“These were the dumplings that became our road map to Beijing. The dumplings and noodle soup and baozi and the plum sauce we spread on the roasted duck…these were how we were able to translate China.” ― Susan Conley, Unsavory Elements: Stories of Foreigners on the Loose in China

As luck would have it...

my birthday celebration provided a few restaurant splurges,

and Capital M kicked it all off with its views overlooking Tienanmen Square

 and equally delightful food.

Ren Man's colleagues made up for his having to work and all...

by treating me to a bountiful lunch of the infamous Peking Duck...

and a table full of pure yummyness at Da Dong.

We even found a quirky Mexican take on Chinese at Migas 

where we must return for the rooftop bar.

JK on the gluttony tax.  I asked!

We found an amazing small Japanese, Suzuki Kitchen, near our hutong area,

and trust me...it is worth the wait.

We would be remiss if we did not mention Toast, 

the small restaurant at The Orchid...

where the creative names of its breakfast choices

 are equally as creative in the taste department.

They serve food all day long so check it out.

Another reason why we LOVE The Orchid.