Beijing Boyce

Kro’s Nest (map) is among the establishments closing from September 15 to October 2 at Workers Stadium due to the upcoming October 1 holiday. Looked like the staff were already in vacation mode today since no one, for over two hours, checked on me – why, yes, I would like another beverage. On the other hand, the pie today was excellent.

Le Petit Gourmand (map) has added a custom-made barbecue on its deck and topped it with an industrial-strength vent. Look for this beast to be officially fired up on September 17.

Danger Doyle’s (map) is way ahead of the Shamrock curve: it will kick off its countdown to St. Patrick’s Day this week. Expect RMB30 Guinness and Kilkenny as well as two-for-one drinks on the seventeenth of each month. Management says it is also co-sponsoring an AFL finals party with AusCham and others. More on this soon.

It looks like yet another venue will open – post October 1, of course – along the base of Workers Stadium. Name: Chef Gallery 1. Focus: Hong Kong cuisine. Location: north end, just across from Kro’s.

The casualties continue to mount in China View, though I am surprised at how long some of these places lasted. The most recent is the restaurant just south of Drei Kronen and called, at least at one time, Fire.

Finally, MpC has announced that it is distributing the Spanish beer Mahou in China. It has a special offer of one case – 24 bottles aka a “two-four” in Canada-speak – delivered to your house for RMB198. I could find no mention of this beer or deal on MpC’s English-language Web site. I guess the best bet is to call them at 6773-4688.

If, as I do, you like the sound of filling your glass with dozens of wines while only emptying your wallet of a few kuai, then good times are coming as two of the best-value annual Beijing events are almost upon us.

First, Torres China will hold its third annual Taste of the Nations event on Saturday, September 26, from 2 PM to 5:30 PM at the Chilean embassy. The event will include 150 wines from a dozen countries. Tickets are RMB208 at the door, RMB188 prepaid – contact Sophie Sun at sophie.sun@everwines.com / 5165-5519, extension 208.

Then, the Hilton Beijing hold mark a dozen years since it held its first “wine experience.” Prepare to choose among hundreds of wines on November 9, with the trade portion slated for the morning and consumers getting the chance to exercise their taste buds in the afternoon. I’ll have details on the price, seminars, and more shortly.

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See also:
The Hilton food and wine experience: ten thoughts (2008)
Wrap up: The Hilton food and wine experience (2007)
Wining about the Bejiing Hilton wine fest (2006)
Taste of the Nations: The sequel (2008)
Wine world: Taste of Nations event (2007

Chris Anderson aka The Birdman

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The number of tattoos in Beijing will approximately double on October 11 when the Denver Nuggets play the Indiana Pacers in an NBA preseason game in Wukesong Arena. According to a press release from the NBA, “The game will be the first event held at the refurbished Wukesong Arena, formerly known as the Beijing Olympic Basketball Arena.” This is the third such game in Beijing -  the Houston Rockets and Sacramento Kings played in 2004 and the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors played in 2008.

As an NBA fan, this is good news, since the Denver Nuggets ranked among the most exciting teams last year and might have been champions if, well, they had mastered the seemingly simple act of the inbounds pass (it cost them dearly in the conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers). In any case, the press release states that the teams’ mascots, the Denver Nuggets Dancers, and the dunking squad Indiana Pacers Power Pack will also make the trip to Beijing.

China Mobile will be the “official ticket agent for the game in Beijing… providing fans with a convenient way to purchase tickets through the national call center 12580.”

Hat tip to chinabuzz.