Scent for a tea break

Partnering with the niche salon fragrance integration store, Gelerie de Parfums, Beijing pastry chef Song Jingcen led his team to create a delicate afternoon tea set inspired by three types of elegant perfume and their romantic stories. Until March 15, Song will be offering an exclusive "journey of the senses", preparing strawberry lychee rose cream, white chocolate strawberry citrus mousse, and strawberry cheese cake with coconut jelly to pair with the perfumes. The unique "scent ceremony" is even better, with dreamy rose wine plus the joyful "magic coffee".

No 1 Jinchengfang Street East, Financial Street (Jinrongjie), Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6601-6666.

For goodness and sake

Located in the Haoyunjie area of Beijing, traditional Japanese izakaya, Ootoku Sakaba, has been open for eight years, becoming a popular staple of the neighborhood's nightlife. It recently launched a new menu with both of its signature dishes and some new creations with an authentic Japanese flavor. Eel and egg roll is one must-try item. The roasted eel is closely wrapped with fluffy tender egg cakes which has to be eaten hot. Fried chicken and crispy chicken wings are both perfect to pair with some sake, as are the barbecue platter and special Japanese style hotpot.

No 1-7 Chaoyanggongyuan Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-5867-0280.

Recipes for love

Purveyor of modern European cuisine, Hulu by TRB, is launching a Valentine's Day special menu available until Feb 17. The menu reimagines the presentation of some of the restaurant's signature specialties, such as the gravlax and steak tartare, for a more romantic vibe. The specials range from a fresh lobster salad, a salmon avocado heart to a succulent steak and a heart-shaped dessert to ensure dinner ends on a sweet note. The chorizo pasta has also had a heart-shaped makeover. Three romantically-themed cocktails are also being served, but the one that will undoubtedly prove the most sought after is "the recipe of love". Apparently, the best way to the heart of your beloved is through an expertly mixed glass of vodka, fresh lemon juice, Cointreau and cranberry juice.

S4-32, Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-6512-5701.

China Daily

(China Daily 02/15/2019 page16)