Finding a new restaurant in the city is like finding a potential goldmine. Sometimes it pans out, sometimes not. A short while back we chanced upon Bali Bistro, an Indonesian restaurant we subsequently checked out and thought was quite decent. Unfortunately, they were quite reluctant to allow us to snap any photos of the venue and asked us to return in a few weeks. When we returned, they asked us to return in September when they would be "ready." According to their management, they're working on revamping their concept--already? Our reviewer quite enjoyed the food there so if they are indeed changing their concept, you'd better go check out the current one while you can.

Speaking of rethinking concepts, we recently swung by Good Hot Pot to try out what they were billing as "ice cream hot pot." If you're thinking stone cold bowl, a mish-mash of ice cream flavors being stirred up with tasty toppings in a fondue-like mix with chocolate sauce, so were we. No, not the case. It's regular old hot pot alright, just with a few scoops of ice cream added, standard flavors if you choose or even some normal hot pot ingredients frozen and plopped in there. Personally, we weren't sold on it, though apparently their regular hot pot isn't bad.

While the latter may be a cooler option, if the heat hasn't sweltered the hot pot cravings out of you, Qimin Organic Hot Pot has opened shop where Papa's Schnitzelhaus used to be. It is, as the name implied, an organically driven venue whose motto is "From Farm to Table." CW editor Emily Chu is already a big fan. You can choose from several different sets--meat, veggie or a combination, then add sides if you like. Choose your broth and away you go. Portions may be a bit small for those with large appetites but the quality is great. They even give you an iced vinegar shot to wash down the taste afterward.

Also taking over an old space, Art Lab Restaurant & Lounge has replaced MoCA Cafe, offering Mediterranean-style fare mixed with creative art and design projects on the third floor of the MoCA gallery, aiming to provide an interactive and artistic dining experience.

New additions to the Italian food scene include Briccocafe which boasts a cafe atmosphere on the first floor and sit-down dining on the second. Those in search of new late night haunts will also be pleased to hear that there is a new 24 / 7 restaurant in town. On the third floor above Judy's on Tongren Lu, Tasca an "intercontinental fusion bistro" will provide a little competition for the city's all-day diner down the road.