Capital Bites: Expanded Home Plate Hours, Another Wagas, and Korean Street Food

Cat Nelson | Dec 24, 2013 3:00 pm | Add a comment | 1470 reads

Shedding the shackles of a soft opening yesterday, Home Plate in Sanlitun's Courtyard 4 expanded their previously limited hours. They are now open daily from 11am-10pm, which means you can pop in for lunch, stay for an afternoon cocktail or sweet tea, and then hit dinner and dessert in the evening. It is the sort of place to while away a fair amount of time without noticing, so don't scoff at the idea. We were by for a bite of dinner over the weekend – more on that shortly.

Over on Xingfucun Zhonglu, Owner and Chef Jeff Powell has been up to some home improvement. His spot, Frost, underwent some extensive renovations (looking classy from what we can tell) and will see the launch of a new menu just after Christmas.

There have been some bigger changes afoot in Sanlitun. Andrew Ahn unveiled his Sanlitun Soho contemporary Korean joint Ssam in its new incarnation as One Pot by Ssam. The new menu and concept centers on Korean street food, ranging from jeon (Korean pancakes) to kim bap (seaweed rice rolls) to topokki (fried rice cake dishes) and a beer-roasted chicken. What we sampled of the menu the other day was excellent and I'll be getting you my take on that.

In Guomao's new Kerry Center, a second branch of Wagas has opened to keep the new third Hatsune branch company. Lunch delivery to the office went smoothly and satisfactorily last week, but I'd like to be by to see the space in person.

Lido will be seeing a Tube Station branch soon. If pictures indicate anything, the space looks pretty interesting – as though you might be able to eat your pizza in a giant brick airplane hanger ... which is cool, I guess.

Lily's American Diner is said to be joining the Sanlitun second location movement, too. More details when we've got them.

In sadder news, Italian restaurant Bantu closed after only a few short months in the China World View building across from the east gate of Gongti. In a city full of closings, I'm particularly sad about this one as the venture seemed to have much promise. But things move on and you can still find the team dishing out fine Italian fare at any of the multiplying LM Plus locations.

Lastly, a small Christmas present: hutong newcomer to the Beijing Yunnan scene, Hani Gejiu, is offering an end-of-the-year discount. December 25 through January 1, all menu items will be 30% off (excluding drinks) and there will be a special deal of RMB 230 for a Gejiu-syle hot pot. Reservations are required (6401 3318).

Photos: Cat Nelson

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