Last Orders: Michael Crain, Founder, Chi Fan for Charity
“Last Orders” is a regular magazine column in which we ask noteworthy Beijingers to imagine their final meal before leaving the city for good. This month’s host is Michael Crain, Founder, Chi Fan for Charity
The venue
If my guests are a little more adventuresome, then we would go to Dali Courtyard. If they want to watch their fabulous meal being made, we’d be off to Black Sesame Kitchen. If they are treating and the sky is the limit, then I am making reservations at Made in China!
The starters
This is China … just bring everything at once! Maybe some spinach with peanut sauce or boiled peanuts, but let’s hurry and get to the main courses.
The mains
Being the foreigner that I am, I judge a Chinese restaurant by its gongbao jiding. Most in Beijing don’t use mala pepper but that’s what gives it the unforgettable taste and sensations. While Xiao Wang Fu does a good job with the dish, my favorite has to be at Red Capital Club. We would also need to add some ganbian sijidou as well as some mapo doufu. And of course maybe some gulao rou or a mandarin fish. Yum!
The desserts
The candied bananas at Black Sesame Kitchen along with the black sesame ice cream are amazing. Everyone there knows to make extra when I am coming as I will lick the container clean – and fight anyone for leftovers even after stuffing myself on the other courses. Something from his own kitchen Chinese desserts leave this Southern- raised boy longing for more sugar. Where I come from, more sugar = more awesome. I make a mean molten lava chocolate cake and my wife’s apple pie is legendary, so I’d have to top off a good Chinese meal with a little slice of home. Maybe two or three slices.
The music
I’d get Patrick Yu to spin some good ’80s and ’90s classics. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” as I “Turn Back Time” in “Paradise City.” “Straight Up!” and “Give a Little Respect.”
The entertainment
Abigail Washburn strumming her banjo to an amazing blend of Chinese and English lyrics. If she’s not in town, then tons of friends (maybe just a tad inebriated) are all the entertainment I need! My wife and I have developed some deep relationships here and if we were to set sail on our next journey, wherever that may be, we would cherish those friendships that have made our time in China so memorable. (We are not even leaving and just writing this makes me sad.)
Chi Fan for Charity tickets go on sale Oct 8.
Click here to see the October issue of the Beijinger in full.
Photo courtesy of Michael Crain
