Capital Bites: Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Ricci Cafe's Back and Lunch at Bar Veloce, TRB
It's a long work (or school?) week before the holiday, so be sure to keep yourself well-fed. Some suggestions: Jamaican jerk chicken from Rose's new outlet over near Andingmen, a sandwich from the newly reopened Ricci Cafe if you're on the west side of town, or Fatburger at the newly reopened Gemdale food court. Then when the holiday hits, you can lunch at Bar Veloce, who'll be serving their new lunch menu starting Oct 1.
Those who shed a tear or two when Ricci Cafe went on hiatus for renovations and extra staff training will be happy to know the TUS Park cafe is back in business. For our original review, see here.
Rose Lin Zamoa, who previously ran a Jamaican food delivery and catering service, has now opened Jamaica Me Crazy, a little takeout outlet primarily serving up her Jamaican jerk chicken. Seriously, if you have not yet had the spicy, saucy wonder that is her jerk chicken, you will kick yourself when you do, for letting it exist for so long without spending time in your mouth. The little stall is at the west end of Guozijian, across from Andingmennei. Over there, we believe, the hutong name becomes Cheniandian Hutong, but it's effectively the same hutong. We'll have a full review for you very soon.
Bar Veloce continues to both woo and create wine lovers in this town, with lots of great wine events plus some fine eats. First, we'd like to bring to attention their Friday wine salons. Every week they'll go through different regions or categories of wine (Greek, fortified, etc.). Best part? These are free. Yes, free. All you have to do is reserve, then show up to sample and learn about wines.
Veloce are also starting monthly industry nights for the food and beverage professionals in the city. The kickoff was last night, where the Wine Republic showcased their Jiabeilan Grand Reserve alongside some Cabernets from other Chinese and international wineries. Each month they'll offer 10% discounts on special wines plus complimentary snacks. Bring your business cards. They run 6-8pm where you can also enjoy other happy hour specials. The next one will be the last Monday of the month (Oct 29).
This coming Monday (Oct 1), the bar is also kicking off a new lunch menu, with more food items on offer than before. We'll tell you more about this once we've checked it out.
Temple Restaurant Beijing is also doing something about lunch – giving away a free one, in fact. (Even though my high school economics teacher taught us there's no such thing.) They're opening their doors early on Fridays and Saturdays now, and if you dine between 5.30-8pm on one of those nights, your party of two will earn one voucher for a free three-course set lunch at TRB.
As we mentioned last week, Gemdale Plaza is indeed open again and the new Fatburger is alive and well. We tried it out last week and those of us who ordered a set meal (burger, fries, drink) were pleased to be handed a voucher for another free set meal to be enjoyed within a week – though we found you could also just pass the voucher to your friend next to you and they could use it right away. Go get it while it's hot.
Speaking of American fast food, has anyone else noticed that Nathan's Famous at both Megabox in Sanlitun and at Raffles in Dongzhimen are closed? Anyone know anything about the other locations? We are awaiting news from their representatives, and crossing our fingers that it's not all bad news.
Photos: Marilyn Mai
