Capital Bites: McKenna meets Ricci, Spice Factory & Waiting For Obentos

There's been exciting new food developments on my side of town! Wudaokou now has Avocado Tree, a new fast-food Mexican joint. A Korean snack place, Addal, has settled in nicely next to Eatalia. Come November, we’ll also have Ricci Café open in Tsinghua Science Park – cafés are a dime a dozen in the Wu, but this press release was surprising. "... a Hong Kong and Singapore-inspired concept refined to perfection by all-star chef Brian McKenna."

Brian McKenna? Blu Lobster and ROOM Brian McKenna? We called Ricci’s PR to confirm and yes, he claims that McKenna is on board – and we’re told for more than just the menu. Besides edibles, we can expect a range of “blended coffee drinks” – gotta say, I’m looking forward to a frappucino a la McKenna.

In other news, we confess to getting it wrong. The new restaurant by the d lounge team will not be called “Yum.” It will, however, be called Spice Factory (we believe it will still be offering Thai-style options). In addition, they’re also opening another restaurant – a Japanese eatery called Tatami. Both will adjoin d lounge, and be ready for super-soft (think expensive cashmere, baby bottoms and soft-serve ice-cream) opening sometime in September.

Also coming up next month, we can expect the Kerry Centre Hotel to reopen Centro, alongside a new deli and all-day dining restaurant.

So far, I’ve not mentioned the ultra-awesome Beijinger Burger Cup, but that’s just because earlier last week I threw myself into deep mourning for Maison Boulud’s shockingly premature departure from the competition. After careful consideration and ditching the black veil, I’m now throwing my weight (and vote) behind Fatburger. If only in remembrance of the time I finished a double with cheese, Fat Fries and a chocolate milkshake … Anyway, go forth and vote (quarter-final voting closes at noon on Fridate)!

P.S. Dear Beijing, contrary to recent speculation, Big Boss Fish & Chips is not dead. Promise.

P.P.S. Dear Obentos, please open already. September 5 is too far away for a girl in desperate need of some lunchtime-katsu-delivery-lovin.’ Expect to see me skulking in Central Park, waiting. (Too creepy?)

Photos: the Beijinger and Susan Sheng