For educators, this time of year marks the moment when half of your projects are concluding while the other half are just beginning. Mock exams are taking place, and events like Career Week, International Day, service projects, and Week Without Walls are all competing for attention and resources. While we are passionate about our work, fatigue has set in, prompting me to invite a few colleagues for a much-needed rejuvenation. I sought a location known for excellent food, pampering, and, crucially, the absence of our young students!
Fork by TRB offers a delightful combination of fine dining that remains relaxed and accessible. It’s ideal for celebrations, but there’s no need for a special reason to visit and be attended to by their outstanding staff in the stunning contemporary open space.
Upon our arrival with a group of six, we were welcomed with a bottle of bubbly on a beautifully set table. Their impressive wine selection is not to be missed, and we ordered a bottle each of the Moana Pinot Noir and Moana Sauvignon Blanc (RMB 298) to accompany our meal. A heartfelt thank you to Beijing’s Foodie Queen, Anna, for introducing me to this label years ago—it’s become one of my favorites. As we reviewed the menu, they served what may be the best bread in Beijing, fresh from the oven, with olive oil and pesto for dipping.
We opted for a family-style meal instead of individual orders, which may have led us to overindulge a bit. We started with Steak Tartare (RMB 118) and TRB’s renowned House Cured Gravlax Salmon (RMB 158), both prepared at the table and absolutely worth trying. Next, we chose Escargot (RMB 98), Shrimp Stuffed Shiso Leaves (RMB 78), Spinach Salad with Truffle Dressing (RMB 58), and thanks to our server overhearing someone express their longing for good cheese, we were pleasantly surprised with a beautifully arranged cheese plate featuring Brie, Camembert, Stilton, and cheddar—a thoughtful addition. Yes, we did order too many appetizers, but everything was exceptional, and I would gladly do it again! We also ordered two more bottles of wine as we anticipated the main dishes.
For our main courses, the Salted Baked Sea Bass (RMB 428) was perfect for our large group. Cooked whole in a salt crust, it was cracked open at the table to reveal a perfectly seasoned and prepared fish that was as long as my torso. The servers deboned it for us, and even those at our table who typically don’t enjoy fish said they would order it again. The Soft Shell Crab (RMB 168) was served in a sauce so delicious that we had to prevent one member from licking the plate clean, while the Beef Rossini with Foie Gras (RMB 158) was so tender that we ordered a second serving. We were tempted to do the same with the rich Beef Bone Marrow (RMB 128), but being adults, we begrudgingly ordered some vegetables. Both the Grilled Vegetable Plate (RMB 98) and the Cauliflower (RMB 58) were excellent, and we left nothing uneaten. Once again, we may have overdone it, but I have no regrets!
At the meal's conclusion, we were treated to complimentary cheesecake accompanied by some of the finest vanilla ice cream I have ever had. When the bill came, my dining companions were pleasantly surprised. Although this meal was clearly an indulgence beyond what we typically spend for dinner, it was an incredible value when considering that a similar experience in our home cities would be unattainable for anyone on a teacher’s salary. Should we eat like this every night? Probably not! But occasionally pampering ourselves allows for some much-needed recharging.
The true charm of Fork lies in how it makes you feel. From the outstanding cuisine to the attentive and kind service in the beautiful dining area, everything conveys, “You are special and deserve this.” We left feeling cherished and emotionally prepared to return to our roles supporting our students and communities. As one team member noted, the meal cost roughly the same as a therapy session, and while it won’t address anyone’s deeper issues (don’t forget the importance of therapy!), it was definitely beneficial for our emotional state.
You can locate Fork by TRB at 9 Yangfang Hutong. From the street, enter through the entrance labeled Blossom House, turn left, and proceed across the parking area to the restaurant entrance.
Fork by TRB
Blossom House, Houhai Hotel
9 Yangfang Hutong, Xicheng District
Hours: Tue-Sun, 11:30 AM-2:30 PM; 5:30 PM-10 PM (closed Mon)
Phone: 135 5295 8257
READ: Mandarin Monday: A Meaty
You don’t require a special event to savor a meal at Fork by TRB.