There is plenty of news around our neighborhood this week – so much so that I can’t list all of the details here in this posting. Instead, I’ve included links for you to check out specific information as needed. Keep the news coming!
*First Za’taar closed, apparently due to conflicts with the Lake View Place management. Then we heard that another local favorite, The Circle restaurant on the other side of the Wenyu River, was closed (no details on that one). Now, we are very sad to see that Blue Frog will leave our area in the Euro Plaza location. The general manager, Greg Dover, has been super busy these days with the restaurant’s recent farewell party and the upcoming last day (March 13), so he has not been available to respond to our obvious questions – Why are they moving? Are the leasing rents too high in Euro Plaza? Rumor has it that they may well relocate in the Shunyi area by the end of the year, so perhaps by next week we’ll have an update on their plans.
*Parents are always interested in learning about the best nutrition for their children. What should my kids have for breakfast? What foods can help reduce infections? What helps the brain develop? Come listen to an informative talk, “Nutrition and Its Effect on Behavior and Overall Health,” by BJU family physician Dr. Marie Shieh at the Dulwich Early Years Childhood Centre River Garden campus on Tuesday, March 15 at 10am. All are welcome for this free event; reserve your space by sending an e-mail to jenifer.sullivan@ufh.com.cn or by calling 5927 7362.
*If you were able to make it to Shayne’s Treasures and Clicia’s Designs House Warming Party at their new Lake View Plaza location last week, you saw how perfect this storefront is for them and how convenient it will be for shoppers! Now, for another great event, be sure to come to their three day Hong Kong Gem Fair Overstock Sale for 50% off gems! In-house gems are 40% off and ready-made pieces are 15% off. Visit them on March 9 and 10 from 10am-6pm or March 11 from 10am-1pm.
*Dulwich Early Years will host an open morning for Foundation Stage (1-5 year old/Toddler, Nursery & Reception) and Key Stage 1 (5-6 year olds/Grade 1 &2). Visit the Riviera and River Garden campuses and learn all about this wonderful school on Wednesday, March 16 from 9-11:30am. For more information, go to their website at www.dulwich-beijing.cn.
*Attention aspiring thespians! The ever popular Beijing Playhouse Academy of Performing Arts is now offering a special Kids Spring Family Stage Theatre Camp in Shunyi!!! Children ages 6-14 will all participate in the Wizard of Oz production, and registration and open auditions are held on Saturday, March 12 at 2pm. The spring camp is held on Saturdays from April 2 – June 11 from 9am-4pm (11 Saturdays total), with a free performance at the end. Location is at the British School of Beijing in Shunyi, and the tuition is RMB 5,500. Contact www.beijingplayouse.com for more information.
*Learned today that the Beijing United Shunyi Clinic has a dermatologist available for local appointments! Dr. Na Ren Hua, who many patients see at the main hospital in Lido, will take appointments at the clinic every Saturday.
*Two great activities/classes are now offered at “Life at the Centre,” at The Care for Children Centre opposite of Beijing Riviera. First, on Saturdays from 10am-12:30pm, you children ages 7-13 can come receive support in getting homework done, followed by games and fun with friends. On Sundays, bring your children ages 3-12 to Sunday School every Sunday beginning at 10:30am. Two great programs for your kids — call Kerry Baines at 135 2103 6330 for more information, and visit the website www.lifeatthecentre.org for more family-based activities and programs.
*As mentioned two “updates” ago, Pinotage Restaurant is currently closed due to renovations. However! If you are interested in catering, this is still available, as are wine sales. Contact Amber at 136 1120 7396.
*The Yin Yang Centre in Shunyi (near The Orchard) will hold the last Reiki Level 2 workshop on March 12 and 13, beginning at 9am (Reiki Level 1 is a prerequisite). This 14 hour course costs RMB 2,000. Reiki is a hands-on healing technique that transmits universal life force energy. Aside from classes, Reiki treatments are also available. Contact by e-mail, samella.herve@yahoo.com, contact@yinyangbeijing.com, or call 6431 2108.
*Don’t forget Tina’s Workshop cooking classes in Shunyi have started up again. Reservations are required. Check out the menus and schedules at www.wix.com/tinasworkshop/tws, then sign up by e-mailing tinasworkshop@yahoo.com or calling 8048 9887 or 134 3985 2051.
