Those who know me well understand my profound and enduring passion for brunch. It serves as the ideal laid-back, pressure-free meal for reconnecting with friends or partners. However, every so often, I crave some personal time. While indulging in lowbrow reality TV from my comfortable couch is always an option, there are times when I yearn for a way to exist in the world without fully engaging in it. That’s when I pick up a good book and look for a delightful meal. I refer to these outings as my book brunches.
Panorama is one of my preferred spots for a "book brunch." Their two-person booths provide just enough privacy for me to relax, while still allowing me to enjoy the ambiance of their stylish yet casual dining area and bar. I typically start with a French Martini (RMB 78), and for comfort food, I indulge in their Ham Bechamel Croquettes (RMB 72).
A few chapters in, right when the heroine is conquering her first dragon or the detective is on the verge of discovering a crucial clue, I contemplate whether to order the Beet and Feta Salad (RMB 60) or the Salmon Buckwheat Rolls (RMB 48). The crêpes (RMB 68-95) are also a fantastic option, and their seasonal menu often features something special. Personally, I will be disappointed when the Burgundy Snails (RMB 68) are no longer available.
As I progress through a few more chapters (perhaps with a second martini), I inevitably succumb to dessert—specifically the Tatin Crêpe (RMB 65). This crêpe is filled with caramelized apples and flambéed at the table with rum. Despite my intention to just have half, I always end up finishing it completely.
One of the best aspects of spending an afternoon at Panorama is the relaxed atmosphere. It’s lively but serene, reminiscent of a European café where one could happily spend hours observing passersby. This experience is undoubtedly a more fulfilling way to spend an afternoon than munching on a bag of Doritos while binge-watching a reality series about table-flipping housewives (though I enjoy that too!).
Panorama81 Sanlitun Courtyard No. 4, Chaoyang District 朝阳区三里屯机电院81号
Hours: Sun-Mon, 10am-midnight; Fri-Sat, 10am-1am
Phone: 010 6506 1893
READ: Brunchin' Beijing: Butterfly Brunch Has Had a Metamorphosis
Images: Julie Wolf
After getting back from Haikou, I went to the immigration department to collect my passport. I arrived early at 1:30 p.m. (The woman was supposed to meet me at 2 p.m.). Wouldn’t you know it, she strolled in right on time? It frustrated me a little because I texted her when I arrived, and she mentioned that she lived "500 metres" away. I thought she could have come over as soon as she found out I was there early, don’t you think?
After exploring the arts in Dongsi, it's time to head to Tongzhou to reflect on the magnificent waterways at Beijing's latest museum.
I had to return to Zhuhai for my second rabies vaccination. It's a long story, but I became nervous about the cat I had adopted for a few days. I decided to get the vaccine just in case, not realizing it was a series of five shots! It really stressed me out, and I ended up becoming quite paranoid about the situation. I never saw the tabby cat again and couldn't identify which of the cats wandering around the school he was. None of the others were as friendly; they all ran away from me. This left me wondering if maybe he was gone because he had died from rabies. That thought was frightening, and I really hoped the vaccine would be effective. It also unnerved me to know there was a specialized clinic for rabies prevention at my hospital. My goodness. I couldn't help but think about how many cases they dealt with there.
Panorama is an excellent spot to enjoy brunch while reading a book.