Author Archives: jen

Smack that Cuke Up: Smashed Cucumbers with Garlic (Pai Huang Gua 派黄瓜)

Posted on May 3, 2012 by jen

The two scant weeks of Beijing’s Spring flew by in a wink and though we are barely into May, its 30 degrees outside and I think I can safely say it’s summer in the ‘Jing. Summer means stifling heat, sweaty … Continue reading →

Posted in COOK | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Best of 2011: A Feast at Blue Hill at Stone Barns

Posted on March 14, 2012 by jen

…And we’re back! My utter lack of computer savvy and a malware scare led to few months hiatus of the blog, but I managed to learn me just enough internets to patch things up. In celebration, I can finally write … Continue reading →

Posted in EAT, LIFE | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Nothing Says Winter Like Two Tons of Da Baicai (Cabbage)

Posted on November 17, 2011 by jen

Nothing else in Beijing declares winter like the arrival of the city’s piles ‘o cabbage. My first year here, I thought snowfall on Old Hallow’s Eve heralded the dreaded Beijing winter; my second, no snow in November, but wretchedly freezing … Continue reading →

Posted in LIFE | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Travels in San Francisco: Ode to Food One Cannot Eat in Beijing (or, Farewell Christine!)

Posted on October 31, 2011 by jen

Apologies for the long hiatus readers, life has been a whirl of activity of late. I managed to escape the last of Beijing’s summer sweats with a long sojourn in the U.S. The good news is that while we didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in EAT | Leave a comment

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: King’s Mutton Soup

Posted on July 28, 2011 by jen

In defiance of the revolting pollution soup that we must wade through daily this summer to go about our Beijing business, I resist the temptation to write on cool drinks and icy treats, and will instead talk some hot, steamy … Continue reading →

Posted in EAT | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Travels in Yunnan: On Eating Flowers

Posted on June 18, 2011 by jen

In a debate over what to eat in Yunnan, it’ll always be a tough call. So many glorious options! So little time. On a recent and tragically food-deficient trip to Yunnan, I was denied the chance to stuff my face … Continue reading →

Posted in EAT, LIFE | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Deep-Fry Your Chili: Stir-Fried Cabbage (炒卷心菜)

Posted on June 7, 2011 by jen

Is there an easier dish to cook that’s this ridiculously addictive? I’d say…no. And will have words with anyone who dare say otherwise.  I had a craving for this simple fare one day, bought two heads of cabbage and ate … Continue reading →

Posted in COOK | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Chinese Lemons (国产柠檬): A 23 Word Recipe for Meyer Lemon Curd

Posted on June 1, 2011 by jen

One of the surprising wonders of living here is discovering some things you coveted back home are actually easy to find  in China. I’m not talking about Sichuan peppercorns, or a big bottle of beer for 3 kuai (40ish cents). … Continue reading →

Posted in COOK, LIFE | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Just When You Thought Tofu Was Boring: Green Pea Tofu (豌豆副 wandoufu) with Sauces Galore

Posted on May 24, 2011 by jen

It looks like some kind of Frankenstein-esque health food. Tofu and green peas, two foods that don’t often (ever?) inspire drooling or cravings, decide to join forces. Tofu is most commonly made with soybeans, but this is China, a land … Continue reading →

Posted in EAT | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Travels in Burma: The Best of Street Food

Posted on May 18, 2011 by jen

Burma. Still quite the land of mystery, with only a smattering of tourists. For those who have been thinking of going, I heartly encourage it. It’s stunning in its beauty, the people unbelievably warm, and there is always the scent … Continue reading →

Posted in EAT, LIFE | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments