Date Night: Patara
With the little ones tucked away for the night, sink into one of the wood and wicker booths against the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a warren of hutongs, and straddle the border between Beijing and Bangkok. As the lamps of lemongrass oil diffuse tropical fragrance throughout the dining room, a bottle of well-matched wine or a green mango margarita sets the tone for an evening of relaxation. With decorations, key ingredients, and most essentially, a chef imported from Thailand, this branch of the Bangkok-based Patara chain delivers an authentic Thai culinary experience. House specials like the lemongrass-marinated rack of New Zealand lamb with papaya salad (RMB 198), and the shelled crab claw in mild yellow curry (RMB 168) highlight an impressive menu offering skilled Thai interpretations of sumptuous ingredients. Finish off with Thai coffee and milk tea along with a choice of delectable desserts, such as the poached pear in coconut syrup (RMB 58). A plethora of set-meal options are available, including lunch (RMB 58, 88 and 158), supper (RMB 198), and ultra-deluxe (RMB 280-RMB 999/person). Gabriel Monroe
Daily 11am-2.30pm, 3pm-5pm (afternoon tea), 5.30pm-10pm. 6/F, 88 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng District. (8522 1678) 东城区金宝街88号金宝汇购物中心6层
Family Brunch: VIC at the Sofitel
If you’re looking for a place to unwind on a lazy Sunday afternoon, VIC serves up an appetizing deal: a champagne brunch buffet paired with one of the largest playrooms in Beijing. The spacious dining room, located on the sixth floor of the Sofitel Hotel offers an impressive view of Beijing’s CBD. Parents can enjoy their meal at leisure while the little ones play in the So Kids playroom under the careful watch of a designated ayi. Located just next door to the main dining area, So Kids boasts a Nintendo Wii, DVD corner, bouncy castle, and stuffed animals amongst other forms of distraction. VIC’s seasonal, French inspired organic buffet changes every Sunday, keeping it playful for faithful regulars. Highlights include a variety of smoked salmon, an impressive cheese selection, sashimi, and various carving and shucking stations. Healthy choices include fresh, organic greens, which can be offset with trips to the dessert station. Choose from crepes Suzette, homemade ice cream (flavors range from rose to rum raison), macaroons, fruit tarts and a plethora of layered cakes. Colorful cotton candy is sure to be a hit with the younger crowd. Finish the grueling food workout with a cup of fresh coffee. Hannah Leung
RMB 398 (free flow of Perrier-Jouet); RMB 298 (free flow of fresh juices and wine); Half price (kids 7-12); Free (kids under 6). Every Sunday, 11.30am-3pm. 6/F, Sofitel Hotel, Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (8599 6666) 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C座6层
