Steaks, wine and plenty of fresh color

A noted steakhouse in Beijing, CRU, has reopened after renovations. It first opened about 10 years ago. Diners can enjoy steaks in an updated environment - crisp and contemporary, featuring rich, warm colors reflecting those used in the cooking: wine red candles and brightly colored chairs. A wooden wine wall is used to store fine wines in a semiprivate room.

The restaurant features Australian wagyu beef, and in this establishment 270 C is regarded as the perfect temperature for cooking it. Apart from steak, classic dishes such as Iberico ham with arugula, pan-fried foie gras, CRU crabcakecake, pan-seared Japanese scallops and Boston lobster, and the acclaimed CRU laska dessert, are available.

CRU Steakhouse, Grand Level, JW Marriott Hotel Beijing; 010-5908-8530. Dinner served 6 pm to 10 pm only.

Sushi and sashimi provide a signature

The Japanese restaurant Sushi Yotsuba has opened a branch in Zhongguancun, Beijing, aiming to make up for what is said to be the lack of high-end Japanese cuisine in Beijing's west. Over the past 13 years Sushi Yotsuba has opened three branches in Beijing, at the Lufthansa Center In Liangmaqiao, Sanlitun and Lido. The first, at the Lufthansa Center, opened in 2004 and impressed Beijing foodies with its authenticity, professional service and fresh ingredients, some acclaiming it to be a pioneer among Japanese restaurants.

Hand-rolled sushi and sashimi are Yotsuba's signature dishes. Most of the sashimi is imported from the country of origin, such as blue fin tuna from Nagasaki, reputed to serve the best bluefin tuna in Japan. There are more than 20 types of fresh fish and other seafood on Yotsuba's menu, making it the one of the top choices for variety in Japanese dining in Beijing. Sushi Yotsuba (Zhongguancun), 103, tower A, Raycom Infotech Plaza, 2 Kexue South Road, Haidian district, Beijing; 11:30 am to 2 pm and 5:30 pm to 10 pm; 010-6256-4330.

Cocktail masters do their thing

Yuki Zhu, head mixologist of China Bar at the Park Hyatt Beijing, has had eminent bartenders who have won awards in the Chivas Masters, a world-class cocktail making competition, making cocktails in style for guests over the past few weeks. Those invited were Lisan Li of Yan Whiskey Bar; Kevin Song, formerly of D-Lounge; Zoe Zheng of Mokihi; and Jerry Chao of Ala House. They have prepared a number of special cocktails for China Bar, blending their passion and thoughts in cocktails.

The last of these evenings will be held on Nov 1, with Jerry Chao doing the mixing. China Bar, level 65, Park Hyatt Beijing, 2 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang district, 5:30 pm to 1 am. 010-8567-1268.

Buffet brunch served - with all the horrors imaginable

An all-day dining restaurant at East, Beijing, on Oct 29 will serve a Halloween inspired buffet brunch with Halloween themed desserts, such as finger biscuits, ghost cupcakes, brain cakes. Guests are encouraged to come dressed for the occasion wearing their spookiest outfits for a chance to win prizes. Just in case the Halloween decor and special Halloween pastries are not frightening enough, all children coming to the brunch can get free tickets to the haunted house that will occupy the Xian bar on the first floor of East. The little ones will be able to enjoy various treats. Makeup artists will be on site to provide face painting.

Brunch available from 11.30 am to 3 pm, 428 yuan per person; 010-8414-9820. The haunted house will be open from 12 pm to 5 pm; 98 yuan per child; 010-8414-9810; East, 22 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang district.

(China Daily 10/28/2017 page14)