Beijing Boyce

I’m halfway done a post about how Danni Z and I went to Migas last week, tried the three-course set lunch for RMB85, and left not only with full tummies but also impressed at the good value. Now I find out Migas is offering a two-for-one lunch special until February 28! (Save for January 31 to February 9, when it is closed for Chinese New Year.)

If our meal was any indication–my appetizer was a large portion of foie gras, lamb carpaccio, and caramelized seeds that I spread on fresh bread; the main was sea bass and delicious–it would be hard to find better value in this city. And the menu changes every week so you won’t get bored. And the drinks are reasonably priced.

To take advantage of this offer, go to this page, print out the coupon, and head to Migas for lunch, Monday to Friday.

I had pretty much gone a decade without watching TV at home when DJ Chunky left me a DVD player during his exit from China early last fall. I have since watched ~60 movies and all or parts of more than a dozen TV series. And if I had to pick one thing to watch again, it would be the series Firefly (for more about this show, see here).

Good news if you are also a fan: there will be a Firefly get-together at The Loop this Sunday. The afternoon will include the streaming of a handful of episodes from 2 PM, along with some tonic (the place has a full bar) and vittles (pizzas, burgers, rice dishes, and the like). Join others in The Verse for what should be a very shiny time.

If you plan to attend, much appreciated if you let me know in the comments section or at beijingboyce (at) yahoo.com so the organizer has a rough idea of how many people to expect. You can find The Loop here.

This is part seven in the Must Tries Series that asks people in the Beijing bar, restaurant, and wine business to give us their picks. This time up: Philip Osenton, sales manager for North China for importer and distributor Wine Culture. Osenton, who includes a stint as sommelier at The Ritz London on his CV, gives us his picks from the company’s portfolio.

Philip Osenton (at right)

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What is the “must try” red from Wine Culture?

A highly acclaimed wine from Mclaren Vale in South Australia called Joseph Moda, produced by Joe Grilli at Primo Estate. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the 2006 vintage and what makes this wine stand out is that it’s made in the “Passito style” favoured in northern Italy in the production of Amarone. The grapes are air dried before pressing and this produces a wonderful rich and seductive wine with a big sweet toasty nose, lots of dark fruits, soft tannins and a long smooth finish. I love this wine with rack of lamb (Australian or New Zealand if you can find it). A bottle is RMB706.

What is the “must try” white from Wine Culture?

This would have to be the Sigalas Asyrthiko/Athiri 2007 from Santorini in Greece. With so many amazing wines from around the world it’s such a shame to stick with certain varieties from certain countries and this wine proves this point. A blend of two white grapes, 75% Asyrthiko and 25% Athiri, this wine is perfect after three years (says the winemaker), and medium to light bodied with green apple and citrus flavours and a crisp lemony finish. This wine works well as an aperitif or with seafood, particularly Aegean Kakavia (fish stew). A bottle is RMB211.

Finally, what is the “must try” value wine?

Would have to be the Casa Gulada Singular 2008 at RMB102. This wine is from La Mancha in the center of Spain and is a blend of Tempranillo, Bobal and Syrah. A modern winery that is producing some excellent and good value wines from a relatively new area for quality wines. Medium bodied with red cherry and raspberry fruits and a warm smooth ending. Very flexible with food, I like to serve mine with my Chorizo and tomato pasta dishes.

Some of the best wine value in Beijing comes when distributors organize portfolio tastings, when customers can try dozens of different wines, sometimes even more than a hundred, for a small price. My favorite is the annual Taste of Nations by Torres, since the company pops open excellent wines, and I have also enjoyed tastings by ASC, Aussino, Gelipu, Palette, Wine Link, and The Wine Republic.

The Wine Republic will hold another such tasting this Saturday, January 22, from 2 PM to 5 PM at Flamme. The entry fee is RMB50 and provides access to more than 60 wines from six nations. (Here’s hoping they open some of that nice New Zealand Pinot Noir.) Even better, the entry fee will be refunded if you buy wine. For more info, contact Naomi Zeng at 5869-7050 / naomi@thewinerepublic.com.

And if you still feel like a beverage after the tasting, the happy hour at Flamme lasts until 8 PM (try the Passionate Englishman).