People keep asking me, in the street, in shops, during exam time at the proctologist, in the opium den, fishing in hou hai, a with cry so insistent, I have, finally and with so little resistance as to put the lie to the now possibly forgotten earlier portions of this sentence, caved in to its inherent and simple demand: 'Why Richard, oh why, have we not had dinner at one of these mysterious western 'xin jiang' restaurants we have heard have taken such firm root in Beijing as to have become an integral part of modern Beijing culture and to have provided the flame, in the form of seven strokes b
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Submitted by richardp on Thu, 2008/03/27 - 15:13.
In a move that is sure to cause instability and the real possibility of splinter groups emerging, a fearful prospect that could see irregular dining occurring sporadically across the city, with diners gathering in almost random groups with little to bind them but friendship and a common hunger - neither website nor firm hand to guide them - regular attendee 穆蕊 (Mu Rui) has suggested this place as one of her favourites.
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Submitted by richardp on Tue, 2008/03/18 - 12:17.
I have long been a fan of the first link in this very successful chain, there are 3 in all. The original location at the other end of Gui Jie now occupies 4 old si he yuan and is packed most nights of the week. Eating at the new place last night for the first time I was pleasantly reminded of the quality of the food on offer. The Decor in the new restaurant is also not to be sniffed at in a place that if not appropriately decorated would make most barn's feel inadequate.
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Submitted by richardp on Thu, 2008/03/13 - 12:16.
This is a shout out to the Ladies. Last week was, save but for the grace of two of our company, a very male affair. Given this week has one day dedicated to the cause, I think we should jump on the bandwagon and dedicate the evening to international women.
The place itself is nicely decked out, modern design and if we get the numbers will provide our own room. The quality of the ingredients here is very good and the broth also of a high quality.
It has been a while since we did hotpot and there is only so much cooler weather left.
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Submitted by richardp on Thu, 2008/03/06 - 11:38.
Democracy is not required when my thoughtful hand guides us. This weeks choice, designed to counterpoint my repeated choice of lamb broiled in tallow with a side serve of wings, is vegetarian.
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Submitted by richardp on Wed, 2008/02/27 - 17:03.
In celebration of his new found stardom on the Korean academic scene and in mourning his leaving - we move outside the second ring for the fist time to honour regular dinner attendee Chad Walker. Chad is heading east, beyond even the sixth ring, to do something at a university that sounds particularly hard.
That being said we are in for some good old fashioned Beijing street food. Wings and chuanr, beer and linoleum.
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Submitted by richardp on Tue, 2008/02/19 - 13:40.
I have chosen this place pretty much on the food. The place is noteworthy for having Sichuan style dishes but with a minimum of chili, if any. This has the result of letting discover Sichaun flavours you didn't know existed.
The building is also one of the nicer hutong-modern constructions I have seen. Upstairs is a large class section and downstairs is quite tastefully minimal and understated without taking on airs.
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Submitted by richardp on Thu, 2008/02/14 - 13:54.
Korean BBQ is what it is, but this place stands out for the quality of its meats and the tastiness of its side dishes. Though from memory, in truly un=Korean style these are not endlessly refilled.
There are many tables for six and one large banquet room in this place so if I have enough interest by tomorrow afternoon I will book the big room.
my contacts as usual: wouldntbecaughtdead@richardparris.com and 139 1016 1510.
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Submitted by richardp on Thu, 2008/01/31 - 16:34.
New fangled fish cooked with a bunch of vegetables and spices in a tray on your table. There is some picking through the bits but it's worth the trouble. The surrounds, and hopefully the company, are also great.
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Submitted by richardp on Wed, 2008/01/23 - 12:58.
From 'The Pocket English Dictionary' Heineman 1979:
rock-and-roll noun
a) a form of popular music originating during the 1950's characterised by a strong beat, repetitious melody and rhythm and an exaggerated style of singing. b) a vigorous improvisatory dance performed to such music.
It is the exaggerated singing that plays to our basest instincts and causes us, moth to flame, to debase ourselves so - time after time.
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Submitted by richardp on Sun, 2007/12/16 - 14:39.
