Fellow Hatchery lovers, not long ago I told you not to despair with the closing down of the Hatchery’s food and beverage incubator in Guomao. They said they would be back in full swing, and indeed they are! It’s time to embrace the blue skies we’ve been experiencing so far this summer and get the family out for some alfresco dining.
I took my bundle of joy out to the Hatchery’s pop-up at Opposite House’s Village Café. We sat outside and while I munched down on some of the new offerings on the menu, Lux was given a bowl of strawberries to devour. It was a beautiful summer’s day on Sunday, so I opted for a seafood appetizer and entrée.
If you ever dined at The Arcade by Hatchery in the Central Business District, you will know that they had an epic selection of burgers from their hatched brand Common Burger and delicious salads from Canteen. Their new menu is nice and concise, and has whittled down options to include only their best selection of burgers, sides, salads, Asian-inspired bowls of yumminess, and a few fusionesque delights.
I went for the Ceviche Classic (RMB 60), tender sea bass marinated in tiger milk with red onion, capsicum, coriander, and corn. I’m usually all over any kind of ceviche, as they’re fresh and light, and so perfect for summer daytime dining. This bowl was certainly fresh and matched well with my glass of Pinot Grigio (RMB 85), however be prepared for sharp hits of lime. If you like your ceviche a little on the citrusy tart side, this one is for you.
The New Zealand Mussels in Tomato and Black Olive Sauce (RMB 95) was delightful. Served with grilled slices of ciabatta, a bowl of tasty mussels is never a bad choice come rain or shine. I also went for the Aloha Poke Bowl (RMB 90), yummy salmon marinated in a traditional Hawaiian marinade on a bed of sushi rice with a kale salad and kimchi. If you fancy something sweet at the end of your meal, their signature house-made Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream is the way to go.
The outdoor area is great for summer dining with the kids
I particularly loved the dining areas here because of the laid-back and family-friendly environment. A baby seat was provided so that Lux could chill with me in the outdoor patio area and the service was smooth and welcoming. But don’t wait too long to get to the pop-up, it comes to an end on May 31. Enjoy!
Opposite House
The Village Cafe,Taikoo Li Sanlitun North, No. 11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District (www.theoppositehouse.com) 10 6417 6688.
Photos: Nicole Bonnah
