Ladies night: Red Kitchen Cabinet caters to our heart’s content

Ladies Night, catered by Red Kitchen Cabinet (幸福 坊 Xingfu Fang)

Beijing, China — Until I was about 25, I believed I found better friendships in guys over girls. Later, marvelous realizations appeared as I crept into my late twenties; I found friendships with ladies who love wine, travel, books, art, and conversations without boundaries. When I left San Francisco, I feared I was leaving the awesome bunch of girlfriends I had made and would never find a great group again. Well, it took some time and no gal is replaceable, but I managed to hit the Beijing ore of ladies who love wine, travel, books, art, entrepreneurship, and FOOD.

Chicken drum-sticks, sausage, quiches, filo-dough pastries... and more!

At this ladies night, hosted by a friend, I was amused to find myself not the only one to geek out over the food with camera in hand. When the food arrived, the girls flocked to the table, but held back for each other as we snapped in awe of the abundance. I was just as impressed by the fact that the television in the living room was tuned to the Brazil versus Holland, World Cup game.

Dessert! Ooh-la-la!

Another wave of “Ooh!” and “Ahh!” came as the desserts arrived. More food-glamour shots; we were all respectful of each others need to geek out and gawk from behind our point-and-shoots. I found myself showing a fellow lady how to use her macro function on her camera. “Press the button with the flower and you can take sharper photos of things up-close.”

Crème brûlée, chocolate crusted lemon meringue, carrot cake sandwiches, and more

The famed caterer of the evening, Red Kitchen Cabinet (幸福 坊 Xìngfú Fang) is operated by two good friends. Philippa Kelly, the creative director and quality controller, ensures using the most authentic and best quality ingredients. Zhang Juhua 张菊花 is the master cook, baker, and inspired artist; she considers presentation to be her art form.

Ah yes, there were cocktails, too.

Beijing is so hot now! I whipped up two pitchers of cocktails to share. The first a blend of Mango nectar, pineapple juice, and sake. The second was a blend of peach nectar, pineapple juice, vodka, and a raspberry liqueur (of 16%, I didn’t take note of its name). I can’t tell you measurements; mix with your heart. You can imagine the sugar rush amongst us all in the house.

Winner of the new ShowShanti apron

Adding to the fun, some ladies donated products and services from their businesses. I gifted one of my new aprons to the raffle and Cristina M., who thinks she never wins anything, was a winner!

Our shoes.

Imagine, a flat full of ladies, barefoot, donning summer dresses, in cheerful spirits, enjoying food, photos, cocktails, World Cup, and striking up new conversations. Sounds a bit like heaven to me.

Red Kitchen Cabinet 幸福 坊 Xìngfú Fang
Telephone: English 135-0123-7717 | Chinese 135 2226 7314

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