Beijing Boyce

Quick quiz: Which headline appears in the August “Olympics” issue of that’s Beijing?

a) Wait, Break, Hatch, Change. Or the coming of eggs outside a bird’s nest

b) Sidewalks of water

c) Red Rover, Red Rover: Walk safely right over

d) The King: How to survive your local neighborhood noodle shop - Etiquette tips on drinking, issuing compliments and munching donkey balls

e) All of the above

If you read the last issue, then it’s a no-brainer. The answer is: e). I’ll have more on that’s Beijing and the other local English-language lifestyle publications in my follow-up to Magazine Madness.

(Hat tip to Beijing Elvis for the heads up.)

Yet another update of my scorpions on a stick media monitoring project - but this one with a twist. It’s hard to believe that thousands of journalists have missed this story, but Olympic visitors will be comforted to know that Wangfujing snack street is not the only place to sample these creepy crawly treats. Instead, enjoy them in comfort at Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, which serves up the little critters… on crackers. Scorpions: with or without sticks? That’s a debate for the gourmands to decide. Kudos to m-dawg for his investigative skills and the photo.

See also:

Scorpions on a stick update: Globe & Mail, LA Times, BBC, DNA India, and more

Scorpions on a stick update: Forbes, Wall Street Journal

Scorpions on a stick update: NBC

On a stick? In Beijing? No way!: ESPN, Boston Globe

Both residents of Beijing and the barbarians descending upon it will require watering holes in which to drink the sweet tastes of success and the bitters of failure during the Olympics. Over the next few days, I’ll be making some “bar picks” and welcome others to throw in their two kuai. First up: sports bars.

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The Rickshaw

Two floors, five screens: this spot has seen F1, cricket, and even American football fans share their sports fixes and comfort food in peace. Known for its unpretentious and oft-times rowdy crowd, sizable burritos, and so-so service.

Bonus: The Rickshaw is close to a public toilet, which provides a second option for those who really need to go (especially if you are working your way through this bar’s growing number of craft beers).

Personal memory: In a country where Houston Rockets Center Yao Ming is a national hero, The Rickshaw is the only bar I know that had the NBA Channel last season.

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Goose & Duck

Well worth a gander (goose, duck, gander, get it?), this is a massive sports bar with numerous rooms and TVs, a batting cage, and a basketball court.

Bonus: Cheerleader performances.

Personal memory: When Beijing resident Richard Robinson cost the New England Patriots the Super Bowl.

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Paddy O’Shea’s

A two-story Irish-themed pub north of Sanlitun run by Gleann Phealan, who some say is single-handedly responsible for the shamrocks found in the design. “Business as usual,” says Glenn in raeference to the Olympics, which means sports on TV and wear and tear on the beer taps (Guinness, etc).

Bonus: Did I mention the shamrocks?

Personal memory: When Glenn played Danny Boy on the pan flute. When Glenn almost incinerated me (sorry, wrong bar). When Glenn explained that Ireland is not part of the “British Isles.”

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Frank’s Place

An incarnation of the bar that helped get the scene started in 1989, Frank’s Place offers table and bar seating, a big covered deck, a pool table, screens of all sizes, and an assortment of regulars.

Bonus: Frank’s Place is located below restaurant Salt (RSVP: 6437-8457) and above wine bar Cave, so you can hit all three in one night.

Personal memory: When co-owner Roger Dutton informed me that the land on which the Eastern Inn (and Q Bar) now stands used to be an artificial limb factory.

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The Den

Another longstanding Beijing bar, The Den offers a blast-from-the-past first floor and a fancier second one. Sponsor of a local rugby team, the Den offers solid service and above-average pub grub.

Bonus: The hamburger comes with a fried egg on top.

Personal memory: Either when (in my early Beijing days) O-Zone dragged me here at 6 AM for a four-cheese pizza or when two of the waitresses took a few swings at each other.

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Others: Hooters (near Workers Stadium), Eudora Station (spacious venue, fun staff, near the Lido Hotel), and The Pomegranate (in Shunyi). Unfortunately, The Pavillion, with its excellent patio, will be closed during The Games.

Note: This list includes spots I feel comfortable recommending. Please feel free to add your own picks in the comments section or email me at beijingboyce@yahoo.com. Don’t get angry, get emailing.

A quick update on activities of weekend last:

Friday night

I went on a pub crawl with some foreign journalists - we started in Nanluoguxiang and hit Suzie Wong (too early to be busy but a décor worth seeing), Q Bar (a light crowd when we arrived around 10 and bustling when we left less than an hour later), The Saddle Cantina (fairly full inside with about 30 people spilling into the courtyard) and China Doll (busy, busy, busy). The night included an impromptu meeting with a Brazilian dance group and Ciro of Ciro’s popping out to say hi in all his blinged-out tattooed glory.

Saturday night

I did a walkabout that included the club strip on Workers’ Stadium West. Lots of people in front of the clubs (Richy, Cutie et al), a solid crowd in Taiwanese restaurant Hsin Yeh (great food), and about 50 patrons  chilling outside Destinations across the street.