Beijing Boyce

The Ritz-Carlton on Financial Street held its “culinary coin” festival Saturday. I was lucky enough to have a media pass, which got me a big yellow badge, which meant I had the option to feel slightly important while appearing extremely dorky. Woo hoo!

While the pre-event promo materials used wording such as ‘rich violin harmonics‘ and suggested there’d be intimate gastronomic experiences with a sommelier, a pastry chef, and so on, the reality is that this - like most such shows - is mainly about serving the masses. Luckily, the crowd was of a moderate size, as lineups were already lengthy enough at some food stands.

By the way, before I discuss wine, let me note that the cab I took with Funky Walker and Doctor E had an overly ripe aroma, with hints of garlic and bum sweat-infused plastic seating. The driver himself was a bit musty, and if he ages as slowly as he drives - his car apparently tops out at 25 kilometers per hour - then a fine vintage he shall be.

Anyway, waiting at the entrance was a glass of Berlucchi sparkling wine. Fantastic stuff, and I wished I kept better notes. Anyway, this one stole the show IMHO, and will be available in Beijing, at about 400 kuai per bottle, from Italian Wine & Food, slated to open this October.

The Nipozanno Chianti Reserve 2003 (Jebsen) was among the better wines, while the Signos Chardonnay / Chenin Blanc (Torres) was okay value at 58 kuai per bottle.

The second floor featured mostly food and a few beverage stops. I skipped the throw-everything-in-at-once lychee martinis, but tried the unfiltered Sake, which was pleasant. Food ranged from ice cream to nachos, though the highlight was the Italian meats and cheeses sliced and cut on the spot on the first floor.

Overall, Culinary Coin was good value at 100 kuai and, given it was the first of its kind at this Ritz, went off well. I especially liked that the organizers bypassed a string quartet or the like and instead played tolerantly loud dance music. With many guests dressed up as though ready for a night on the town, it was a good primer for further Saturday night fun…