Beijing Boyce

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What makes a strong drink at Twilight so appealing is that you truly need one after navigating that SNAFU known as Jianwai Soho to get there. The continued lack of prominent signage at Chez Legoland amazes me, especially since the powers-that-be decided it smart to have a villa number 5 and a building number five — the bar is in the former. But take it from me:  forget finding a method to this madness and instead look for the Jenny Lou’s. Twilight is directly across from it, on the third floor.

Twilight encircles a stairwell and provides 360 degrees of drinking space with eight small tables, a bar that seats ten, and a private room. The decor is done in chocolate and off-white, giving it a pleasant subdued vibe —  it is brighter than spots such as Glen and Ichikura, dimmer than Apothecary.

I had a Smoky Martini which includes absinthe and single malt (Laphroig, I believe), and an olive stuffed with anchovies, Italian sausage, onions, and spices that had been stir-fried and then marinated in herb-infused brine — fancy stuff. This potent drink has an aroma of smoke and iodine, so much so it should come with a bandage as garnish (drum roll). I liked it.

I next tried a Saigon Mistress, a cocktail that includes Hendrick’s gin, green Chartreuse, ginger ale, and cucumber. My notes say, “refreshingly herbal” and “tastes like green,” and that Mr Hao said, “smells summer-y.” Frankly, I think I was still feeling that Smoky Martini.

Mr Hao and Ms Hao gave thumbs ups to the Sazerac, Apricot Old-Fashioned, and other drinks they tried.

Most of the drinks cost RMB60, though it is RMB20 off during happy hour, from 6 PM and 8 PM. And unlike some cocktail joints in town, there is neither service charge nor sitdown fee. Given the difficulty of getting a taxi immediately after work in Jianwai Soho, this is a decent option to relieve a long day of stress.

By the way, Twilight has eight kinds of pizza, including one with potato, at ~RMB60, and about a half-dozen bar snacks. The figs with whisky syrup and Camembert (RMB30) are a rich treat, though I wonder if a more pungent cheese might work better.

Twilight is open 11:30 AM to 2 PM and 6 PM to 2 AM daily, except for Sunday.