Beijing

Hangzhou classic - Song He Lou

Song He Lou, The Mansion of Pine and Crane, is a historic establishment in Hangzhou founded in 1757. Like many Hangzhou restaurants, it bases its claim to fame on regular patronage by the Qing emperor Qianlong (1711-1799). The story is that his favorite dish whenever he dropped in was the famous "squirrel fish". At the restaurant's Beijing U-Town Lifestyle Center branch, all the signature dishes are here - marinated duck, boneless eel, brown-braised pork chops, and cherry pork. In consideration of the fusion preferences of diners, it also offers popular dishes from other cuisines. For example, critics laud its shengjianbao, sauted buns and aozaomian, noodles with pork broth. The noodles, especially, have reminded gourmets of the restaurant's origin as a noodle shop. Expect to pay about 150 yuan a head for an average meal. - Ye Jun

4/F Second phase of U-Town Lifestyle Center, Bldg 2, Sanfengbeili, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-8562-3559

Home chefs - Cooking lessons from Ritz-Carlton masters

Take some weekend lessons from the master chefs at the Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street - at home. Deputy executive chef Richard Hilton will tell you the secrets to a fabulous shrimp cocktail, and teach you how to prepare a classic roast beef with Yorkshire pudding. Cepe Italian Restaurant's chef Omar Ugoletti will demonstrate how to put together an Italian salad, perfect lasagna and a scrumptious tiramisu. Chef Jimmy Wong from Chinese Qi Restaurant will show off classic stir-fries, while pastry chef Charles Zhao will share baking secrets. But you have to live within the Fifth Ring Road in Beijing. The private tuition doesn't come cheap. Expect to pay 10,000 yuan ($1,570) for a cooking class for four to six people and be prepared to spare at least the whole afternoon. - Ye Jun

For more information, please call 010-6601-6666

Shanghai

Slow burn - Izu Japanese Charcoal BBQ Restaurant

It is a cozy family style restaurant located in the Gubei area of Changning district. As one of the most frequently visited places for residents from surrounding neighborhoods, it offers delicious ox tongue, giant fresh shiitake and boneless short ribs, and big smiles from the owners. Most customers here can order without even looking at the menu, but newbies can choose from two set menus with recommended dishes.

856 Golden Street, (between Shuicheng Nanlu and Gubei Nanlu), Changning district, Shanghai. 021-62092185

Hong Kong

Fun on the peak - Bubba Gump mixes it

Keep the kids happily occupied during the summer holidays. Bring them up to Victoria Peak and let them loose at the themed family restaurant Bubba Gump on The Peak.

There is a Be Your Own Master promotion which allows the youngsters to mix and match any dishes that catch their fancy from a special summer menu. They get to express their creativity and have a slap-up feed at the same time. Parents just pay the bill at HK$48 ($6) per child. Available every weekend until Sept 30 from 11 am to 6 pm. There are four flavors of yummy jelly for dessert - strawberry, lime, orange or lychee. - Pauline D. Loh

304 & 305, Level 3, The Peak Tower, 128 Peak Road, Hong Kong. 825-2849-2867

China Daily

(China Daily 08/19/2012 page14)