Beijing

Terrific teatime

Relax after work or rest after shopping with a leisurely afternoon tea at T-Bazaar of Traders Hotel, Beijing, from 2-6 pm daily. Savor fresh fruit, snacks, mini sandwiches and desserts, starting from just 58 yuan net. The set menu comes with tea or freshly brewed coffee.

010-6505-2277 Ext 35.

Wine and dine

The Hilton Beijing's Food & Wine Experience is returning with its highly anticipated 15th installment on Oct 27. The annual event has been growing every year. This year, people will have the entire day to explore a spread of local and international wines accompanied by delicacies from around the world.

11 am-7 pm. 010-5865-5246.

Tremendous truffles

Discover special dishes with white truffle imported from Alba, Italy, in November at Le Pre - French Gastronomic Restaurant, Sofitel Wanda Beijing. Catering to the discriminating taste of lovers of truffles, Le Pre celebrates this imported seasonal delicacy with a special truffle menu. The white truffles' intense flavors will render even the most critical gourmets speechless.

010-8599-6666 Ext 6528.

Shenzhen

Indian inspirations

Join in the celebration of Indian cuisine at Cafe Zen, Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen. Indian guest chef Mahendra Rathod blends aromatic spices to create rich flavors in such classic dishes as prawn biryani, butter chicken and lamb rogan josh.

0755-2151-3838.

Shanghai

Amazing Austrian

Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai offers authentic Austrian cuisine and wines from the country's vineyards. Experience the genuine ambience and Viennese Heurigen cultural performances by the famous entertainers the Waldviertle Duo Andi & Herman. Available from Oct 26-28 in the lower lobby. Entrance is 280 yuan net.

021-6393-1234 Ext 6317.

Jazz in the sky

As the highest bar in Puxi 789 Nanjing Road, located on the 65th floor of Le Royal Meridien Shanghai, provides stunning city views, which are the perfect backdrop to live jazz performed by virtuoso singer Jessica Maurer and her band. Maurer is an accomplished jazz chanteuse who has been performing for more than 10 years.

021-3318-9999 Ext 8072.

Hairy crab buffet

The ever-popular hairy crab returns to the JC Mandarin Shanghai for a special crab buffet in November. The hairy crab is prized for its juicy meat characterized by a slightly sweet flavor. When enjoying the delicious crab at JC Mandarin's buffet, guests can pair it with a variety of international foods, highlighted by different salads and desserts.

021-6279-1888 Ext 5106.

Cheese fondue specialties

Swiss Cafe in the Swissotel GRAND Shanghai is serving special Swiss cheese fondue in the evenings. As one of Switzerland's best-loved dishes, cheese fondue is produced by first melting different cheeses and mixing them with red wine and then adding various spices. Fondue is served in a large pot perfect for sharing. Typically, it is eaten by dipping French bread into the pot with a long fork. Fondue is one of Switzerland's national dishes and also is served in chocolate and meat variations.

021-5355-9898 Ext 6360.

Hairy crab celebration

Wei Jing Ge, the signature Chinese restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, is hosting an epic hairy crab experience this fall. The restaurant has created a special nine-course menu, with all crab meat coming from Yangcheng Lake hairy crabs, which are widely reputed as the best in China.

021-2329-0440.

Raising breast cancer awareness

The Peninsula Shanghai will support the Breast Cancer Foundation in China during Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October with the "Peninsula in Pink" theme. There will be special afternoon teas served and the hotel will display specially designed pink ribbons. A certain percentage of the proceeds from sales during the promotion will be donated directly to breast cancer charities.

021-2327-2888 Ext 6605.

(China Daily 10/13/2012 page13)