Cheap Eats

Full Bellies, No Empty Wallets

Eating in Beijing is now cheaper than ever, thanks to a recent boom in websites offering mobile discounts. Servicing both the English and Chinese-language crowds, FoneVillage offers discounts at a variety of local bars and restaurants. Memberships cost RMB200, but, afterwards, just text message the website with your bill and then get a text back with your discount. Show it to the waiter and, voila, it’s done. Discounts are in the 10 percent range. There is a free trial period if you’re curious about how it works.

More Good (T.G.I.) Fridays

Everybody’s favorite American restaurant for cheap eats and thrills (although they probably wouldn’t admit it) has added another wing to their Beijing franchise. Now, you can dine and drink at T.G.I. Fridays Jinchangfangjie branch in Xicheng district.

Club Culture

Renovations are complete on Alfa’s chill new patio. Management has dispensed with the movable patio furniture and installed some kang-style divans as well as a new canopy. The pool of water is, thankfully, still there, so drunkards beware!

Books on the Move

The BookMark has re-designed and is now in the process of building a brand new, larger space to accommodate their growing collection of books and films as well as the increased attendance at their ever-expanding range of community events. The new and improved doors swings open on May 15.

Cutie Club

Gongti Xilu megaclub, known for the obscene number of genuine cuties who flock there, is going under the knife and is scheduled to re-emerge sometime later this spring.

Sushi Cometh

Fans of sushi and sashimi get ready, the owner of uber-popular Japanese restaurant, Hatsune, will open a new restaurant and lounge called Haiku in the Chaoyang Park area on May 15. Keep your eyes peeled for this highly-anticipated opening.

Pizza on the Move

On May 10, the stylish pizzeria, Serafino, will re-launch at Dongdaqiao Lu after moving away from its relatively new digs at Jianwai SOHO. Gourmet CBD pizza for all.