Wang Yu-chi (second from right), head of Taiwan's mainland affairs council, and Zhang Zhijun (second from left), director of the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, are warmly welcomed by George Wee (right), general manager of the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai.

APPOINTMENTS

CLIVE MURRAY has been appointed general manager of Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World.

JOHN BERESFORD has been appointed general manager of The Westin Hefei Baohe.

JEAN-LUC VASSEUR has been appointed executive pastry chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing.

Kerry Hotel, Beijing started a month-long Earth Hour campaign on March 1 by offering handmade cupcakes that are printed with QR codes that offer guests energy-saving tips. 010-8565-2788

Swissotel Beijing will launch a Slovak food festival from April 8 to 11 together with the embassy of the Slovak Republic to celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China. In addition to authentic cuisine, guests also have opportunities to enjoy Slovak culture and art. 010-6553-2288

InterContinental Shanghai Puxi is introducing a weekend brunch for the family every Saturday and Sunday until June 30 at Ecco restaurant. The menu includes black-pepper lobster, seared foie gras, oyster and grilled Australian filet mignon. 021-5253-9999 Ext 6338

Grand Hyatt Shanghai launches a Cantonese food promotion in March, which presents the great gastronomic skills of innovative chefs, including Cantonese appetizers, dim sum and soup. 021-5049-1234

WHAT'S NEW

Regent Beijing recently opened the Deli Cafe and Cocktail Bar in its lobby lounge. Guests can enjoy freshly baked pastries and Italian Lavazza coffee or classic cocktails and wines, such as the Singapore Sling. 010-8522-1888.

The St. Regis Beijing has announced the launch of Rui, which offers fresh, low-fat and healthy options for guests. In addition to handmade breads and cakes, it also offers a wide selection of wines and desserts. A 20 percent discount is available until March 31. 010-6460-6688

Grace Vineyard, one of China's premier producers of fine wines, held its largest wine pairing dinner at the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai. Executive Chef Nicholas Blair prepared a sumptuous five-course dinner for 40 guests and included such dishes as pan-fried goose liver and roasted Australian beef tenderloin.

CHECKMATE

The 15th "NongXin" Cup World Group Chess Championship was held at the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai, where Tan Xiao, Shi Yue and Zhou Ruiyang, three players born after 1990 from the Chinese team, defeated the South Korean team and completely dominated the championship. The championships were held from Feb 24 to 28. 021-5353-8888

(China Daily 03/08/2014 page13)