Beijing Boyce

Earlier this week, I posted about recent visits to two venues projected to soon open - The Legation Quarter and China Doll (3.3. Building edition). I had hoped to start posting today about two other spots I toured - the new Nali Studio (already home to Ciro’s Pomodoro and soon-to-be-home of Project H20 and the new Saddle) and 1949: The Hidden City. Unfortunately, I got sidetracked the past two days with other projects and with getting my e-newsletter out (it’s free; to get on the mailing list, e-mail beijingboyce@yahoo.com with “sign me up” in the subject line). I’ll post about these venues by Monday at the latest. I also hope to post about another major project that has just popped onto the radar - details to come.

China Daily reports that six establishments at Workers’ Stadium, home of soccer / football matches during the Olympics, will be closed just prior to and during the Games as a security measure:

Restaurants, bars and nightclubs in one of Beijing’s main nightlife centers and celebrity hangouts are to be closed to help ensure security at an Olympic football venue, said authorities.

“About six restaurants and bars inside the Beijing Workers’ Stadium compound will be ordered to suspend operation for more than 20 days before and during the Olympic Games,” said He Zhenxing, stadium vice manager.

The venues, popular among Beijing residents, would suffer lost business, but the order was issued to guarantee security for the Games, he said.

“The stadium will not pay compensation to them, but may extend their leases or give preferential treatment after the Olympic Games,” he said.

According to the article, managers of the establishment had to receive formal notification. They were reported to be - and here is the understatement of the year - “very unhappy” with the situation.

The articles cites Mix and Outback Steakhouse, both at the stadium’s northern gate. Vics and Kro’s Nest are also at that gate.

Speaking of Workers’ Stadium, does anyone know what that boat-like structure being built on the edge of its “lake” will be used for?

Related: ‘Money, money’: Will Sanlitun win some of that Olympics gold?

(Hat tips to M-dawg and Adam “I just bought a chunk of salmon sushimi the size of my fist” S)