Beijing Boyce

Olas Tapas and Cafe, a spin-off of Mare, is open in Sanlitun Village: You’ll find it on the west side facing Yashow and near Stone Cold Creamery.

Expect the same tapas choices and prices as at Mare as well as mix and match pastas and sauces (RMB55) and a build your own salad option (RMB28 for the base, RMB10 for each extra item). Those ordering a bottle of wine (from RMB178) can have it converted to Sangria for RMB38. Beer is reasonably priced, with Tsingtao at RMB15 and Mahou, Corona, Heineken, and Carlsberg at RMB20. Coffee starts at RMB20.

The layout is from the Element Fresh school of design, though Olas is smaller. One half consists of a long bar, with about 20 seats, and five tables for four. The other is dedicated to table and bench seating, with space for about 50. The decor is heavy on oranges (the pillows, seat covers, place mats, and abstract art) and creams, with touches of marble and mirrors. The place comes off as a bit cold, but should become warmer as it acquires character.

I stopped for coffee and to do a bit of work today. I found the wireless signal strong, the coffee decent, and the ambiance pleasant, though the more sensitive among the laptop crowd will want to bring an iPod given that this cafe is bound to draw noisy shoppers from Yashow.

The major drawback: No toilet. You’ll need to go outside, around the corner, and hoof it to the second floor.