Talking Pints: Big Smoke, Big Clamp Down, Big Bash
The biggest news of the weekend is that Rev Run has pulled out of his show at Elements this weekend. He's now scheduled to come on August 17. But you already knew that. More pertinent news for those of us who will be here this weekend is that the wait is over for Kris Ryan's latest project. Uncle Otis opened its doors for a test opening on Wednesday, before quickly closing them again to get the shop in order for The Big Smoke's opening today. We're told doors were open at 4pm so stop by and check out the latest establishment in the Xingfucun neighbourhood.
We also managed to stop by the planned site for the new California Grapes venue recently, and found a concrete mini jungle with a healthy smattering of workers. That space looks likely to need a wee while longer before it's ready for business.
Word reaches us at TBJ HQ that authorities are clamping down on foreign satellite feeds, specifically those of a sporting bent. Several people have now mentioned how two prominent, but unnamed, Sanlitun venues were issued warnings about supposed "illegal" satellite feeds. This is likely to worry a number of the city's publicans who will be relying on those lovely Anglophone feeds to boost their Olympic attendances. We wait to see if the issue will be forced any further by authorities; if we hear any more on the matter, we'll let you know.
Several of Beijing's best bartenders were reprezentin' at the Monin Cup 2012 cocktail competition in Shanghai this week. We'll let you know how they got on as soon as we find out. Among the Beijing contestants were David Ding from Maison Boulud, Sunshuquan from Lucky Man, Simon from Mao Mao Chong and Lucas from Lost Heaven. Best of luck to them. Here's hoping they can bring home the bacon.
To this weekend: There's a BBB party at Beer Mania tonight. The soiree will consist of Belgian beer, Beijing Beatles and Plan B (see what they did there)? Sounds like a decent shindig. Or you could always get along to Suzie Wong's to flout the usually strict dress code.
It's good to talk, as BT may or may not tell you if you get along to Tango on Saturday night. Elsewhere, Yang Bing embarks on a mammoth five-hour DJ set at Haze. See if you can last as long as he does. And just like Vanessa Williams, we've gone and saved the best for last. Yen turns lucky number eight on Saturday. Get yourself on over to Great Wall to party like a Mongol invader back where it all began in '04.
Lastly, we'd like to congratulate 2F on celebrating their fourth anniversary last night. Well done to Ah Jian and the team. Here's our pick of the weekend's nightlife action. Have a bloody smashing weekend.
Friday July 20
BBB Party
Beer Mania celebrates Belgium’s National Day with Belgian beer, the Beijing Beatles and Australian rockers Plan B. Price and time TBD. Beer Mania (6500 0559)
Bandera Night with Special DJ
Latin drink specials for those who come sporting their country’s colors. 10pm-2am. Q Mex (5620 3759)
Moonlighting
Patrick Yu and Usami mix up a host of classics under the moonlight. RMB 30. 10pm. Migas (5208 6061)
Neon
Bite-size Buddha fronts a night of nu-disco, indie electro and old-school house. RMB 50. 10pm. Haze (5900 6128)
Summer Fiesta
Party as if your at the beach, well, wearing your beach wear at least. RMB 100. 10pm. Suzie Wong's
Saturday July 21
Mexican Cocktails with Paul Mathew
Learn to mix margaritas and beyond with master mixologist Paul Mathew. Price TBD. RSVP at www.qmex.co. 4-6pm. Q Mex (5620 3759)
White Party feat. BT
Top house DJ BT hits Beijing to mark the start of voting for the world’s top DJ 2012, supported by JES and Spark. Price TBD. 10pm. Tango (6428 2288)
Yang Bing Five-Hour Set
Expect a wide range of tunes from disco to techno, old and new from the Beijing dance legend. RMB 50. 10pm. Haze (5900 6128)
YEN 8th Anniversary at Great Wall
YEN’s eighth birthday is celebrated back on the Great Wall where it all began. Local DJs Mickey Zhang, Dio, Yang Bing and Eddie LV take their places on the card. Price includes roundtrip transportation. RMB 350, RMB 280 (advance). Huangyaguan Great Wall (158 0167 1864)
