Living La Vida Local: What’s Cooking This Spring?

Yes, the weekend is here at last, but thanks to Tomb Sweeping Day, many of us are stuck in the office on this lovely Saturday morning. At least we have good news as well as fun events to share to help keep us placated until tomorrow evening. Up on the agenda this week: a new method of learning Chinese, the recipe for delicious egg rolls (see photo above) and the tantalizing promise of a “Better Life.”

First off, we want to applaud BJ Foodies for their latest charity dinner – more than 80 guests showed up and together they raised over RMB 4,500 for Prevention Through Education, an organization committed to educating China’s youth on HIV/AIDS.

But enough on what’s already happened; what can we look forward to this week? Tomorrow night (fittingly on April Fool’s Day), Culture Yard is hosting its first Chinese Through Songs Workshop. If you’ve already exhausted your options (i.e. intensive language program, private tutor, language partner), consider this more creative approach. At the very worst you’ll walk away with new ballads to impress pals with at KTV. Don’t forget to reserve your place by emailing contact@cultureyard.net.

On Tuesday morning, the Black Sesame Kitchen is introducing its latest seasonal cooking course: Spring Favorites. On the menu are spring rolls with fragrant spring vegetables and eggs (xiangcun chao jidan) and country-fried eggplant, potatoes and green peppers (disanxian). What better way to celebrate the advent of spring?

That evening you can choose from two events: the Irish Network China’s monthly dinner (featuring Pat Power from the US Federal Aviation Administration) or the FC Group’s For Better Life social networking gathering for startups, health, tourism, green tech, NGOs, real estate and more. If you’re interested in what the INC has to offer, email beijingirishconnections@gmail.com to reserve your spot and receive venue details. If you’re more attracted to networking for a cause, RSVP online or email info@fcgroup.org before 2.30pm on April 3 with the following information: event name + date, your full name, company name, work title, mobile phone, email, haves and wants.

EVENTS (MAR 31-APR 6)

Apr 1
Chinese Through Songs Workshop
Improve your language skills through learning popular Chinese songs. Reserve at contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 40. 6.30-8pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Chinese Kitchen: Homemade Organic Tofu
Transform organic soybeans into perfectly creamy tofu. RMB 250 (includes take-home materials), RMB 200 (members). 11am-1.30pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Sambasia Barefoot Percussion Workshop
Drum with your feet. RMB 80, RMB 240 (4 classes). Noon-2pm. UCCA Loft (8459 9269; see A&C directory)

Survival Chinese
Acquire enough vocabulary to get by. Reserve at contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 200. 10am-noon. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Apr 2
Chinese Kitchen: Shanghai
Dive into the appealing aesthetics and complex flavors of this cuisine. RMB 250, RMB 200 (members). 2.30-5pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Exploring Chinese Social Trends
How is the younger generation shaping China’s future? Reserve at contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 75, RMB 60 (members). 7-8.40pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Apr 3
BSK Cooking Class: Spring Favorites
Delicious dishes to complement the new season. RMB 300 (cash only). 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408)

Chinese Corner
Find a new language partner. Free. 1-3pm. Beijing Mandarin School (6508 1026)

Social Networking: For Better Life
Invites people from real estate, health, tourism, green tech, NGOs, NPOs, hospitality and service industries to network and discuss everything from the quality of our life to environmental-related issues. RSVP at info@fcgroup.org or at fcgroup.org. RMB 130 (includes complimentary drink and lucky draw), RMB 90 (RSVP before 2.30pm on April 3). 7.30-10.30pm. The Ritz-Carlton Bar (5908 8131)

Apr 4
Mahjong Workshop: Part 1
Familiarize yourself with the history and symbolism behind the game. Reserve at contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 200 (2 session), RMB 160 (members). 9.30am-12.30pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Apr 5
BSK Cooking Class: Beijing Snacks
Only after you’ve made zhajiangmian can you call yourself a true Beijinger. RMB 300 (cash only). 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408)

Apr 6
Introduction to Tea: Oolong
The answers to all your questions about tea and more. Reserve at contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 70, RMB 50 (members). 7-9pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

Community Yoga
Do good, do yoga. Proceeds to go charity. RMB 50 (minimum requested). 11am-12.30pm. Yoga Yard (6413 0774)