Beijing

Flanders flourish

Chef Koen Verjans of one-Michelin-starred Restaurant Innesto in Belgium is the latest in a parade of guest chefs TRB-Forbidden City has dubbed Flanders Kitchen Rebels. Verjans' signature light dishes focus on ingredients and balance, and have been lauded for their crispy details, subtle acids and fresh herbs. His five-course set menu for dinner (Wednesday-Sunday) is 888 yuan ($131) and includes a wine pairing; four-course lunch (starting Thursday) is 588 yuan.

July 5-9, 95 Donghuamen, Dongcheng district. 010-6401-6676.

Last call for Okra

Beijing says goodbye this weekend to one of its most-lauded restaurants, Okra, as award-winning chef Max Levy and his team shut the original restaurant to focus on the Hong Kong branch that opened last year. Okra's cuts of carefully selected sushi, Josper oven-roasted chicken thighs and house-cured monkfish liver "foie gras" will be much missed. Friday's finale dinner is a set menu for 398 yuan; Saturday night is a farewell cocktail party.

2/F, Courtyard 4 Nan Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district. 010-6593-5087.

Red, white and pie

The wild-and-crazy gang behind Rager Pies always has a sense of occasion, and the US national day next week is no exception. A 9-inch pie full of blueberries and cherries gives a whole new flavor to the "Stars and Stripes", the US flag, for 150 yuan. The new location is primitive as of now, but worth a visit for the so-real hutong neighborhood that surrounds it. Delivery available too.

20 Bei Jianzixiang, Chaoyang district; 136-9317-1850.

Hong Kong

Harbor cruise

On Saturday, the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong handover, view the fireworks display on board the newly launched traditional Chinese junk boat Aqualuna II. Enjoy two drinks alongside a selection of canapes including razor clams steeped in chilies and Shaoxing wine from Hutong and Amaebi tartare with yuzu, papaya and caviar served from Aqua. The journey begins from North Point at 7 pm or Hunghom at 7:15pm; the 2.5-hour cruise with a view is HK$988 ($126.50) per person (HK$588 for kids).

Reservations: 852-2116-8821; www.aqualuna.com.hk.