When I was 4, I asked my dad to draw me a picture of a cat. He toiled away on a scrap of paper for 20 minutes. When he was done, I said: "But baba, that’s a picture of Mickey Mouse." My father replied: "Yes, but when I began drawing, the line could become anything in the world, including a cat. And that’s true for you, too." I looked at him askance; it was definitely a cop-out. But now, I look back on that incident with affection. To celebrate the slippery dad in your life, read on for a roundup of events and brunches happening this weekend.
Playing:
Sat, Jun 15
beijingkids‘ King For a Day Father’s Day Party
All ages. We know you want to brunch on Sunday, so we’re having our annual Father’s Day celebration on Saturday. We’re not slacking though; expect all-you-can-eat barbecue, free flow beer for adults and non-alcoholic drinks for kids, card-making, bubble blowing, temporary tattoo stations, a bouncy castle, shoulder massages by Bodhi, a three-legged dad/child race, a wife-carrying race, and a family portrait by VivaXiao. beijingkids Club members: RMB 150 (adults and kids 13 and up), RMB 100 (kids 3-12 yrs), RMB 50 (kids under 3 yrs); non-members: RMB 200 (adults and kids 13 and up), RMB 150 (kids 3-12 yrs), RMB 50 (kids under 3 yrs). 10.30am-2pm. EAST Beijing
Sun, Jun 16
Baking Made Easy: Gourmet Cupcakes, Mala Bombs
Ages 6+. For something a bit different, sign Dad up for a baking class with a kick. Lollipop Bakery hosts a class on making spicy sweet mala cupcakes with chili ganache and Sichuan peppercorn frosting. 11am-1.30pm. RMB 280, RMB 220 (members). The Hutong
Veg*n Bash
All ages. CISB is hosting Veg*n Bash, a market where visitors can try different foods and discover interesting local products. Be green by bringing your own reusable cutlery and containers (biodegradable stuff will be available for purchase). There will also be a cooking show filming on location. Free. 11am-3pm. The Canadian International School of Beijing
Dining:
Sun, Jun 16
Aroma Father’s Day Brunch
All ages. Find international dishes from China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the West in an open kitchen setting, with desserts to cap it all off. RMB588/adult (including free-flow coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice, imported beer, house wine and champagne), RMB298 for ages 6-12. 11.30am-3pm. Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
Barolo Father’s Day Lunch
All ages. Enjoy Italian cuisine for Father’s Day; the price includes three dishes, free-flow sparkling wine, red and white wine. RMB 588/adult, RMB 294 for ages 6-12. 11.30am-2pm. Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street
Dads Dine for Free at InterContinental Beijing Beichen
All ages. Café O2 is letting dads eat for free for Father’s Day; each dad will also get a “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” buffet voucher for their next visit. The offer is limited to two dads per table and cannot be combined with other promotions. RMB 398, RMB 518 (free-flow champagne). 11.30am-3pm. InterContinental Beijing Beichen
Father’s Day at Fairmont Beijing
All ages. A la carte options include breakfast, grilled meats, seafood, pasta, and risotto. Start with an appetizer buffet, then treat Dad to cakes, pastries and homemade gelatos from the dessert corner. Heineken beer, Strongbow, Murphy’s, house wines, and breakfast cocktails are also included in the price. Entertainment includes Heineken Foosball league tables, darts, and sports simulation tournaments on a huge projector screen. RMB 475/adult, RMB 250 (up to age 14). 11am-4pm. Fairmont Beijing Hotel
Father’s Day Brunch at Fratelli Fresh Restaurant
All ages. The Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel is hosting a “Beer & BBQ Sunday Brunch” on Father’s Day. RMB 288. Noon-3pm. Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel
Father’s Day at The Schoolhouse
All ages. Cap off a family hike at the Great Wall with a free meal for dad. Fathers accompanied by at least one of their kids can choose a sandwich or main course, plus dessert and soft drink on the house. Free for dads. Noon-9pm. The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu
Father’s Day at Traders Hotel, Beijing
All ages. Enjoy lunch or dinner with Dad, with one complimentary draught beer. Prices vary. 10.30am-10.30pm. Traders Hotel, Beijing
Father’s Day Beer Brunch
All ages. Slow Boat hosts a Father’s Day brunch for a “man’s man” celebration. Dads can chow down on breakfast burgers, French toast, and the brewery’s very own craft beer. Kids are encouraged to draw on the walls; there will be juice, soda, and other non-beer options. Free to attend. Noon-4.30pm. Slow Boat Brewery (Dongsi branch)
Father’s Day Brunch at Asia Bistro
All ages. Join an outdoor barbecue and kid’s club for Father’s Day. Starting from RMB 498. 11.30am-3.30pm. JW Marriot
Father’s Day Champagne Brunch at The St. Regis
All ages. Dig into a ridiculously sumptuous seafood brunch buffet with Asian and international flavors. RMB 588 (plus 15% surcharge). 11.30am-3pm. The St. Regis Beijing
Father’s Day Special: Morton’s Steakhouse
All ages. Most dads are manly men who love meat. Take him to Morton’s, which is offering a meaty three-course menu for Father’s Day. RMB 828. 6-11pm. Morton’s Steakhouse
My Dad Is a Superhero
All ages. 360° is hosting a superhero-themed Father’s Day brunch with the usual Sunday favorites and a supervised play area. RMB 338 (includes juices and soft drinks, add RMB 60 for free-flow wine, beer, and champagne), RMB 168 for ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. 11.30am-3pm. Hilton Beijing Capital Airport
Take Your Dad Fishing This Father’s Day
All ages. The Fizztastic Champagne Brunch is taking Dad fishing with a special “fish gift tank” and an extensive brunch buffet featuring seafood. RMB 458. 11.30am-3pm. Vasco’s FIZZtastic Brunch
Note: Yesterday, the Beijinger‘s WeChat newsletter mistakenly published the date of beijingkids‘ Father’s Day event as June 16. It is actually on June 15.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
