Barolo's signature dessert

Beijing

Giving a toss

Pizza Express will open its first restaurant in Beijing in Sanlitun on May 29. The chain, which celebrates an Italian-style pie tradition (as opposed to US-style), was founded in London in 1965 and the Beijing eatery will be its 500th outlet across the world. Localized artwork for the restaurant includes the iconic Beijing bicycle and a Pizza Express twist on the traditional Chinese door god featuring its pizzaiolos, the jaunty pizza chefs who delight in tossing the elastic dough high in the air. Are they as good at keeping out evil spirits? We'll check after cleaning our plates.

Pizza Express, 3/F, Taikoo Li Sanlitun South (original location of Blue Frog), Chaoyang district.

National pride

To celebrate the national day of Italy early next month, Barolo restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, Beijing asked resident Italian chef Eugenio Iraci to prepare a three-course set meal of classic dishes inspired by the three colors of the Italian flag. It starts with caprezi tricolore (the green course: buffalo mozzarella, roma tomatoes, fresh basil and rucola leaves in balsamic vinaigrette dressing). Next is fettuccine Bolognese (red: housemade pasta with pork, beef and veal braised in tomato sauce), and the final is Il nostro tiramisu (white: Barolo's signature dessert. Diners are welcomed with a class of prosecco - and they can upgrade to a complete wine pairing for an additional 200 yuan ($32).

11:30 am-2 pm and 6-10 pm, June 2-8. Barolo at The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing. 83A Jianguo Lu (Road), China Central Place. 388 yuan per person (588 yuan with wine pairing) plus 15-percent service charge. 010-5908-8151.

- Mike Peters

Hong Kong

Black-and-white joy

Le French May is here and the Landmark has transformed itself with over 180 pieces from Andree Putman's elegant design studio, Studio Putnam. Shoppers and passers-by can see some exceptional works in the Putnam style designed by Andree or his daughter, Olivia, and enjoy afternoon tea at Le Salon de The de Joel Robuchon. There you will find a rich chocolate cake, Chocolate Dual, in Putnam's signature checkerboard design made with creamy dark and white chocolate. A deliciously decadent way to spend the afternoon.

Le Salon de The de Joel Robuchon, Shop 315 & 334, Landmark Atrium. 852-216-9088.

- Donna Mah