Ch-ch-changes: Le Zazou, Souk Lounge, Blue Frog, Stumble Inn
After two weeks of offering free vodka-based drinks, Le Zazou held its invite-only official opening last Friday. The extremely heavy turnout meant long waits for drinks and coats as well as the inability of most attendees to see the much-hyped show. Not an auspicious start for a place already bucking the odds by opening a massive operation in a mall in the dead of winter. On top of this, a chunk of the staff has since been fired. I understand the Zazou concept, and there is some appeal in having a spot in Sanlitun with comfy seating, live music, and late hours, but this place needs to quickly create a realistic plan – something other than “if we build it, they will come” — and execute it. (And pour decent drinks — the one I had two nights ago was anemic.)
Look for Souk One to re-brand itself as Souk Lounge, with the launch set for January 22. Man about town Glenn Phelan is assisting with the project and says that while sports fans will be able to get their fill in the back area, the place — which will come with a new layout — will focus on being a lounge and bar.
I have been to the Monday “burger, burger” event at Blue Frog more than a dozen times during the past six months. Longest wait for a burger before last Monday: 20 minutes, though it usually takes about 10 minutes. Wait last Monday: 45 minutes. Given this, and the slow drink delivery, it was no surprise to learn that Lee Mitchell had left as manager. Blue Frog is a rarity in offering good service on the third floor of Sanlitun Village. That is, unlike at some other spots, the staff is friendly and brings cutlery, the right order, and a correct bill, a situation I associate with Mitchell. Let’s hope new manager William can quickly bring things back up to speed again.
Looks like The Stumble Inn has stumbled a bit. There seem to be complications with the proposed space and that means at best a delay for the second edition of this bar that originally opened on Lucky Street and quickly built a following.
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