In November of last year, the Beijing community came together to help Tristan Starobynski, a young former Beijing expat who had been diagnosed with aplastic anemia, get the help he needed with a one-hour dance workout fundraiser at International School of Beijing (ISB), the school Tristan attended. Aplastic anemia is a serious medical condition in which a person’s bone marrow doesn’t produce enough new blood cells.

On Sat, May 17, Eudora Station in Lido will host a heartfelt benefit concert in memory of Tristan, a beloved individual whose life touched many before his passing on Mar 27. The event, running from 5pm into the evening, promises an unforgettable night of music, love, and community as friends, family, and supporters gather to celebrate Tristan’s legacy.

The concert will feature live performances by talented artists, including Greg Luttrell, Dooder, and other special guests. Through their music, they aim to honor Tristan’s spirit, creating a space where attendees can reflect, connect, and find solace in shared memories.

All proceeds will go toward Tristan’s medical expenses, helping to honor his memory by alleviating the financial burden on his family. The organizers have suggested a donation of RMB 200, though attendees are encouraged to contribute more if possible. For those unable to attend but wishing to support, a convenient QR code is provided for direct contributions.

This concert is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of Tristan’s life and the impact he had on those around him. By uniting people through music, the event embodies the power of community and the enduring bonds that Tristan helped forge.

Let’s honor Tristan’s memory by standing together in love and solidarity.

When: Sat, May 17, starting at 5pm
Where: Eudora Station (Lido)

Find it:
6 Fangyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区芳园西路6号

Images: 

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.

Going to Obentos on Mondays has become a bit of a ritual for me. Having survived another weekend of, well, I’ll leave that up to your imagination, nothing else strikes the right balance of healthy, substantive, casual, and reasonably priced grub in a way that doesn’t shovel more guilt onto my already fragile state.

Light and airy, Obentos has bagged the prime spot in Lido’s increasingly bustling Nuo Center

Of course, plenty of actually healthy people eat there too, as is apparent during a bustling lunchtime at their new Lido venue. Easily their best yet, the restaurant occupies the ground floor corner of Nuo Center, with natural light filling the airy space and illuminating the tastefully framed hangings that come straight out of the Obentos school of design.

Kick your meal off with a plate of seed chips, veggie sticks, and spiced pumpkin dip (RMB 28)

The new menu, meanwhile, adheres to the restaurant’s quest to make Japanese-inspired food that is healthy but not at the expense of flavor, or more importantly, the enjoyment of the diner. This summer menu is one of the best examples of this mission yet, with additions that are as tasty, but more rounded, than what would expect to find from your run-of-the-mill bento, for example.

Obentos does skip out of ingredients where others might

The Thai prawn cocktail summer bento (RMB 68) is absolutely bursting with the piquant notes and hearty crunch you’d expect from a Thai salad. More importantly, this is no two-prawn-bit, and you’ll need to dig through the generous layer of juicy prawns and crumbled peanuts to even get the greens. And whereas the salad is already sizable, it of course includes the usual brown rice and sides to more than satisfy any remaining hunger pangs.

One of the lighter options on this new summer menu is the “Ain’t No Grains Here Summer Bowl”

On the lighter side of the spectrum, the “Ain’t No Grains Here Summer Bowl” (RMB 60, add salmon for RMB 20) keeps things strictly lean but filling with a plentiful grab-bag of cauliflower rice, spiced kale, zucchini, pumpkin smash, rocket, and a gooey onsen egg on top for good measure. Wafu dressing, flakes of dried seaweed, and sesame seeds bring the dish together.

Adding these new options to the already bulging menu and a space that perfectly matches the breezy but accomplished dishes at hand, and you have another win for Obentos and Lido’s dining scene. As for myself, I expect to be occupied for many more Monday meals to come.

Obentos
Mon-Fri, 8am-10pm; Sat-Sun, 9am-10pm. 1/F, Nuo Center, 2A Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (8433 0671)
朝阳区将台路甲2号金尚丽1层

Photos: Tom Arnstein

Beijing consists of 16 districts containing over 21 million people. In this series, we will be focusing on seven neighborhoods in four separate districts, which have become the most popular among Beijing’s expat community. While these aren’t the only areas that are home to waiguoren, these are the most accessible and offer, in our opinion, the best Beijing experience depending on your tastes and preferences.

Wangjing and Lido lie halfway between Shunyi and downtown Beijing. These areas are popular with both families and expat English teachers due to their relatively cheaper rent, access to international hospitals and schools, and proximity to major foreign companies such as Samsung, Ericsson, Nokia, and Microsoft. Both have significant Korean communities, especially Wangjing, which hosts a cornucopia of Korean chain stores, restaurants, and grocery chains.

Pros

+ Short commute to international schools in Laiguangying and Beigao area

+ Proximity to the headquarters of foreign companies

+ Close to family-friendly destinations such as Si’de Park

+ 798 Art District

+ Indigo Mall

+ International grocery chains

Cons

– Connected to the city via satellite subway lines (13, 14, and 15)

– Limited things to do for families, though the area is growing

– Lacks authentic Beijing culture

when compared to some other inner city areas

Residential Compounds

Wangjing and Lido have a number of choice compounds on offer. Wangjing Huayuan is in a great location; close to local kindergartens, Chinese groceries, banks, hospitals, post office, beauty salons, and even a Wal-Mart. Upper East Side is also well located, and has its own gym, sauna, and swimming pool, as well as a coffee shop within the compound. Chateau Regency has a fitness center, a convenience store, and a playground. Mookey Swim, a popular parent-owned center offering baby swimming classes, is also located on the ground floor of Chateau Regency.

Schools

Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) and 3e International School can both be found in Wangjing. There are also other international schools that cater specifically to the dense population of Koreans and Japanese in the neighborhood. Olivia’s Place is also good to know if you require learning support or other special needs services.

Indigo Mall

Shopping

The world’s second largest IKEA is located in Wangjing, right by French grocery chain Carrefour, with its built-in air purification and water recycling systems. Indigo Mall near 798 Art District offers entertainment, good shopping and dining, with a cinema, restaurants, BHG Marketplace, frequent children’s events, and a large outdoor playground. You can also find April Gourmet on Fangyuan South Street, just a few blocks away from Upper East Side Compound.

Great Leap Brewing

Dining

Wangjing has some great Korean restaurants and markets. Next to Si’de Park, the Korean-owned CJ Foodworld houses a Tous les Jours bakery, Bibigo, Twosome Coffee, and Mann Coffee. There’s also Element Fresh, Annie’s, Taj Pavilion, a new Great Leap Brewing, and more. If you looking for a superb spot to brunch when the weekend hits, then look no further than either Nuo Hotel Beijing’s N’Joy or EAST Hotel’s Feast. A good breakfast, lunch, or dinner option can be also found at Ponte, with seasonal offers from their fresh Italian Deli, house bakery, or al la carte menu. Tucked away behind April Gourmet, you will find a little Vietnamese gem, Pho, serving up traditional steaming bowls of pho and a variety of authentic Thai dishes.

Art workshop for kids at M Woods

Where to Play

Wangjing and Lido both have a very vibrant expat scene with plenty of entertainment options. Lido Place is a popular apartment and mall complex where many foreigners reside and also many fairs and bazaars are held. This can be great for those looking to connect with the local crafts scene or the occasional farmer’s market. Another option is Indigo Mall, located just south of 798, which hosts regular kids’ events in its airy atrium space. They also have numerous restaurants, children’s brands, and play centers. In the warmer months, families can access the Indigo Playground out back, which features a fountain and two play areas connected by a garden. For greenery, Si’de Park in Lido is a modest park and a popular destination for families, which features a running track that winds around the entirety of the park, along with a roller skating rink, a fishing pond, soccer field, playground, a bouncy castle, and fairground rides. For arts and crafts for the kids, check out art studio, DDK Art, tucked behind the North West side of Upper East Side compound or the family art workshops at M Woods in 798. Unique classes in painting, sculpting, pottery, and more are on offer.

This article appeared in the beijingkids June 2019 Home & Relocation Guide issue.

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

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

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

Lido restaurant Ramo — one of Beijing’s most popular spots for pizza, pasta, brunch, and other comfort food — suddenly announced its closure today (Friday, Dec 28) via a WeChat post. The news will be all the more disappointing for fans because its recent relocation to the relatively stable Lido seemed like a surefire bet to stave off such a shock shuttering.

The Lido restaurant boasted a flashy, boldly fun ambiance

Owner Paca Lee opened Ramo’s first incarnation in 2014 at Fangjia Hutong, a former magnet for foodies and party goers in Dongcheng, at least until 2017. After that, the alley became notorious as ground zero for Beijing’s Great Brickening renovation campaign, which left many small businesses decimated.

Read: Fate of Fangjia Hangouts Unclear at the Height of the Great Brickening

Lee opened Ramo 2.0 in Lido within a few months of Fangjia’s gentrification, much to the surprise of foodies and the capital’s F&B industry. After all, Lido is a comparatively sleepy neighborhood, where many upwardly mobile Chinese and well-to-do expats with families dwell. It was certainly a far cry from the lively drinking and dining hotspot that Fangjia was in its heyday.

The new Lido location was more family friendly than its predecessor

Nevertheless, many felt that Lee pulled off the change with aplomb, opening a far bigger restaurant painted in bold bright colors that not only appealed to Lido families with its ball pit replete play area but also lived up to its predecessor’s party rep with a stylish upstairs bar.

Lee and her team admitted in the closing announcement that the past year “has been a tough one for us” but stressed that they nevertheless “have shared tons… of joy and laughter, and we wish that Ramo would always exist in your memories as an oasis of good food.”

The restaurant’s team ended that statement with an admission that is sure to dismay Ramo diehards all the more: “At this moment, we are not certain of our next move yet [but]we are surely looking forward to seeing you soon again!”

Read their statement in full here.

Photos: Courtesy of Ramo

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids! 

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page.

Fun for Everyone

INN Sanlitun Coffee Morning – Meet & Greet, Aug 21
Adults. INN (International Newcomer’s Network) is hosting their “welcome back from summer” coffee morning at The Bookworm in Sanlitun, with a Meet & Greet for newcomers to Beijing. Don’t worry, long-timers here are also welcome to join everyone, for a morning of fun conversation and of course coffee if that is your drink of choice! The Bookworm has many fresh juices along with teas and other beverages if you are looking for something cooler on these hot summer days. Free admission. 10am-noon. The Bookworm.

Rumble in the Jumble @ Modernista, Aug 18
All ages. Rumble in the Jumble is a monthly market that has taken on its own magnificent form, featuring a mix of haberdashery and homemade goodies. From baking, clothing, jewelry, books and more, the bazaar is a one-stop shop for all things vintage and craft. Rumble in the Jumble is where British jumble sales, American thrift stores, and Chinese markets collide. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista.

When Should My Child Start Getting Braces? Aug 18
Adults. IDC Dental will give an in-house presentation to parents about getting kids started on orthodontics. Chief Doctor and CEO Dr. Jaclyn Dam-Laute will answer questions and help parents make an informed decision about their children’s oral health. Coffee and snacks will also be provided, and those who attend the event get to take home a goodie bag. Free admission but pre-registration required. 2pm-4pm. IDC Dental. (6538 8111, info@idcdentalbj.com)

Dine Out

Romantic Chinese Valentine’s Day Dinner at Lu Yu, Aug 17
Adults. Lovebirds are welcome to Lu Yu on Chinese Valentine’s Day. Spoil your date with a traditional yet romantic Chinese set menu. For more information, visit this page. RMB 999 per couple, including two glasses of sparkling wine. 6-9.30pm. Lu Yu, Conrad Beijing. (6584 6290)

Chinese Valentine’s Day at Morton’s, Aug 17
Adults. Join steakhouse Morton’s of Chicago for a special Chinese Valentine’s Day menu, including their Prime Ocean Platter or a dozen oysters, a choice of sumptuous steaks or a surf and turf steak and lobster dinner for two, and finish with a romantic New York Cheesecake. RMB 1,388 (see the menu here). 6pm. (6523 7777, www.mortons.com/beijing)

Tianmi Bakery Brunch Takeover, Aug 18
All ages. Have your cake and eat it too at this delicious brunch extravaganza. Think savory, bacon-y, tasty and of course, sweet. 10am. For more information or to make reservations, contact Arcade by Hatchery at 6500 2884.

State of the Arts

A Brushstroke is a Gesture: Art at The British House, Aug 17
Adults. The British House (TBH) invites everyone to their Art Salon with four brilliant British and Chinese artists, as part of their mission to be a platform for Sino-British exchange, especially in art, culture, and lifestyle. Join Dr. Cinzia Cremona, Mark O’Rourke, Zhou Yi, and Zheng Wei for this free artistic roundtable. Free admission (RSVP here). 3-5pm. The British House.

Marbling Painting Workshop at New Hope, Aug 19
All ages. New Hope Creative Expressions presents a marbling painting workshop at Beijing United Family New Hope Oncology Center. Marbling painting is the process of manipulating floating paints on the surface of a thick solution, producing mesmerizing patterns that bear a similarity to marble, and then carefully transfering them to a surface, such as paper or fabric. The attendees are mostly patients, but everyone is invited to join (see more info here). All materials are provided. 9.30-11.30am. BJU New Hope Oncology Center. (138 1055 4092)

Piano Carnival: International Masters Gala 2018, Aug 19
All ages. World-class pianists Jerome Lowenthal, Pavlina Dokovska, Graham Scott, Daniel Shapiro and Vladimir Valjarevic are joined by cellist Jean-Michel Fonteneau and violinist Herbert Greenberg for this piano extravaganza. Hear works including Bernstein’s Candide Overture, arranged for two pianos, and Smetana’s Rondo for Two Pianos, Eight Hands at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). RMB 100-500 (buy tickets here). Starts 7.30pm. NCPA.

NCPA International Children’s Theatre Festival 2018: Magnet Theatre AHA!, Aug 19-20
All ages. Magnet Theatre, in partnership with the Goethe Institut, brings this drama from Capetown, South Africa to the stage of the NCPA. An empty box is on stage… what could be inside but… string! Stimulate your imagination with nothing but grandma’s knitting box! RMB 180-300 (buy tickets here). 7.30pm. NCPA

Work Your Body

Yoga Chinese with Zhao: 4hr Workshop at Taozi Tree Yoga, Aug 14 and 21
Adults. Learn how to teach yoga in Chinese at this 4-hour workshop offered by Taozi Tree Yoga. In two sets of two-hour classes (total 4 hours), participants will learn how to use accurate pronunciation and proper Chinese expressions to teach yoga, while deepening their understanding of yoga. This is a course to help you build a connection with Chinese students. RMB 550 (register here). 7.30-9.30pm. A.C. Embassy Hotel (A.C. Art Museum Hotel).

Yummy Flying Therapeutics with Justine, Aug 18
Adults. Explore the restorative elements of therapeutic flying and experience deep release with the support of a partner. As a flyer or receiver, participants will learn to use gravity and suspend their bodies to give a yummy flying yoga therapy. RMB 300-350. 1-4pm. Yoga Yard.

Forbidden City Football Club Training, every Wed until Aug 29
Adults. Forbidden City FC are a club focused on fun, and have a great social scene. If you are moving to Beijing or currently live in Beijing, and have an interest in playing for Forbidden City, join them in their Wednesday trainings at Lido Si’de Park. RMB 30. 8-10pm. Lido Park Football Pitch. (forbiddencityfc@yahoo.com)

Photos: Courtesy of Lu Yu (featured photo) and event organizers