Last Orders: Stephannie Tebow, Music Director, Snow White

“Last Orders” is a regular magazine column in which we ask noteworthy Beijingers to imagine their final meal before leaving the city for good.

The venue
Winterless Hotel Restaurant. I held my 50th birthday party there and it was wonderful: grand piano in the dining area, cozy and tasteful decor. I had about 180 people and The Moody Men’s choir performed. That lovely little restaurant and its very helpful staff made it simply the perfect venue. The high-back red velvet Queen Anne chairs were especially eye-catching.

The starters
Spring rolls from Cafe Art in Sunshine 100. Sometimes my husband and I walk over in the late evening when we feel like we just need a light snack.

The mains
The famous Chef Wang cooking guotie, pineapple pop-up fish, stuffed lotus root and eggplant. I had my first Chef Wang meal back in 2005 at a colleague’s house. It took two more years for me to get on his schedule but since then I do my best to have him cooking in my home for guests just about every month. I will miss him when I leave Beijing. He is my best experience of Beijing food. This year, he’s even cooking Christmas dinner at my house.

The desserts
Egg tarts from Weiduomei bakery along with Cafe Art’s “snow frog,” a coconut milk concoction with tapioca bubbles. You can drink it hot or cold and it comes in one of those ice cream sundae pedestal cups.

The music
The finest singer of all time, Tracy Gong. She teaches music at BCIS and when she sings, you are sure this is how angels in heaven sound. I listen to her sing with awe, wonder and joy. I wish she had a recording I could take with me.

The entertainment
An open mic for all the people of Beijing Playhouse. You wouldn’t believe the diversity and degree of talent in this community. I’ve done this before and there is nothing more fun than performers entertaining performers. You laugh, chime in, lovingly cajole and encourage and applaud one another. This is a very generous group. The stage is big enough for everyone and all are welcome!

For more fun with Beijing Playhouse, head to this year’s Christmas pantomime, Snow White (Dec 7-23).

This article originally appeared on page 38 of the December issue of the Beijinger.

Photo: Sui