All families need dining out staples they can rely on: a place that is kid-friendly, provides ample options for the little ones and the grown-ups at the table, and last but definitely not least, delivers on value for money with deliciously tasty food. Annie’s has long been a place that people depend on to dish out hearty Italian cuisine that’s easy on the pocket and packed full of flavor.
However, many carb-fest-fans provide the restaurant with repeat custom through their online delivery services, and rarely do they venture out with the family to dine in. Newly refurbished Annie’s Ritan is pulling out the stops with a roof-top terrace and an aperitivo night to top all aperitivo nights. It’s clear they’re out to remind us that their spot is not just to be defined as your go-to takeout option, but that this little Italian haunt is indeed family-night-out worthy.
The Suppiger family was the perfect household to sample the food and atmosphere at Annie’s, Ritan. The family of four, consisting of parents, Maggie and Todd, and siblings, four-year-old Jeremiah and two-year-old Sarah have previously been takeout regulars of Annie’s, but never took the time to dine in at the restaurant. To test the waters, the Suppigers brought along Grandpa Yu and Grandma Yu.
Annie’s didn’t cut any corners on their visit, and the Suppigers tucked into a spread of Rib-eye steak (RMB 198), Truffle Pizza (RMB 116), their signature Beef Lasagna (RMB 49), Mixed Cold Cuts (RMB 148), Mushroom Soup (RMB 28) served with fresh bread, and a number of awesome sides, followed by sweets.
Todd, who works for the Swiss Embassy, thought all the options were tasty, and homemaker Maggie tucked straight into the steak, which she said she would definitely order again. The kids are great eaters and not the fussy type. There was no turning up their noses at any of the familiar veggie options, such as the house salad (RMB 38) or the grilled vegetables (RMB 35); however, their favorite dish was the kid-go-to plate of fries!
While the parents continued to enjoy the red vino, Barbera D’Alba (RMB 139), the kids demolished the trio of ice cream (RMB 30), and the Tiramisu wasn’t at all a bad second option. The evening was a great start to the weekend, and the perfect send-off for a family who are about to end their adventure in Beijing for a new one in Switzerland. Here’s to the Suppigers and their new Swiss life! Wish them well, and next time you’re thinking of ordering an Annie’s takeout, instead call the kids to grab their jackets and go on down to Annie’s Ritan.
The weather is getting nicer, so sit under blue skies on their rooftop terrace and soak in the new revamped The Godfather theme at the restaurant with movie soundtrack vibes, replicas of the color palette used in the original film, movie memorabilia, and more. Definitely check out their new Aperitivo nights, with free-flow wine and beer with cold cuts, cheese, and other sides from 6pm-9pm every Friday at the Ritan location, every Wednesday at Annie’s The Place, every Thursday at Annie’s Sunshine 100, and every Saturday at Ponte in Lido. You are truly spoiled for choice! As the sign on the door says, “Come as friends, go as family.”
Annie’s
Daily 11am-11pm, Unit 2-3-93, Ritan Highlife, (opposite North Gate of Ritan Park), 39 Shenlu Jie, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区神路街39号日坛公园北门对面日坛上街2-3-93号 (8569 3031)
This article appeared in the beijingkids May 2019 Identity issue.
Photos: Kipp Whittaker
