Capital Bites: World Vegetarian Month, New Pantry Magic and How I Lost at Cupcake Eating

Dear Reader, I write to you from the confines of my bed. Sadly, I have been struck down by the very tragedy of not winning yesterday's cupcake-eating contest at Colibri Cafe in celebration of their first anniversary. My very ardent attempt (two cupcakes in two minutes!) was four off the winning total of six. In any case, que sera sera, and now onto this week's dining newsbits.

Pantry Magic's new location at 17 Gongti Beilu is now soft-opened, incidentally very close to Alfa. For all your kitchen wizardry needs, this is what it looks like:

Speaking of openings, Nanluogu Xiang is now home to a Beard Papa and an iTea. I'll let you decide whether that's a good thing or not...

Vegetarians and vegans of Beijing, I know that you can get a bit overlooked. In honour of World Vegetarian Awareness Month this October, Punjabi will have a special vegetarian buffet dinner on October 1, and a new all-veggie set menu every week throughout October. November is World Vegan Awareness Month, and vegans will have the opportunity to feast on a vegan buffet on November 1.

In other news, turban-clad Argentinian Chef Chakall has confirmed his dates at the Astor Grill. Enjoy his menu on October 14 and 15 from 6-10pm, or have brunch with him on October 16. Give the St. Regis a call on 6460 6688 (ext 2637) if you're up for it.

Oh, and in case you didn't know, Burger King delivers now. If you're within a 15-minutes walking distance from one of their locations, and want to place a minimum order of RMB 35, give them a call. Just FYI: Avoid the chicken tenders at all costs.