Boyce gets Piscoed on Peruvian brandy

Pisco fever shook the Kempinski Hotel this week as the Embassy of Peru organized a cocktail contest featuring this grape-based brandy that doubles as the country's national drink.Thirteen bartenders mashed and mixed, shook and stirred, with ingredients that ranged from milk and honey to coconut liqueur and mangosteen juice. Jeff from Mai Bar on Beiluoguxiang came out on top with his Pisco mint smash, which included a rim rub of this herb, as well as a sprig of it as garnish. The event capped four days of Pisco-related events that included big turnouts for free cocktail and snack tastings at Hotel G's bar Scarlett and Migas in Nali Patio.

Grill and lounge Switch has completed its move from the 798 Art District and is opening in the Regentland Center, just east of the Swiss tel at Dongsishitiao circle. Expect the same fire truck red and kitchen views, though this venue is more modern and sleek. Switch can seat more than 100 patrons on its main floor, complete with a long wine and cocktail bar, and an exposed upper level. Chef Adam Goodman says there are 10 wines by the glass from 25 yuan and bottles from 120 yuan, with Krombacher, Stella, Carlsberg and Yanjing on draft. An express lunch will be held from 11 am to 2 pm, with the grill menu taking over from 5 pm. The official opening is set for March 16.

Beauty salon turned restaurant and bar Frost on Xingfucun Zhonglu has added bratwurst to the menu. Get a sausage in a bun for 28 yuan, with six condiment options, including mayo, whole grain mustard and sauerkraut.

Nearby, enjoy beer with your baba ganoush as Middle Eastern restaurant Biteapitta in Tongli Studio is now stocking American brews Rogue Dead Guy Ale and Red Seal Ale at 40 yuan, and locally made Buddha beer at 20 yuan. Cider fans can get a 500 ml bottle of Magners for 50 yuan.

And word is Jam Bar just off Gulou East has its kitchen up and running.

The Orchid Hotel in Gulou's increasingly evolving Baochao Hutong is holding an Italian wine tasting this Saturday night, with a seven bottle lineup, including everything from a Spumante to a Nebbiolo. The tasting is from 7:30 pm to 9 pm, includes snacks and is 100 yuan.

Speaking of wine, Beijing is seeing a growing number of bottles from lesser-known regions. Amongst the various regions making Beijing's wine scene more interesting are bottles from Brazil and Uruguay. Soon to join that list is Grover Vineyards, one of India's oldest and most respected wineries. China Wines and Spirits plans to add two Grover reds and one white, including one made with the assistance of well-known traveling oenologist Michel Rolland, within the next three months.