Beijing Boyce

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Earlier this week, I glanced out my apartment window, spotted a large glowing object in the distance, and thought the aliens had landed. No such luck. Instead, that light marked the spot of the newest club at Workers Stadium, this one in the northeastern corner, about halfway between Kro’s Nest (map) and A Hotel (map). Given the supplies out front, it looks like they have a bit more work to do before officially opening…

The third Thursday of November is upon us and that means Beaujolais Nouveau parties (see here for more on this phenomenon). Get your plonk at one of these parties:

• Le Baie des Anges (map): Beaujolais Nouveau at RMB40 per glass or RMB200 per bottle.
• French Cultural Center (map): Beaujolais Nouveau, alongside other French wines, including Champagne, as well as live music and food from Le Petit Gourmand; 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM; RMB130.
• Enoteca (map): Complimentary buffet, live music, and Beaujolais Nouveau at RMB200 per bottle, from 8 PM.

Also of note:

• Scarlett (map): Beaujolias Nouveau party tomorrow, the 20th, from 7 PM; wine with a cold cut and cheese buffet; RMB218.
• Le Petit Gourmand (map): Week-long special starting tomorrow; glass of Gamay wine plus cold cut and cheese plate for RMB99 (RMB128 with two glasses). The wine is available at RMB35 per glass or RMB150 per bottle.

Lao Beijing up top, Shroomy below

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Kro’s Nest (map) is rolling out eight new pizzas – two per week – as former Element Fresh kitchen wizard Jeffrey Powell puts his touch on the menu. I tried a slice of Lao Beijing, which includes smoked duck breast, leeks, sauce, garlic, and – after it is out of the oven – a light topping of cucumbers (a bit savory for me), and the Shroomy, with four kinds of mushrooms plus thyme (tasty). Pies already available include the San Fran Special (pesto sauce, mozzarella, clams, and fresh garlic) and the Mexican Holiday (enchilada pizza sauce, re-fried beans, mozzarella, spicy beef, tomatoes, and more), that Powell describes as an “authentic taco on a pizza“.

Look also for about 15 new appetizers. By the way, two long-time Kro’s specials endure: on Tuesdays at six, the first key of beer is free, and on Thursdays, a bucket of six beers is just RMB80, with the choices including Red Seal, Brooklyn Lager, and VB.

Also of note, Powell is behind the menu at Tube Station Bistro (map), with the creations including the Himalayan black truffle pizza. Have yet to visit, but intend to do so soon.