Alright, I'm back, nursing a !@#$% head-cold, but have come up with the following, which I need quick feedback on so I can make reservations if necessary:

Date: Sunday October 9 with backup on Monday October 10. Due to the holiday, the scrambled workweek begins on Saturday the 8th, therefore traffic-wise the 9th is not going to really be any better than the 10th. Weather is going to be equally good on both days: early evening should be in the 60's, light breeze, no rain. A venue where we can be outside would be top-notch. Please let me know if the 9th is OK.

Time: Drinks (soft for the non-drinkers) 6 pm. Dinner 7:30 pm.

Suggestions: (Here's where I need a show of hands, keeping in mind we’ve got people coming from/heading back to Haidian and Shuangjing.)

Option 1—transportation nexus Line 10 Tuanjiehu station: Drinks at Enoterra Wine Bar, rooftop terrace at Nali Patio near Sanlitun Village, Dinner at either Duck de Chine or Dadong Roast Duck. Enoterra's rooftop terrace is very pleasant and dinner would be additional dishes along with the duck. Western alternative for dinner: Rumi Persian Grill (lots of kebabs, hummus, falafels, etc.) also lots of other options at Sanlitun Village to choose from.

Option 2—transportation nexus Line 10 Liangmaqiao station: Drinks at Paulaner Brauhaus outdoor patio/tent. Chinese Dinner at either Fei Tang Yu Xiang (Sichuan) or Xiang Man Lou (duck, homestyle). Western Alternative: Paulaner for German. I am not optimistic that the atmosphere at the Brauhaus Oktoberfest will be conducive to great conversation. And German for dinner has few proponents.

Option 3—traditional Beijing in Houhai/Drum Tower area: Drinks and dinner at rooftop terrace of Le Little Saigon (Vietnamese/French). Or Nuage (also Vietnamese). Other Chinese options around including outdoor options. This can be accessed by public transport plus a walk, or by taxi.

It would be great to find a dinner location that everybody could agree on, realizing that Beijing residents are probably sick of Chinese including duck. The drinks place is less of an issue since there are always non-alcoholic options for those that don’t imbibe. While Option 3 is slightly more work to get to (except for those who want to schedule sightseeing in that hutong area then just trot over for dinner), it’s got more atmosphere than the commercial areas around options 1 and 2. Visitors need not worry, I’m available to meet and shepherd/direct cab on either Sunday or Monday, and will give everyone my phone by PM.

I will need to make a reservation so there’s no wait for at table and in case duck is the consensus choice, have to order the duck(s) when making the reservation.

Go ahead and reply straight on this thread.