Beijing Boyce

Holy passion fruit, Batman!

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If the Bat Cave had a bar, D Lounge (map) would be it. Even though Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, uses ginger ale to fool everyone into thinking he drinks Champagne, I’m sure Robin likes a good dirty martini. Anyway, D Lounge is reached via a long dim passageway that smells of fresh wood, the place is cavernous, feels subterranean, and evokes a sense of neo-goth via the chandeliers high above. While my first experience at D Lounge left something to be desired, the second made up for it.

D Lounge blends natural elements such as wood and brick with a bar – at the far end – that is flat white and modern. The main space includes lounging areas created from a mishmash of lamps and seats. The bar seats about ten, with a comfort zone both behind the chairs and between the patrons and staff. The staff itself is friendly and efficient, not mention health-conscious given that one bartender told one patron, “You smoke too much.”

The drink list includes 23 whiskeys (though Johnnie Walker Black at RMB55 is a bit much), four shojus (RMB350 to RMB500 per bottle) and five sakes (RMB600 to RMB3000 per bottle), and is indicative of Japanese involvement in the place. Some sections have a same-old, same-old feel and it would be nice if a spot such as this went beyond the typical Champagnes (such as Moet Chandon and Veuve Cliquot) and Cognacs (such as Hennessey) with less common but competitively priced fare.

In any case, we stuck to cocktails on this night and came away pleased. (They cost RMB40 to RMB60, with the vast majority at RMB50.) Ms Hao gave a thumbs up to her shaken margarita and lychee martini, though I found the latter too fruity. Mr Hao called his vodka martini “good”, and while the feijoa vodka-based drink didn’t match his taste, he thought it properly made. My rum martini with burnt orange – a piece of peel is ignited for a second, doused, and then used to rub the rim before being slid into the glass – tasted fine, if a bit too bitter, while the mint julep had plenty of zing and a minty aftertaste. About the Manhattan we tried: it is strong. Overall, our favorite was the passion fruit sour.

With good but not obtrusive music, a spacious and airy layout, tasty drinks, a reasonably efficient staff, and comfortable seating, we all agreed this is a place to visit again.

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One ginger ale too many...

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