Beijing Boyce

The Irish bar contingent has a new member: Backed by Frank’s Place investors Graham Forbes and George Smith, among others, The Irish Volunteer is a cozy spot near a couple of massage parlors and a nail salon on the north side of the Lido Holiday Inn (map). Decked out in woods, greens, and off-whites, the pub can fit about 30 in a narrow front area populated by stools, a larger space with chairs, tables, and bar, and a private room. Smith says The Irish Volunteer is “a place for conversation” and complements Frank’s Place, which has a strong sports focus.

Put together in a few weeks, the pub includes a bar built by Guinness, the old Hard Rock Cafe chairs, and tables from a closed restaurant, a mishmash that creates an unpretentious space to enjoy a few beers with friends. The initial food menu will include Irish breakfast, daily stews and soups, and an array of sandwiches, with plans to add fare such as burgers and fish n’ chips. Drink pieces will be similar to those at Frank’s Place, with an obvious focus – based on signage  and bar theme – on Guinness.

The pub’s name is a reference to The Rising in Ireland, a 1916 insurrection led by a volunteer army against British rule. One investor said the name “is a little bit political, but mostly historical.”

The Irish Volunteer officially opens on April 3.

After a prolonged absence, the wine events list is back, and just in time for some nice tastings: a blind one of Sauvignon Blanc that includes a vote at the end, a lineup of six German wines from three producers,  and the upcoming (and free) opening of the Carrefour spring wine fair.

A new feature: Click “map” beside the venue name to get a pop-up map of its location or to send the address for free – in English or Chinese – to your phone. Also, I will keep an updated list of wine events on this page. Finally, it is always best to confirm details of a tasting ahead of time – if there is one constant in Beijing, it is change.

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Thursday, April 2, 7-9 PM, Super Ganbei, RMB100, (map)
“Let’s wine”, with three Chilean and Italian wines from East Meets West; includes canapes; RSVP with Selina at selina@emw-wines.com or Super Ganbei at 5128-5488.

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Friday, April 3, 6:30PM, Sequoia Café (Guanghua Road), RMB120 (map)
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc blind tasting, with five wines from four suppliers; a vote on the wines will be taken; includes snacks; RSVP with Frank Siegel on Facebook or at 13701-178-073.

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Friday, April 3, 6:30-8:30 PM, Café Europa, RMB150 (map)
“Demystifying German Wines”, with six wines from three makers, and two winery owners in attendance; includes canapés; RSVP with Joseph Kiang at 8695-663 or 13910-097-621.

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Monday, April 6, 7 PM, Pinot (JW Marriott Hotel), RMB788 (map)
Chablis and Champagne dinner, with The Wine Republic and Bixente Alaman of Jean-Marc Brocard; four wines paired with seafood; RSVP with Chris Wang at chris.wang@marriotthotels.com or Campbell Thompson at events@thewinerepublic.com or 5869-7050.

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Thursday, April 16, Blu Lobster (Shangri-La Hotel), RMB988 + 15% (map)
Robert Weil wine dinner, with Wilhelm Weil, great-grandson of the estate founder; five wines with five courses; call  6841-2211, x6727 to RSVP.

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Friday, April 17, 6-8 PM, Shuangjing Carrefour, free (map)
Spring wine fair opening night, with a 20-percent discount on wines; call 5190-9589 for more info.

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Tuesday, April 21, 7-9 PM, Aria (China World Hotel), RMB150 (map)
Lafite “mega tasting“, with export manager Michel Negrier and DBR Lafite wines provided by Summergate; RSVP with Jenny Fennerty at 6562-5800 or jenny.fennerty@summergate.com.

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Wednesday, April 22, 7:30 PM, Meat & Wine Co. (Legation), RMB560 (map)
Jeremy Oliver book tour wine dinner; includes five ASC wines ranked 96 points or more by Oliver and a copy of his new book; RSVP with  Helen Lu at eventsbj@asc-wines.com  or 6587-3803.

Expect a new vibe at Lugar (map): The pool table has been replaced by more seating, the terrace will soon open with new furniture, and the Vietnamese menu has been dropped in place of pastas (RMB25), sandwiches (RMB22), salads (RMB22), and the like, made in cooperation with Nanluguoxiang’s Cafe Alba (map). Fortunately, owner Weiley Lu says the place will retain the same cocktail list and the growing Whiskey list, already among the best in Beijing. Look for a signs saying “eat” out front and “Lugar” along the side.

Hat tip and photo credit to Andrew S.