rive Gauche, and more! Prices start from just RMB 78 for lunch sets and RMB 298 for dinner set menus, all the way to the Elite offerings for those willing to splurge. You’ve just got to move fast and book your date at the restaurant you desire because those seats get snapped up fast! American Express cardholders enjoyed priority booking beginning Aug 5, and will also enjoy 25 percent off selected house drinks at participating restaurants. Likewise, if you’re a BMW member, you’ll also be thrilled to know that you are eligible for exclusive privileges at select Michelin-starred and Black Pearl restaurants during Restaurant Week.

When booking your seats on the Dining City app, restaurants are conveniently categorized to help whittle down your search for the most suitable restaurant according to your needs. Take a look under the Kid-Friendly section to find restaurants such as Madam Goose (the only Michelin-starred restaurant in China specializing in roast goose), Restaurant Week newcomer April Puffer (which specializes in you, guessed it, pufferfish delicacies), and Meilu Hot Pot. These restaurants are all equipped with high chairs for little ones to join in the dining fun.

2021’s second edition of Restaurant Week is also vegetarian and vegan-friendly, with the inclusion of previous Restaurant Week award winner Vege Wonder and Miao Veggie Space. As a personal recommendation, and in honor of my home nation Singapore celebrating its National Day on Aug 9, I would definitely take the chance to try Jumbo Seafood and taste their famous Singaporean chili crab.

Scan the QR code below and let the feasting begin!

KEEP READING: Feel Good Foods: Beijing Restaurants Serve Dishes that Keep On Giving

Images: Unsplash

When I was heavily pregnant my husband arranged a special birthday treat: we were to spend an evening dining at the famous TRB Forbidden City, in arguably one of the most romantic settings in Beijing. However when you’re eight months pregnant, no longer allowed to enjoy almost the entirety of your much-loved food groups, and not in any condition to take advantage of expertly paired wines with each course, dining out loses all of its appeal, bar milkshakes and cheeseburgers!

I opted out of enjoying this very thoughtfully planned birthday surprise, but made up for it in epic proportion with an iconic joint date night at TRB Hutong. TRB has four brand concepts, fine dining at TRB Forbidden City and TRB Hutong and affordable luxury establishments, Merci in Joy City and Hulu in Sanlitun. We opted to try out their chef’s recommendations at their flagship restaurant TRB Hutong.

You’ll be surrounded by art and great food!

Nestled among the beautiful and historic hutongs of Dongcheng is a dining oasis that combines art, antiquity, and cuisine to create a dining experience one will not forget in a hurry. The venue has transformed an historic hutong courtyard into a modern and chic fine dining and art installation space, which maintains and speaks to its Chinese heritage and aesthetic while embracing avant-garde modernity.

The restaurant area is reminiscent of an art gallery ready to be adorned with culinary works of art, and a floor-to-ceiling window makes sure that day and evening dining comes with a view. Staff were immaculately presented, as were the linen-dressed tables. The service team was attentive to every need without being obtrusive and although we sometimes had up to four or five waiters tending to our table, we never felt crowded.

It seemed only right to let the chef take over all the decision-making for the evening. If you’ve read my previous date night reviews, you will know that I’m a massive fan of handing over food and beverage choices to staff and chef recommendations. This can sometimes ensure that you don’t miss out on anything epic, and can often lead to you enjoying the best of the best on the menu. To start we had a sparkling wine aperitif with an amuse bouche, made of seaweed crisps, salmon, and cream cheese, partnered with a cold asparagus soup. It was delicious, a balanced combination of saltiness, texture, and smoothness. We were ready for more, but had no idea of the number of courses headed our way!

Salmon and Cream Cheese on Potato Crisps

Next came a trio of seasoned butters, pea soup, and TRB Hutong’s signature Gravlax (cured salmon with dill). This dish was light and tasty. Paired with a floral Chardonnay, there was a welcomed hit of saltiness from the chopped capers and the dish came together with fluffy horseradish and house-made breads.

Cured Salmon with Dill

Next came the flaky Halibut, with radish and a sumptuous creamy leek and basil aioli: a beautifully presented dish that was dainty and quaint, but packed full of flavor. I love fish, and Halibut is a wonderful ingredient to use. This was a refined and understated dish that I could have had two (or three) more portions of.

Cod with Aioli

It’s hard to choose a star of the show, however the pigeon has to be one of the iconic dishes of the evening. The meat was gamey and moist and the sauce rich and warm. A foam and Conchiglie (shell pasta) partnered the dish, but to be honest the pigeon alone with a bucket of the gravy would have suited me just fine, along with the robust red that was paired with the dish.

Pigeon with a caramelized jus

This one was a hard dish to follow, but the seared steak fillet with asparagus had no trouble shining on the night. Tender and tasty, this is just what you need when ordering a steak dish: a prime cut, generously seasoned, with a good side and sauce – no frills, just good meat and a good red!

The perfectly seared steak fillet

Dessert was more than something sweet to finish an excellent evening meal; it was the finale to a stage show deserving of a shower of red roses at the feet of all the staff and chefs. Set custard silenced everyone at the table, followed by the cheesecake, which was decadent with just the right amount of tartness from the raspberries and tempered sweetness from the coconut ice cream.

Cheesecake and coconut ice cream

Petit fours finished the night on a sugar high. Macaroons, dark chocolate encased mousse, sugared sweets, and gold leaf treats were a marvel along with a nightcap of premium sake.

Our date night friends for the evening were just as enamored with our dining experience… which is just what it was. It was more than a date night, it was a culinary experience and worth the extra pennies for special occasions and to ostentatiously show off when you have out-of-town company. Old and new meet in this gastronomic space, and flavors that unite Chinese ingredients with European flair.

Set meals start from RMB 688 per person. Wine Pairings (five pours) start from RMB 468. TRB Hutong, No. 23 Shatan North Street, Dongcheng District. www.trb-hutong.com.

Photos: Nicole Bonnah

Inspired by the Ming Dynasty, the luxurious O’Bar sits proudly on the fifth floor of the well-known Nuo Hotel. Patrons can take advantage of a Zen Oasis on their rooftop terrace, or drink and dine under ambient lighting in their black-and-gold adorned bar and indoor seating area. This is five-star luxury and is worthy of an opulent date night with your nearest and dearest.

The cocktail menu is full of classic options, such a dry Martini. However there are a number of fusion takes on familiar tastes, and the menu is full of signature house cocktails that are reflective of alchemic traditional Chinese flavors, which are robust and adventurous. Take for example the Green (RMB 100), a mixture of Capucana Cachaca, pistachio, dry sherry, lime, Matcha and salt. Inspired by Chinese green tea, this modern blending of flavors pays homage to past times, with added extravagance reminiscent of the Ming Dynasty and its Emperors.

Dry Martini

I chose to go with something just as unique and lavish, the aptly named Luxury (RMB 100). This contained a bombastic mix of Mina Real Mezcal, rye whiskey, beetroot, hazelnut, lime, and the royal ingredient, saffron. Many associate saffron with Indian cooking, however it has a long history that first began in Tibet. Saffron made its way around Asia and surrounding countries along with other herbs and spices that traveled the silk road to be traded for newly discovered and exotic items. Saffron is used in many Chinese regional dishes, and so this cocktail again was a perfect reflection of luxury and Chinese culture.

“Luxury”

The Luxury is not for the fainthearted, and was presented in a diamond-shaped glass goblet which neatly sat in a display box adorned with dry flowers and one of the best macaroon I have ever tasted. The macaroon, at first, felt like an odd partnership for a cocktail but was pleasantly sweet, dissolved in the mouth like butter, and cut through the sharpness. I could have done without the huge display box, but appreciate the sentiment.

One surprise element of the evening was the bar’s cartoon-themed ‘Hero’ range of cocktails, inspired by some of the best-loved animated movie heroes and served in cute toy replica bottles that are great for fun-loving photo opportunities. This lightened the mood and reflected the laid-back atmosphere of the bar. They are five-star, but do wonderfully well not to take themselves too seriously.

I tried the Big Hero (RMB 100), which just has to be the star of the show from the beverages that were sampled on the evening. Made with coconut, roasted barley, pineapple, and lime, this was a decadent, sweet, and refreshing mix that reminded me of an extremely well balanced Pina Colada.

As bar snacks and dishes go, you can’t get more luxurious than the options available at O’Bar. From caviar (RMB 398) to more comforting staples, like cod fish and chips with tartar sauce (RMB 138), there is something for both of you to enjoy with your date night cocktails.

The caviar was sold out, which was such a shame as the dish promised nicely aged caviar with classic condiments (RMB 368). Yum! So I first went for a selection of tapas, which was washed down with a glass or two of Shiraz (RMB 150). The Spanish ham bruschetta (RMB 88) was salty and delicious, and the smoked salmon version was equally as nice (RMB 78). The quality of the ingredients meant that personally I would have preferred the ham and salmon to be served without the bread, as they don’t need this accompaniment. The San Sebastian Croquettes won the battle of the tapas and were served with a creamy tartar sauce (RMB 88).

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Bruschetta

The duck confit followed (RMB 100) and to finish the meal, I indulged in the cheese platter (RMB 238). The duck leg was served on a bed of spinach with strawberries and blueberries. The salad was underwhelming, however the duck was gamey, moist, and delicious. The cheese platter was everything and more, with generous portions of blue cheese, Manchego, goat cheese, soft Brie, and Edam. Partnered with sweet poached pear, grapes, seeded crackers, and dates, I was in cheese platter heaven.

Duck Leg Confit

My nightcap was a generous pour of Baileys over ice (RMB 88). Sweet and creamy, this was a great substitute for a dessert after demolishing the cheese!

So much cheese!

This is a date night for those that would like to indulge a little and celebrate a special occasion. It’s always nice to splash out once in a while, and if you so happen to be staying the night in one of Nuo Hotel’s rooms, you’ll get to try one of Beijing’s best brunches! Have a night of Oriental bliss and head on down to O’Bar.

There’s not much I find worthy of traveling outside a five-mile radius of my home for. When my husband and I arrange date nights, we usually factor in how long it will take us to get to our destination and more importantly, after a couple of glasses of vino or bubbles, how quickly can we return to the comfy cove that is our sofa and swoon over our sleeping baby.

Rive Gauche is worth that trip outside my date-night-circle-of-trust, and if you have a similar way of deciding on where you will dine out without the kids, then this place is worth ditching the ‘local rule’ for and venturing out into the central heart of the city that is Wangfujing.

A modern oasis awaits, featuring a brand new rooftop terrace, chic bar, and cozy dining area. The staff was attentive and friendly and after approaching the reservation desk with my name, we were whisked off to our seats without delay, offered the wine menu, and asked if we wanted our water with bubbles or without.

Executive Chef Ivan Miguez is the creator behind the fusion French concept that is Eive Gauche. His career has taken him from France, to London, to Shanghai and Mexico and his take on casual fine dining with a Bistro feel is a welcome addition to the foodie scene in Beijing.

To start we ordered a medley of appetizers, followed by some recommendations made by the chef. The Beef Marrow (RMB 98) with tendon crackling, parsley and charred slices of baguette was as indulgent as it sounds. Presented beautifully with robust and heady flavors, matched perfectly with a bottle of Francis Thienpont Bordeaux (RMB 580), this one was a winner.

If an egg appears anywhere on a menu, I’m all over it. The Organic Egg (RMB 98) with crab mushroom, toasted shards of baguette, and parsley, had a brunch-esque feel. Silky egg yolk spills over woody mushrooms, which can gorgeously dress the homemade bread brought to the table once your order is in. It will be easy to demolish the bread served with red onion and salty anchovy butters, but delay the carb fest for this treat and mop up all the yolky deliciousness with something warm and crispy. Add a little sea salt to mix to lift everything upwards. Heavenly.

The Scallops appetizer (RMB 156) was clean and crisp, and by far was one of my favorites of the evening. Little morsels of tender scallops are dressed in Ponzu (a soy-based sauce, traditionally made with citrus fruit, and sweet rice wine), seaweed and hazelnut. The flavors are sweet but slightly sharp with citrus and would be a great accompaniment to a dry and crisp white wine. The same goes for the cold Smoked and Cured Mackerel (RMB 98), served with passion fruit, sour cream, and mint oil, made during a 78-hour process, fresh on the premises. This is a distinguished dish, but needed another texture to take it to higher plains. I would have loved to eat this dish with shards of crispy mackerel skin and a glass of their finest white.

Cote de Boeuf (RMB 148 + 298 for 2), served with beef fries and Béarnaise Sauce, was nicely cooked. My preference was pink, no blood, and it was almost there. The portion was generous but could have packed more of a punch with the seasoning. We decided to partner our slab of meat with Roasted New Potatoes (RMB 68) and Broccolini with Coffee Butter (RMB 68). The sides delivered what it says on the tin, and although the coffee butter was a nice touch, we were expecting this dish to provide something more adventurous and potent.

I’m all about desserts. I like sweetness and stickiness and usually anything that oozes out of the center of something chocolaty and warm. By recommendation, we were presented with popcorn (RMB 68), consisting of a chocolate mousse, salted caramel, and you guessed it – popcorn. I love sweetness with saltiness and this dish could definitely dare to be more risky with this timeless partnership. The popping candy seems to be all the rage at the moment in desserts but I could do without the novelty. The ice cream (RMB 68) was a miss for me and tasted more like a palette cleanser rather than a sumptuous and sweet end to a meal. Next time, I’ll try the Tarte Tatin (RMB 68) served with salted caramel ice cream. Sounds right up my street.

Apart from the tableside decanted wine, this spot, as designed, is casual fine dining and a wonderful environment in which to have a date night. Bring out-of-town friends after a spot of shopping, or for a girls night out, and take up residence at the bar where they serve perfectly balanced coffee Martinis. Wash it down while taking in the city view from the rooftop terrace. Summer is here, and this place is designed for warm nights with friends or a loved one.

Rive Gauche
The Puxuan Hotel, 1 Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District (10 5393 6688)information@thepuxuan.com(6.00pm – 10.00pm).

Photos: Nicole Bonnah, Rive Gauche Management

Dining on Cloud 9

This time around in our Date Night venue review of the week, we hope you can handle high altitudes of love, romance, and fine dining. Be prepared to enter an oasis of calm and charm as you watch the world go by on the 39th floor of The View 3912.

The name, of course, alludes to what to expect on an evening dining high up in the sky; The View 3912 indeed has quite the view. Dining while overlooking a twinkling city landscape at night is definitely the kind of romance starter you need, especially on Valentines Day. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better place to feel like you are on top of the world with your loved one.

The space is intimate, frequented by those looking for a place to pop the question. In fact, I was sat at the restaurants prized table, adorned with a plaque displaying the number of proposals that has taken place so far at that very spot (3,387). As gimmicky as one might find this, it was genuinely warming to hear of the owner talk with pride and appreciation for couples that had chosen to share one of their momentous occasions at this particular place among many others.

The décor is French chic meets ancient Rome, with dried and fresh wild follows decorating the entrance table, a French bistro style bar and Baroque style furnishings. If you want to be surrounded by all things romance, then this is the restaurant for you.

On arrival, I was presented with a glass of Moscato, followed by a canapé of fried potato and sweet chutney. The appetizer was show stopping, and was all about the pomp and ceremony but delivered equally on taste. The Goose Liver Cuban Cigar, served in a Cigar Box was light and gamey with a crunch. The delicate Foie Gras neatly rolled and incased in a crispy tuiles was presented beautifully and as I opened the box, the smokey aroma of Cuban tobacco met me just before taking a bite; this is a dish that invites all of the senses to engage.

The French mushroom soup was creamy and frothy, and tasted like it had been whipped into a light foam and was decadently flavored with truffle and cream. To be honest, I could have gone for a high-street serving of this, rather than the minuscule fine dining portion I received. It was delicious, but just didn’t last long enough!

The Sea Bass was melt in the mouth and meaty. Plated with a sharp blueberry compote, edible flowers and a creamy sauce, the first impression was that the flavor combinations might be a little on the bizarre side, however this dish was a delight to eat and all the flavors worked in harmony with one another.

The crème da la crème of the night’s dishes has to be the perfectly cooked Australian fillet steak. Presented in a smoking aromatic box, served with crispy seasonal vegetables, peas puree, and red wine jus, the beef was well seasoned and tasty. The sides need beefing out a little and one might feel like they need extra carbs in the form of mash potato or a potato gratin for instance. That being said, this was the perfect end to the savories for the evening.

The cinematic finale was a duo of sweet French desserts. The selection of desserts change each week and so provide an element of surprise at the end of the dining experience. Dark chocolate, fruit and mango ice cream with a sugar snap and popping candy was yum, followed by petite fleur on ice!

The restaurant has a selection of set menus to choose from and this particular six-course set menu will set you back RMB 680 per person. For an extra RMB 260 you can also enjoy a selection of paired red and white wines.

I am partial to a little fine dining as long as it isn’t too pretentious and I don’t leave hungry, heading for the nearest 24-hour McDonalds! However, The View 3912 was something special. I didn’t leave hungry, but definitely wanted more. For special occasions and when showing off the city to visiting family and friends, I would give this go.

Enjoy the view!

Photos: Nicole Bonnah

I love Italian food, especially during the winter months, when only a steamy risotto or thinly layered lasagna will do. Of course, good Italian food can be just as appealing in the summer, with beautiful cold cuts of ham, sweet pitted olives, beef carpaccio, and light kinds of pasta. For those that appreciate authentic plates of Italian, it’s time to firmly say “No!” to the stodgy, creamy messes some proprietors want to call ‘real’ Italian food in this great city of Beijing, and transport yourself to a little town, that sits on a hill, surrounded by vineyards – that’ll be the newly opened Ponte.

There has been a clear Italian heavyweight among the city’s limited selection of options, evidenced in kitchens all across Beijing that have amassed stockpiles of white bowls adorned with lemons and apples. So there’s no better time than now to try out Annie’s new swankier sister venture. An evening at Ponte is promised to be “ Your Bridge to Italy”, and it delivers.

Hidden obscurely on the ground floor of what looks like an abandoned shopping mall, behind a Paris Baguette, red neon lighting will lead you to an Art Deco-style Italian deli, restaurant, and bar. Smartly dressed servers greet you at the door, ready to escort you to your seat. The service immediately screams five stars, in an unpretentious fashion that gives it a “local” charm rather than a generic fine-dining feel.

Knowledgeable staff started service with a smile and their names, and in offering drinks, made several recommendations of aperitifs, cocktails, and wine; I settled for the Negroni. I make these all the time at home and swear by my own generous pours of gin and Campari, confident that my homemade versions couldn’t be beaten. I was wrong. Beautifully presented (a drink is only as good as the glass its served in) and balanced, the Negroni was a winner.

Ponte’s Negroni

Chef Marco designed a five-course set menu and from start to finish, there were elements of true surprise and innovation. We were served White Pizza with San Daniele Ham as a welcome snack. Chef Marco explained that this ham should not be confused with Parma ham (most Italian hams are named after their region), but that this ham is sweeter, as San Daniele sits up high on a hill, where the grass is literally ‘greener’. At first, I thought this might be a bit of a biased spiel, (like the ones about corn-fed chickens), but the layered ham sitting atop of perfectly thin and crispy oven-baked pizza, seasoned with fresh rosemary and olive oil, was sweet and salty with a meatier texture than its inferior cousin from Parma. Although not on the menu, this dish can be sampled by ordering the cold cuts plate from their Deli counter.

White Pizza and San Daniele Ham

Beef Carpaccio with black truffle (RMB 68) followed. Extremely finely sliced beef was melt-in-the-mouth and literally came apart when handled with a fork. This is how Carpaccio should be served; however, a sprinkle of rock salt with a little pepper would have lifted this plate to even higher planes.

Beef Carpaccio with Black Truffle

The Roasted Salmon with mixed vegetables and orange mayonnaise (RMB 108) was flaky and well cooked. I would never have thought to pair salmon with anything orange flavored, but the combination worked, and in fact, was easily one of my favorite pairings of the night. The dish was well presented and if you have any of the complimentary house bread left, wipe your plate clean!

Roasted Salmon

The next course, for me, was one of the best dishes I have had the pleasure of eating at an Italian restaurant. Chef Marco’s take on the classic carbonara flavors is quite genius and oh so delicious. The Handmade Egg Yolk-Filled Ravioli in Cream and Bacon Sauce (RMB 59), was a deconstructed version of the carbonara (don’t let me lose you with the word deconstructed) and was honestly heavenly. Out of perfectly thinly-rolled ravioli, spilled gorgeous egg yolk, surrounded by a delicate and light sauce, and crispy bacon on the side. Yum.

Egg-yolk filled Ravioli in Cream and Bacon Sauce

The Black Truffle Risotto (RMB 128) was a close runner-up to this dish, packing a punch with heavy notes of truffle and black pepper, beautifully held together with a creamy Taleggio cheese fondue and a crispy Parmesan tuiles.

Black Truffle Risotto

The Grilled Cod Fish with Orange and Carrot Puree (278) was pleasant, the fish cooked well with a crisp layer of skin. The dish would work quite well without the segments of orange and a less sweet finish on the puree. The Milanese style beef filet with rucola, pine nuts, and mustard sauce (RMB 208), potentially would have been my go-to dish on an evening for the main course, had the perfectly seared and cooked beef filet not been smothered in breadcrumbs.

Milanese Style Beef Filet

For dessert, yes you guessed it: Tiramisu (RMB 78) must always be the closing dish to any authentic Italian meal. Light, creamy, dusted with cocoa and finished off with caramel almond crisps, this was the best way to end what was genuinely a lovely evening.

Tiramisu

At Ponte, expect excellent service, Italian cuisine that by far exceeds other local fare, and awesome offerings like their Italian Aperitivo evenings from 6pm-8pm, every Friday and Saturday, where guests can enjoy free-flow wine and draft beer with imported cheeses and cold cuts for the whoppingly value for money price of RMB 89 (will increase to RMB 99 as of February). My family happen to live across the road, and so this haunt is bound to become a regular date-night spot for hubby and me.

Top Tip
Ponte also has a casual space for breakfast; special offers include breakfast sets that start from RMB 29. Check out the Deli and their extensive range of imported cheese, cured meats, Italian extra virgin olive oil, and freshly baked bread.

Ponte
106, Bldg 15, Zone 1, 6 East Fourth Ring Road North, Chaoyang District (10 6501 2934) 朝阳区东四环北路6号1区15号楼106号

Photos: Nicole Bonnah

The fam and I recently went to Migas in Sanlitun. We wanted to get one last glimpse before this Sanlitun dining and nightlife mainstay shuttered their doors forever on January 1, and entered the lengthy list of venues that we once frequented as Beijing party monsters but are currently no more. With my one-year-old son in tow, it goes without saying that this experience was very different than those that usually ended with the sun coming up while disco dancing on their infamous rooftop.

When going to a nice restaurant with a toddler, there are numerous things that you often need to keep in mind to maintain the sanity of not only you and your spouse, but also the other diners, staff, and anyone else in your immediate proximity. This is why most people probably keep their fine dining outings to a minimum and usually opt for a more noisy and casual setting.

After all, keeping a small toddler occupied while trying to enjoy a nice meal out on the town can be a big challenge. Not only are the adults famished and trying to enjoy their food while it’s still hot, but you also need to pacify the child as to not upset other patrons in the restaurant.

How is this usually done? I believe that every family has their methods but it often consists of a variety of funny faces, feeding the baby a little from your plate, and of course, play! We try to leave the iPhone or iPad out of the equation, but can completely understand if this is your option to feast peacefully. I would like to think that my wife and I have it down to a science, but most of the time, we just end up taking turns between eating and putting on a show for him as he sits there occasionally yelling “dat” at slightly beyond the socially acceptable volume. It is very likely that we are the annoying ones to other restaurant patrons sitting around us, and not our child.

On this particular evening, he was behaving pretty well considering the hard, brutalist highchairs which are usually provided by a majority of stylish restaurants. What’s the deal with that anyway? My wife and I were paying close attention to his mood, giving him food, and dropping water into his mouth from a straw, which happens to be his favorite thing in the world right now. Even the staff couldn’t get enough of the little guy and were always dropping by to make funny faces in his direction. We were having a grand time, enjoying each other’s company and all of the delicious items we could get our hands on. We do our best in trying to have our child feel like he is participating in the experience, and not just ignoring his cries while we quickly stuff our faces with delicious Spanish cuisine.

Despite his simpatico behavior (for most of the dinner) we were greeted with some unpleasantness and stares from the table next to us, who preceded to give each other high-fives as we were leaving.

This got me a little upset and thinking for a moment about whether or not we should even attempt going out if we are to be met with such disapproval. In my head, I started to weigh out the benefits and drawbacks and ultimately decided that all of the nasty looks or condemnation in the world weren’t going to prevent me from taking my small family out for a nice meal on the town. I want quality food to be a part of my son’s life from the get-go, and not just burgers, pizza, or any other place that where a noisy child can blend in with the natural environment.

Many parents from around the world would probably opt out of many dining experiences because they don’t want to create a scene by introducing the infant wild card on to the fine dining atmosphere. This is understandable, and I get it.

Are we selfish for wanting to introduce quality food to our kid early on? Probably! I guess that makes us the problem for some people, but that’s not going to stop us from going out and enjoying ourselves, and this shouldn’t stop any of you out there wanting a nice meal with your young kids as well. So you better beware, diners. We are here and ready to ruin your meal, and we are totally OK with it. At least we aren’t sitting next to you on a transpacific flight.

Photo: Kipp Whittaker