Halloween is awesome…and busy. Growing up, our house was like Grand Central Station on Oct 31. There were three kids and between afterschool rehearsals, practices, meetings, Halloween parties, and trick or treating, we were in and out of the house at all different times. Not wanting her children to survive on candy alone, my mom would double up on a batch of slow cooker sloppy joes that we could grab and go as needed, ensuring that at least some protein and vegetables made it into our systems. Before long it was a family tradition and my siblings and I would bring friends to the house to refuel after practices but before we went out into the cold, begging strangers for sugar.

Similarly, life in Beijing is hectic. So if you’re looking for an easy go-to Halloween dinner that’s ready when you are here, are a few local options… including my mom’s recipe for sloppy joes! All restaurants mentioned can be found on Meituan, Sherpas, or JSS. For tips and tricks on how to use these apps check out this article Food at Your Fingertips.

Huluween at Hulu by TRB is a Beijing tradition! I mean, where else can you devour some batwings and salmon fingers before hitting up your costume party. No time to eat out this year? Simply order the Halloween Box from Peach by Hulu.

Meanwhile, Feast at East will have a Halloween-themed buffet, and kids who attend get free admission to Xian’s haunted house! For booking and directions scan the code in the flyer.

Larry the Bird delivers now, which is great if you’re looking for food that anyone in the family can quickly grab between activities! Order a whole chicken and some sides.

Dia de Los Muertos – aka Day of the Dead – is Nov 1, so for a Latin spin on the spooky spirit, order in tacos or a mixed grill from Pebbles Courtyard!

Moms Super Easy Fix-and-Forget Sloppy Joes:

• 1 lb. ground beef (browned in a skillet)
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 1 green or red bell pepper diced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 8 oz. can tomato sauce (not paste)
• 2 tbsp. mustard
• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder or 4 cloves of chopped garlic
• 1/4 tsp. chili powder (optional)
• Hamburger buns

Dump everything except the hamburger buns in the slow cooker. Set on medium. Leave it alone for anywhere from 3-12 hours.

When you are ready to eat, spoon it onto the bun and serve.

Told you…easy!

KEEP READING: Brush Up On Your Monster Lingo

Images: Unsplash, Hulu, Feast, Larry the Bird

We all love and appreciate teachers, especially after such a challenging year. While they and their families were comprehending what COVID-19 meant in real-time just like we all did, they also had to cut their vacations short and build/learn an entirely new way of teaching online overnight. Many worked across timezones to create a virtual school experience for our children, while also finding ways to return to Beijing themselves.

Then there was every new protocol and precaution needed to allow schools to open, as well as adjusting to both e-learning and in-person learning while wearing masks and eating in socially-distanced cafeterias. Even now, we’re experiencing holiday shows that are live-streamed and school breaks when any travel could be risky.

Man, our teachers need a break! That’s where Hulu at WAB comes in. We’ve already tried this place out and found it quite delicious — as expected — but from now through Dec 30 (with the exception of Dec 24 and 25), all teachers and school staff can be treated to free-flow drinks with just a minimum RMB 98 spend on food!

Did we need another reason to order sliders for our kids and indulge in their desserts? I thought not, but this is a wonderful way to say thank you to our teachers for moving through 2020 with grace, humor, and love!

KEEP READING: Jing Educators Award 2020: Marketing and Communications

Photos: Hulu Next to WAB

The strip of shops just outside the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) campus on Laiguangying Dong Lu has seen a rapid revitalization in recent weeks, starting with Hulu taking over the space formerly occupied by Fella’s and ending with the opening this week of another branch of popular Japanese spot Hatsune.

In between, a new Indian spot operated by a former Ganges manager — Ganga Impression — has opened, as well as Hulu’s fast-casual/healthy dining option Peach in the spot formerly occupied by Doko.

All in all, the four new dining options have added variety to the strip and made it more of an attraction for the dense residential compounds that surround nearby school campuses such as WAB, the French International School of Beijing (LFIP), Harrow Beijing (HBJ), Daystar Academy, and The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB).

Hatsune’s newest location is just outside WAB

The new openings make for stellar compliments to other, longer-term food options on the strip, including South African restaurant Pinotage, Michael’s German Bakery, and the Secrets of Africa bakery/coffee shop (not to mention the Annie’s and the Comptoirs de France just a stone’s throw away).

In addition, rumor has it that Pie Squared, the Detroit-style pizza joint currently located in the shopping area north of Beijing Riviera, will be moving into the strip soon.

Ganga Impression brings an expansive new Indian menu and takeout options in the WAB area

While all this dining action may not merit a special trip from downtown, the revitalized row is a breath of fresh air for everyone living in the far northeastern corner of Chaoyang district between Wangjing/Lido and Shunyi.

KEEP READING: New Hulu by TRB is the Perfect Destination for Romantic Waterfront Dining

Photos: Michael Wester, Uni You

How much can one make in 15 days? If you’re growing an avocado from a pit you might see a sprout or two starting to emerge. And during the time of COVID-19, 15 days is just a little more time than you’d need to finish up quarantine. But for Ignace Lecleir, owner and founder of the TRB Group and the 2019 Best Restaurant in the World according to TripAdvisor, 15 days was enough to bring a whole new venture to life.

During the beginning of the outbreak when most restaurants in Beijing were closed, the Hulu by TRB team did the opposite. Quickly swinging into action, they took over the kitchen of Fella’s in Shunyi – a popular local after-work bar – and used it as a kind of local distribution area for their delivery service. Despite the fact that Hulu had never previously offered delivery, and that they were working from a totally new kitchen and location, the gamble paid off in a big way. The delivery service was such a hit amongst Shunyi families, that Lecleir and his team decided to take over the space permanently.

Those familiar with Fella’s will recognize the layout and the expansive outdoor deck. Gone is the foosball table, the kids’ play area, and the stage. They’re now replaced with a private dining room. Those looking for a drink rather than a meal will be happy to see that the back bar area still exists, brightened up with Hulu’s signatures flair.

At a preview last night, the restaurant’s ambiance and service level matched that of its downtown location.

Within just 15 short days of the acquisition, the TRB Group team has transformed Fella’s, the once scruffy local Shunyi sports pub into the brand new Hulu Shunyi.

The new Hulu Shunyi is ready to open

“We’re still setting up. It’s a race against time. Fifteen days to remodel and set it all up has been an intense experience. But then again, only in China are you able to do this.” Lecleir tells beijingkids on the eve of Apr 28, just two days before their grand opening.

While technically still in Chaoyang District, the new Hulu Shunyi is located just outside the campus of the Western Academy of Beijing, a stone’s throw from French International School of Beijing, and Harrow Beijing, and within a short commute (and delivery range) of the Shunyi Villa District. And while the terrace isn’t the large Hulu Sanlitun one you’re used to, it offers a beautiful view of the river, while the team provides the same exceptional service we’ve come to love. Perfect for weekend brunches with the family, afternoon teas with friends, and cocktails with the colleagues after work, all without the headache of being stuck in Beijing’s infamous rush hour traffic.

You’re seeing it here first. Shunyi’s newest hangout spot!

So what’s on the menu? For now, the new Hulu Shunyi will offer the same menu as Hulu Sanlitun, along with a kid-friendly menu and coloring books to keep the kids entertained while grownups wine and dine.

It’s about time Shunyi got some love from restauranteurs, so we have no doubt it’s going to become a very popular local spot in no time.

The brand new Hulu Shunyi officially opens on May 1. To make a reservation at the new Hulu Shunyi (or any of the TRB Group restaurants) message them on WeChat at ilovehuluforever.

KEEP READING: Happy Home, Happy Business: “Diversifying Is an Important Foundation”

Photos: Hulu Shunyi

Most of us are looking at another week spent quarantined at home, longing for the day when our lives can go back to normal. I for one like to look at the silver lining, and for a foodie, that means delivery from my favorite restaurants. Frankly, it seems like a no-brainer. Getting your comfort food delivered during a time like this can be just the pick-me-up you need to add a bit of normalcy to your day.

Many of Beijing’s favorite restaurants amongst expats have been creating new menus and delivery methods to get food from their kitchen to your table as fast as they can. Here a few comfort food delivery deals to get your week started in a tasty fashion.

Annie’s Italian Chef Starter Pack

From Feb 23 to March 31 they’re offering 20 percent off their “Annie’s ingredients selection package”. The package lets you try your hand at cooking up some Italian classics.

There are six items in the package, all of which have been reduced by 20 percent:

• Aceto Balsamico di Modena Etichetta Platino (250ml), originally RMB 136
• Creamy Modena balsamic vinegar (500ml) originally RMB 98
• Filippo Berio extra virgin olive oil (750ml) originally RMB 96
• Anrini Modena balsamic vinegar (500ml) originally RMB 58
• Divella spaghetti #8 (500g), originally RMB 18
• Parmesan cheese (240g), originally RMB 80

Or, for those who want to just skip to the eating part and leave the cooking to the professionals, Annie’s will still be delivering their entire menu. Order directly from their WeChat account (anniesbeijing).

The Bake Shop

The Bake Shop now delivers carbo-loaded brunch sets! We’re in quarantine and, let’s be honest, it really doesn’t matter whether it’s the weekend or not. When you’re quarantined at home, any day is good for brunch.

They now offer four types of brunch sets (for 2 or 4 people) of either bagel and locks or freshly baked San Francisco style sourdough. And if that’s not enough to satisfy your belly, each set comes with their freshly baked giant scones.

For those who just want freshly baked bread and bagels, the Bake Shop will continue to deliver these carb-y delights every day as long as your order meets the minimum spending of RMB 68.

Scan the QR code to order directly through their mini-program.

Hulu Delivery

Keeping with the Hulu way of always staying new and fresh, Hulu Delivery has added three new dishes in their Asian Corner including a tofu pumpkin salad, gong bao chicken with rice, and Thai coconut chicken curry with rice.

On top of their new Asian Corner additions, Hulu will continue to serve up different three-course weekly set lunch options for RMB 98.

Photos: Annie’s, Hulu, The Bake Shop, unsplash

Great news for Shunyi families. Hulu by TRB has set up shop at Fella’s and will be cooking up their entire menu available for delivery starting today. Now they’ll be able to deliver all your favorite Hulu dishes to Lauguangying and its surrounding areas. With our without this Coronavirus self-quarantine, this is fantastic news for families in Shunyi who dread the idea of going all the way to Sanlitun just for a bit of culinary variety.

But don’t go looking up Hulu on your favorite food delivery app just yet. For now, you won’t find them on any of the apps. During the COVID-19 period, Hulu is taking extra precautions with your food to make sure that only their staff, whom they’ve been keeping a close eye on, are handling the orders. From preparations, cooking, packaging, and finally delivery, your order never leaves the hands of Hulu staff.

To order Hulu Delivery, contact them through WeChat by scanning the QR code below.

Photos: courtesy of Hulu by TRB

Some call it a quarantine, I call it a staycation (sometimes). The timing is perfect. Hulu by TRB has just introduced their new service – Hulu Delivery. While some might think, ‘Yeah, what’s the big deal? Loads of restaurants are on food delivery apps.’ This one’s different.

Hulu is offering their whole menu to be delivered to your home by their own staff and since for most of us, Hulu is a place for comfort food where we’ve grown to know and love their team, it’s extra comforting knowing that my food was cooked by their chefs, packed by their team, and delivered to me by their own team member, without ever being handled by strangers.

During the beginning of Chinese New Year, they sent out their sanitation procedures through WeChat. The restaurant has been monitoring the health of the staff closely, requiring all staff to wear masks, cleaning all of their restaurants with disinfectants each day, and carefully checking their ingredients to ensure the safety of both their own staff and guests.

Yesterday Hulu officially announced the launch of Hulu Delivery.

One of the things I love about Hulu is their attention to detail when it comes to presentation. You’re not just eating with your mouth. You’re eating with your eyes too. With many restaurants, food prepared for delivery gets packaged so tightly that, while they still taste great, they look less than pleasing. Not here. My food arrived in a black Hulu box with a white TRB Restaurant bow on top. The last time I received a box like this was when I bought a Chanel bag. Hulu has made their delivery look like couture. Inside, along with my orders were handwritten notes of encouragement from the Hulu team. It was the perfect little pick-me-up.

According to Rutger Wildenborg, for the moment, “we will do the whole process from A to Z by ourselves as we would love to control the quality. For that reason, we will (for the moment) only do deliveries with pre-order (Wechat: ilovehuluforever) and limit to 25 orders for lunch and 25 orders for dinner.” He went on to explain that, “this current time has limited the availability of our packaging supplier so we will use very basic packaging.”

To get in touch with Hulu Delivery, scan the QR code below to add them on WeChat, ask for a copy of their entire menu, and enjoy.

Photos: Hulu, Mina Yan, unsplash

It’s that time of the year again folks! When leaves start to change, we trade in our tank tops for sweaters, and men all over the world grow out their mustaches for a good cause. That’s right, it’s Movember! Or as it’s more commonly known here in Beijing, Maovember; a playful little portmanteau that combines the international title for the fundraising effort and the ‘mao,’ a coin worth one-tenth of the yuan.

The idea behind calling this month-long event Maovember is not only to work a little Beijing flavor into the mix, but rather to suggest that even the smallest donations can add up to big results. Put another way, enough small change equals pretty big change.

This year, the volunteers behind Maovember have teamed up with The Library Project, an organization that, since its founding in 2006, has furnished more than 2,000 libraries with books, tables, chairs, and shelves. Maovember is dedicated to working with groups that display the utmost transparency so that participants can see tangible results from the work they do and the money they raise. Last year, this resulted in a delivery van and baking equipment being donated to Bread of Life, an organization that employs orphans who suffer from brittle bone disease. 

Although the festivities will be raging — and the funds a’ raising — all month long, Maovember officially kicks off this Friday, Nov 1 with a launch party at Hulu in Sanlitun (S4-32, Taikoo Li South, Sanlitun, Chaoyang). Beginning at 6.30pm, folks are invited to the “Terrace Party,” where for RMB 150, they’ll get one hot drink or wine, a 2019 Maovember pin, and snacks, with more drinks available throughout the night. Of course, all the money for this event will be going to The Library Project. What’s more, there’ll be games to round the whole thing out, with the chance to win boozy prizes to boot!

It would be great to start this celebration off strong, with a big turnout at Hulu, but if you can’t make it that evening, fear not. Maovember will be running all month long with a number of restaurants, bars, suppliers, and customers joining together for the good cause. Each event will feature food and drink deals, as well as fun activities such as beer or wine tastings, quiz nights, and sporty contests, with all proceeds going to The Library Project. There’s also plenty of other ways to support, such as purchasing an official Maovember pin (RMB 50), spreading the word on social media, or making a direct contribution to the The Library Project.

To RSVP for the Maovember-Hulu Terrace Party launch event, email nihao@maovember.com.

For more information about The Library Project, click here.

Photos: Pixabay, Maovember Organizers, The Library Project

There are people who couldn’t care less about Halloween, those who like Halloween, and then there are my kind of people who are obsessed with Halloween! As someone who starts creating a Pinterest board with Halloween costume ideas 6 months in advance, I was thrilled to find out that there’s someone with a Halloween obsession to rival my own. 

Hulu’s owner and founder, Ignace Lecleir, has created the most extensive Halloween menu that’s kid-friendly and brings back those nostalgic childhood memories in grown-ups. The entire Halloween menu book – yeah, it’s that extensive – is available at both Hulu and Merci from now until November 3.

Hulu by TRB
Daily from 11am-12am Friday-Saturday, 11am-11pm Sunday-Thursday, S4-32 Taikoo Li, Sanlitun South, Chaoyang District, 6512 5701