Beijing

Father's Day brunch

Surprise your father at Aroma or Barolo restaurants at the Ritz-Carlton Beijing, with a delicious Father's Day brunch to express your gratitude to the most important man in your life. A wide variety of seafood and international delicacies served at either of these award-winning restaurants is a great way to say thanks. The brunch is only 588 yuan per person, inclusive of drinks, 298 yuan per child between 6 and 12 years old. From 11:30 am to 2 pm, June 16. 010-5908-8161/8151

'Hot and wet' BBQ pool party

DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing launches its annual "Hot and Wet" BBQ weekend pool party on May 26. The party is set in a garden oasis where guests can enjoy an array of BBQ meat and seafood, charcoal grilled burgers, a selection of salads plus free flow of beer, red and white wine, and soft drinks. Enjoy great food and drink while basking in the sunshine and taking a refreshing dip in the pool. The price is 268 yuan per person, inclusive of food and drinks, and access to the pool. Noon to 4 pm, every Sunday. 010-6338-1888 Ext 1628

Italian week

VIC restaurant at Sofitel Wanda Beijing is hosting an Italian week from June 19-26. Discover the origins of the Renaissance through Italian cuisines from five different regions of Italy - Tuscany, Trentino, Sicily, Piedmont and Emilia-Romagna. To stay true to the simplicity and authenticity of Italian flavors, the chefs combine high-quality ingredients with traditional Italian home cooking. 010-8599-6666 Ext 6521

Upmarket Cantonese dim sum

Cai Yi Xuan at the Four Seasons Hotel Beijing, which serves regional Chinese cuisines from Beijing and Shandong, Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, presents artistic Cantonese dim sum. Cantonese specialties include baked whole abalone pastry with diced chicken and "Money Bags" dumplings stuffed with premium crab roe and black cod. 010-5695-8888

Toast to dad

The St. Regis Beijing will host a Father's Day champagne brunch at their Garden Court on Sunday, June 16. Enjoy sumptuous seafood and an array of authentic Asian and international flavors. Talented chefs will show you and your father the secret of champagne tasting. Raise a toast to him and express your love. The brunch offers hundreds of delicacies, from Boston lobster, to Alaska crab and Norwegian salmon. 11:30 am to 3 pm, June 16. 010-6460-6688 Ext 2340/2341

Seasonal Italian menu

This June, chefs at Prego Italian Restaurant introduce an a la carte menu with rustic Italian flavors. Signature dishes are Parma ham with endive, bocconcini cheese with green apple dressing, warm octopus salad with saffron potatoes. The special menu is available throughout June. 010-6629-7815

Shanghai

Swiss spring

Caf Swiss of the Swissotel Grand Shanghai is introducing healthy spring cuisine inspired by the culinary traditions of the region of Switzerland bordering Italy. The menu includes a blend of Mediterranean-style garden fresh vegetables, highlighted by a roasted pumpkin salad with orange wedges, and chicken, salmon and pasta dishes. Enjoy a slice of cinnamon apple pie for dessert. 021-5353-9898 Ext 6360

Artisanal meats

The Kerry Hotel, Pudong Shanghai, is launching its first butcher, featuring a variety of gourmet meats on the second floor of the hotel in May, adjacent to MEET, the hotel's steakhouse and grill. Both can be accessed directly from the Kerry Parkside shopping mall. 021-6169-8886

Flavors of Japan

J-Mix restaurant at Le Royal Meridien Shanghai is presenting a gourmet Japanese buffet featuring sushi, sashimi, tempura, Shabu Shabu, teppanyaki, ramen and desserts. Drinks on offer include sake, beer and soft drinks. Sashimi, sushi and ramen are served from an open sushi counter decorated with paper moon lanterns and pod seating. 021-3858-0728

Italian delicacies

The Westin Bund Center Shanghai is featuring traditional Italian delicacies at its second-floor restaurant Prego, every Thursday. Woodfired pizzas, pasta cooked la minute, antipasti, cheeses, breads, ice cream and tiramisu served tableside are available. There are also prosecco, wine and beer. Every Thursday, from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. 021-6103-5048