Beijing Boyce

Last year, I wrote that a new bar or restaurant with a medieval look was being built behind Sun City. Some six months later, the place still has no sign, the carved stone pillars stand like silent vigils, and the giant wooden doors, with iron rings for openers, are locked. Does anyone have inside information? / T. Smith writes that Hua Xin, one of Beijing’s rockers from the early 90s, has opened a place called Shi Wu, near the Bell Tower. / Word has it that the new Latino’s will re-open behind Poly Plaza in July. / Meanwhile, Brewery Tap, in Blue Castle Apartments, has poured its last draft. Farewell to a spot that offered cheap Guinness and decent ambience. / Jan McDonald is retiring as organizer of the Wednesday night dinner club after several years of tenaciously keeping people fed mid-week. / Happy Hour at Champagne this month means two-for-one Van Gogh vodka cocktails (8 PM to close).

(From Beijing Boyce XVIII, first emailed on June 8, 2006)

Who would have thunk that a pub in an apartment complex (Blue Castle) could be so snug? This long and narrow place features two floors, with the upper level accessible by two staircases, and plenty of cubby holes for small groups of friends. There is a nice side room, though some among us found the wallpaper (yes, some places have moved beyond paint and cinder blocks) a bit psychedelic. “The bathroom shouldn’t be upstairs,” said one in our group. “The orange juice is good,” said another. “The upper level is faintly reminiscent of the Big Easy,” said a third. The staff could afford to be a bit more attentive (empty glasses over here!), though the French bartender is friendly. Wobbly chairs at the bar. Guinness and Kilkenny on tap. Free hot peanuts. If I lived nearby, Brewery Tap might become a favorite haunt.

(From Beijing Boyce VII, first emailed on December 29, 2005)