Beijing Boyce

Mr. Brau, Village Grouch, and I did a test-run of the new 24-hour McDonald’s in Sanlitun Village on Saturday night – or, rather, Sunday morning – at 4 AM. Even though the place had only just over a dozen patrons, including we three, a pair of Germans (including one sans shoes), a group of French (obviously there for the fries), a Chinese trio (downing coffee), two guys sprawled face down on the tables (they were still breathing: we checked), and a hooker from the senior circuit (confirmed when she followed us out of the place and forced us to double our pace), the employees struggled:

- They seemed to be taking stock of the creamers when we arrived and we had to wait to order.

- The order took longer than usual and the fries were stale.

- They didn’t have enough change to break a RMB100 note.

- The counter staff got frustrated at the kitchen staff and started to yell at them to hurry.

I realize this place might be getting out the kinks, but I wonder what will happen when it is better-known and people flood in for late-night eats. Throngs of drunken patrons, plus the potential of a few drug dealers and lady bar touts, could maybe just might perhaps overwhelm the staff.

By the way, it would be  nice if they offered breakfast earlier than 6 AM.

The floor of Sanlitun Village that houses Herbal Cafe, Element Fresh, Blue Frog, and Union Bar & Grille, among others, bustled with eaters and drinkers on Sunday. So much for the economic crisis and a diet of cardboard-stuff dumplings. Anyway, a quick rundown of an afternoon spent with ksquare:

Union Bar & Grille: I went with my default, the breakfast with Canadian bacon and rye bread, and it did not disappoint. I received four pieces of toast (two slices of bread), but was charged for the bottomless coffee. The rule is that regulars get free coffee, so I guess my status has been downgraded since last visit, though I am still batting something like five for seven when it comes to gratis java. ksquare says the eggs Benedict at Union best those at Maison Boulud, not the first time I have heard praise heaped on this particular item.

Blue Frog: We managed to grab the last table on the crowded deck as people enjoyed the abnormally warm weather. The staff hustled back and forth with drinks and food and constantly rearranged tables and seats to accommodate incoming groups. A hopping day for the Frog, though RMB50 for a Whiskey and Coke is a bit stiff.

Element Fresh: Again, another strong crowd, even at 4 PM. We sat inside, since the deck was out of the sunlight by this time. At RMB40, the Whiskey and Coke is cheaper than at Blue Frog and Union, though this place lacks the “bar” feel of those latter two places. Maybe that explains why ksquare went with a large tomato juice (RMB28).

Herbal Cafe: andylee had reported earlier that Herbal Cafe was crowded and at 4:30 PM we could still see dozens of people in the place, with every table on the deck taken.