Beijing Boyce

Paddy O'Shea's as the opening ceremonies opened...

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This Sunday marks the second anniversary of the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games. I missed most of the opening in 2008 due to a seven-hour Beijing bar crawl with Nicolas Carre, so last Saturday I decided to find a bar with a big screen where I could show a repeat this Sunday (August 8 at 8 PM) and get some reasonably priced drinks. That mission changed course slightly as I contacted two other venues and a charity, CAI, that “provides arts and sports programs in migrant schools” (CAI will handle all donations. Thanks to iShaw for the recommendation). Here is the current agenda for anyone interested in a flashback to an event that symbolized change both good and bad for in this city and country.

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Saturday, August 7

China Doll, 11 PM-2 AM

The place: This Sanlitun bar, club, and lounge delivered a winning performance for fun during the Olympics as residents, athletes, and celebrities gathered for nightly shenanigans. Gold-medal moment: Standing beside Michael Phelps at the bar when he said three years had passed since his last cigar. My friend procured a Cuban stogie and Phelps happily puffed away.

The Olympic angle: China Doll will show footage and photos from its Olympics parties and display its flag decorated with the signatures of scores of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Usain Bolt.

The deal: Look for “flaming gold medal” shooters for RMB30, with RMB15 going to CAI.

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Sunday, August 8

Fubar, 6-8 PM

The place: The speakeasy present meets the storied past at this bar hidden in the city’s first premium sports venue, circa 1959, and site of football matches during the Beijing Olympics.

The Olympic angle: To honor the Olympic mascots–and because it plays on the bar’s name–the drink de jour will be the Fu Wa. Look for a 500 ml pour that includes pepper berry vodka and other ingredients blended with ice.

The deal: Each Fu Wa is RMB25, with RMB15 going to CAI.

George’s, 8 PM-

The place: A hop, skip, and jump from Fubar, this upscale bar is owned by George Zhou, who has been making cocktails with the precision of a competitive archer for more than five years.

The angle: George’s will screen the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, starting at 8 PM. Well, most of it. As it is a school night, we will stick to the start and finish and leave out most of the agonizingly long entry of the athletes.

The deal: All martinis are RMB30, with RMB15 going to CAI.

Salud, August 8, 2008