Beijing Boyce

Looks of disapproval are free.

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People like to snicker at Chinese who mix wine and Coke even though: 1) such mixology can make some of the crappier vino more palatable and 2) such a combo is imbibed about the world. If you haven’t tried it, and would like to, Flamme in Sanlitun Village, has a superb deal on tonight, with 2010 Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Nouveau on at RMB25 per glass, and only RMB13 during happy hour (until 7:30 PM), with Coke at no extra charge. If it doesn’t end up being your thing, you can always wash the taste away with a Vesper Martini or Smoky Martini (RMB50 / RMB25 happy hour) or some Ketel One vodka shots (RMB20 / RMB10 during happy hour).

East Gate Story

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Story Ship, the three-level floating restaurant and bar opposite Fubar and George’s at Workers Stadium, has its deck furniture out and offers yet another spot to enjoy an outdoor beverage. And a sedate one at that if my experience earlier this week is any indication. Story Ship is also offering a 20 percent discount on food.

The Loop upgraded its food and drink menus six weeks ago, introducing a handful each of appetizers, pastas, and mains, including steak with two sides for RMB58 and herb chicken with two sides for RMB48. (I ate the latter last night and the chicken is tasty, with the veggies lightly cooked and crispy, and a choice of sweet potato mash or regular mash.) Now the place is ready for stage two, says Weiley Lu, with items such as burgers, including one with foie gras and truffle, and homemade mozzarella sticks joining the menu sometime next week. The Loop is also on the verge of introducing an upgraded wine list. Finally, word is that The Loop is likely to operate as usual on weekends but to start opening later, from 5 PM, on weekdays. I’ll have more on this soon.

The crew at Bar Blu is awfully busy these days. Along with the re-launch of the main floor late last year, there is the revamp of the terrace bar, the addition of a second rooftop, above that bar, and the installation of a covered stage. That stage will get good use now that New Zealand band Solidaz has severed ties with The Pavillion — no shocker there — and shifted to Bar Blu. With Jun Trinh putting together a new menu and an increase in drink options, including Belgian beers, there is plenty going on. The place even organized a Philippines-style breakfast buffet for a screening of the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosely fight last weekend.

And Hendrick’s fans might have trouble finding this gin for a while as it looks the distributor is at least temporarily out of stock. Those who get their Hendrick’s Tonic fix at Fubar can relax  as Chad Lager says the place has plenty of bottles in stock.