Capital Bites: New Eats for National Day
On the eve of October holidays, those of us who are staying in town have a couple new dining options to tempt us. Switch! restaurant opened this weekend out at 798 art district. Site of the former Super Ganbei, Switch! is likewise attached to the UCAA Art Space, but with its mod furnishings, lofted floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden deck, and street-facing entrance, this new café is much more accessible to the gallery-hopping crowds. The owners also operate the catering company Culinary Capers, and they have plans in place to host guest chefs and "switch" up their offerings often.
Currently, the menu offers a number of sandwiches, salads, and pizza as well as a cheerful selection of fried appetizers. The calamari is fantastic, as is the duck dip, a great take on the traditional French dip. A great stop for anyone who wants a nibble or a drink on the gallery circuit, and it’s great to see that 798 is starting to offer some quality dining options.
Speaking of fashion-forward new restaurants, Colibri Café just opened last week in Sanlitun Village north. Hot on the cupcake trend that has hit Beijing, the café’s specialty are designer cupcakes, which include green tea and lemon curd flavors among the 20 they are planning to offer (RMB 23 each). However, there is also a short but pleasing selection of wraps and hot sandwiches at this airy and sleek new eatery. If you're feeling too lazy to head over, Colibri will also deliver the cupcakes to your door.
If you’re in the mood for tapas, perhaps this week is a good chance to head back to a few Beijing favorites. In Sanlitun, the popular wine bar and tapas restaurant Enoteca is reopening in its new location on the fourth floor of Nali Patio on Thursday. The formal opening will happen in about two weeks, but take advantage of the soft opening to enjoy special discounts on bottles of wine.
For tapas in the CBD, check out Mosaico’s new facelift. This homey Spanish restaurant has been closed for the last two weeks for a facelift, and will be opening again on October 1 with a brand new look.
