China

Drinking for a cause

Maovember, which until now has been a Beijing-based effort to raise funds for charity through alcoholic merrymaking, spreads across China this year with new events in Shanghai and Tianjin. Organizer Jim Boyce says the "mao" refers to the coins worth one-tenth of a yuan and the idea that many small donations lead to big results. Proceeds from Maovember pin sales, personal donations, and tipplish events go to career training for developmentally challenged late-teen orphans and libraries for orphanages and impoverished schools. The launch party is on Friday at XL Restaurant and Bar in Beijing, and officially ends Nov 18 in the capital at Paddy O'Shea's with the annual hockey shootout, a Jameson pickleback bar and live music.

See maovember.com for complete schedule and updates.

Beijing

Roll out the barrel

Paulaner Brauhaus kicks off Beijing's oldest Oktoberfest - the 24th - on Friday with the annual anstich, or tapping of the first beer barrel, and the special suds will flow until Oct 30. The large new tent on the Kempinski Beijing's hotel terrace can accommodate up to 500 people at a time. Expect fun from the Munick Kindl Showgirls, a traditional beer recipe for the occasion, and a festive Bavarian menu from chef Christian Meinhardt.

50 Liangmaqiao Road; 010-6465-3388.

Hong Kong

Turkey Day to go

The Mandarin Oriental hotel will offer its traditional Thanksgiving feast by advance order for delivery for the first time this year. Featuring juicy turkeys from the United States with all the trimmings, dinners must be ordered by Nov 21 for delivery on Nov 24. Choose a medium or large roasted turkey, servings of stuffing, cranberry sauce, giblet gravy and all the trimmings; honey-glazed ham also available if preferred. Dessert options in three package sizes include a large pumpkin pie, salted-butter pecan pie or opera cake. Prices start at HK$2,788 ($360) for a 7 kg (approx.) turkey with trimmings.

Order through The Mandarin Cake Shop, 852-2825-4008 or email [email protected].

China Daily