Capital Bites: Rooftop Brunch in Gulou and Places for Gelato

Maybe you are one of the sad suckers fettered to the Chinese working week (we sympathize, sadly), but if you're not, then there's a new brunch option in town worthy of your investigation. Boutique hotel The Orchid in Gulou has started a new weekend brunch from 10.30am-2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The a la carte menu features standard Western breakfast fare including Andy's Craft Sausages, pancakes, egg sandwiches and an RMB 30 special for glasses of sparkling wine. Dishes will be priced from RMB 50-80 (with coffee, tea or fruit juice). Call 8404 4818 for reservations because the newly renovated terrace is nearly unbeatable, seating is limited and word is spreading.

Chef Brandon Trowbridge who is behind Nola will be opening a new venue soon. The small juice bar and coffee shop is located in the China View building at the East Gate of Gongti next to V Plus lounge. The cafe will be produce-focused and serve organic coffee, juices and food (think salads, sandwiches and a selection of main courses). Although not strictly so, most dishes will be vegetarian with the option to add protein.

For less health and more self-indulgence: a new gelato store has opened on the ground floor of the north end of 3.3 Shopping Center next to Costa Coffee. It's called Gelato Stick and, believe it or not, it's selling gelato on sticks. One of their offerings are cute chocolate-covered bars in the shape of bear paws. The price of such adorableness? RMB 25.

More cool gelato respite for your warm weather needs – Vai Milano has reopened in Solana after a few months of renovations and is somewhat of an oasis in that cesspool of a California-style mecca to material consumption. They've got the whole spectrum of flavors (red date yogurt is a particular favorite of mine). Grab a cone before your day in the (Chaoyang) Park.

That Swire Properties rule on no second-level has yet another Taikoo Li restaurant up for renovations. Hatsune Sanlitun will be doing a full upgrade on their interior shortly, so look out for a few months of quiet from them before the unveiling of their revamped digs. No confirmation on the exact dates yet, but get ready for your California roll lunching to happen a few kilometers south in the new Hatsune Kerry Centre branch or at the original Guanghua Lu location.

Photos: courtesy of The Orchid, Cat Nelson

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