Beijing Boyce

I think I’m in love and her name is Bubbly Sunday.

I’m not referring to some misguided local lass with an ill-advised English name, but to the title of Westin Hotel’s Champagne brunch. I’ve twice gone with a desire in my belly and twice left satisfied by a bounty of food and drink.

I went yesterday with my Mom, sister and friend, and, alongside the free-flow Piper-Heidsieck, we could choose from 20 wines (ASC Fine Wine’s Fanny Severe circulated and gave friendly advice), a selection of vodkas (the pineapple was refreshing, the hot pepper should come with a fire extinguisher), and an outdoor BBQ (including Taiwan-style sausages).

This was in addition to everything you’d expect at a five-star hotel Sunday brunch, from blue cheese to caviar to sushi to roast beef, with chocolate fondue, soufflé and black cherry ice cream leading the dessert charge. There’re also local dishes,  from Beijing duck to marinated fungus.

Throw in the lounge singers, fan dancers, magician, balloon twister (she makes a mean poodle), and a dynamic duo on electric violin and standup bass, and this brunch is a good place to bring some out-of-town visitors.

Note: Brunch runs from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and is RMB 298 + 15% with alcohol and RMB 228 + 15% with soft drinks, juice and mocktails. Call 6606-8866 for reservations and, if you’re cabbing it, keep that phone number handy, as the Westin isn’t always the easiest place to find.