IMPRESSING VISITORS Readers’ Choice: Da Dong You said: “Da Dong impresses with authentic Chinese and Beijing cuisine, great service and an unparalleled interior. In addition to duck, my standard orders for impressing guests include the duck soup served in an orange and the spicy diced steak with peppers served on a stone plate.”
Outstanding Selections: Capital M Lan Club
Experts’ Pick: Capital M “Superb surroundings? Check. Tasty cocktails and pre-dinner snacks? Check. Excellent food, service, and wine lists? Check. Delivered at a fraction of the price of top restaurants elsewhere in the world? Check. It’s easy to see why Maison Boulud is considered by many to be Beijing’s top Western restaurant.” – Jim Boyce
BRUNCH (NON-HOTEL) Readers’ Choice: Element Fresh You said: “I chose Element Fresh mostly due to the unlimited coffee you get with some of their breakfast/brunch selections, though the food is also pretty exceptional. Even as an impoverished student, I still make a point of trying to get over there on late Sunday mornings just to relax and sample a tiny bit of home.”
Outstanding Selections: Vineyard Café Chef Too
Experts’ Pick: Maison Boulud “Whilst some hotel brunches have become formulaic, Maison Boulud continues to innovate in offering a wide range of extremely well-executed dishes that vary according to season and availability of ingredients. Initially overwhelmed by the interest in its weekend brunches, MB has also worked hard to cater for its diverse and growing audience. Somehow, the superb signature DB burger seems more appropriate at brunch, although it’s sensible to leave room for what is an impressive array of dishes.” – Edward Ragg
HOTEL BRUNCH Readers’ Choice: Bubbalicious, Westin Chaoyang & Bubbly Sundays, Westin Financial Street (tie) Bubbalicious You said: “The reason I chose Bubbalicious is the wide selection of foods, from hearty grilled meats to Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese and even your ‘sideshow’ options of hot dogs and popcorn for the kids. The kids’ club is fantastic for allowing the adults to enjoy their brunch in peace, and the downtown location is great too.” Bubbly Sundays You said: “If you’re going to do a hotel brunch (and drop hundreds of RMB), why not make it completely OTT? Free-flowing champagne, live entertainment, delicious eats and decadent treats (chocolate fountain, mmmmm). MMmmmmm. Plus there’s a kiddie’s playroom so the children don’t get resentful. Feels like a truly special occasion!”
Outstanding Selections: FIZZtastic, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing Sunday Brunch, JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
Experts’ Pick: N/A
The vote was split between our panel and there was no clear winner. [That’ll teach us to canvass the champagne set. Next year we’ll use Instant Runoff Voting - Ed]
36 the Beijinger / April 2010
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