Originally Posted by gbjd1205
Thanks for taking a look. Are you using the That's BJ city guide? I find it to be very reliable (with the somewhat perplexing exception of their relentless praise for Almeda!). They have turned me on to some places that I never would have found, although I wish they had more offerings from places outside of Sanlitun, Houhai, Shunyi, and Wudaokou.
For the people who like Xiao Wang Fu, which branch have you visited? Has anyone ever been the highly exclusive Houhai outlet? I have heard that they only allow one group per evening -- can't begin to imagine that costs.
It's funny you mention TBJ because I was just on my way out the door to pick up the bottles of wine I won for last month's crossword. I own a copy of the guide (some of their day trip suggestions are quite good), but I usually use the magazine (City Weekend is also fine) for things like restaurant and bar listings because establishments come and go so quickly.
Did you ever read my letter to the editor about Almeda? I posted it on FT and also won a nice bottle of wine from the TBJ folks. I also think Almeda is overrated (hence, the letter), but I no longer suspect that they paid off TBJ for the good press. The problem with magazine surveys is that people tend to vote for places with which they are familiar. For example, the fact that Hatsune keeps winning best Japanese, illustrates that people don't get out enough. Speaking of Japanese, I've been wanting try Yotusuba, which has gotten great reviews. The problem is that it tends to full up 3 days in advance but I don't often plan my meals that far in advance.
I always go to the Xiaowangfu near the Kerry Center. I didn't know they had a Houhai branch.