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

Whenever tragedy strikes Beijing, especially in a creative scene like our DJ community, we rally together to support our brothers and sisters in need. The passing of longtime funk stalwart rOobin G, co-founder of the party series Funk Fever is no exception.

On Sunday, Nov 26 (3pm-late), Migas will be hosting Funky Family, a day long, all-ages celebration of some of rOobin G’s favorite tunes and favorite local DJs, including CAD 73, Boflex, and Kel (of CRI’s The Groove Sessions).

Donations and a portion of all food and drink spendings will go into a fund for his wife Katrin and two kids Leo and Henry. This is a great way to help this young family rebuild their lives after the loss of this beautiful soul.

If you can’t make it to the event, there is also a gonfundme campaign where you can show your support. In addition to this, rOobin G’s longtime collaborator Jeff Hinson has made a mix that you can find here, that compiles some of Roobin’s signature tracks that he would play out at Funk Fever throughout their lengthy tenure as the only funk night in town. Finally, remember that community who funks together stays together.

Migas
6/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园6层
(5208 6061)

Photos: mixcloud.com, Migas

Summer’s here, and you know what that means! It is time to call your friends and take them to the best teen-friendly restaurants in Beijing. What’s better than exploring internationally diverse cuisine from America, Spain, Korea, Thailand, and China all in one city! Here are a few teen-friendly restaurants popular in town:

Migas Restaurant and Lounge

Located near Sanlitun Village, Migas Restaurant and Lounge offers various Spanish dishes and drinks put together by chefs from Spain. It is best known for its rooftop lounge where customers get the opportunity to simultaneously enjoy their cuisine and the stunning view of Chaoyang.

Teens love spending time here not only because of the delicious food, but also for the environment and breathtaking view from the rooftop lounge. Although the dishes can be a little pricey, it’s nice trying something new once in a while!

Recommendations (Provided by DaZhongDianPin):

Paella: 128 RMB

Mojito: 55 RMB

Homemade Skinny Fries: 118 RMB

*Prices vary from brunch to lunch to dinner

12-3pm (lunch). 7-10:30pm (dinner). Sanlitun Bar St #81, NaLi Patio, 6th floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 三里屯酒吧街81号那里花园6楼 (5208-6061)

Friday’s (星期五餐厅)

Friday’s, also known as T.G.I Friday’s (Thank Goodness, It’s Friday’s), is one of the most well-known western restaurants in Beijing. It has received a lot of positive feedback from both Chinese and international customers.

The restaurant provides various western dishes such as french fries, steak, burgers, brownies. It also has a bar where cocktails and alcohol are available for adults. Due to the name of the restaurant, most teenagers love spending their Friday evenings at Friday’s as they chat about assignments while watching a friendly game of American football.

Recommendations:

Jack Daniel’s Burger: 108 RMB

Cowboy Triple Meat Burger: 98 RMB

Fries: 28 RMB

Buffalo Wings: 38 RMB

Fish & Chips: 32 RMB

Soft Drinks: 20 RMB

Steak: 128 RMB

Beichen East Road #18, Grand Skylight Catic Hotel, 1st floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 北辰东路18号凯迪克格兰云天大酒店一层 (8497-0650).

Jinhui Rd #9, World City Building D, 1st floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 金汇路9号世界城D栋一层 (8590-3033).

Kro’s Club (乌巢比萨主义主题餐厅)

Kro’s Nest is the place to be when people mention “teen friendly” restaurants. It’s a great place to chillax and converse with your friends after an exhausting week at school or at work.

Kro’s Nest also offers food delivery for those who are too attached to their beds. Check out their website for offers and information on home delivery!

Recommendations:
Soft Drinks: 20 RMB

Fried Jalapenos: 35 RMB

Pizza Chip Nachos: 35 RMB

Pizza:

-Roll: 30 RMB ~ 40 RMB

-Medium: 100 RMB ~140 RMB

-Large: 150 RMB ~180 RMB

*Prices of pizza vary depending on the size and flavor of the pizza

Xiaoyun Rd #35, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 霄云路35号

North of Gongti Rd #04, Beijing Institution of Electrical & Mechanical Research, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 工体北路4号院机电研究院内

North of Chaoyang Rd #101, Chaoyang Joy City Mall, 1st floor, Chaoyang District.市朝阳区 朝阳北路101号朝阳大悦城1楼

Xidawang rd #01, Winterless Center Building A, 1st floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 西大望路甲1号温特莱中心A座1楼

North of Sanfeng, North Yau Tang Shenghuo Plaza, B1-1B. Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 三丰北里悠唐生活广场B1-1B

East of Hujing Rd #09, #11 Xinao Shopping Mall, B1-94-02, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 湖景东路9号、11号新奥购物中心B1-94-02

HaidiLao HotPot (海底捞)

HaidiLao is one of the most popular hotpot restaurants in Beijing! Not only is the food mouth-watering, but the service is also the best in the world! There are waiters waiting to pass a piece of paper to you after you just washed your hands–do you see what I’m saying?

Teens love this restaurant not only because of the service, but also for the wide variety of vegetables and meat provided. Everyone sitting around the hot pot talking, giggling, and hunting for the food in the pot really turns a day full of boredom to a day full of warmth!

Recommendations:

Soup Base: Yuanyang (Half spicy Half soup): 69 RMB

Shrimp: 48 RMB

Beef: 58 RMB

Lamb: 52 RMB

Seaweed: 20 RMB

Tofu: 18 RMB

South of Mofang Rd, Pingleyuan #29, XuJie Building, 1st Floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 南磨房路平乐园29号, 旭捷大厦一层

West of Hongmiaoyanjing Rd #02, Donghua Building #02, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 红庙延静西里2号东华商大厦2楼

Sanlitun, Baijiazhuang rd #02, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 三里屯白家庄路甲2号

Taiyanggong Rd, Kaide Mall, B1, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 太阳宫中路太阳宫凯德MALLB1层

Wangjing St. #09, Wangjing International Business Center, 4th Floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 望京街9号望京国际商业中心四层

Huguangjie #06, Ganglu Building, 2nd Floor, #201, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 湖光中街甲6号望京港旅大厦2层201号

North of Datun Rd, #312 Jinquanmeishigong, 4th Floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 大屯路北路312号金泉美食宫4楼

  Golden Banana (金芭蕉)

Golden Banana is an amazing Thai restaurant located in Solana (蓝色港湾). Teens love this restaurant not only because most dishes are filled with delicious seafood, but also because the environment is clean and peaceful. It is the best restaurant to take your date on a date! Walking around Solana afterwards will certainly make it a night to remember!

Recommendations (Provided by DaZhongDianPin):

Crab with Curry: 198 RMB

Crispy Durian Pastry: 48 RMB

Thai Shrimp Soup: 89 RMB

Pineapple Fried Rice: 16 RMB

Chaoyang Park Rd #06, Solana, #18 Building, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾18号楼. (5905-6777/5905-6788)

Hallasan (汉拿山)

Hallasan is a popular Korean restaurant that could be found literally anywhere, whether in shopping malls or along the streets of Beijing. Teens all over the city really enjoy eating at Hallasan because the dishes are reasonably priced, and they get to eat a whole bunch of different barbecued meat without having to spend a fortune! This is definitely the cheapest and tastiest restaurant for those who are craving Korean food after watching another episode of Korean drama.

Recommendations:

Barbecued Pork: 33 RMB

Barbecued Bacon: 35 RMB

Barbecued Bacon: 28 RMB

Seafood Tofu Stew: 30 RMB

Bibimbap: 28 RMB

Northwest of Panjiayuan Bridge, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 潘家园桥西北角

East of 3rd Ring Rd #65, Viva Mall, 3rd Floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 东三环中路65号VIVA北京富力广场3层

East of 3rd Ring Rd #07, Beijing Fortune Mall, B1, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 东三环中路7号院7财富购物中心地下1层03～05

Xinyuan St. #45, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 新源街45号

Taiyanggong Rd #12, Kaide Mall, 4th Floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 太阳宫中路12号太阳宫凯德MALL四层

Tuofangying Rd & Jingtai Rd Intersection, Southwest of Jingkefeng, F2, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 驼房营路与将台路交叉路口西南角京客隆F2层

Sulbing: Korean Shaved Ice (雪冰)

Sulbing, also known as Korean shaved ice, is an absolutely scrumptious dessert made from ice, ice cream,
and cream with fruits, crumbs, and jelly as toppings. It is the type of dessert ALL teens yearn for after a meal, especially during the summer. The people in line waiting to order Sulbing can extend outside the shop! In the end, it’s all worth it because Sulbing is a must-eat-dessert!

Recommendations:

*Prices of Shaved Ice may vary depending on which Sulbing store you go to but most shaved ice dishes are around 35 RMB.

Some Flavors include: Strawberry Sulbing, Mango Sulbing, Oreo Sulbing, Chocolate Sulbing

North of Gongti, Sanlitun Soho, B1218, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 工体北路三里屯SOHO地下一层B1218

South of NongyeGuan #13, GuanChen Guoji, 1st Floor, F1-3, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 农展馆南路13号瑞辰国际一层F1-3

Chaowai St, Yau Tang Shopping Mall, 4th Floor, Chaoyang District. 市朝阳区 朝外大街悠唐购物中心4层

Jing Wen is a senior at Tsinghua International School. She writes for the school newspaper, Spartan Times, and is a member of her school’s dance club. Outside school, Jing is passionate about life and loves socializing with different people from a variety of places. Through the student correspondent program, Jing hopes to share stories about her life, school, and her Beijing experiences with the rest of world!

The beijingkids student correspondent program provides a resource for guidance, feedback, and real-life training to high school students interested in writing and journalism. If you are a student interested in becoming a beijingkids student correspondent, or you know a student who is, please contact jessicasuotmaa@beijing-kids.com.

Photos: courtesy of Jing Wen