Capital Bites: New Jenny Lou’s, New Chef Too and Brunch Nomenclature

You don’t need us to tell you it’s a good time to take your food and drink outside. After the torrential rains on Tuesday, yesterday was probably the most perfect day of the year to do just about anything outside, so we hope you got your fill. But while you're sitting in front of your computer screen, we've got some news for you, from more al fresco options and a new Jenny's opening, to updates on the new venture by Chef Billy of Chef Too and a new brunch in town.

Most of you have probably already flocked to Blue Frog, Terra, Nola, Migas, etc., but if you’re still looking for more options to go al fresco, Sureno’s Sunken Garden is now open. There’s a daily lunch set-menu and a Saturday lunch at RMB 158+15% for free-flow tapas from 12-3pm. To book a table, call 6410 5240 or email info@surenorestaurant.com.

A new Jenny Lou's opens today in the new apartment building north of the James Joyce. It's up the alleyway that leads around to Luga's Villa past some of Sanlitun's last remaining pingfang buildings. If you want do-it-yourself outdoor dining, pick up some picnic items at the new shop or at the nearby April Gourmet.

Fans of Chef Too’s brunches, burgers and steak will be happy to hear Chef Billy’s new project, Pavillion Grill, is coming closer to completion. He’s aiming for a soft open in June, but as you wait you can read all about why the cheery chef wants to be Astro Boy.

The new Bellagio in Sanlitun Village is reportedly aiming to be a 24-hour establishment. If they’re allowed to do this, we hope other venues will jump on the late-night bandwagon. We could use a tad fewer hungry late nights wandering through Sanlitun.

As we mentioned before, Invincible Ramen’s window signage heralds a May 1 opening date. We may or may not be lining up there over the holiday. See you there?

Feast at Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng is launching a Sunday brunch on May 20. We've teamed up with them to run a contest inviting readers to help name the brunch, with the chance to win a weekend stay at the hotel. Look out for a blog post next week with more details on how to enter. You might want to start brainstorming ideas ...

For oenophiles, Hilton’s One East hosts a wine tasting every Thursday night, but this week they’re focusing on Italian wineries. It starts at 6.30pm and costs RMB 150+15% service charge. The Bookworm is doing a “Wines of the World” tasting tonight as well. Entry is RMB 150 and this one gets going at 7.30pm.

Coffee lovers who haven't checked out Ocean Grounds yet have a great excuse this weekend. They're hosting two "cupping" sessions at their shop in U-town this weekend: April 28 and 29, 2-4pm each day. Spots for the April 28 one are all filled up, but there are a couple spots left for the 29th, so get in there while you can. Call Caly the store manager (8561 0961) to book. The session itself costs RMB 250 with all the materials you'll need. Pay RMB 450 and they'll send you home with a roaster and a pound of beans.

Photo: Dianping.com