We know that we go on about Q Mex Taqueria quite a lot in this column but with good reason. If somehow you still haven't managed to make it to this funky new eatery then this Saturday (Jul 29) is a great opportunity to do so, as they team up with Beijing LGBT Center for their latest Dining Out event. Connect with other people in the community while enjoying delicious Tex-Mex dishes like tacos, burritos, and fajitas, as well as an extensive menu of strong, tequila-based drinks (we strongly recommend the coconut margarita). Best yet, Q Mex Taqueria will donate 20 percent of the proceeds from the evening to Beijing LGBT Center.
A little earlier in the week (Thursday, Jul 27), Ramo is hosting their third Chef's Table event. The Chef's Table event series aims to give home cooks a platform to showcase flavors from around the world. They have previously hosted an all-vegan dinner and a rustic Italian feast, and this time they are planning to spice things up – literally – by holding an authentic Guizhou-style dinner prepared by Ramo's very own Paca Lee. The nine-course menu, full of classic Guizhou-style dishes such as spicy ribs and stir-fried sweet rice balls with pickles, costs RMB 298 per person, including plenty of quality rice wine.
From one Italian venue to another. Bottega's new Nali Patio location (the second of their two new locations since they moved from their original spot) has been open for a couple of weeks now and is already attracting plenty of buzz (and crowds). Stop by at lunch time when the space is (relatively) quieter and they offer a good value two-course set lunch menu for RMB 88. The lunch menu has lots of fresh, summery options, with appetizers including grilled shrimp and avocado salad and entrées including asparagus and chicken risotto and fusilli with slow-roasted cherry tomatoes. We won't judge if you order one of their Beijinger Pizza Cup-winning pizzas on the side as well ...
Last week we were given the opportunity to try a special tasting menu of Sureño's new summer dishes and were rendered immobile thanks to the sheer heft and breadth of these meaty additions. Courses that particularly stuck out were Gillardieau oyster covered in a fine layer of butter and dusted with spinach powder, chives, and bacon – is there was ever going be an oyster-in-a-meal this would be it. The Angus beef tenderloin was also cooked to perfection, and the accompanying rich lentil puree and beef jus ensured that the plate went back spotless. The battered and bouncy sweetbreads (pictured above) will cater to the more adventurous and worked very well with the helping of crunchy celery and a creamy white bean puree.
For a boozier option, the Hatchery team will be holding a Whisky Weekender from Friday to Sunday (Jul 28-30), which includes three full days of the good stuff and great food to pair it with. The event is a collaboration with XIX Spirit, and is composed of three distinct events: a whisky tasting with canapés on Friday (RMB 100), whiskies plus a three-course family-style meal on Saturday (RMB 380), and whisky long table including four courses on Sunday (RMB 500). Choose your poison and settle into what promises to be a weekend of refined dining.
Finally, for anyone wanting to celebrate the fine foods of Switzerland (of which there are too many to count – chocolate and cheese anybody?), the Swiss Embassy will be holding a Swiss Day celebration come Friday by their garden and pool. Attendees will be able to enjoy wine and food courtesy of Nuo Hotel as well as a bonfire at sunset and a raffle. Tickets to the event cost RMB 450 or RMB 300 for Swiss Club members and RMB 150 for kids. Find out more about the event here.
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Images courtesy of Q Mex, the organizers