Originally Posted by moondog
Did you ever read my letter to the editor about Almeda?
I just did a search on FT and couldn't find it, but I can probably guess the content! IMO, Almeda is quite good, although they are not without serious problems (like charging 50 RMB for olives and throwing a fit when you ask for water). But I think you're right that people vote for what they know. I remember Taco Bell winning the reader's poll for tacos in Denver in the early 90s -- I think that's the last time I thought that reader's polls were particularly useful.
Originally Posted by moondog
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.
I haven't been to either of these places, although I have only heard things about Hatsune. Maybe a side-by-side comparison is in order!
Originally Posted by moondog
I always go to the Xiaowangfu near the Kerry Center. I didn't know they had a Houhai branch.
I heard that Wang Fei had her wedding reception at the Houhai branch (sadly, I wasn't invited). I gather that they cook for one party per night and I've heard that the price is 20,000 RMB. Doubt that I will be going anytime soon -- at that price, the branch on Gongti Bei Lu suits me just fine!
One thing that I have not found in Beijing is a great Hunan place. There is a place on Lotus Lane at Houhai that is quite good, but it pales in comparison to Gu Yi Hunan in Shanghai. Does anyone have any suggestions for Hunan in Beijing?