Dining is Back: Where's Beijing's Foodie Emperor Heading First?

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For the past month we all have been cooped up inside. While most of us were not officially on lockdown, our social lives definitely were.

There was extra time in our days because we didn’t have to spend hours commuting and dropping off kids at school, plus we couldn’t congregate and socialize either. Home delivery apps made getting our favorite comfort foods easy and convenient but it’s just not the same as sitting at your usual table.

That’s because restaurants aren’t just about the food, they are about community. They are where we gather to share the highs and lows of everyday life. Where we celebrate and console each other. They are the places we make memories and often the setting for the nights we don’t remember with the friends we never forget.

It's also about our local economy. Beijing’s Foodie Emperor Preston Thomas told me,

"We all got really used to ordering in… waimai is well and fine but let's be honest, delivery companies take 20-30% of the costs, and waimai only makes up about 25% of a restaurant's business. If we don't go out and support our local restaurants … THEY WILL CLOSE. It is that simple, and trust me - this will impact EVERYONE because it's a trickle-down effect. Once the first domino falls, it's only a matter of time before other industries are hit.”

So I asked him to share which local haunts he is most excited to get back to support in person. He responded with the following recommendations!

Have a date night at…

TRB Hutong or Forbidden City.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. TRB is the gold standard for date night. The kids have been online for ages and trust me a night without the kids is LONG overdue.

Take the kids to…

O’steak

We took full advantage of O’steak’s 30% discount during the indoor restaurant ban. The kids love the food. The service is excellent. If you don’t want a steak order the duck confit that's also on the set lunch menu - Delicious.

A beer with friends at…

Dastaan

Order a King Fisher beer and some of Chef Rabiul’s signature butter chicken. This is some of the most authentic Indian food in town.

A cocktail with friends at…

Two options here - if you want inside go to Trio. The ladies were killing it with wine specials and promotions. Let’s go support them.

Outside: head down to Shuangjing and hit up Plan B for outside drinks. The Bloody Caesar is a great Canadian cocktail. If you want live music then walk to their sister bar Confidential and have a drink.

Grab a burger at...

SliderNation

This place speaks for itself, if you don’t know Henry and his sliders, do you even live in Beijing? Also, his DIY Bloody Marys are AMAZING and STRONG! The perfect hangover cure.

Healthy lunch at…

Pickles Deli

This new vegan deli is fantastic, even though everything is vegan. Don’t let the word vegan put you off, Chef Manuel does an incredible job. You truly will be saying “I can’t believe its not meat or dairy”. Oh, you must try some of their vegan cheeses.

Get dessert at…

Cocktail Dessert Bar

Chef Olivia does some of the most innovative desserts in town. And the cocktails, these are great. Great selection of wines that pair well with the California cuisine. This is one of those off-the-radar hidden gems. Date night, cocktails, or desserts. Ticks the boxes and won’t break the bank.

Go to brunch at…

Bee Brunch at Char in the InterContinental

The only place that has brunch on a Monday. Just go and Ajit will take care of you! And try the Swiss whisky if you get a chance.

Spend a lazy Saturday at… Maizidiani's is that little street in Solana opposite from Chaoyang Park and a perfect place to bar hop or just chill out with friends.

Head to Vinvino, Toratori-ya, or White Tiger Village. If you want lazy luxury then head over to Il Ristorante Niko Romito in the Bvlgari hotel. Sit outside on the grass and have a picnic and cocktails.

It’s important to remember that the owners and operators of our favorite watering holes took a big financial hit even as they worked extra hard to keep our waimai deliveries coming. This re-opening is a pivotal time for them and their families. So as our city begins to reopen lets get back out and help our local business refill their registers while we refill our emotional and literal cups.

Your turn, where is your first gastronomic stop in the Jing? Tell us in the comments.

Images: Canva

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