Welcome to part thirty of the Must Tries Series, where I ask people working in the Beijing bar and restaurant business for the top picks from their menus. This time up is gregarious Aleksandar “Sasha” Unkovic of Workers Stadium area restaurant Kiosk — home of The Big Bite Burger. (Note: Kiosk is closed on Mondays.)
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- Sasha Unkovic and Andy “Must Try #3″ Bright
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What is the “must try” food at Kiosk?
The grilled chicken sandwich (rmb31). It includes fresh, not frozen, chicken breast, original Hormel bacon, onions, cheese and homemade marinated peppers — spicy or non-spicy– in a grilled baguette.
What is the “must try” drink at Kiosk?
The gin tonic (rmb35). I don’t skimp on the gin and I add a lot of lime.
What are three “must try” items at other bars and restaurants in Beijing?
The Long Island Iced Tea at Jazz-Ya. For me, this is the only real Long Island Iced Tea in Beijing because they make in a proper traditional way and haven’t changed it for 15 years. We should respect that.
The sirloin steak — the “Eve cut” — at Morel’s across from Workers Stadium. I think this is the best, and best-value, steak in Beijing. It is the right size — not too big and not too small — and there is a wide range of sauces, including the best Bearnaise sauce. You can choose from mashed potatoes, baked potatoes or fries.
Finally, he is not a drink or food, but I also want to mention Andy Bright of Union Bar & Grille as a third good thing about the bar and restaurant business in Beijing. He really knows how to run the business but he’s still “real”. There are many professional managers in Beijing who would score a “ten” but they don’t provide a personal connection like Andy.
I have been a customer of Kisok going on 7 years and I nearly always order the chx sandwich. A bit disappointing last few visits as the portions of cheese and pimento relish were too small – consistency please. Of course we all miss the original location but Kiosk will always be a must try. As an alternative the tiny grilled Serbian sausages are a delight.
Sasha’s spot on about Andy; in fact, both Andy and Sasha deliver quality, personal service time and time again.