Where is Brussels? Is there any stuff for kids? Is the place going to be overrun by kids? What beers are available and at how much? What if I don’t like beer? Do the boat races involve actual boats and, if so, do I need a life jacket?
Here are some answers to questions about Beijing’s first Beers for Books event, which will go down this Sunday, September 9, at Brussels from noon to midnight to raise money for The Library Project.
“Where is Brussels?”
Sanlitun South a.k.a. Nan San. Same building as Q Mex and the newest Kro’s Nest but on the east side. South of The Bookworm and pretty close to Nanjie, Salsa Caribe and D Lounge. Check this map.
“Is there any stuff for kids?” and “Is the place going to be overrun with kids?”
Yes and no.
The event will be family friendly during the afternoon and early evening, the upper floor used to screen movies, for a singalong with Ian Burns of the Beijing Beatles, and to grab some kid-sized meals (see menu below).
The older crowd can grab beer-themed foods like La Chouffe battered fish or blue cheese burgers with De Koninck caramelized onions, play pool and foosball, and chill out and listen to tunes downstairs. Later on, things get more adult with the Beijing Beatles, boat races, and movies Beerfest and Strange Brew. Here’s the abbreviated schedule:
- 12:00-13:30 / Movie: The Jungle Book (1967)
- 13:30-15:00 / Movie: Cat in the Hat (2003)
- 15:15-15:30 / Singalong: ‘‘Yellow Submarine‘ with Ian Burns of Beijing Beatles
- 15:30-17:00 / Movie: Princess Bride (1999)
- 17:00-17:15 / Introduction: The Library Project, plus a Prize Draw
- 17:15-18:00 / Live music: The Beijing Beatles, including ‘Paperback Writer‘
- 18:15-19:00 / Film festival: Duff Beer
- 19:00-19:45 / Live Music: The Beijing Beatles
- 19:45-20:00 / Intermission: Prize Draw
- 20:00-20:30/ Boat races, with Beerjing vs Belgian Bulges and Royal Moma Yacht Club vs TBD
- 20:30-22:00 / Movie: Beerfest
- 22:00-23:30 / Movie: Strange Brew
“What are the beers and how much do they cost?”
Four Belgian draft beers will be available. Brussels will sell them at cost plus the rmb15 that goes to The Library Project. For example, a Vedett Blonde will cost rmb30, which is ~rmb15 in cost and rmb15 in donation. Given a Vedett Blonde is normally rmb35, and even more at some bars in Beijing, you get a discount AND donate to charity.
The other draft beers are Vedett White at rmb35, De Koninck at rmb45 rmb40, and La Chouffe at rmb45.
“What if I don’t like beer?”
Blasphemy! But in such rare cases, patrons have the option of California sparkling wine from Weibel at rmb30 per glass, including regular, raspberry, peach, almond and pomegranate flavors. Again, rmb15 from each glass goes to The Library Project.
There will also be root beer at rmb15 per can, with all of that money going to charity.
“Will there be food?”
Yes, Brussels has eight items with a beer theme. Jessie Wang, Kenn Bermel and the kitchen staff at Brussels have worked very hard on the menu and you can get all of the details below.
“What about the charity, The Library Project? What’s that about?”
The Library Project supports under-financed schools and orphanages in China. This organization has a worthy mission, is cost effective in setting up libraries, and is transparent in the way it raises and spends money. By the way, Stader is coming to Beijing from Vietnam, where he has just set up another office, and fundraising head Christine Wang will also attend Beers for Books.
“When and why are the Beijing Beatles playing?”
Ever heard the song “Paperback Writer“? No? Then come and here it performed by Beijing’s best Beatles tribute band. You have heard it? Then come and here it again! The Beatles will be playing sets at around 5 PM and 7 PM.
“I saw there are boat races. What are those?”
A boat race is a drinking contest. Basically, each team has four members and each member drinks two pints. It is fun and exciting and should be an Olympic sport. One boat race will feature The Belgian Bulges (me, Chad Lager, Josie Ho and Kenn “Ron Burgundy” Bermel) versus BeerJing (a team of that’s Beijing editors). The other team will feature The Royal Moma Yacht Club versus a team to be named. Boat races: classier than you think.
Those are the basics. Sunday, September 9, noon to midnight, with beer, food, movies and music, to support The Library Project. Hope to see you there.
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