BEIJING

Yangcheng Lake crabs

Yao Chi Chinese Restaurant at Grand Millennium Beijing prepares the much sought-after hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake. Have them steamed to retain their original flavor or order their roe and meat prepared according to six different recipes by master chef Chung.

010-8587-6888 ext 3013

Be there or be spooked

Have fun at Flames on level 5 of Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, where an Oct 30 Halloween party will offer an eerie atmosphere, great music from the resident South African jazz band and drink specials from 8-10 pm. There will be a cooking class for kids at Vasco's on level 5 from 3 pm to 5 pm on Oct 31 in which they'll make their own pumpkin pies, cookies and candies.

010-5812-8888

Hats Off

The Westin Beijing Financial Street will once again stage its annual Hats Off culinary event on Nov 5. The 2009 event will feature four internationally renowned, award-winning chefs showcasing their talents in an exquisite eight-course menu. Tickets are priced at 2,009 yuan per person, including an eight-course dinner matched with fine wine.

010-6629-7803, or email f&b.beijing@westin.com

Deluxe collection

TANGLA Beijing, a new 5-star hotel located at Fuxingmen, joined WORLDHOTELS as a Deluxe Collection affiliate. WORLDHOTELS is an exclusive collection of the world's most unique independent hotels. It now has almost 500 affiliate properties in more than 300 destinations in 70 countries worldwide.

Crabs with brandy

The Horizon at Shangri-La's Kerry Center Beijing presents hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake, which have a distinctive taste when steamed and prepared with Remy Martin brandy. Feast on the delight of the autumn season at The Horizon Chinese Restaurant from until Dec 6.

010-6561-8833 ext 41

Spicy classics

Renowned chef Paul Zhang from Sofitel Chengdu offers authentic Sichuan cuisine that encompasses different cooking techniques and a rich variety of flavors. VIC will proffer these delights for spice lovers from Oct 26 until Nov 1. There are also many dishes featuring sweet, sour and salty flavors. 010-8599-6666

SHANGHAI

What's the beef?

The Westin Bund Center Shanghai is offering meat lovers the chance to chomp down on some quality grain-fed Australian Angus beef from Oct 19 to Nov 8. Guests can enjoy selections like braised beef oyster blade with mushroom in a clay pot and teppanyaki beef rump.

021-6335-1786/1787

Crab for all

Hairy crab season is back. The Sheraton Shanghai Hotel & Residences Pudong is featuring the delicacy from Yangcheng Lake. Steamed to perfection, a 200-gram male crab goes for 218 yuan, while the slightly lighter (150-175 grams) female equivalent costs 208 yuan.

021-5089-9999 ext 2220

Italian Sundays

Grand Hyatt Shanghai's Italian restaurant Cucina invites guests to enjoy unlimited helpings of authentic Italian cuisine prepared in a traditional home-cooked style. Fresh seafood selections of the season are included in the meal that costs 228 yuan per person. A free flow of Prosecco white or red wine is available for an additional 60 yuan.

021-5049-1234 ext 8778

Foie gras festival

Sofitel Shanghai Hyland introduces an extensive selection of French delicacies for its Foie Gras Festival from Oct 29 to Nov 8, accompanied with preserved or half-steamed, half-baked foie gras. Other national cuisines will also be served. The dinner buffet is priced at 298 yuan per person while Sunday brunch costs 308 yuan. A 15-percent surcharge is required.

021-6351-58888 ext 4281

Cheesy moments

Fill up on melted Swiss cheese this fall with the Radisson Plaza Xing Guo Hotel Shanghai's new cheese fondue promotion. Skewered bread and vegetables are provided for dipping and two glasses of house white are included in this deal for couples priced at 168 yuan.

021-6212-9998 ext 3180