There are some new appointments this fall, with new physicians joining the team at Beijing United Family Hospital’s Shunyi Clinic. Hilton Beijing Capital Airport has welcomed on board a new General Manager. The hotel is not only a place for airport travelers, as I can highly recommend their Sunday Brunch, which serves a fabulous selection of fresh food (their seafood stations are impressive), and with a great kid’s play area too. Speaking of kids, Naomi Taylor’s Parent Effectiveness Training course begins again at MSB towards the end of the month. If you’re looking for a friendly and fun mom and baby group, then join in with Tea Room Tots every Friday.

New Physicians at BJU Shunyi
In the pediatric department, BJU welcomed a new physician over the summer. Dr. Balinas joined the Shunyi team, replacing Dr. Goldman who has returned home to France. Dr. Balinas has worked as a senior pediatrician in the Philippines, and completed research and case report studies in the field of pediatrics. She speaks English and Tagalog. The clinic will also be welcoming another obstetric/gynecologist physician. Beginning in September, Dr. Marriott will be joining the team every Friday. Dr. Marriott is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and brings with her a wealth of experience. She speaks English and will work alongside Dr. Li, who will continue seeing patients on Wednesdays. Dr. Li speaks English and Mandarin.

New General Manager of Hilton Beijing Capital Airport
Tony Marrinan has been announced as new general manager of Hilton Beijing Capital Airport. Marrinan has extensive international management experience, in both resort and city properties. His career has taken him around the world, through an extensive and impressive list of hotels, including Hilton Dalian and Conrad Dalian, InterContinental Danang Resort, InterContinental Sanya Resort, Mirvac Hotels, Resorts in Australia, and Forte Hotels in Europe. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Hilton Beijing Capital Airport, and will guide the development of the hotel, its service and facilities for travelers and visitors alike.

Parent Effectiveness Training (P.E.T)
The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) is hosting a P.E.T course on Saturday afternoons from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. The course starts on August 30 and consists of 8 sessions, all of which are to be attended. The sessions will take place on August 30, September 6, 13, 20, October 25, November 1, 8, and 15. P.E.T is one of the only parenting courses, which looks at the needs of both the parent and the child. The training equips you with skills to listen, show understanding, respond in an honest and non-judgmental way, and to be heard. The course can only be presented in English, without interpreters, and is only for adult attendance. Childcare is not available. All places must be booked and deposit paid in advance of the course starting.For further details or to book a place contact naomitaylor2010@hotmail.co.ukor visit the website www.counsellingwithnaomi.com

Tea Room Tots Resumes
On Friday August 8 Tea Room Tots started once again, and takes place every Friday from 10.30am to noon at the English Tea Rooms. Come along and join other moms, dads, and babies for play, songs, lunch, and of course tea. Children of all ages are welcome, but the group is most suitable for under-5s. The Tea Rooms kindly offer all Tea Room Tots families a generous 15 percent discount on food as well as providing fruit for the kids’ morning tea. Singing time and fruit starts at 11.15am, to cater for those families who need to be home for lunchtime naps. Check the website for directions in English and Chinese www.englishtearoombeijing.com

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: courtesy of BJU, English Tearoom, Hilton Beijing Capital Airport

If you have kids under 5, Tea Room Tots is a great way to keep them entertained while you relax and enjoy a coffee with other parents. While we’re on the subject of coffee, this week’s INN Shunyi Coffee Morning will be held at Jamaica Blue (Yosemite) instead of its usual location at Roundabout. Struggling to find Easter decorations or a gift that’s a little bit different? Look no further than handmade kimono bunnies or origami eggs. Also for Easter, what better way to celebrate the holiday than with a family brunch or lunch this weekend?

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning
Join the International Newcomers’ Network’s Shunyi Coffee Morning this Thursday, April 17 at Jamaica Blue’s Yosemite branch (across from ISB). Held from 10am-noon every third Thursday of the month, this provides a great opportunity to meet other locals in Shunyi. For more information, visit www.innbeijing.org or call 1371 8053 814.

Tea Room Tots
Every Friday from 10.30am to noon, join mums and bubs at The English Tearoom for play, songs, tea, and lunch. The restaurant offers a generous 15 percent discount on food as well as providing fruit for the kids’ morning tea. Song time and the snack break take place around 11.15am to accommodate families that need to be home for lunchtime naps. The next Tea Room Tots will be this Friday, April 18. If you haven’t been to The English Tearoom yet, see our review from last May.

Salo Salo Comes to Harrow
On Friday, April 25 at 6.30pm, Harrow is hosting a Salo Salo fundraising event for typhoon relief in the Philippines. There will be food, live performances, raffle prizes, and a DJ. The evening will be held in the school theater and is open to people outside the Harrow community. Tickets cost RMB 150. To reserve yours, contact Isabelle Henderson at ihenderson@harrowbeijing.cn.

Kimono Easter Bunnies
Easter Sunday is just around the corner, falling this year on April 20. Looking for something different to add to your Easter decorations? Check out Tomoko’s very cute kimono bunnies and eggs, lovingly handcrafted using beautiful paper from Japan. The kimono bunnies (boy and girl) are RMB 30 each and the origami eggs cost RMB 15 each. To purchase, contact Tomoko at happiesttomoko@hotmail.com.

Easter Weekend Brunches and Lunches
There are several dining options for Easter this weekend. Here are the ones happening in Shunyi.

Hilton Beijing Capital Airport is hosting an Easter Sunday Brunch on April 20 from 11.30am-3pm. There will be dishes from all over the world, with a wide range of wines and champagne at 360° restaurant. Children can have fun in the kids’ playground and take part in Easter activities, including egg painting and an egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will also be hopping in for the day. RMB 368 (add RMB 60 for free-flow wine, beer, champagne), RMB 184 (ages 6-12), free for kids 5 and under.

There’s a new spring menu at Green-T-House-Living – perfect for an Easter treat. Dishes include wild red rice soup, jasmine-dusted pork ribs, Beijing duck, sea bass, and delectable ice creams to finish. Watch this space for an upcoming review of their new menu. For reservations, call 136 0113 7132 or 6434 2519.

The Sunday brunch at The Orchard is always a delight, with plenty of creative international dishes. The peaceful setting among orchards and gardens makes for a lovely day out. Most of the organic vegetables used in their dishes are from their own garden. For reservations, call 6433 6270.

Loft Eatalicious is a new Italian restaurant at Pinnacle Plaza (recently reviewed here). It will have a special Easter Sunday all-day menu for RMB 198 per person. Starters include octopus or veal, followed by a choice of risotto or gnocchi; for the main you can choose between roast lamb and salmon. Their desserts cost extra, but are well worth it. To book a table, call 8046 1565 or email shunyi@eatalicious.com.

Photo courtesy of Tomoko