At the best of times, running a business is an uphill battle: a struggle to innovate ideas that put you ahead of the competition and turn a profit. In a post-COVID-19 world, however, those challenges have not only grown in scale but morphed into something unrecognizable. In this series, we talk to expat-entrepreneurs and find out what they’re doing to remain both successful in business, and happy at home.

It is not an easy thing for an entrepreneur to decide to fold their business, but that was the decision with which Eva Molina Biorck, founder of Mosto Group Beijing, was faced with at the height of the crisis. With stringent measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the capital, it was eateries and restaurants just like Biorck’s that were first to shut their doors.

So how do you remain optimistic despite dire predictions, and how do you trust that the city you have grown to live, love, and work in, will not cannibalize what you have poured your blood, sweat, and tears into? In a word, community. At least that is according to Biorck. And she might have a point since she is still here and still kicking.

Biorck and her husband opened their first restaurant, Mosto, in 2008

How long has the business been in operation?

We founded our first restaurant, Mosto, in 2008.

How long have you and your family been in China and what made you decide to move this far East?

I moved to China in 1996. I moved here originally after studying East Asian studies at University back in Sweden. I was drawn to the culture, history, and the element of the unknown. After University I got a job with Scandinavian Airlines and moved to Beijing.

What were you and your family’s initial reactions when COVID-19 first hit the news?

For us, it was a very uncertain time. I was worried about my children and how they would be affected. And of course, since my husband and I are entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry, we were concerned about our business’s future.

The Mosto empire has grown to include the successful Moka Bros cafe brand

What were your expectations as far as the virus and its effect on daily life and business in Beijing?

I think everyone, not just for those of us in Beijing and China, but across the world, will all have to make adjustments both in the way we operate as businesses and in our daily lives. I don’t think it’s clear yet what this “new normal” will look like, but I do think that this pandemic has completely changed the landscape of our future.

What has been the reality for you and your family during the peak of the virus?

All three of our kids are home from school, we are doing our best to try to help them with homework and online classes, while also spending quality time with them, and balancing that with the increased pressure we have on our business too. The reality is that it has been a very stressful time, but it’s also made us incredibly grateful for what we do have. We are happy, healthy, and safe.

“Our kids have surprised and impressed us during this time”

How, if at all, has your business been affected by the current situation?

Our business has been hugely affected by this, and I think it will continue to be. It still feels like the situation is changing every day, so the most important thing is to be flexible and creative. Although it’s been a tough time for the industry, we have been lucky to have dedicated staff and a loyal clientele that have supported through this time.

What form of support have you received from the expat community here in Beijing for both your family’s and business’s wellbeing?

We have received amazing support from the expat community. So many customers and friends have reached out to support and offer words of encouragement. It’s meant so much to us because part of our family’s wellbeing does depend on our business.

As the city continues to return to business as normal, what are some of the plans you have set in place for your business to ensure it is not adversely affected by such an unexpected situation in the future?

I think this situation was so unprecedented it was impossible for us to have prepared for, however, going forward, we are working on streamlining operations, having clear communication channels, and crisis communication plans.

“We are working on streamlining operations, having clear communication channels, and crisis communication plans”

As a business owner, what has been your biggest takeaway from this period of uncertainty?

Sometimes as an entrepreneur, you can doubt yourself, but the support that we have received during the outbreak has reinforced the strength of our brand to us. Even at the height of the crisis, we were lucky enough to have customers and dedicated staff who made running our business possible. Initially, we considered closing Mosto permanently, but after the huge outpouring of support, we decided no not only to reopen but to renovate the space to create a fresh atmosphere.

As a parent and partner, what have you learned from or about your family that will help shape your family life in the future?

Our kids have surprised and impressed us during this time with how independent they are. Even with online schooling they have stayed on top of their homework and classes and demonstrated a lot of maturity.

Biorck and her daughter catch up on schoolwork in the restaurant

Has the current situation deterred you from continuing to be a part of the business landscape in Beijing or are you here to stay?

Beijing has been my home for over 20 years, my children were born here and have grown up here, if it is up to me, I will do everything I can to stay and make sure that we can have a happy life here.

What advice would you give to other business owners in Beijing at this time?

We are big believers that cooperation is stronger than competition. Don’t be afraid to support each other and lend a helping hand when you can. We are definitely stronger together.

How can other expat families show their support for expat business owners in Beijing?

The best way to help is to support your favorite local businesses that you want to see on the other side of this crisis.

Any words of encouragement or hope for the international community as a whole in Beijing?

Stay strong, be positive, and support each other. It might sound cliché, but we really are all in this together.

KEEP READING: Viral COVID-19 Workbook Now Available for Adults & Kids

Images: courtesy of Eva Molina Biorck

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach… and it’s certainly the way to keep most dads happy. So we’ve picked out some of the special brunch and dinner deals available to make the dad in your life feel special this Father’s Day.

Father’s Day Brunch at FEAST, Jun 16

FEAST say they know what every Dad wants, and they’re offering roast meat, thick steaks, seafood, and free-flow house wine, and craft beer to prove it. Meanwhile the little ones can make gingerbread cookies for their dad. If you’re quick you can even win a free brunch for two adults and a child under 12. Just follow their WeChat account (scan the QR code below) and tell them the most impressive story about your Dad. But hurry, the competition closes at 12 noon today (June 12)!

All ages. RMB 428/person, including free-flow soft drinks, craft beer and house wine. 11.30am-3pm. 2/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8414 9820) 朝阳区酒仙桥路22号东隅北京酒店2层

Father’s Day Fiesta at Mosto, Jun 16

Mosto is teaming up with La Social to turn Father’s Day into Fiesta. On the menu will be Beef Empanadas, Josper Roasted Octopus, Pork Belly Calentao and the all-star-bacon-wrapped-beef-tenderloin, Lomito. Bloody Marys will be on special all weekend too.

All ages. 12 noon – 2.30pm. 3/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (5208 6030) 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园3层

Father’s Day at Lu Yu, Jun 16

Make Dad feel really special by honoring him with a fabulous feast in the elegant surroundings of Lu Yu at Conrad Beijing. The cuisine is “progressive Chinese”: Yunnan baby squash in a sesame dressing and peach seed with autumn ear, steamed fresh turbot in soy sauce and stir-fried beef with two types of mushrooms, and poached green kale with ginger are among the delights on offer.

All ages. 11.30am-10pm. Set Menu RMB 328 net for two guests, including two glasses of house wine. 1/F, Conrad Beijing, 29 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (6584 6290) 朝阳区东三环北路29号康莱德酒店1层

Making Time to Tie Up Father’s Day at Chapter, Jun 16

Chapter is described as a “library of food,” offering a range of cuisines, and it’s a genteel environment in which to treat Dad to a literary brunch. Handcrafted desserts, chocolate cigars, and of course free-flow drinks are on offer, and the little ones can create a personalized tie to make Dad’s day really special.

All ages. RMB 328 per person + 15 percent service charge, including free flow of wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. 12 noon- 2.30pm. 1/F, Conrad Beijing, 29 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (6584 6270) 朝阳区东三环北路29号康莱德酒店1层

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers

Easter is just around the corner (this weekend, Apr 21, to be exact) and if you are looking to celebrate with family and friends, then plenty of Beijing venues can oblige you with brunches, Easter egg hunts, and more. Here are a few of our favorites; find an up-to-date and comprehensive selection in our events section, right here. All events below take place on Apr 21 unless stated otherwise.

Brickyard Retreat
Head out to Brickyard Retreat at the Great Wall for a relaxing Easter in the fresh country air. There will be live jazz, egg hunts for kids, and a lavish buffet including hand-carved ham and dishes made with produce grown onsite at the retreat. RMB 268. 11am-3pm.

Feast (Food by East)
In celebration of Easter this year, Feast is putting on a huge spread of ham, whole roasted lamb, roasted turkey, imported oysters, lobsters, royal crab, mussels, and Argentine red prawns, as well as dim sum, noodles, and a wide array of desserts. Kids can join an Easter egg hunt on the hotel’s third floor at 1.30pm. RMB 428. 11.30am-3pm.

Kerry’s Kitchen, Kerry Hotel Beijing
Celebrate the Easter Weekend with Kerry’s Kitchen’s edit of Easter essentials, from a range of culinary classics to fun family activities and games such as egg painting and egg hunting. The buffet will feature favorites such as oven-roasted lamb, glazed ham, and hot cross buns. RMB 418. Apr 20-21, midday-3.30pm.

Latina
Go all out for Easter with brunch with a Brazilian twist at Latina. Start with an appetizer buffet then dig into 20 varieties of Brazilian barbecue including premium Angus beef cuts like ribeye steak, as well as seafood. RMB 266. 11am-3.30pm.

Mosto
Celebrate Easter at Mosto with a classic brunch spread of Mosto favorites like blueberry pancakes with crispy bacon and ricotta cheese, and juicy Wagyu beef cheeseburgers with house fries or eggs Benedict. They’ll also be giving Easter eggs to all of the little ones so they can do some decorating while you feast. 11am-3pm.

N’Joy, Nuo Hotel Beijing
The globe-trotting team of chefs behind N’Joy and Nuo Hotel Beijing has put together a wide selection of Easter-themed chocolates and desserts to add to their usual indulgent food selection. Brunch includes free-flow Deutz Champagne. RMB 688. 8am-8pm.

The Local
The Local has updated their brunch menu just in time for Easter. Join them for the overhaul and receive a free Easter basket with chocolates, candy, and, if you’re lucky, vouchers for a free-flow brunch when you reserve a table in advance. New dishes include skillet eggs, chicken and waffles, and a brunch burger. You can also add brunch free-flow for RMB 150 per person. 10am-3pm.

Via Roma, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center
Via Roma’s weekly Little Italy brunch will have an Easter theme, featuring popular Italian Easter dishes and a live dessert station. There will be egg hunts and games for kids. RMB 288. 11.20am-3.30pm. (Other Kempinski venues also have Easter-themed events – see the event listing for more details.)

Village Cafe
Savor the Easter weekend with a three-course menu prepared specially for the occasion. Sample classic flavors like pear, rocket, and blue cheese salad and Easter classics like roast lamb shank with thyme jus. RMB 138. Apr 20-21, 9am-7pm.

Zarah
Those of you who are Gulou-ways will want to head over to Zarah for all-you-can-eat brunch buffet including deviled eggs, roasted butter carrots, smoked salmon pasta, German Hefezopf, freshly-baked pastry bunnies, and hand-dyed Easter eggs. Add RMB 100 for free-flow drinks. RMB 198. 10am-3pm.

And that’s just the food… click here to see the full list of Easter events going on this weekend.

More stories by this author here.

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Photos: Max Pixel, courtesy of the venues

This year’s Easter Sunday falls on April 21, and this holiday weekend for the family will be made more fun courtesy of various brunches and egg hunts happening in various locations in the city. So bring a basket because this is the time to put all those Easter eggs together!

Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned.

Easter Specials at Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, Apr 16-21
Kempi Deli, Via Roma and Signature’s Restaurant are holding special events and packages for the family this Easter. Kempi Deli has new and “eggciting” packages, perfect for Easter gifts. Stop by Saturday’s special Easter brunch at Signature’s Restaurant for open-kitchen meat favorites, free-flow drinks offers, dessert stations and live DJ. And on Easter Sunday, spend the morning at Via Roma’s Little Italy Family Buffet where kids can take part in the traditional Easter egg hunt and enjoy the kids’ playground area. Live music, Italian Easter dishes, and a great dessert station will be available all throughout the event.

All ages. Prices vary. 7am-10pm. Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center.

Decorate Easter Eggs at Domain, Apr 20
Are your little ones getting excited about Easter? Take them for a special treat at Domain and have them paint edible Easter eggs, courtesy of Domain’s pastry chef. All you need is your child and some imagination!

All ages. RMB 248. For more information or to register, visit this page. 10.30am-3pm. Domain.

Weekend Easter Brunch at Kerry’s Kitchen, Apr 20-21
Celebrate the Easter weekend with Kerry’s Kitchen, which will curate a range of culinary classics, fun family activities, and games such as egg painting, egg hunting and more. The buffet will feature favorites such as Oven-Roasted Lamb, Sweet-Hot Plum-Glazed Ham, and Hot Cross Buns.

All ages. RMB 418 per person, RMB 209 per child. Noon-3.30pm. Kerry’s Kitchen. (8565 2088)

Egg-Citing Easter Party at Kerry Hotel Beijing, Apr 21
Spend a productive family day taking part in fun activities such as egg painting, egg hunting, face painting, cupcake making, family games, family photoshoots and more at Kerry Hotel Beijing. Other entertainment such as arcade machines, dance performances, and JiaBao’s appearance will keep your little ones happily occupied. Food and drinks are also on sale. Make it a day to remember and add on access to Adventure Zone where your child can continue to play on the giant slides, obstacle courses, ball pit and more.

All ages. RMB 388. 9.30am-5pm. Kerry Hotel Beijing. (6561 8833)

Mosto Easter Brunch, Apr 21
Celebrate Easter Sunday at Mosto with a classic brunch spread full of your Easter goodies. Think of blueberry pancakes with crispy bacon and ricotta cheese, juicy Wagyu beef cheeseburger with house fries and Eggs Benedict topped with heavenly béarnaise sauce! Mosto has also got festivities for the kids too, with an Easter egg decorating to all of the little ones so they can do some creative fun while adults feast on Easter brunch.

All ages. Prices vary. 11am-3pm. Mosto.

Easter Brunch Special at Latina, Apr 21
Easter is about coming together with family and friends, treating yourself to good food and drinks! Celebrate your holidays with Latina and enjoy great food in a welcoming setting, live music with a unique Brazilian twist, all you can eat and all you can drink options. Brunch guests will also enjoy complimentary fun-filled children’s activities, including Easter egg hunts, face painting, clowns and egg painting. Easter brunch includes a special buffet, from appetizers to desserts; the menu features the first hints of spring.

All ages. RMB 266. 11am-3.30pm. Latina. (RSVP: 8531 5287)

Bunnies Abound at Chapter This Easter, Apr 21
This lovely Easter affair for family and friends at Chapter will wow not only the little ones with special egg gifts and creative Rabbit art but also the adults with a seasonal and traditional buffet heaped with savory and sweet delights with free flow of wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Stand out Easter favorites will fill the buffet to overflowing.

All ages. RMB 328 per person + 15% surcharge (price includes free flow of wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea). 11am-2.30pm. Chapter. (RSVP: 6584 6270)

Live Jazz Easter Sunday Brunch and Egg Hunt at Brickyard Retreat, Apr 21
A decadent live jazz brunch and egg hunt will take place in the fabulous Great Wall view gardens at The Brickyard Retreat Center. Packages are available for those who’d like to stay there the night before, waking up to an Easter Sunday sunrise in the fresh country air.

All ages. RMB 268 (adults), RMB 138 (children). 11.30am-4pm. The Brickyard Retreat Center. (info@brickyardatmutianyu.com)

Moka Bros Eggcellent Easter Egg Decorating, Apr 21
Moka Bros Solana invites everyone to celebrate Easter Sunday with an “eggcellent” Easter Egg Decorating Party! Easter pros and first-time egg decorators alike are welcome while Moka staff will be on hand to help! While you get in the Easter Egg decorating groove, sip on a smoothie as all medium-size smoothies will be buy-one-get-one-free from noon to 3pm.

All ages. Noon-5pm. Moka Bros Solana.

The SLab Collabs: Easter Egg Hunt at That’s Mandarin, Apr 21
This Easter, The SLab collaborates with Palette and That’s Mandarin to put on a treasure hunt for kids ages 8-12.
Complete crafting activities, Easter egg hunts, and games to win a basket of goodies. Families are welcome to That’s Mandarin anytime from 2-4pm to take part in the treasure hunt. There is no time limit to the hunt and each participant can begin as soon as they have registered. Tasks include problem-solving questions which are best suited for participants ages 8-12, and parents are not allowed to take part in the hunt!

Ages 8-12. RMB 99. 2-6pm. That’s Mandarin. (RSVP: Chloe Zhang 8448 9799)

If you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings, let us know by submitting event information here. 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. 

Photos: Courtesy of event organizers

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

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

Smokey Salmon Tataki

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

Chilean Pil Pil

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

Japanese Scallops

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

Boston Lobster

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

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

Beef Tenderloin

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

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

Whiskey Sour (left) Espresso Martini (right)

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

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

Photos: Nicole Bonnah, www.chifanforcharity.org

The weekends just become busier with more and more people shaking off the winter cold. Making plans to catch up with friends has been assigned highest priority. But where to go? For the next several weeks this series MUNCH will spotlight different family friendly venues around town. If you’d like to be featured please write an email to wanjauwairimu@beijing-kids.com  

Mosto Sanlitun Beijing’s Chef Daniel Urdaneta and Chef Juan Mateus will this Sunday be making a delicious dinner of Venezuelan Self-Carve Grilled Pork Chops with Roasted Root Vegetables, Caramelized Grilled Pineapple and Mama Urdaneta’s Plum Sauce, and Rafa’s Tres Leches Cake. The dinner is suitable to children above 10 years old as there will be loud music that’s bound to be uncomfortable for younger kids. The dinner is only RMB 100 and a glass of wine will be RMB 30.

Highly recommended booking of two people minimum is required, which can be done by calling 5208 6030 or sending an email to contact@mostobj.com. Best be on the safe side and call.

The La Familia dinner changes menus every month, and the last meal met great fanfare with a completely sold out night.   If the dishes whet your appetite and remind you of mama’s home, then worry not, as there’s going to be another one in May and June highlighting the diverse flavors of South America.

Photo: Courtesy of Mosto