[CITY WEEKEND: FIND OF THE WEEK]

Contemporary Chinese | Xiao Wang Fu

- All Bellied Out

Elegantly decorated with a dash of Chinese kitsch, Xiao Wang Fu has deservingly become a staple restaurant for incoming visitors and local residents alike. Serving Asian favorites like Beijing duck, sweet and sour mandarin fish and a myriad of other traditional staples - there is a noticeable home-style touch in most of the dishes found at this restaurant. We choose the beloved Hong Shao Rou (RMB32), a favorite of dictator Mao, sometimes also known as Lou Chee Yok in Cantonese

It's true the Chinese love their fat, and this dish boasts every ounce of it. A simple recipe that's relatively easy to make, our Hong Shao Rou order came piping hot with well-proportioned bite sized pieces enveloped in a thick hearty deep reddish black sauce, smelling of caramelized sugar and hint of spring onions. Although somewhat oiler than expected, the rich fattiness characteristics of this dish pairs best with steamed white rice or lightly sautéed green vegetables. Never has pork belly tasted so good. Definitely not vegetable lovers-friendly, this classic dish is a definite hit for dem' meat lovers looking for melt-in-your-mouth-protein-tastiness

XiXi Cheng

Find it: 2 Guanghualu Dongli,CBD/Guomao

光华路东里2号

Tel: 6591-3255, 6594-3602

Cuisine: Thai

Yum Factor: 4/5

Fu to the Wu (service): 3/5

FengShui: 3.5/5

Moolah: $$ - Not Cheap, Not Expensive

Repeat-Worthy: Yes

Over by Sanlitun NanJie, Banana Leaf rocks through the night, as a band of Asian guys and girls sing pop songs at the request of its patrons, or occasionally without it. Bright and colorful, vibrant with musical entertainment, the B-leaf is a fesat for the eyes, the (not-so-musically-oriented) ears, and - surprising to some - the stomach. Frequently overlooked and underated as a result of its perhaps over-enthusiasm, which many do not appreciate, this restaurant will surprise its patrons with the quality, consistency and gastronomic delight of its fare.

The menu here is vast and diverse, providing a mix of East-Asian cuisine. It must be noted that dishes served here are not of the utmost authenticity; however, the taste of the food is undeniable and the quality of the ingredients impeccable. While it is easy to be distracted by the bright lights and loud bustle, it is a different story once the food arrives. The morning glory is truly glorious, their curries are worthy of special mention, and as for their fresh, hearty seafood: a revolution ensued for these foodies. The steamed mandarin fish in spicy lemon dressing is substantial in size, flabbergasting in freshness, and simply perfect in preparation. It is the absolute must of every B-Leaf meal, and has become the very symbol of good dining at reasonable prices. Ever since that first mesmerizing taste, we have come to name the star dish of each restaurant its "Mandarin Fish". It is to this extent that this fish is remarkable, to this degree that it is delectable. And what's more, I don't think they know it. The money spent at this eatery is not that much considering the quality of food that it buys.

Something has to be said for the superior management of this establishment. Feeding large swarms of diners on a daily basis, Banana Leaf still manges to provide fine service and consistent excellence at an entirely reasonable price. It somehow manages to do so without cutting corners or shaving costs. And yet still, the quality control applied to its fare is upstanding and somewhat rare in the city of Beijing. Fuwu is mostly friendly and dependable, but on occasion can be rather slow, overshelmed by the hordes of hungry hippos. This could possibly use improvement, but is too small a factor to affect the irreplaceable dining experience had at the Leaf.

Foodie Addict: Mr.Crabclaws

4 Gongti Beilu | 工体北路4号
Behind Comfort Inn Suites
6506-8855
www.bananaleaf.com.cn

Cuisine: Pizza - European

Yum Factor: 3/5

Fu to the Wu (service): 3/5

FengShui: 3/5

Moolah: $$ - Not Cheap, Not Expensive

Repeat-Worthy: No&Yes

Commanding prime real estate within the heart of Sanlitun, and boasting one of the longest histories of serving pizza in Beijing, The Tree is a borderline historical artifact for expats in the city. Formerly known as “The Hidden Tree”, this subtle alcove was among the first to be run by expats for expats, and has been doing so since ’96. Just as the prologue does for this review, the first entry into this restaurant will intrigue visitors and persuade them to proceed.

Decked out in walls and floors reminiscent of the Stone Age, and covered by partial glass ceilings, the place provides a warm refuge from cold winter nights and a breezy escape from the heat of summer afternoons. The wooden furniture and platforms succeed in giving the space a sense of warmth and homeliness. A large stone oven placed snugly in the far corner of the main room further enhances the cozy, somewhat primitive feel of the eatery. Chinese art adorns the walls throughout, somehow managing not to clash with the olden European furnishings.

The setting of this restaurant, as well as the fabulously convenient location, seems to attract a wide variety of patrons. Lunchtime brings in a surprising amount of families, as well as a bunch of other expats, out for their afternoon pizza fix; while dinner hosts a mixed horde of dudes swigging on Belgian beer and feasting on the renowned pizzas.

Finally: The food itself. The Tree serves the standard pastas, sandwiches and salads; however, it is most known for its pizza. Speaking from the perspective of a true lover of food, and a fond appreciator of quality, I must say that their pizzas fall quite short of what one would expect from the restaurant awarded "best pizza in Beijing". While providing a rather scrumptious munch-out, with its crispy crusts and oily cheeses, it fails to satiate the more perceptive tongues of food connoisseurs. In spite of this, credit must be given to The Tree for preparing its pizzas with the thinnest possible crusts.

Unfortunately, it is everything above the crust that lets down the final product. The tomato sauce hardly exceeds average quality; the locally produced cheese is excessively oily and evidently low grade; and the toppings, though not deficient, simply do not reflect the quality of the pizza’s base.

The Tree’s pizzas are certainly fitting for grabbing a fair bite while in the area; absolutely ideal for that after-boozing foodfest; but will not quite meet the needs of a foodie out for a real pizza. In addition, the prices charged are relatively steep and do not reflect the quality provided.

Foodie Addict: Mr.Crabclaws

43 Bei Sanlitun Nan | 北三里屯南43号

100m west of Sanlitun North Bar Street

6415-1954

www.treebeijing.com

Cuisine: Japanese - Traditional

Yum Factor: 3.5/5

Fu to the Wu (service): 3/5

FengShui: 3/5

Moolah: $ - Economy Class

Repeat-Worthy: Yes

Do not turn urself away when u first walk in here as u do get that woof of raw fish smell that can drive away most customers. Fortunately, u are greeted by 3 large smiling Japanese cat porcelains and with their little traditional décor and knowing that it is a super popular lunch joint, u quickly forget the funk.

The little spiraling staircase does give it a distinct look, but impractical when someone above is coming down and can’t see u coming up. When u open the menu, u will be warmed by their friendly pricing and comforted by their little Japanese text. The waiters also have little Japanese name tags and supposedly they can speak Japanese, which makes me warm and fuzzy inside.

Set menu is impressive. Soup is nice and warm (hey, some places here just don’t cut it), and salad is not blasted with dressing (unless u like that) and the eel had no bones (I’ve been to a place that cost twice as much and they had some bones). Overall my little expectations were exceeded and I will go back. And it’s n too loud, and that is important for me, especially at lunch.

Foodie Addict: LG Cheong-Fun (star guest foodie)

Jianwai Soho Building 9 | 建外Soho9号楼

5869-8112

Cuisine: Middle Eastern - Pitta

Yum Factor: 3.5/5

Fu to the Wu (service): 3/5

FengShui: 3/5

Moolah: $ - Economy Class

Repeat-Worthy: Yes

Established and managed by an Isreali couple, Biteapita offers it clients the best Lebanese mezzes & Shawarma as well as other Isreali delights. Here is a great place to stop by and enjoy light, yet flavorful mediterranean cuisine.

The hummus is splendid; tabbouleh salad is replenishing; and shawarma good enough to please an Arab!

Fare at this pita joint is as authentic as it gets in Beijing.

Overall, service is friendly, consistent and definitately worthy of multiple return visits. The restaurant layout is casual, providing a comfortable ambience for foodies to sink into the delicious home-made mezzes.

Ideal for a relaxing afternoon; where good friends can meet to have great conversations while munching on some even greater healthy fare that won't leave you induced with food coma

Foodie Addict: Mr.Crabclaws

Xingba Lu, NurenJie | 星吧路, 女人街
6467-2961

Cuisine: Western - Homestyle

Yum Factor: 4.5/5

Fu to the Wu (service): 4.5/5

FengShui: 3/5

Moolah: $ - Bargain Basement Price

Repeat-Worthy: Yes Yes

It is a high-return investment of your time to seek out Time Café. Tucked away in a corner of Jianwai Soho西区, this low-key hideout has our vote for best lunch set in the city. Set lunch meals start at ￥38 which includes a salad starter, main course, coffee & dessert. This might sound like nothing out of the ordinary until we share the dishes in greater detail:

Salad: Tuna Nicoise is a big enough portion to compete with the ￥30 salads in other western restaurants – green beans, apple slices, sizeable pieces of tuna topped off with cherry tomatoes will make this a repeat order for anyone.
Main: Duck leg Confit w/ grilled vegetables – Surpasses all expectations of just being one of those dishes with a sophisticated name typical of many western restaurants in BJ. Confit it is – the accompanying sweetish sauce balances perfectly with the green/yellow zucchini, roasted pumpkin, eggplant, topped off with the leg of an obviously well-fed duck. The meat is cooked to “slide-off-the-bone precision” with a crispy skin that can be eaten or peeled off according to taste. Again, the extremely generous portion alone is enough to justify the ￥38 on its own.

Already full to the brim, we just had force some space for the crème-brulee dessert that comes hot with torch-melted brown sugar on top served with a coffee/tea. A meal of this quality elsewhere would cost at least ￥150+ . But at Time Café, all this will cost you an unbelievable ￥38. For those out there who think that they can get tired of Time Cafe, the whole menu is revamped every couple months.

We are fully aware that this review might sound too good to be true. Well it is, heed our advice - Time cafe is a hit every time

Foodie Addict: Xi2

3F Building 10, Jianwai Soho | 建外Soho10号楼3晨
CBD Guomao
5869-3488

Cuisine: Vietnamenese - Traditional Pho

Yum Factor: 3/5

Feng Shui: 2/5

Fu to the Wu (service) : 3/5

Moolah: S - Bargain Basement Price

Repeat-Worthy: YES

Tucked away on the corner of the Vantone building, the initial impression of Pho88 is not one that would attract many foodies on the hunt for a good meal.

But the night was already old, & Xi2 just wanting to more "fill da' stomach" vs/ "have a nice meal" was delightly surprised when the meal turned out to be both.

The green papya salad was freshly made to order - well-proportioned order matched with delicious sweet minty vinigrette that leaves a pleasant aftertaste of lime & chilis. 15rmb Rice-paper shrimp rolls exceeded our expectaions as 4 large pieces were consumed within minutes. Undoubtedly though, the most impressive dish has to be awarded to the Tom Yum Shrimp. The serving bowl was MASSIVE & much better than the displayed menue picture! We were even further astounded to find 7xpieces of large succulent shrimp floating with pineapple bits, mushrooms, other vegetables. There was literally enough to fill up 8 small bowls of soup - all for the bargain price of ￥22.

Xi2 finally managed to convincee herself that the kitchen must have made a mistake with the shrimp or either that, the price on the menue must be wrong...But crazily enough, after all the large shrimps were peeled & eaten - and chop sticks picking the last bit of the papaya salad. The bill came to a mind-boggling ￥32.

Yes, this all sounds like crazy talk - Don't just take our word for it - the only way out of this is to test out repeat-worthy Pho88 yourself.

Foodie Addict: Xi2

1. Wanda - 93 Chaoyang Jianguo Lu | 万达广场- 建国路93号

5820-6860

2. Vantone Building - 6 Chaowai Street | 网通中心-朝外大街6号