Trouble in the Doll-house
China Doll picked up numerous bar and club awards this year, but it sounds like playtime is over. Ai Wan, the face of this place, and a new investor have parted ways.
This might be a blessing in disguise for Ai Wan. Whether she is involved or not, China Doll seemed destined for decline. The designers did an admirable job but this space appears too limited to go any further and didn’t seem a particularly good fit for Tongli.
With her ties to Cloud Nine, and a following from China Doll, it’ll be interesting to see what she does next. Hopefully, it means no end to the Ai Wan Jamaica and the 42 Below (with a grapefruit slice, not an orange or lime one) cocktails.
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We love Ai Wan! She is very creative and loving, not to mention, she is beautiful and sexy! She brought great/COOL party and clubbing culture to BJ,I am sure she will suprise us big time in the near future.
I was there yesterday, and sadly, the Ai Wan Jamaica is no more. :(
And while we’re on the topic of “is no more”, Bar Blu was locked and completely dark. Any idea why?
@ Jack,
One of Ai Wan’s strengths is that she will take a strong following to her next spot and also has solid media links.
@ Jean-Marie,
Bar Blu has been closed quite often during the past few weeks. I have no concrete evidence as to why, though one bar owner told me it might be for fire safety reasons.
Cheers, Boyce
what’s the crowd like at china doll? is it mainly expats or do locals like to hang out there too?
geri,
China Doll has traditionally drawn a mix of expatriates and locals, and is on the things that I like about it.
Cheers, Boyce
Ai Wan is also a film producer, Her film YASUKUNI is very smart, it has received great reviews in the international film circles, it is the official selection from Berlin film festival in Feb,2008. Check out the film article in Timeout Nov issue.Excellent work!
@ geri,
Yes, Ai Wan is very talented. I’ll check out the article.
Cheers, Boyce