Beijing

Kitchen in action

In September, Kerry's Kitchen at Kerry Hotel Beijing will introduce its new a la carte dinner menu. With its three show kitchens, new signature dishes and sharing platters, guests will now be able to experience a variety of signature items at one meal. Each kitchen allows guests to build their own menu and create a dining experience that gives them a multitude of options, instead of simply having one main course and one type of cuisine. The open concept restaurant creates the ideal atmosphere for guests to fully engage all of the senses.

010-8565-2088

Heavenly hairy crab

The prized roe and tender meat of the hairy crab is only available for a brief harvest period each year, and is considered to have a "cooling" effect on the body. From Oct 15 to Nov 15, Grand Millennium Beijing offers unique crabs either whole or in a quartet of dishes designed to highlight their subtle, complex flavors. The price is from 198 yuan per crab, subject to a 15 percent service charge.

010-8587-6888 Ext 3013

More than reasonable lunch

Sheraton Beijing Dongcheng Hotel provides the right venue to take a break during lunchtime. The hotel has four signature restaurants offering Cantonese, Italian and Japanese cuisines, and an international buffet. The hotel is launching a brand new express lunch at 98 yuan net per person, with refreshing and value-for-money lunch options. Collect lunch express stamps to win special rewards, such as imported wines, birthday cakes and Sunday brunch.

010-5798-8888

Crab feast

Swissotel Beijing provides plump, tender, juicy hairy crabs with rich roe, flown in daily from Yangcheng Lake. The hairy crabs are available at Happy Valley Chinese restaurant.

010-6553-2288 Ext 2157

Feast of seafood

An acclaimed feast of sea cucumber and hairy crab is featured at Rouge Chinese Restaurant of Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun in autumn. Their talented chef will expertly braise, grill or steam the sea cucumber with hairy crab. Some signature dishes are grilled sea cucumber and crabmeat, braised sea cucumber in bamboo and steamed coral pork. Dumplings are also a must.

010-5993-8215

A taste for fine things

Regent Beijing hosts afternoon tea at Crescent Lounge overlooking a beautiful garden. This features a fine selection of macaroons, cakes, pastries and tarts, accompanied by a steaming hot pot of English breakfast tea, Earl Grey, fruit tea or herbal infusion or your choice of coffee. Available daily from 2:30-5:30 pm. 98 yuan plus a 15 percent per person, including tea and coffee.

010-8522-1789

Shanghai

Charity event

To mark the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group - Asia Pacific Responsible Business Action Month September 2012, the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World hosted a lunch for children from Shanghai No 1 School for the Deaf and Mute on Sept 18. The children arrived at the hotel and were first taken to the revolving restaurant Epicure on 45 to get a bird's-eye view of the city of Shanghai. They were then escorted to the hotel ballroom where the hotel general manager gave a welcome speech.

021-6359-9999 Ext 4007

Seafood at SoU

Enjoy an exceptional fresh seafood buffet at the Tangla Tianjin's 49th-floor restaurant SoU, the highest dining venue in the city. From Oct 1 until Dec 23, 308 yuan per person gets you a live Boston lobster cooked as you like it, and an unlimited selection of cold and hot seafood: crabs, scallops, mussels, salmon, an array of fish and more. Free flows of soft drinks and beer are also included.

022-2321-5888

Swiss afternoon tea

Swissotel Grand Shanghai is introducing a delightful series of afternoon tea sets to enjoy this autumn. Along with an assortment of premium teas, choose from a rich selection of sweets including homemade cookies, mini-muffins, fruits with melted Swiss hot chocolate and cinnamon scones with red berry jam and bourbon vanilla clotted cream. A number of finger sandwiches are also available.

021-5355-9898 Ext 6361

The crabs of autumn

As the leaves turn to brilliant autumn shades of gold, orange and crimson, its' time to enjoy one of the great regional delicacies of the Yangtze River Valley. For the occasion, Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai is introducing a special autumn menu featuring the famed Yangcheng Lake Hairy Crab in many delectable incarnations. 021-3858-0768

Autumn getaway

Autumn in Shanghai, distinguished by mild weather with plenty of sunshine and gentle breezes, is one of the most pleasant times to visit the city. Jin Jiang Tower Shanghai, ideally located in the former French concession and near bustling Huaihai Road, is providing a special room package this fall, including a welcome drink in the lobby, daily breakfast for two and a set of Pascal Morabito bath amenities from France.

021-6415-1188 Ext 80107

China Daily

(China Daily 09/29/2012 page13)