EAT: New Moka Bros Menu, New Chef at Marriott Northeast, Independence Day Weekend at Ramo

The good people over at Moka Bros have heard our calling – sometimes you don't want just a sandwich or just a salad, but sometimes you do want a little of each. Adding a half and half option (RMB 68, get half a wrap or sandwich, and half a salad) is just one of the many changes they've made to their menus across all three branches.

The half and half option is a great opportunity to try their new chicken kale caesar salad (RMB 65, add RMB 15 if you want to switch to salmon or add RMB 10 if you want to load with avocado), probably one of the best additions for its flavorful, creamy dressing.

Other revamped options include a range of power poke bowls (RMB 55-70), with a choice of sushi rice or quinoa black rice mix as a base. The sassy salmon (RMB 70, pictured at top) made for a refreshing but filling summer meal, with cucumber and radish adding lots of crunch, ginger shavings throughout, and a generous portion of lightly-seared salmon.

Over at the Marriott Northeast, recently appointed Chef Liu Cunshuang hailing from Guangdong Province is giving new life to the hotel's Chinese restaurant, Choy's Seafood.

Liu's career started when he first decided that he wanted to work as a chef, at the young age of 17. "I went to Shenzhen alone with only RMB 200 in pocket. It was the most difficult period in my life but also the most memorable experience for me."

Since then, his success has taken his to hotels throughout China. Asked about his inspirations, Liu told us that he enjoys placing emphasis on a "balanced diet and healthy food," and that he looked to, "help people adopt healthy dietary habits through delicacies."

These elements were visible in his cooking during our visit. For example, the stir fried beef with peppers (pictured above) was a juicy and meaty affair but not lacking in vegetables and nutrition. We're looking forward to the menu redo, which will incorporate Chef Liu's new creations.

And finally, over on Fangjia Hutong, Ramo will be celebrating Independence Day for four days straight from Saturday, July 1, till Tuesday, July 4.

For the occasion, they'll be serving a special all-American menu consisting of a medley of Ammmuhhcan classics: pulled pork sandwiches with coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad, as well as strawberry shortcake for dessert, and homemade hard lemonade. For a growing list of other July 4 events, check here.

More stories by this author here.

Email: margauxschreurs@truerun.com
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Images courtesy of Moka Bros, Margaux Schreurs, courtesy of Ramo