China - Beijing Thanksgiving

Let's try to meet up. I vote for the Westin (near the Kunlun), simply because I have friends staying there this week.

Fox: Please accept my apologies for not posting this in the "BJ meet up" thread; I was too lazy to find it.

The westin on line 10 sounds good. Time ?

The westin on line 10 sounds good. Time ?

630p, but we should make sure that they actually have a TG dinner there. There is a subway entrance directly in front of the hotel.

630p, but we should make sure that they actually have a TG dinner there.

They do, in the grange grill at the westin chaoyang, 11-24 promo- thanksgiving set dinner- 5:30- 10 pm.

Can Brits come? :D

Any idea of the price -- can't see a menu online anywhere.

Am theoretically intested -- although will need to check with Mrs. trublu.

tb

ETA: Just saw the price: 538/607 RMB pp -- might be a bit too much for us.

Count me interested if price is OK.
Ouch, just saw price above. Way too much for me, sorry. Can we find an alternative? I'm even OK with having Chinese or Duck Thanksgiving rather than turkey with the trimmings.

ETA: Just saw the price: 538/607 RMB pp -- might be a bit too much for us.

Ok, let's find a different place.

I'm even OK with something that's not an all-you-can eat buffet, as I'm not that huge of an eater. Or a reasonably-priced buffet. For me, Thanksgiving is about the spirit and the cameraderie, so I'm adaptable to most any food style. (Kong bao turkey, turkey kebabs, crepes with turkey and dressing, turkey paella, turkey curry, etc...) :D

I've discussed with my wife, and we're up for it. Not fussy about type of food. Mid-price preferred.

tb

Let's try to meet up. I vote for the Westin (near the Kunlun), simply because I have friends staying there this week.

Fox: Please accept my apologies for not posting this in the "BJ meet up" thread; I was too lazy to find it.

No worries, I'll find it for you. And yes, that is lazy. :D:p

I just called Chef Too (near Chaoyang Park west gate) because I like their food, and their dinner set is y248 (not including drinks). Other ideas are welcome.

I just called Chef Too (near Chaoyang Park west gate) because I like their food, and their dinner set is y248 (not including drinks). Other ideas are welcome.

Haven't been there in a long time, but my past experiences were good, so that's one viable idea. What's on the menu for the set dinner, and What's the time limit for booking a reservation?

I've got a friend--another "stray orphan"--who will be joining us. Maybe can make an FT'er out of him.

Haven't been there in a long time, but my past experiences were good, so that's one viable idea. What's on the menu for the set dinner, and What's the time limit for booking a reservation?

I've got a friend--another "stray orphan"--who will be joining us. Maybe can make an FT'er out of him.

1) appetizer, main course, dessert
2) I'm not sure, but if we want to go there, we should probably commit by tomorrow

I'd be willing to try out a lesser hotel than the Westin, as well. I did the Lido a few years ago and it was decent enough (no need to reserve in advance). That having been said, I'm willing to pay a little more for better food.

My suggestion: keep the ideas flowing, and make a decision tomorrow afternoon.

Renaissance BJ (the one on Xiaoyun Lu)--I think they've got a Thanksgiving turkey dinner for RMB 238 + 15% service, 12 and under 1/2 price. I think it's buffet style.

Since we'll have folks from Haidian coming, something that's within reasonable walking distance of a Line 10 station (or Line 10 + short cab ride) would be most useful.

Most of the other hotel Th'giving dinners are much more expensive (Grand Millenium, Ritz, etc). So I think Chef Too and Ren BJ Chaoyang are probably the best we're going to find if you want the traditional dinner.

Other option is to not get fixated on roast turkey and pumpkin pie, and just find a completely unrelated restaurant to have our feast (though it would be nice to skip Chinese this time around). My two mao.

Renaissance BJ (the one on Xiaoyun Lu)--I think they've got a Thanksgiving turkey dinner for RMB 238 + 15% service, 12 and under 1/2 price. I think it's buffet style.


If that includes drinks, I'm down. Otherwise, I vote for Chef Too.

was just at the Sofitel for a quikc business trip. In the elevator they are promoting lunch for 258 and dinner for 298 I think. Buffet if I am not mistaken. I don't know how good their restaurant is (they make a mean croissant at breakfast) and have a nice French place, but I didn't hear great things about the dinner at the main (intercontinental) restaurant

I'm not weighing in which restaurant per se since I've not been to very many. However, as jiejie pointed out, given that we (and Jiatong and family I think are still in haidian) are schlepping from out west, being close-ish to a subway would be a major plus for us. In rush hour, it would easily take us 90+ minutes by cab to get to east side of town.

tb

I'm not weighing in which restaurant per se since I've not been to very many. However, as jiejie pointed out, given that we (and Jiatong and family I think are still in haidian) are schlepping from out west, being close-ish to a subway would be a major plus for us. In rush hour, it would easily take us 90+ minutes by cab to get to east side of town.

tb

Okay. I just called Grandma's Kitchen (Jianwai Soho... close to Guomao Stn. on Line 10), and their set is y218 for turkey or y248 for steak, including one beverage. I'm by no means voting for this option... just throwing it out there. BTW, if the weather isn't bitter cold, the walk from Liangma Qiao to Chef Too isn't exceptionally grueling (maybe 15 mins).

I rarely go up there for leisure, but since a few of you live there and the food will presumably be far cheaper than Chaoyang, we should at least consider the thought of finding a place in Wudaokou or thereabouts. So, trueblu and jiatong, do you have any suggestions?

Grandma's would have to be a lot cheaper than that for me to want to go there. I'd be pretty confident that Chef Too or Renaissance Chaoyang would both be better. And either are walkable from Liangma Qiao subway station (Renaissance Chaoyang is <15 minutes walk, Chef Too more like 25 minutes but I can see if there's a bus connection). I may be able to assist the final hop from subway to restaurant via a non-FT friend/fellow diner with a car...but I don't want to promise that 100% just yet. I don't think Haidian will have anything resembling an American turkey dinner, if that's what we're after.

Moondog, do you have time to phone the Ren Chaoyang and clarify if drinks are included or not (even if they are non-alcoholic) in the price? Thought you knew that hotel pretty well already. I think we need to make a decision by about 5-6 pm today, do a head count, and make a reservation.

Jiejie + friend = 2 people signed up definitely.

Many places to choose from....

http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2011/11/14/The-Great-Thanksgiving-2011-Guide-Dining-Out-And-Win-A-Thanksgiving-Dinner

I will go to the Ren Chaoyang & check it out this afternoon as its very near our new apt. ( Mixon complex) that is now getting decorated on the east side ( a whole another story on chinese apt. decorating chaos !).

My personal backup plan is just to buy a local turkey & have the chinese chef cook it for the family. I usually fail at teaching the chinese chef anything about western cooking of meat. But i do have canned gravy & canned cranberries from the US.

back to Haidian about 6 BJ time. BTW, Haidian is not less expensive than Chaoyang.

Many places to choose from....

http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2011/11/14/The-Great-Thanksgiving-2011-Guide-Dining-Out-And-Win-A-Thanksgiving-Dinner

Okay, after reviewing this list, I vote for Switch! (never eaten there, but it is clean and nicely decorated, and the price is right) followed by the Renaissance Café.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our North American FT'ers.

I'm not that familiar with this tradition yet but trying to catch up for the benefit of visiting my US based family members. ;)

On a business visit in Shanghai tomorrow and have a dinner meeting with a local friend. Any recommodations there for trying the roast turkey and garnishes?

We're happy with any of the options in that price range, since we've not eaten at any of them so can't comment.

tb

My vote goes to Renaissance Chaoyang. I think on balance of price and location, it may be best all around. And it is easy to find. Switch! sounds tantalizingly delicious but trekking out to 798 wouldn't be my first choice (but if everybody else votes for Switch, I will certainly come as will friend.) Chef Too's seating times are too constraining.

I could also deal with Union Bar and Grille (Sanlitun Village) but not everybody is thrilled with their normal food (I've had good experiences there). Also Culture Yard in Gulou I'd be willing to try (never been), but the location might be a bit more hassle.

Okay, Ren it is unless someone else speaks up. Hopefully one of you guys has the half off coupon from the Marriott gold card booklet.

Okay, Ren it is unless someone else speaks up. Hopefully one of you guys has the half off coupon from the Marriott gold card booklet.

moondog, can you make a reservation at Ren--I'm assuming 7 pm is OK with everybody. We need a head count:
1) moondog
2) jiejie
3) jiejie's non-FT friend David
4 and 5) trueblu and wife (you bringing daughter also?)

Jiatong, you coming with S.O. and her daughter? I really hope you do--I love decorating chaos stories!
Our non-expat visiting mduell and friend we don't yet know about. (PS Ren is close to CCC, can walk it in 15-20 min)

Checked with Fimo and she's is in HK so she can't make it.

I don't have the half-off coupon but would it even apply to this special event?

I've got an emergency with a friend's apartment I'm taking care of while they're away, so I may be preoccupied for rest of this evening. Will check in later.

The Ren has free flowing local wine & local draft beer with the special.

BJ taxi traffic comment- This morning at 7:30, it was only 20 minutes from Haidian Huangzhuang to the St Regis on 3rd ring. Tonight, i left the Ren at 5 & got back at 7. 2 hours on 3rd ring... & the weather is good ! I missed my cooks chinese 6 pm dinner, thus 7-11 snacks for me. Should of walked to # 10, & skipped the taxi from the Ren.

So, tb, take the 4th ring.

Edit after seeing jiejie's post- Just me, Jiatong for T-dinner at the Ren. maybe there at 6:45 for a couple of local draft beer's !.

Beijing FTers, have a nice Holiday and enjoy your turkey dinner.
42 degrees here in SoCal now so Beijing isn't too far off.

mduell, just wanted to add that if you want to join us but are worried about finding your way and getting transport--not to worry. I can meet you at CCC after your tour, and get you to where you need to be for dinner, and then safely deliver you back at your hotel (St Regis?) at the end of the feast.

anacapa, you enjoy your Turkey Day as well. So Cal sounds cold, but it's freezing here. At least blue skies and little pollution though.

I booked us a table for 8 people at the lesser Ren (Chaoyang), 7p. The bad news is that they stuck us in the lobby lounge... which is rather depressing. That having been said, they will try their best to move us to the restaurant, pending availability.

I also have a table for 8 booked at Switch! for 6p, but I'm thinking we should just go with the Ren; even if we are forced to sit in the lobby, I'm sure we'll find cool topics to discuss.

After dinner, those who are interested to can join me at Xiu (while I'm not a big fan of Xiu these days, experiencing it on a Thursday night is worth doing at least once in your lives); I can get us around both the line and the cover charge for around 5 people.

moondog, can you make a reservation at Ren--I'm assuming 7 pm is OK with everybody. We need a head count:
1) moondog
2) jiejie
3) jiejie's non-FT friend David
4 and 5) trueblu and wife (you bringing daughter also?)

Jiatong, you coming with S.O. and her daughter? I really hope you do--I love decorating chaos stories!
Our non-expat visiting mduell and friend we don't yet know about. (PS Ren is close to CCC, can walk it in 15-20 min)

Checked with Fimo and she's is in HK so she can't make it.

I don't have the half-off coupon but would it even apply to this special event?

I've got an emergency with a friend's apartment I'm taking care of while they're away, so I may be preoccupied for rest of this evening. Will check in later.

It will be the three of us incl. 2 yo daughter. See you tomorrow evening.

And given it's past midnight: happy thanksgiving!

tb

Thanks for the offer, we're going to do our own thing tonight.

Happy Thanksgiving FT-in-China!

Happy Thanksgiving all. I remember last year I ate Chinese food with friends (Drunken shrimp). :p

Many thanks for jie-jie for checking in with me, indeed I am in HK so can't join the festivities. I'm not a huge fan of roast turkey but love the fuss and festivities around that trussed bird.... I will draw a turkey hand and join you all in spirit!

A quick thanks to moondog et al for organising a fun thanksgiving 'mini-do'.

It was a lot of fun, and nice to meet non-FTers who must think we're all sl. odd!

Happy thanksgiving to those who were there in spirit if not body.

tb

PS I thought the food was rather decent -- esp. the excellent mashed potatoes!

A quick thanks to moondog et al for organising a fun thanksgiving 'mini-do'.

It was a lot of fun, and nice to meet non-FTers who must think we're all sl. odd!

Happy thanksgiving to those who were there in spirit if not body.

tb

PS I thought the food was rather decent -- esp. the excellent mashed potatoes!

I had a good time too and felt that our restaurant choice was quite good, especially in light of the short notice. Furthermore, I was quite impressed by the service.

Please accept my apologies for spending the bulk of the evening with my own possy at the small table. My younger friend (who is eager to get into the miles game) was so intrigued by my older friend that he couldn't break away from him. (The older friend doesn't fly commercial often or give a rat's behind about hotel points, but is a really great guy; he'll be in Beijing for the next year+ so I'll try to bring him out again.)

And another hearty Thanks to moondog for setting this up. I also thought the food and service was good, and I know I actually preferred the lounge to the restaurant. We even had our own nearly "private" entertainment with the singer and music. We did miss the interaction with your table, but the non FT'ers at our table might be new converts to the website, ha-ha. I think everyone had a great time.

PS: I do hope your friend was reunited with the bag he left behind at the table!

I actually preferred the lounge to the restaurant.


+1. When I booked it, I was under impression that they were simply going to stick portable tables and folding chairs in the lobby between the door and the reception counter, giving us frequent blasts of cold air and a constant stream of people hauling luggage past. But, they really surprised me. Furthermore, I found that having to walk so far to and from the buffet was actually a benefit to our health.

PS: I do hope your friend was reunited with the bag he left behind at the table!

Only gym shorts, so no big deal, but thanks for taking care of it; he'll pick it up one of these days..... probably en route to Home Plate BBQ (200 meters away), which is quite decent.

probably en route to Home Plate BBQ (200 meters away), which is quite decent.

That's the name of the place I forgot yesterday (Jiatong and jiejie) which makes a decent burger!

tb

That's the name of the place I forgot yesterday (Jiatong and jiejie) which makes a decent burger!


My favorite summer burger place is Blue Frog, One can sit outside with a pitcher of beer & smoke a cigar.

& nearby is a neat pizza place, abet hard to find, 'The Tree' also in Sanlitun area. www.treebeijing.com 64131522 /87 Per most, its real hard to find, & service can vary, but the pizza is truly great.

My favorite summer burger place is Blue Frog, One can sit outside with a pitcher of beer & smoke a cigar.

& nearby is a neat pizza place, abet hard to find, 'The Tree' also in Sanlitun area. www.treebeijing.com 64131522 /87 Per most, its real hard to find, & service can vary, but the pizza is truly great.

Well, with the additions of "Next to the Tree" and "Nearby the Tree", they're trying their best to address this problem (not that it isn't easily solvable by asking pretty much anyone on the street in Sanlitun; "The Tree" is a bit of an institution).

Apolgies to all that I couldn't make it for the Thanksgiving dinner. It was always going to be a busy week for me - and in the end that was still an underestimation ...

Good to hear from this thread though that Chef Too is still around - I would certainly be happy to give him some business another time. If I remember correctly he used to also sell roasts from the Chaoyang park Jenny Lou's (or April Gourmet?) - I guess that was before he even opened his restaurant. I also remember some good online food-related discussions with "Chef Billy" several years back when I used to post on the ThatsBJ (now TheBeijinger) forum.

By the way, there is now a copy of the Tree in Wudaokou (The Red House) - complete with wood burning oven and selection of Belgian beers. The pizza there is pretty good - though I won't try and compare it to the original as the last time I ate at the "Tree" it was the tree that was "hidden" and not the restaurant ...

the last time I ate at the "Tree" it was the tree that was "hidden" and not the restaurant ...

Do you mean the original "hidden tree" on Nanjie? That was eons ago.

Do you mean the original "hidden tree" on Nanjie? That was eons ago.

Afraid so. As the title of the Duke Ellington track says, "Don't get around much anymore"

I can't actually say that I miss Nanjie -but it does hold some interesting memories ...

The original Hidden Tree on Nanjie had food and ambience that later reincarnations just can't match up with. I find the pizza at the current Tree not so good, but the beer selection is mightly fine.

The original Hidden Tree on Nanjie had food and ambience that later reincarnations just can't match up with. I find the pizza at the current Tree not so good, but the beer selection is mightly fine.

For real? While there are arguably a few better pizzas in Beijing, their pizza is pretty solid by most counts, to the extent that it never fails to impress friends from abroad. And, when you place it in the context of the local market, it is downright amazing (IMO).

OK, I've gotta get me some of this pizza action! We've had two pizza outings -- the first -- pizza hut, was an unmitigated disaster. We only went because we thought our daughter might like it as a change from chinese all day every day, but even she refused to partake. The second, we were dragged to papa johns, being told it's pretty good: perhaps by california standards! It was actually edible, if not amazing, but I felt it was fairly pricey.

Ginfizz mentions "Red House" in wudaokou. Google maps places it near the Ucentre mall, but I've never noticed it. Must check out these trees next time we're in sanlitun. Also, on the pizza front: anyone been to "Ciro's"? I used to go when I lived in London moons ago, and thought it was good, but expensive. The prices of the BJ branch look more reasonable, but only if the pizza is any good.

tb

For real? While there are arguably a few better pizzas in Beijing, their pizza is pretty solid by most counts, to the extent that it never fails to impress friends from abroad. And, when you place it in the context of the local market, it is downright amazing (IMO).

It's horses for courses. I don't like the Tree's pizza, maybe because everytime I've been there, it's too soggy and served too cold. As to what trublu said, Pizza Hut is not stellar and in Beijing, seems to depend on the branch (yeah I know, a chain is supposed to be uniform quality, yada, yada). Papa Johns is somewhat better here (I also prefer Papa to PH in the US, if I have to deal with a chain). Haven't been to Kro's Nest since he left Workers Stadium after the partner kerfuffle and moved to Xiaoyun Lu, but a few years ago that was pretty decent--heard maybe new place is not so good now. I have heard mostly poor reviews of everything at Ciro's in Sanlitun...but I think they've just got a new manager in so maybe things will change. I'd like a great crispy thin crust wood-fired pizza from time to time but it's hard to find this animal in Beijing. Tried LMPlus pizza in Central Park since it's Italian-owned and it was quite meh.

And yes, pizza is expensive. Anything western is getting ruinously expensive in Beijing restaurants. And with the expense of key ingredient cheese, isn't likely to be bargain priced. Go for lunch specials and maybe a better bargain.

Also, on the pizza front: anyone been to "Ciro's"? I used to go when I lived in London moons ago, and thought it was good, but expensive. The prices of the BJ branch look more reasonable, but only if the pizza is any good.


Of course. Ciro actually comes to town fairly often and is quite a character. While I've never felt the food has justified the relatively high prices in the past, they have a new manager who assures me that it is better now.

Re Pizza in general, see this (http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2011/11/28/Kros-Before-Hos-You-Decide-In-The-Beijinger-Pizza-Cup-Final). Personally, I think Peter Pan should have been invited to the competition. When they break out the expensive ingredients, their pizzas are very good.

Of course. Ciro actually comes to town fairly often and is quite a character. While I've never felt the food has justified the relatively high prices in the past, they have a new manager who assures me that it is better now.

Re Pizza in general, see this (http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2011/11/28/Kros-Before-Hos-You-Decide-In-The-Beijinger-Pizza-Cup-Final). Personally, I think Peter Pan should have been invited to the competition. When they break out the expensive ingredients, their pizzas are very good.

Who knew there was so much pizza in BJ (well probably everyone who lives on the east side!). Just fyi, peter pan was in the competion, and lost in the first round. I'm not a huge fan of these 'restaurant war' things: a marketing ploy from the publication, but it was useful to me to see the number of non-chain pizzerias.

Re: ciro's, taste aside, the prices seem to be on a par with "the tree": no idea about portion size, however.

tb

Who knew there was so much pizza in BJ (well probably everyone who lives on the east side!). Just fyi, peter pan was in the competion, and lost in the first round. I'm not a huge fan of these 'restaurant war' things: a marketing ploy from the publication, but it was useful to me to see the number of non-chain pizzerias.

Re: ciro's, taste aside, the prices seem to be on a par with "the tree": no idea about portion size, however.

tb

1. I guess I overlooked that. But, seriously, if you can convince the owner to use the buffalo mozzarella and some of the nicer meets, it's a wonderful pizza.

2. I didn't mean to suggest that Ciro's is expensive in the absolute sense, just expensive for what you get. In all fairness, I'm basing this assessment on the products of a chef who no longer works there. I will give it another shot some day soon; it's just that there are so many tried and true options in the area.

Insofar as the Beijinger contests/awards are concerned, I kind of like them. What's more, I'm pretty confident that the Beijinger itself is unbiased. I attribute odd results in the restaurant awards to: 1) clueless voters; and 2) restaurants themselves rigging things.

Insofar as the Beijinger contests/awards are concerned, I kind of like them. What's more, I'm pretty confident that the Beijinger itself is unbiased. I attribute odd results in the restaurant awards to: 1) clueless voters; and 2) restaurants themselves rigging things.

I appreciate them too. Having read the Burger Wars version it helps in winnowing down places to go, though I have to confess I haven't had a chance to try any yet (and NOT FOR LACK OF TRYING).

Anyway, if anyone needs a pizza or burger buddy let me know! ISO non-chinese food eating buddies... ;)

Who's in? (we may need to migrate this over to the BJ meet-up thread or one of it's own). I am so over Thanksgiving and turkey right now.

We can fight over pizza location, keeping in mind at least one criteria should be availability of decent beer to accompany.

Ok, if decent 'draft' beer is there, i am in for a double cheese pizza !.

It's horses for courses. I don't like the Tree's pizza, maybe because everytime I've been there, it's too soggy and served too cold.
....

In that case the Red House may even be better than the Tree (new version) ... The place isn't so large so you get the pizza straight from the oven.

I had what I would vote as the best pizza in Beijing last month at the Red House - though only because I went there with a tub of quartered fresh figs marinated in fresh rosemary and balsamic vinegar and then got them to add these to the standard prosciutto and olive pizza.

I'm definitely on for sharing some pizza - though I am afraid it may not be possible as I only have a couple of free evenings in Beijing this month (leaving Dec. 11 for three weeks).

trublu: the Red House is not directly opposite the U-centre. You need to take the road that runs north from the U-centre (Wangzhuanglu). It is then on the second floor (US/China numbering) on the first row of shops on your right-hand side (on Google maps it is just to the left of the Dongsheng Police Station).

I'm up for some good quality pizza. However, I have several work-related trips in December, so happy for others to decide date and place and we'll come if we can.

GinFizz, thanks for the map directions: it appears that I had located 'redhousefashion' instead. Looks like a pretty convenient location for our end of town.

tb

I appreciate them too. Having read the Burger Wars version it helps in winnowing down places to go, though I have to confess I haven't had a chance to try any yet (and NOT FOR LACK OF TRYING).



The reason that I don't like these mass vote competitions is that it ends up with mob rule winning. As a hypothetical example (not been to any of the venues, so not actually judging quality), with the current pizza war, Red House (haidian) lost to Alio Olio (chaoyang park). Is it because the former is really worse, or that most ex-pat readers of the beijinger live in chaoyang?

Sadly, chowhound is not really active BJ-wise. And although we've had a few food-related threads on this forum, most have been geared (perhaps appropriately?) to the visiting tourist rather than us few locals.

tb

The reason that I don't like these mass vote competitions is that it ends up with mob rule winning.

I haven't read the article yet, but I assumed that the voters had actually tried both pizzas... the whole point of the elimination tournament format.

The restaurant awards are more subject to the popularity contest bit for the reasons you intimate, but there they have "expert" picks (I put the term in quotes because I was on the panel one year in spite of my lack of appreciation for Chinese food) in addition to reader picks.

While the system is far from perfect, it does help point us in the right direction.

In for pizza, I'm out of town again next M-F, but otherwise around for rest of December.

I haven't had pizza in Beijing yet, other than when they order in Pizza Hut at the office... Which place does a good NYC style pizza? I enjoy a good italian/napoletana style pie, but NYC style is my favourite.

trublu: agree that Chowhound is very weak on BJ info, a lot on SH though. Maybe we can start a Chowhound style non-tourist foodie thread here on FT. Actually on my to-do list is to check out as many of the provincial govt restaurants here in BJ during my assignment. If anyone else is also interested, let me know. The SiChuan restaurant is supposed to be excellent, and I'm very keen to check out the Kashgar and Uyghur ones for no other reason than that I like saying Kashgar and Uyghur..... :D

Am happy to post reviews of places we eat out at: but I'm afraid that I have v. v. little experience compared with the other locals. However, it might be useful to add a 'west-side' angle.

tb

Since Email Kid is coming to town, and staying near Gulou, I tentatively suggest Hutong Pizza tomorrow at 7p. This event would not be our official "pizza do" (because we should aim higher for that occasion), but Hutong Pizza is pretty solid.... and, it happens to be midway between the CBD and Wudaokou.

BTW, I'm posting this here instead of the "BJ meet up thread" because the conversation has (strangely) honed in on pizza.

Since Email Kid is coming to town, and staying near Gulou, I tentatively suggest Hutong Pizza tomorrow at 7p. This event would not be our official "pizza do" (because we should aim higher for that occasion), but Hutong Pizza is pretty solid.... and, it happens to be midway between the CBD and Wudaokou.

BTW, I'm posting this here instead of the "BJ meet up thread" because the conversation has (strangely) honed in on pizza.

Please accept my apologies: I am entertaining colleagues visiting from overseas tomorrow evening. Please therefore don't head out west on my account.

tb